GUELPH, ONTARIO, October 18, 2010 - The Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State (Seniors), today emphasized the importance of seniors' issues and the challenges and opportunities of an aging population in her opening remarks at the Older Adults Centres' Association of Ontario (OACAO) 2010 Annual Conference.
"Older Canadians make a tremendous contribution to our society. As our demographics change, seniors 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 committed to helping seniors remain active and engaged in their families, workplaces and communities."
Minister of State Ablonczy spoke to OACAO delegates and representatives of seniors groups across the country about the importance of these types of conferences to encourage discussion and knowledge exchange on seniors' issues.
"As the challenges of an aging population escalate, the Older Adult Centres Association of Ontario is pleased that the Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State (Seniors), is in attendance to acknowledge the present and future role of seniors' centres in our province," explained Mr. Lawrie Bloom, Executive Director of the OACAO.
The Government of Canada is working hard to help improve the lives of seniors on many fronts. For more information on the Government of Canada's commitments to seniors and elder abuse awareness initiatives, visit www.seniors.gc.ca.
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This news release is available in alternative formats on request.
For further information (media only):
Heather Hume
Communications Advisor
Office of Minister of State Ablonczy
613-953-1363
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
The Government of Canada is working hard to help improve the lives of seniors on many fronts. These efforts include:
- Providing Canadians with almost $70 billion annually through Canada's public pension system;
- Appointing a Minister of State (Seniors)-someone who can bring the concerns of older Canadians to the Cabinet table and stand up on their behalf;
- Providing $2.3 billion annually in tax relief to seniors and pensioners through measures such as pension income splitting and increasing the Age Credit;
- Providing $400 million over two years through the Affordable Housing Initiative for the construction of housing units for low-income seniors;
- Increasing funding to the New Horizons for Seniors Program in Budget 2010 by $5 million, bringing the program total to $40 million annually. The Program helps seniors use their leadership, energy and skills to benefit communities across Canada;
- Supporting positive and active aging through the collaborative Age Friendly Communities Initiative, Canada's Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living for Older Adults, and falls prevention initiatives; and
- Creating the National Seniors Council in 2007 to provide advice to the federal government on matters related to the well-being and quality of life of seniors.
