HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA, MAY 14, 2010—Today, in an address to delegates at the Silver Economy Summit, the Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State (Seniors), emphasized the importance of preparing now to maximize opportunities and minimize the impact of an aging population.
“Older Canadians make a tremendous contribution to our economy, and as our demographics change, they will be more important than ever in creating a vibrant and competitive Canada,” said Minister of State Ablonczy. “That is why the Government of Canada is undertaking a number of initiatives that not only improve the well-being of Canada’s growing and diverse aging population, but tap into their diversity of skills, knowledge and experience.”
Minister of State Ablonczy spoke to national and international summit delegates about the positive impact that Canada’s seniors are making in their communities and workplaces, and the importance of addressing the challenges and opportunities of an aging population.
The Government currently helps increase opportunities for seniors to contribute to Canada’s economy through a number of measures, including:
- the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers, which provides employment assistance services and employability improvement activities to unemployed older workers in vulnerable communities;
- increases to the earnings exemption for the Guaranteed Income Supplement;
- changes to the Canada Pension Plan to help ensure that the Plan better reflects how Canadians are choosing to live, work and retire; and
- support for volunteering, through initiatives such as the New Horizons for Seniors Program, which enables seniors to benefit from, and contribute to, the quality of life in their communities.
For more information on the Government’s programs and services for seniors, please visit www.seniors.gc.ca.
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This news release is available in alternative formats on request.
For further information (media only):
Alayne Crawford
Senior Communications Advisor
Office of Minister of State Ablonczy
613-960-8717
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
