Alice Wong, MP

Ottawa, Ontario, May 8, 2012—The Government of Canada is seeking applications for projects to help seniors lead and participate in social activities and contribute to their communities.

This call for proposals under the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) was launched today by the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors).

“Our government is proud to support organizations that are dedicated to improving the lives of seniors,” said Minister Finley. “Through initiatives such as the NHSP, we help seniors stay active and encourage them to continue to participate in the social and economic life of Canada.”

“The New Horizons for Seniors Program helps seniors put their experience to use through volunteerism and mentorship,” added Minister of State Wong. “By investing in these community projects, our government is improving both the quality of life for Canadian seniors and their neighbourhoods.”

NHSP community-based project funding enables seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences with others and helps communities increase their capacity to address local issues. Eligible recipients can receive up to $25,000 in grant funding per year.

In 2011, the Government of Canada strengthened direct support to seniors by increasing the annual NHSP budget to $45 million. Through Economic Action Plan 2012, the Government is taking the necessary steps to ensure that Canada’s social programs remain sustainable now and into the future.

- 30 -

This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

For further information (media only):

Marian Ngo
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482

Media Relations Office
Human Resources and
Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
Follow us on Twitter

Robert Lynch
Director of Communications
Office of Minister of State (Seniors), Alice Wong
613-790-0219

=======================

Backgrounder

New Horizons for Seniors Program

The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grants and contributions program that supports projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in the lives of others and their communities. Through the NHSP, the Government of Canada encourages seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences to the benefit of others.

Community-based projects must address one or more of the program’s five objectives: promoting volunteerism, mentoring, elder abuse awareness, social participation and providing capital assistance.

The call will close on June 29, 2012, for all of Canada, except Quebec. The Quebec call will close on September 14, 2012, to coincide with a provincial call for proposals.

Since its beginning, the Program has funded more than 10 400 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada. The NHSP recently approved 1 923 community-based projects worth over $35.6 million in funding through the 2010–2011 call for proposals.

For more information on the NHSP call for proposals, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/seniors.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Marketwire – April 16, 2012) - Seniors across Canada can look forward to new services and activities in their communities through the New Horizons for Seniors Program. The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), made the announcement today.

“Our government recognizes the diversity of skills, knowledge and experience that seniors contribute to our society and economy,” said Minister of State Wong. “Through initiatives such as the New Horizons for Seniors Program, we are helping to ensure that seniors maintain a high quality of life and continue as active, participating members of their communities.”

The announcement was made at the Robert Lee YMCA of Greater-Vancouver, which will receive $24,912 for its project to promote social participation and inclusion of seniors by providing a health and fitness program.

Since its beginning, the New Horizons for Seniors Program has funded more than 10,400 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada. This year, the Government of Canada will provide more than $35.6 million in funding for almost 2,000 community projects.

This news release is available in alternative formats on request.

BACKGROUNDER

New Horizons for Seniors Program

The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grants and contributions program that supports projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in the lives of others and their communities. Through the NHSP, the Government of Canada encourages seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences to the benefit of others.

The 2011-12 community-based projects call for proposals ran from June 20 to September 16, 2011. Projects can receive up to $25,000 in funding and must address one or more of the program’s five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, social participation, and capital assistance.

Since its beginning, the Program has funded more than 10,400 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada.

The next NHSP call for proposals is expected to launch in spring 2012. For more information on the NHSP, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/seniors.

TORONTO, March 15, 2012 — The Government of Canada announced today the introduction of legislation which will help ensure that sentencing for crimes against elderly Canadians reflects the significant impact that crime has on their lives. The announcement was made by the Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada; along with the Honourable Alice Wong, M.P. for Richmond and Minister of State (Seniors); and Robert Goguen, M.P. for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice.

““Our Government has a responsibility to protect elderly Canadians and to ensure that crimes against them are punished appropriately,” said Minister Nicholson. “This legislation will help ensure tough sentences for those who take advantage of vulnerable members of our society.””

