Hon. Alice Wong, P.C.

Toronto, Ontario, November 6, 2013—Members of the National Seniors Council (NSC) met today in Toronto with seniors’ organizations, service and health providers, as well as researchers and practitioners from across Ontario, for the first of a series of cross-Canada round tables assessing how social isolation affects seniors and how best to tackle the issue in Canada.

“Social isolation affects the overall well-being of seniors including their health and their participation in their families, workplaces and communities,” said the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), who oversees the day-to day work of the Council. “Our government is working hard to tackle issues like social isolation by listening to seniors and consulting with key players from the non-profit, public and private sectors.”

Social isolation touches many areas affecting seniors’ lives, including active participation, healthy ageing, income security, caregiving, elder abuse and transportation. For example, social isolation can lead to depression and increased vulnerability to elder abuse, among other concerns. In a Statistics Canada 2012 Health Report, nearly one in four seniors reported that they would like to participate more in social activities.

“We are confident that the National Seniors Council’s findings will help the Government of Canada better understand and address the needs of seniors,” said Dr. Andrew Wister, member of the NSC. “Keeping seniors active and socially engaged benefits not just the senior, but their communities as a whole.”

Since 2007, the NSC has undertaken work on elder abuse and low income among seniors, volunteerism, positive and active ageing, and most recently explored approaches to retaining and attracting older workers in the labour force.

On October 1, 2013, National Seniors Day, the Government of Canada announced a Call for Proposals to fund approximately 20 pilot projects—an investment of $2,000,000—aimed at addressing seniors’ social isolation.

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

Backgrounder

The National Seniors Council (NSC)

The NSC 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 Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development, 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.
• NSC members include seniors, representatives of organizations who serve seniors and/or experts on seniors and ageing.
• The Government of Canada established the NSC in 2007 to provide advice on the overall well-being of seniors, both now and in the future.

The Government of Canada is working hard to help improve the lives of seniors on many fronts. These efforts include:

• redeveloping seniors.gc.ca as a central resource for seniors including a new Information for Seniors section that brings together a variety of federal, provincial/territorial and municipal resources about relevant programs and benefits;
• providing Canadians with close to $76 billion this year through Canada’s public pension system;
• a top-up to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) in 2011 to help Canada’s most vulnerable seniors. This was the largest increase in 25 years to the GIS for the lowest-income seniors. This measure further improves the financial security and well-being of more than 680 000 seniors across Canada;
• providing $2.7 billion in 2013 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 under Canada’s Economic Action Plan for the construction of housing units for low-income seniors;
• making a strong investment in the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) through an annual budget of $45 million. Since 2006, the NHSP has funded more than 11 200 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada;
• investing up to $2 million for approximately 20 pilot projects that will address the isolation of seniors and intergenerational learning through the New Horizons for Seniors Program;
• actions to address elder abuse, including awareness campaigns, projects funded by the New Horizons for Seniors Program to raise awareness of elder abuse and legislation to help ensure consistently tough penalties for offences involving the abuse of elderly people; and
• supporting positive and active aging through the collaborative Age-Friendly Communities Initiative, Physical Activity Tips for Older Adults and falls-prevention initiatives.

YELLOWKNIFE, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES, October 10, 2013—This week, Federal, Provincial and Territorial (F/P/T) Ministers Responsible for Seniors met to review recent collaborative work and discuss ways to further support the well-being of seniors living in Canada. Building on the forum’s actions over the past year, Ministers agreed on shared priorities for the year ahead.

Older Canadians are healthier, living longer, more active lives, and continue to make valuable contributions to our communities, families and workplaces. With the growing number of seniors in Canada the ongoing work in the interest of older Canadians is more important than ever.

“Our government continues to work hard to improve the lives of seniors,” said the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) and federal meeting co-chair. “I welcome the opportunity to meet with my provincial and territorial colleagues to discuss, among other things, increasing seniors’ financial literacy, and ways to help older workers balance the competing demands of work and care.”

