VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, NOVEMBER 26, 2010-The Government of Canada is working with key partners, provincial and territorial governments and stakeholders to help Canada's seniors have a positive and healthy future.
Today, the Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State (Seniors), spoke to an audience of health professionals, seniors' service providers, researchers and people working in the field of geriatrics at the 2nd Conference on Positive Aging organized by the University of British Columbia's Interprofessional Continuing Education.
"The issues affecting seniors today are complex, and addressing them requires a multi-disciplinary approach and collaboration among jurisdictions," said Minister of State Ablonczy. "The 2nd Conference on Positive Aging provides an opportunity for insightful dialogue among experts and government, in order to help us to continue learning about matters important to older adults and to work together to improve the well-being and quality of life of Canada's seniors."
Minister of State Ablonczy highlighted several federal programs and initiatives that help older Canadians maintain a good quality of life, enhance their financial security and support positive and active aging.
For more information on the Government of Canada'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):
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;
- 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's total funding 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;
- 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;
- introducing legislation to establish a National Seniors Day. This day will recognize the significant and ongoing contributions seniors make to families, communities, workplaces and society; 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.
