OTTAWA, ONTARIO, March 7, 2011 - Today, the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of State (Seniors), addressed participants at the Fraud Prevention Conference, as part of Fraud Prevention Month.
"Our government is committed to helping protect Canadians-including seniors-from digital fraud," said Minister of State Fantino. "The recently passed anti-spam legislation is one example of our work to improve Internet security for Canadians."
Minister of State Fantino spoke about the Government's work to combat elder abuse, financial abuse and fraud in particular. He also highlighted federal programs and initiatives that help protect Canadians, including the New Horizons for Seniors Program and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
In addition, the Minister of State highlighted the numerous new laws the Government has introduced to improve the quality of life and security of Canadian families, including the Standing up for Victims of White Collar Crime Act, Canada's anti-spam legislation and the improved and amended Competition Act, which better address deceptive marketing practices.
"I am proud to say that our government has taken bold steps to reduce the risks posed to Canadians by online fraud," concluded Minister of State Fantino.
The conference was organized by Canada's Fraud Prevention Forum, a group of government and law enforcement agencies, associations and businesses. Focusing on the conference's theme, Preventing Fraud in a Digital Age, the delegates discussed the current state of fraud and shared best practices on recognizing and preventing it.
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 Domereckyj
Director of Communications
Office of Minister of State Fantino
819-953-1221
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 this year 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 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;
- 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; and
- Committing $13 million over three years in Budget 2008 to help seniors and others recognize the signs and symptoms of elder abuse, and to provide information on available support.
