March 3, 2015 – Gatineau, Quebec – Employment and Social Development Canada
The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), announced today the appointments of Mr. William James Emmerton and Mr. Tim W. Kwan as members of the National Seniors Council (NSC).
The NSC was established to advise the Government of Canada on all matters related to the well-being and quality of life of seniors, including the opportunities and challenges arising from a rapidly growing and increasingly diverse population of seniors.
Mr. Emmerton has been the Executive Director of the British Columbia Law Institute and its division, the Canadian Centre for Elder Law, since 2007. Through his work with the Canadian Centre for Elder Law, he continues to be a strong leader in addressing legal issues which are of significance for older adults. He is also a member of the board of directors of the Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments and the board of directors of Family Councils of Ontario. Both organizations are involved in services that support seniors. He brings to the Council extensive experience in business, finance, legal research and law reform in relation to seniors’ issues.
Mr. Kwan has built a distinguished career as Chairman and President of the Mon Sheong Foundation, where, since 1996, he has been dedicated to helping address the needs of the aging population and alleviating the pressing issues regarding long-term care in the Greater Toronto Area. He brings to the Council extensive experience that includes serving as Chair of the Foundation’s Executive Committee and its Senior Home Development Committee, where he has overseen the remarkable expansion of the Mon Sheong Long-Term Care Centres.
Earl Maynard
Office of the Minister of State (Seniors)
819-953-1144
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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The National Seniors Council:
The National Seniors Council advises on matters related to the well-being and quality of life of seniors, including the opportunities and challenges arising from a rapidly growing and increasingly diverse seniors’ population.
- The Council reports to the Honourable Pierre Poilievre, Minister of Employment and Social Development, Democratic Reform and Minister for the National Capital Commission, and to the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health. The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), is responsible for the day‑to‑day operations of the Council.
- Council members include seniors, representatives of organizations who serve seniors and/or experts on seniors and aging.
The Government of Canada is working hard to help improve the lives of seniors on many fronts. These efforts include:
- developing Canada.ca/Seniors as a central resource for seniors on government benefits and services, including finances, housing, health and wellness;
- providing Canadians with close to $76 billion this year through Canada’s public pension system;
- adding a top-up to the Guaranteed Income Supplement in 2011 to help Canada’s most vulnerable seniors, the largest increase in 25 years to the Guaranteed Income Supplement for the lowest-income seniors, further improving the financial security and well-being of more than 680,000 seniors across Canada;
- taking actions to address elder abuse, which include awareness campaigns, the New Horizons for Seniors Program—which funds projects to raise awareness of elder abuse—and legislation that helps ensure consistently tough penalties for offences involving the abuse of seniors; and
- supporting positive and active aging through the collaborative Age-Friendly Communities initiative, physical activity tips for older adults and fall-prevention initiatives.
