CORNER BROOK, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR, September 26, 2009—The Honourable Marjory LeBreton, Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister of State (Seniors), was the keynote speaker at the Victorian Order of Nurses’ (VON) annual conference in Corner Brook today.
“The VON and the Government of Canada share a common interest in ensuring a high quality of life for seniors,” said Minister LeBreton. “Our government is making life better for Canada’s seniors, and we will continue to meet their evolving needs.”
Minister LeBreton spoke to VON volunteers, staff and board members about volunteering among seniors and positive and active aging—the current priorities of the National Seniors Council. She also highlighted federal policies, programs and services that are helping improve older Canadians’ well-being and quality of life, including those announced through Canada’s Economic Action Plan and other measures undertaken since 2006:
- Helping seniors remain healthy, active and socially engaged in their communities by providing an extra $35 million every year through the New Horizons for Seniors Program.
- Providing funding of $13 million over three years to help raise awareness of elder abuse and assist seniors in dealing with this difficult issue.
- Extending access to the Employment Insurance Compassionate Care Benefit to more caregivers.
- Supporting positive and active aging through such initiatives as Canada’s Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living for Older Adults and falls prevention initiatives.
- Providing $400 million over two years through the Affordable Housing Initiative for the construction of housing units for low-income seniors.
- Investing an additional $60 million over three years in the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers, and expanding the number of eligible communities to include older workers in small cities.
- Providing approximately $1.9 billion annually in tax relief to seniors and pensioners.
For more information on the Government’s programs and services for seniors, please visit www.seniors.gc.ca.
- 30 -
This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
Rebecca Murphy
Senior Policy Advisor
Office of Minister LeBreton
613-943-0756