““This legislation would further support our Government’s common front to combat elder abuse in all forms,” said Minister of State Wong. “Elder abuse will not be tolerated. Our Government is committed to ensuring that Canadians are made aware of this serious issue and that they have the necessary information and support to take action and help prevent abuse.””

Under the proposed amendment to the Criminal Code, evidence that an offence had a significant impact on the victims due to their age – and other personal circumstances such as health or financial situation – would be considered an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes.

The amendment would ensure a consistent application of sentencing practices that treat the abuse against individuals who are vulnerable due to their age and other personal circumstances seriously. The Criminal Code already contains similar measures that denounce the abuse of vulnerable persons. For instance, it states that the abuse of a person under the age of eighteen is an aggravating factor at sentencing.

““The interests of law-abiding citizens should always be placed ahead of those of criminals,” said Parliamentary Secretary Goguen. “Our Government will continue to honour our 2011 platform pledge to protect our seniors.””

The Government addresses elder abuse in a number of ways, including its elder abuse awareness campaigns and the New Horizons for Seniors Program, which includes projects to increase awareness. In 2011, the Government increased its investment in the New Horizons for Seniors Program by $5 million per year, bringing the program’s annual budget to $45 million.

More information about elder abuse can be found at www.seniors.gc.ca.

Backgrounder: Elder Abuse Legislation

-30-

Ref.:

Julie Di Mambro
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Justice
613-992-4621

Robert Lynch
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Seniors)
613-790-0219

Media Relations
Department of Justice
613-957-4207

Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, March 6, 2012— Today, the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), announced the National Seniors Council’s new priority for 2012: seeking employers’ views on how to retain and attract older workers specifically those who are most vulnerable.

“It is important that the Council speak to employers about their views on the challenges and opportunities of an aging workforce,” said Minister of State Wong. “Input from the Council’s engagement activities will provide the Government of Canada with valuable information to help shape policies, programs and services that support older Canadians.”

Last year, the Council examined labour force participation of seniors and near-seniors, and intergenerational relations. The work of the Council this year is expected to build on that momentum by talking to employers about the challenges and opportunities posed by an aging workforce and seeking best practices from employers in recruiting and retaining older workers.

The National Seniors Council advises the Government of Canada on current and emerging issues and opportunities related to the quality of life and well being of seniors, both now and in the future.

Since 2007, the Council has undertaken work on elder abuse, low income among seniors, volunteering among seniors, positive and active aging, labour force participation among seniors and near seniors, and intergenerational relations.

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 seniors.gc.ca.

Victoria, British Columbia, March 2, 2012—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State for Seniors, hosted a round table event today with local seniors’ organizations from theVictoria area. This event, hosted by the Centre on Aging,University ofVictoria, was part of a series of cross‑Canada consultations to discuss key issues that matter to seniors in the area.

“The Government of Canada is committed to the well-being of Canadian seniors,” said Minister Wong. “Through these round tables, our government is engaging key stakeholders to discuss elder abuse and other important seniors‑related issues.”

It is estimated that between 4 and 10 percent of Canadian seniors experience some form of elder abuse. The Government of Canada is taking action to increase awareness of this issue through its elder abuse awareness campaign and a component of the New Horizons for Seniors Program that provides grants to increase awareness.

The outcome of these round table discussions will help inform the direction of future government policies and programs on elder abuse and seniors’ issues.

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

This news release is available in alternative formats on request.

London, Ontario, February 24, 2012—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), hosted a roundtable event today with local seniors’ organizations from the London area. The event was part of a series of cross-Canada consultations to discuss key issues that matter to seniors in the area.

“The Government of Canada is committed to the well-being of Canadian seniors,” said Minister Wong. “Through these roundtables, the Government of Canada is engaging key stakeholders to discuss elder abuse and other important seniors‑related issues.”

It is estimated that between four and 10 per cent of Canadian seniors experience some form of elder abuse. The Government of Canada is taking action to increase awareness of this issue through its elder abuse awareness campaigns and a component of the New Horizons for Seniors Program that provides grants to increase awareness. The most recent instalment of the elder abuse awareness campaign is running during the month of February.

The outcome of these roundtable discussions will help inform the direction of future government policies and programs on elder abuse and seniors’ issues.

