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Harper government highlights World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Taking action to combat elder abuse in all its forms
June 15, 2014 Gatineau, Quebec Employment and Social Development Canada
The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today joined communities across Canada and the globe in recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).
The World Health Organization and the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse launched WEAAD in 2006 to draw attention to the abuse and neglect that older adults can experience and to provide help in preventing it. The United Nations has also observed the date since 2012.
The Government of Canada has made combatting elder abuse a priority and supports a range of measures to help protect seniors from all forms of elder abuse, including neglect. These include awareness activities and New Horizons for Seniors Program elder abuse awareness projects. The Government has also introduced new legislation, including the Protecting Canada’s Seniors Act, which came into force in January 2013 and helps ensure consistently tough penalties for those who take advantage of elderly Canadians.
Visit seniors.gc.ca for access to tools and resources to help detect and prevent elder abuse.
Quick facts
- Economic Action Plan 2014 supports the implementation of the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights, which was announced on April 3, 2014. The proposed legislation, Bill C-32, will give victims of crime, including seniors, clear rights and a stronger voice at the federal level in the criminal justice and corrections system.
- A brochure on powers of attorney and joint bank accounts was released in November 2013 by the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum to inform seniors about the risks, benefits and possible unintended consequences of opening a joint bank account or granting someone a power of attorney.
- In January 2013, the Protecting Canada’s Seniors Act came into force, helping to ensure consistently tough penalties for those who take advantage of elderly Canadians.
Quote
“On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the Government of Canada is encouraging communities across the country to help raise awareness of this serious issue and inform seniors on ways to protect themselves. Our government is committed to helping preserve the well-being and security of Canadian seniors, and it continues to introduce new legislation and initiatives to combat elder abuse in all its forms.”
— The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)