OTTAWA, ONTARIO, NOVEMBER 5, 2010 -Next week marks National Senior Safety Week. The theme, "Preventing Elder Abuse," provides an opportunity for Canadians to learn more about elder abuse and the safety precautions that seniors can take to maintain their independence.
"Abuse of older Canadians is unacceptable and must not be tolerated," said the Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State (Seniors). "The more people know about elder abuse, the more they will recognize it's a problem and work towards solutions."
It is estimated that between four and ten percent of seniors in Canada experience some kind of abuse. Forms of abuse include neglect and physical, sexual, psychological, emotional and financial abuse. Since elder abuse is often hidden and under-reported, these figures underestimate the extent and seriousness of the problem.
Recently, the Government of Canada launched the second phase of a national awareness campaign entitled "Elder Abuse–It's Time to Face the Reality," which will run until December 2010.
For more information on the Government of Canada's programs and services for seniors, please visit www.seniors.gc.ca.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon 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
National Senior Safety Week is sponsored by the Canada Safety Council.
Through the Federal Elder Abuse Initiative, the federal government is collaborating with the provinces and territories, professional associations, and non-governmental organizations to take active measures to detect and prevent exploitation of older Canadians, particularly from financial mistreatment.
The Government of Canada is working hard to help improve the lives of seniors on many fronts. These initiatives 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.