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

This news release is available in alternative formats on request.

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada in Guangzhou, China
10 February 2012
Guangzhou, China

Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the following remarks in Guangzhou, China:

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen, and thank you Governor Zhu for your greetings and thank you Ed, for your warm words. Governor Zhu, Lieutenant Governor Lee, Mrs. Lee, Ambassador Zhang, Ambassador Mulroney, colleagues from the Parliament of Canada, ladies and gentlemen. First, I’d like to thank our friends here at the Canada-China Business Council, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of Shanghai and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of Hong Kong, for partnering with the Government of Canada for this superb event. It’s a great honour to speak before such a group as this; the organizers deserve our hearty congratulations!

“I’m very pleased to be here in historic Guangzhou, one of China’s largest cities, a place with a rich history of thousands of years of civilization, today blessed by a dynamic and energetic population, whose industry reaches literally around the world. Actually, this whole province of Guangdong is a special place for Canada. In fact, no part of China has provided more of its sons and daughters as immigrants to Canada, than Guangdong province.

“Canada has been enormously blessed by the energy and entrepreneurial spirit of people who came from this area, and on their behalf, I am proud to bring you greetings. Let me just introduce my friends and Cabinet colleagues who are with me, Ministers John Baird, Ed Fast, Gerry Ritz, Joe Oliver and Alice Wong, why don’t you all stand up and be recognized. Perhaps I should say ‘re-introduce them,’ because all of them have visited your country before, some more than once. Indeed, Minister Wong, like Lieutenant-Governor Lee, hails from Hong Kong, another great Chinese city, from which many people come to Canada, and achieve great things.

“And I would be remiss not to give a special greeting to our master of ceremonies, Canada’s very own Mark Rowswell, or as you know him, Dashan. Dashan is a remarkable goodwill ambassador between Canada and China, and I’m grateful to him for shortening his vacation to spend a few days with us and I assure you we’ll feed you more than bamboo over the next decade. Also on a return trip is my wife, Laureen, who I really shouldn’t forget to mention! Laureen and I visited Beijing and Shanghai slightly more than two years ago.

“On both of our trips to China you have indeed been gracious hosts. Earlier today, we spent some time with Party Secretary Wang, it was a cordial and constructive conversation and it will be helpful in our objective of broadening the strategic economic partnership that Canada and China share.

“Since our last visit, there has been considerable progress, for, despite our enormous differences, we share some important similarities. We are both countries looking forward, with the conviction that the new century will be our century. We are both ambitious, outwardly focused, trade-oriented, eager to strengthen our partnership, in fact, to take that partnership to the next level, for Canada has been built on trade. And now, more than ever before, Canadians are looking to profoundly diversify our trade relationships and to deepen our cooperation here, and right across this region. I shall return to this theme later.

“First, however, I’d like to talk about the results of work we have done in recent years. During my visit, my 2009 visit, Canada and China signed agreements dealing with several areas, including tourism, cultural exchanges, climate change, energy conservation, green technologies, and of particular importance, was education. Following our 2009 agreements, there has been a remarkable increase in the number of Chinese students studying in Canada. There is no better place in the world to study than Canada. That’s why more than 60,000 Chinese students now attend Canada’s world-class colleges and universities, that’s a 35 per cent increase in just four years, and the number is growing.

“Another area where we’ve moved forward quickly since 2009 is tourism. This was given a special impetus during my last visit, when China gave Canada Approved Destination Status. There has since been tremendous growth in travel. From January to October of 2011, Canada received more than 200,000 visits from China, an increase of almost 25 percent in one year alone, and we look forward to welcoming even more Chinese visitors in the years to come. But we haven’t stopped there. On Wednesday, we witnessed the signing of several government-to-government agreements. They dealt with air transportation, with agriculture, with double taxation. We renewed an earlier memorandum of understanding on energy cooperation, and we have agreed to jointly fund science and technology research into human vaccines and clean transportation. And on Thursday, we witnessed the signing of a large number of business contracts, worth nearly $3 billion.