“In the Northwest Territories, we encourage healthy aging and support seniors to stay with loved ones for their remaining years,” said the Honourable Tom Beaulieu, Minister Responsible for Seniors for the Northwest Territories and meeting co-chair. “These past two days, we have shared our healthy aging perspectives with Ministers from all other provinces and territories. We are pleased with the collaboration and discussion among Ministers and we appreciate the opportunity to showcase our territory.”

Ministers agreed to work on the following priorities:

• Assist older workers balancing the competing demands of work and care by ensuring that employees and employers are aware of the programs, services and benefits that could potentially enable older workers, who are also caregivers, to continue to be a part of the Canadian labour force;
• Explore options to support seniors and near seniors by increasing awareness for the need to plan for aging in place, including having the knowledge and skills to make informed financial decisions. These options may include how technology can support aging in place.

The F/P/T Ministers Responsible for Seniors approved an information resource on Powers of Attorney and joint bank accounts. This booklet helps develop an understanding of the benefits and risks associated with these two financial management tools commonly used by seniors. The booklet will be made public and will be distributed by the provinces and territories at their discretion.

F/P/T Ministers Responsible for Seniors will reconvene in October 2014 to review progress on the work being done and identify new priorities.

“I look forward to welcoming F/P/T Ministers to continue our ongoing collaboration towards supporting the well-being of seniors in Canada,” said Prince Edward Island Minister of Community Services and Seniors Valerie E. Docherty.

Toronto, Ontario, October 1, 2013—National Seniors Day is an occasion for Canadians across the country to show their appreciation and celebrate seniors in their community. To help celebrate National Seniors Day, the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State for Seniors, took part in the Positive Active Aging Forum, hosted by the Ontario Society (Coalition) of Senior Citizens’ Organizations (OCSCO).

“I am pleased to participate in today’s Positive Active Aging Forum to help celebrate this country’s seniors,” said Minister of State Wong. “Our Government values the important contributions that older Canadians continue to make in our communities and in our workplaces.”

OCSCO received $19,000 in funding from the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) to host the forum. Subject matter experts will help increase awareness and understanding of seniors’ issues, including barriers to aging well.

“We are pleased to host a free one-day forum,focusing on aging, on National Seniors Day,” said John Morency and Carolann Fernandes, co-chairs of the board of directors of OCSCO.  “This event is groundbreaking, as it will not only help us identify the systemic and cultural barriers impacting aging Ontarians, but will provide a forum for participants to find solutions to eliminate barriers of agism.”

Minister of State Wong addressed forum participants, which included older adults, caregivers, policy-makers and educators, at the North York Seniors Centre in Toronto. She congratulated the organizers for supporting social participation and inclusion of seniors in their communities.

For tips and resources to celebrate the day, honour the seniors in your life and for information about programs, services and benefits for seniors, visit www.seniors.gc.ca.

October 1, 2013—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State for Seniors, today issued the following statement in recognition of the third annual National Seniors Day:

“Our government is proud to pay tribute to the seniors who have helped build our country and continue to make valuable contributions to our communities, workplaces and families.

As the Canadian seniors population continues to grow, our government remains committed to improving the well-being and quality of life of older Canadians through tax relief, improved services and by increasing available information and resources.

I encourage you to find your own unique way to celebrate the seniors in your life today. Perhaps make time to visit, or send a simple thank-you note to a senior you know, whether they be a family member, neighbour or friend.

However you choose to express your gratitude, the message that we value older Canadians will be heard and appreciated across the country.

Coinciding with the United Nations International Day of Older Persons on October 1, National Seniors Day in Canada provides an occasion for all of us to honour the seniors who enrich our lives.”

For National Seniors Day celebration ideas, and for information about programs, services and benefits for seniors, visit www.seniors.gc.ca.

