Hon. Alice Wong, P.C.

Ottawa, Ontario, December 7, 2012 — Older workers are a valuable resource, offering their experience and wisdom to Canadian society and to the economy. The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), reiterated this message when she addressed the National Seniors Council (NSC), as well as employers, experts and academics, on issues related to an aging workforce.

“Our government values the important contributions that seniors make in our communities as well as in our workplaces,” said Minister of State Wong. “We are working hard to improve the lives of seniors on many fronts, including helping them stay active, engaged and informed.”

From June to October, the NSC consulted with a variety of employers to discuss its 2012 priority, seeking their views on how to attract and retain older workers, specifically those most at risk of withdrawing from the labour force or becoming unemployed. Today’s national roundtable marks the conclusion of the consultation process and serves to validate what was heard from employers. The NSC will submit a final report to Ministers in spring 2013.

The Government of Canada is committed to the overall well-being of seniors and thus established the National Seniors Council in 2007 to provide advice on current and emerging issues and opportunities related to the quality of life and well-being of seniors, both now and in the future. For more information on the Council, please visit www.seniorscouncil.gc.ca.

For more information on what the Government of Canada is doing for seniors, visit www.seniors.gc.ca.

Filed under: News, Seniors