“Many very large Canadian companies are keenly interested in China, and especially in Guangzhou. For example, Scotiabank, one of Canada’s largest banks, has had a growing presence in Asia for years. Now, Scotiabank has just entered into a partnership in the Bank of Guangzhou. Another Canadian household name is Bombardier. Bombardier has been supplying light rail transit cars and systems to the Guangzhou and Shenzhen Metros. I could go on, for there are other major Canadian companies active in southern China: grain handler Viterra in Guangxi province, and Calgary’s Husky Oil partnering with the China National Offshore Oil Corporation, using its world-class expertise to explore and exploit deep-water oil and gas deposits in the South China Sea. In other words, the potential of partnerships in China, and especially here in Guangdong Province, is very much on our radar.

“So, ladies and gentlemen, what does it mean when we say we want to take the Canada-China strategic economic partnership to the next level? It means we recognize the great potential synergies of our economies and we seek to work together to secure the advantages they offer, and, friends, let me remind you of what foundational strengths Canada brings to the table. Canada’s strengths as a partner are considerable. As a developed economy, Canada is technologically sophisticated, and in this era of global economic crisis, Canada has demonstrated far stronger fundamentals than most of its peers. For example, for the fourth year in a row, the World Economic Forum says Canada’s banks are the soundest in the world. Among the G-7 countries, Canada maintains the lowest overall tax rate on new business investment and the lowest net debt-to-GDP ratio by far. No wonder Forbes magazine ranks Canada as the best place on the planet for businesses to grow and create jobs. No surprise that the OECD and the IMF predict our economy will again be among the leaders of the industrialized world over the next two years, and, Canada has abundant natural resources. Those natural resources are critical things that China needs, as the Governor said, and will continue to need, to power the kind of industrial growth that you are witnessing, minerals, food, lumber, advanced expertise in a wide spectrum of activities, and, of course, Canada has energy.

“Now let’s just talk about that for a moment. Canada is not just a great trading nation; we are an emerging energy superpower. It has abundant supplies of virtually every form of energy, and you know, we want to sell our energy to people who want to buy our energy, it’s that simple. Currently, 99 per cent of Canada’s energy exports go to one country – the United States. And it is increasingly clear that Canada’s commercial interests are best served through diversification of our energy markets. To this end, our government is committed to ensuring that Canada has the infrastructure necessary to move our energy resources to those diversified markets. Yes, we will continue to develop these resources in an environmentally responsible manner, but so too will we uphold our responsibility to put the interests of Canadians ahead of foreign money and influence that seek to obstruct development in Canada in favour of energy imported from other, less stable parts of the world.

“So friends, when it comes to energy resources, taking things to the next level means recognizing we are natural trading partners, and that we should engage more deeply. We’ve also announced an agreement building on our long-standing nuclear cooperation, to increase the export of Canadian uranium to China, but taking things ‘to the next level’ means more than just increasing energy sales. This week, I was truly pleased to announce with Premier Wen the conclusion of negotiations on a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement between our two countries. This Agreement will provide greater predictability and protection for Chinese and Canadian investors, across a wide range of enterprise. It will allow them to do business with confidence; it will lead to more investment. Ultimately, that will lead to more growth and jobs for Canadians. That’s why Canadian governments have sought such an agreement for almost 20 years. It is therefore an historic step forward in our economic partnership, and we will immediately begin to build further on this achievement. We have committed also, to move to the next step, by soon concluding our Joint Economic Complementarities Study, and from this, engaging in discussions on further deepening our trade and economic relationships. In other words, on this visit, we have seen not just great progress, but also the beginning of much more progress to come. All that is at the high and lofty level of our hard-working and dedicated officials. What does it mean to people on the street, in China and in Canada? It means, simply, opportunity; opportunity that leads to growth and to jobs. That’s why Canada, under our government, has built a network of eleven trade offices in the People’s Republic of China. That’s why you have observed the accelerating pace of high-level exchanges, that’s why, consistent with our strategic partnership, we are here today.