Backgrounder

The Government of Canada is working hard to help improve the lives of seniors on many fronts. These efforts include:

• redeveloping seniors.gc.ca as a central resource for seniors including a new Information for Seniors section that brings together a variety of federal, provincial/territorial and municipal resources about relevant programs and benefits;
• providing Canadians with close to $76 billion this year through Canada’s public pension system;
• a top-up to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) in 2011 to help Canada’s most vulnerable seniors. This was the largest increase in 25 years to the GIS for the lowest-income seniors. This measure further improves the financial security and well-being of more than 680 000 seniors across Canada;
• providing $2.7 billion in 2013 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 under Canada’s Economic Action Plan for the construction of housing units for low-income seniors;
• making a strong investment in the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) through an annual budget of $45 million. Since 2006, the NHSP has funded more than 11 200 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada;
• actions to address elder abuse, including awareness campaigns, projects funded by the New Horizons for Seniors Program to raise awareness of elder abuse and legislation to help ensure consistently tough penalties for offences involving the abuse of elderly people; and
• supporting positive and active aging through the collaborative Age-Friendly Communities Initiative, Physical Activity Tips for Older Adults, and falls-prevention initiatives.

Toronto, Ontario, October 1, 2013—To mark National Seniors Day,  the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today announced a Call for Proposals to fund approximately 20 pilot projects—an investment of $2,000,000—aimed at addressing seniors’ social isolation.

“Social isolation has a negative effect on the health and well-being of seniors.  The Harper government is taking action to ensure that seniors maintain a high quality of life and continue to be active members of their communities,” said Minister Wong. “Through these pilot projects, our government continues to look at innovative solutions to address seniors’ issues, particularly social isolation, by leveraging social partnerships to marshal the resources needed to support seniors in our communities.”

These pilot projects will be eligible to receive between $50,000 and $100,000 of federal funding over a maximum of 24 months which will be matched with funding from other sources. The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) pilot projects will also pursue intergenerational learning projects that help seniors develop new interests and share their knowledge and experience with others.

The application period begins on October 3, 2013 and will close on November 13, 2013. Additional information and application details are available online.

Through Economic Action Plan 2013, the Government proposes to better safeguard the well-being of seniors in a variety of areas, including financial services, financial literacy and health.

For a wide range of information for seniors, including details on the NHSP, please visit seniors.gc.ca.

– 30 –

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. Since 2006, the New Horizon’s for Seniors Program has funded more than 11 200 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada.

NHSP funding is available for both pan-Canadian and community-based projects.

Pan-Canadian projects focus on developing or identifying tools, resources and promising practices that can be adapted and shared across communities, regions and the country to address elder abuse. They are eligible for up to $250,000 in funding per year, for up to three years.

Community-based project funding provides support for activities that address one or more of the program’s five objectives. The Call for Proposals being launched on October 3, 2013 is seeking proposals for larger-value, longer-duration pilot projects that focus specifically on seniors’ isolation and/or intergenerational learning. These projects will receive up to $100,000 over 24 months in contribution funding, will engage partners, and will leverage funding from other community partners.

New Westminster, British Columbia, August 21, 2013—Vulnerable seniors will have access to the help they need to avoid homelessness, as a result of Government of Canada support for a local organization. Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today announced funding on behalf of the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development, for the Seniors Services Society at an event hosted by the Society.

“Our government is giving a hand up to vulnerable Canadians to help them meet certain basic needs and break free from the cycle of homelessness and poverty. We are pleased to support the Seniors Services Society in its efforts to find local solutions to local problems,” said Minister Wong. “By partnering with local organizations to provide essential services to people in need, we are doing our part to prevent and address homelessness in Metro Vancouver.”

With Homelessness Partnering Strategy funding of more than $323,000, the Seniors Services Society will provide support services for seniors who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The Society’s outreach workers will help vulnerable seniors find or keep long-term, affordable and safe housing.

“The impact of outreach services is phenomenal!  Our outreach workers help seniors navigate through a system that demands normalcy which is impossible when one is living their days in crisis and trauma,” said Anna Truong, Manager of Housing Services, BC Seniors Services Society. “With the help of HPS funding last year, our outreach team housed over 110 seniors.”

The Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan 2013 proposes $119 million per year over five years for the HPS using a Housing First approach as an effective way to reduce homelessness.

“Housing First” involves giving people who are homeless a place to live first, and then providing the necessary supports (e.g. for mental illness) to help them stabilize their lives and recover as best as possible.

