VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, MAY 27, 2010—Today, the Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State (Seniors), delivered the welcoming address at the International Society for Gerontechnology’s 7th World Conference in Vancouver.
In her remarks, Minister of State Ablonczy noted the importance of addressing the challenges and opportunities of an aging population and explained how the Government of Canada is responding.
Minister of State Ablonczy also spoke to nationally and internationally recognized experts about the significance of sharing knowledge, experience and success stories in the field of gerontechnology to help increase quality of life for seniors. She thanked the conference participants for their continued efforts to enhance the lives of seniors through technology and research.
“The Government of Canada believes that evolving technologies, in the hands of aging baby boomers, can lead to profound changes in what it means to be a senior today,” said Minister of State Ablonczy. “We believe that this will be enormously important in changing the script from ‘what can society do for seniors?’ to ‘what can seniors do for society?’, because seniors can do, and are doing, so much.”
Additionally, the Minister of State highlighted several federal programs that help seniors maintain a high quality of life, including programs that support social participation and independent living.
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 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