“Are there obstacles? Of course there are. Canada does not, and cannot, disconnect our trading relationship from fundamental national values. Canadians understand that our wealth and prosperity have come about, and are broadly shared, not just because of our abundant resources and hard work, but because of our commitment to freedom, democracy, the rule of law and human rights for everyone. Canadians believe, and have always believed, that the kind of mutually beneficial economic relationship that we seek is also compatible with a good and frank dialogue on fundamental principles, such as freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and freedom of belief and worship, and they demand that their government, Canadians demand that their government and their businesses, uphold these national characteristics in all of our dealings. Canadians also demand that their government be a responsible global citizen in dealing with peace and security challenges that confront the world, and, wherever we can, we urge other governments, including global actors like China, to do the same.

“Now friends, in saying these things, let me be clear that I do not claim to fully understand the unique kinds of challenges that a huge, emerging, spectacularly expanding economy such as this one faces. Today, the drive in from the airport is a powerful picture of how millions of people are bettering their lives through industry and investment. Without a doubt, this is its own kind of liberation. Nor do I ignore the undeniable differences of Chinese culture and history. However, as Canadians, our history has taught us that economic, social and political development are, over time, inseparable, and it is our national creed that people of all cultures can be Canadian, enjoying and participating in all aspects of our democratic society as, indeed, Canadians of Chinese origin do today. Therefore, in relations between Canada and China, you should expect us to continue to raise issues of fundamental freedoms and human rights and to be a vocal advocate for these, just as we will be an effective partner in our growing and mutually beneficial economic relationship.

“Ladies and gentlemen, in 2010, we had the pleasure of welcoming President Hu on his official visit to Canada. In the past two days in Beijing, we had the opportunity to renew our acquaintance, as well as to talk with Premier Wen, Chairman Wu and Vice Premier Li. I am encouraged by our discussions, encouraged that in this time of both great opportunity and risk in the global economy, our two great countries can cooperate for the mutual benefit of our peoples. Now some will observe that, despite all that has been accomplished, much work remains to be done if we are to truly maximize the real potential of this relationship. That is true, and it is why we are here, but I will also say this: the future of our relationship is laden with promise.

“China has shown the world how to make a poor people rich, through frugality and diligence, and of course, the application of market economics. This message is validated by performance, by a 30-year average of 10 per cent per annum growth, by lifting a half a billion people out of poverty and by becoming an economic power

of the first rank likely to soon return to what it has been for most of recorded history, the world’s largest economy. The world is a better place for a China that favours free trade over protectionism, for a China that plays the constructive role it did at last year’s G-20, and for a China whose people will value social and political progress as much as its economic growth. To these things, we look forward with hope and optimism and in growing friendship.

“Ladies and gentlemen, you have been extremely generous with your time and attention. Laureen and I are also, of course, grateful for your warm hospitality. Thank you.”

RICHMOND, British Columbia, February 3, 2012 — Member of Parliament Alice Wong (Richmond) on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today announced the Government of Canada’s pre-qualification for SunCentral Inc.’s new  innovation, The Sunlighting System, through the second round of the Canadian Innovation Commercialization Program (CICP). Through this pilot program, the Government of Canada is helping Canadian businesses get their innovative products and services from the lab to the marketplace.

“Our government is focused on creating conditions to promote jobs and economic growth,” said Minister Ambrose.  “That is why we’re committed to supporting Canadian entrepreneurs who help to keep the Canadian economy moving.”

“Supporting Canada’s economy is our number one priority, and today’s announcement is great news for the workers at SunCentral Inc.,” said MP Wong. “Our Government is putting its support behind their innovation designed right here in Richmond and bringing them one step closer in moving their innovations into domestic and international markets.”

SunCentral Inc.’s innovation, The Sunlighting System, harvests sunlight from building facades and channels it horizontally, deep into each floor, via hybrid light fixtures reaching areas previously not reached by windows and skylights.

“We are honoured to be a pre-qualified innovation in the Canadian Innovation Commercialization Program.  The Canadian government plays a key role in accelerating the adoption of our technology and represents an ideal proving ground for our innovative green technology,” said Tony Formby, President & CEO, SunCentral Inc..