– 30 –

Backgrounder

Homelessness Partnering Strategy

The Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) is a unique community-based program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness by providing direct support and funding to 61 designated communities across Canada.

Economic Action Plan 2013 proposes $119 million per year over five years, until March 2019, for the HPS using a Housing First approach. This represents nearly $600 million in total new funding.

“Housing First” involves giving people who are homeless a place to live first, and then providing the necessary supports (e.g. for mental illness) to help them stabilize their lives and recover as best as possible. “Housing First” can be an effective tool in solving chronic homelessness while reducing pressure on other shelter, health and justice services.

Since the launch of the HPS in April 2007, the Government has approved over $745 million for projects to prevent and reduce homelessness across Canada. The HPS provides structures and supports that help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to achieve self-sufficiency and participate fully in society. This model seeks to address homelessness by working in partnership with the provinces and territories and other federal departments, as well as with communities and the private and not-for-profit sectors.

The availability of safe, stable housing and related supports is an important element in addressing homelessness and helping individuals who are homeless achieve greater self‑sufficiency and a better quality of life. The Government’s investments are creating jobs, stimulating local economies and improving the quality of life for many Canadians.

By working with all our partners, we will maximize results to make a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable Canadians. The HPS provides the support that our community partners are seeking.

The HPS has adopted a Housing First approach, recognizing that housing stability is an important first step in addressing homelessness. It is also necessary for the success of other interventions such as education and training, the development of life skills and the management of mental health issues.

For more information on the HPS and its seven funding streams, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/homelessness.

Vancouver, British Columbia, August 17, 2013 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister of Multiculturalism, announced that the Government of Canada is helping internationally trained acupuncturists and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners put their skills to work sooner, anywhere in Canada.

“We recognize the importance of trained health care professionals, including those practicing traditional Chinese medicine, in addressing skills shortages and improving the quality of life of Canadians,” said Minister Kenney. “That is why we are working with partners like the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia to help Canadian and internationally trained professionals find jobs in their fields and contribute fully to Canada’s economy.”

The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia, on behalf of the Canadian Alliance of Regulatory Bodies for Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists, has received close to $450,000 through the Foreign Credential Recognition Program to put in place pan-Canadian entry-level examinations for Canadian and internationally trained acupuncturists and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners.

“Once licensed, Canadian and internationally trained professionals will be able to move freely between the provinces and territories without having to re-certify their credentials,” said the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors). “This will allow them to enter the labour market quickly, when they are needed, anywhere in Canada.”

“We are grateful for the funding provided by the Government of Canada, which enabled us to establish the pan-Canadian registration examinations for acupuncturists and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners,” said Mary Watterson, Registrar/CEO for the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia. “The outcome of the project will increase the capacity of regulatory bodies to effectively recognize the qualifications of both Canadian and foreign-trained applicants.”

Under the Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications, the Government of Canada is working with the provinces and territories and other partners, such as regulatory bodies, to improve foreign credential recognition.

In 2007, the Government of Canada established the Foreign Credentials Referral Office (FCRO) to provide internationally-trained workers with information and services for credential assessment so they can find work in their fields quickly. In 2011, the Government introduced the Foreign Credential Recognition (FCR) Loans Pilot, helping internationally trained workers offset the costs of the foreign credential recognition process. To date, agreements have been signed with nine organizations across the country to deliver these loans.

To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit actionplan.gc.ca.

– 30 –

For more information, contact:

Alexandra Fortier
Office of the Minister
819-994-2482

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

Backgrounder

The Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications

Canada’s Economic Action Plan invested $50 million to work with the provinces and territories and other stakeholders to improve foreign credential recognition. This partnership led to the development of the Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.

Under the Framework, internationally trained professionals who submit an application to be licensed or registered to work in certain fields, along with all fees and relevant documents, will be advised within one year how their credentials compare to Canadian standards. They may also be advised of additional requirements or be directed to alternative occupations that would benefit from their skills and experience.

