VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, November 27, 2010 - The Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State (Seniors), emphasized the importance of Canadians remaining active as they age, in speaking to an audience of baby boomers at Vancouver's first ever ZoomerShow.
"Older adults are redefining what it means to age. The federal government wants to ensure that it's helping to provide zoomers with the resources and opportunities they need to remain active and engaged in their families, workplaces and communities," said Minister of State Ablonczy. "We want to ensure that the older adults of today have strong supports and that we leave a vibrant country for the coming generations."
"We're thrilled to have Minister of State Ablonczy officially open the inaugural Vancouver ZoomerShow, Canada's largest consumer show and lifestyle expo for the 45 plus," said Mr. David Sersta, Vice President of ZoomerMedia Limited and Producer of the ZoomerShow. "It's a perfect opportunity for the federal government to directly address thousands of zoomers with its message of support for the issues that are of greatest concern to this powerful and huge demographic."
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. She also toured the consumer show and lifestyle expo and met with participants from across the country.
The ZoomerShow is taking place November 27- 28 at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
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 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;
- establishing National Seniors Day to 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.