The CICP is a $40-million pilot program launched as part of the Economic Action Plan. Successful companies may see their pre-commercial products and services tested within government operations, and will be given relevant feedback from participating departments.

CICP demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to building the jobs and industries of the future by creating the conditions for continued success of industries that are the foundation of Canada’s prosperity.

In total, 27 innovations from Canadian companies pre-qualified for funding under the CICP’s first round and 36 innovations under the second round.

The CICP is managed by PWGSC’s Office of Small and Medium Enterprises, whose mandate is to improve accessibility to government procurement opportunities for small and medium enterprises. Launched as part of the Government of Canada’s Budget 2010, the CICP is a new initiative to promote Canada’s economic growth.

For the complete list of the successful innovations, please refer to the backgrounder.

For more information, please visit www.buyandsell.gc.ca/innovation or look for upcoming Calls for Proposals on www.merx.com. You can also contact the CICP team by email at innovation@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca or via the toll-free line at 1-800-811-1148.

- 30 -

Ce texte est également disponible en français.

For more information, media may contact:

Michelle Bakos
Office of the Honourable Rona Ambrose
819-997-5421

Media Relations
Public Works and Government Services Canada
819-956-2315

PWGSC news releases are also available on our Internet site at http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/medias-media/index-eng.html.

Ottawa, Ontario, December 5, 2011— The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, and the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today announced the appointment of a new member to the National Seniors Council (NSC) for a three-year term.

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Maurice Royer as a new member of the National Seniors Council,” said Minister Finley. “His skills, knowledge and experience make him an excellent addition to the Council.”

Based in Eastern Ontario, Mr. Royer has had a distinguished career in mediation, facilitation and negotiation services. His community involvement has included serving as a member of the Board of Directors for the Kingston Children’s Aid Society, and as a member of the Kingston Police Services Board.

“As Canada’s population ages, advice and assistance from the National Seniors Council is increasingly vital to policy makers,” said Minister of State Wong. “With the insight he has gained from dealing with a range of issues important to older Canadians, Mr. Royer will bring a wealth of expertise to the Council.”

The NSC is mandated to provide advice to the federal government on matters related to the well-being and quality of life of Canada’s seniors, including new opportunities and issues arising from a rapidly growing and increasingly diverse seniors’ population.

Members appointed to the NSC bring with them unique perspectives and experiences that help the federal government understand the issues facing seniors today. The Council may comprise a maximum of 12 members, including the Chair.

For more information on the Council, please visit www.seniorscouncil.gc.ca.

- 30 -

This news release is available in alternative formats on request.

For further information (media only):

Alyson Queen
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482

Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
Follow us on Twitter

Ottawa, Ontario, December 5, 2011— The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, and the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today announced the appointment of a new member to the National Seniors Council (NSC) for a three-year term.

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Hubert P. McGrath as a new member of the National Seniors Council,” said Minister Finley. “His experience, leadership and knowledge will be valuable assets for the Council.”

Mr. McGrath had a distinguished career of more than 30 years in education, working as a principal, a teacher and an administrator. More recently, he has also served as a trustee and committee member on various community and health-care boards. Those boards include the Newfoundland and Labrador Eastern Regional Integrated Health Authority, the Finance Committee for the Eastern Regional Integrated Health Authority, and the Child Custody Review Committee of the Child, Youth and Family Services Division of Eastern Health.

“Advice and assistance from the National Seniors Council is vital to policy makers as Canada’s population ages,” said Minister Wong. “Mr. McGrath will bring a wealth of expertise to the Council on a range of issues that are important to older Canadians.”

The NSC is mandated to provide advice to the federal government on matters related to the well-being and quality of life of Canada’s seniors, including new opportunities and issues arising from a rapidly growing and increasingly diverse seniors’ population.

Members appointed to the NSC bring unique perspectives and experiences that help the federal government understand the issues facing seniors today. The Council may comprise a maximum of 12 members, including the Chair.

For more information on the Council, please visit www.seniorscouncil.gc.ca.

- 30 -

This news release is available in alternative formats on request.

For further information (media only):

Alyson Queen
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482

Media Relations Office
Human Resources and
Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
Follow us on Twitter