In 2010, service standards were established so that internationally trained professionals in eight priority occupations, including architects and nurses, can have their credentials assessed within one year, anywhere in Canada. The Government is now streamlining foreign qualification recognition for six more target occupations, including physicians and dentists. Economic Action Plan 2013 reinforced the Government of Canada’s commitment to further improve foreign credential recognition and continue to work in partnership with the provinces and territories to identify the next set of target occupations.

For more information on the Framework, please consult http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/jobs/credential_recognition/docs/pcf.pdf.

Additionally, the Foreign Credential Recognition Loans Pilot was launched in February 2012. Delivered in cooperation with community organizations, this pilot is helping internationally trained professionals cover the costs of having their credentials recognized so they can find jobs that best suit their skills and experience.

The Government of Canada’s Foreign Credential Recognition Program and Services

The Foreign Credential Recognition Program aims to improve the integration of internationally trained workers into the workforce. The Program provides funding to and works with the provinces and territories and other stakeholders—including regulatory bodies, post‑secondary institutions, sector councils and employers—to implement projects that facilitate the assessment and recognition of qualifications acquired in other countries.

Established in May 2007, the Foreign Credentials Referral Office (FCRO) provides information and path-finding and referral services, both in Canada and overseas, to help internationally trained workers have their credentials assessed quickly so they can find work faster in the fields in which they have been trained.

The FCRO works with federal, provincial and territorial partners, as well as with credential assessment and recognition bodies, to strengthen foreign credential recognition processes across the country. Internet-based services for internationally trained workers can be found on the FCRO website at www.credentials.gc.ca.

You are cordially invited to Alice Wong’s Annual Community BBQ, Saturday, August 24 from 12:00pm to 3:00pm.  The location is at West Richmond Community Center at Hugh Boyd Park.

Details below:

Montréal, Québec, August 13, 2013 — The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today hosted two roundtables in Montreal. The roundtables provided a forum for employers and stakeholder organizations to discuss both the challenges and best practices on the prevention of financial abuse, and the needs of older workers who are balancing work and caregiving responsibilities for seniors. These events are part of a series of cross-Canada consultations taking place over the summer.

“Roundtables such as these will help to inform future policy direction on issues of importance to seniors” said Minister of State Wong.  “Our government is working hard to improve the lives of older Canadians on many fronts, including combatting financial abuse and supporting those with caregiving responsibilities for seniors.”

The consultations brought together employers, employer associations, human resources professionals, as well as stakeholders from the financial, legal and social services sectors. The roundtables are an opportunity for open dialogue on these important issues.

The Government of Canada is committed to older Canadians and seniors through initiatives such as the New Horizons for Seniors Program, the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers and the seniors.gc.ca website, which provides seniors, their family members, and caregivers with useful information on government benefits and services.

Visit seniors.gc.ca for easy access to government-related programs and initiatives for seniors.

Gatineau, Quebec, August 8, 2013—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today announced the National Seniors Council’s new priority for 2013-2014 is to assess how social isolation affects seniors and explore ways to prevent and reduce the social isolation of seniors in Canada.

“Social isolation affects the health and well-being of seniors,” said Minister of State Wong. “That’s why it’s so important to address this issue by listening to seniors and consulting with key players from the non-profit, public and private sectors.”

Social isolation can lead to depression and increased vulnerability to elder abuse, among other concerns. As a complex and multifaceted issue, social isolation touches many policy areas affecting seniors, including active participation, healthy ageing, income security, caregiving, elder abuse and transportation.

In keeping with the Minister of State’s commitment to ensuring that seniors stay active, engaged and informed, the National Seniors Council (NSC) will consider the Government of Canada’s role in preventing and reducing the social isolation of seniors.

Last year, the NSC explored approaches to retaining and attracting older workers in the labour force. The final report, Older Workers at Risk of Withdrawing from the Labour Force or Becoming Unemployed: Employers’ views on how to retain and attract older workers, is now available online.

In 2012, the NSC conducted cross-country consultations with stakeholders and employers representing a variety of sectors. During the consultations, employers recognized the experience, knowledge, skills and passion that older workers bring to the workplace.

The Government of Canada established the NSC in 2007 to provide advice on the overall well-being of seniors, both now and in the future.

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