Hon. Alice Wong, P.C.

Business leaders contribute views for a refreshed Global Commerce Strategy

August 24, 2012 – The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), on behalf of the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today attended a consultation session in Vancouver with industry and business leaders from across British Columbia to help the government refresh its Global Commerce Strategy (GCS) in order to better align Canada’s trade and investment objectives in large, dynamic and fast-growing priority markets.

“Our government’s top priority is the economy,” said Minister Fast. “With one in six jobs in B.C. generated by trade, I welcome the valuable contributions stakeholders from B.C. are bringing to our cross-country consultations, which will in turn help us develop the next phase of our ambitious pro-trade plan for jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for Canadians.”

In 2007, the Harper government launched the Global Commerce Strategy to position Canada for long-term prosperity. It identified 13 priority markets around the world where opportunities for Canadian businesses and interests had the greatest potential for growth and success. This led to five years of Canadian leadership on the world stage in support of open trade, job creation, economic growth and prosperity for Canadians.

As part of Economic Action Plan 2012, the government announced a commitment to refresh the GCS following extensive consultations with Canada’s key trade and investment stakeholders, including Canada’s business community, with a particular emphasis on the very critical community of small and medium-sized enterprises. Launched on August 14, 2012, in Halifax, the consultations are taking place in seven other communities across the country (Montréal, Toronto, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Calgary, Vancouver and Ottawa).

“Forging new trade and investment ties around the world is the best way for our government to ensure the financial security of businesses, workers and their families in B.C.,” said Minister Wong. “The consultations that took place today in Vancouver will help inform the next phase of our government’s pro-trade plan for the long-term prosperity of B.C.”

Trade is fundamental to British Columbia, with total exports of goods amounting to $33 billion in 2011. The largest share of B.C.’s merchandise exports went to the United States (42.1 percent), followed by China (14.9 percent), Japan (14 percent), the Republic of Korea (8.3 percent) and Taiwan (2.2 percent). In 2011, the top three merchandise exports from B.C. were mineral fuels and oils, wood and wood pulp.

Under the current GCS, the government has concluded new free trade agreements with nine countries; begun deepening trade and investment ties with key markets, including Brazil, China, India, Japan and the countries of the European Union; concluded or brought into force new foreign investment promotion and protection agreements with 11 countries; and opened new trade offices in the fast-growing priority markets of Brazil, China and India.

The next phase of the GCS will be announced in 2013.

To learn more about the renewal of the GCS, consult Cross-Country Global Commerce Strategy Consultations.

– 30 –

For further information, media representatives may contact:

Rudy Husny
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway
613-992-7332

Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-996-2000
Follow us on Twitter: @Canada_Trade

Vancouver, British Columbia, August 21, 2012—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today hosted a roundtable event with local seniors organizations on active living, community engagement and labour force participation among seniors. The event was part of a series of cross-Canada meetings to discuss key issues that matter to Canadian seniors.

“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the well-being of seniors,” said Minister of State Wong. “We believe the well-being of seniors depends on their staying active, staying engaged and staying informed.”

Minister of State Wong emphasized the importance of active living at any age. She explained that opportunities for seniors to remain active are not limited to physical activity. They include being active in the workplace, in volunteer organizations and in communities. She also spoke about the importance of seniors staying informed so they can take full advantage of the wide range of government programs and services available to them.

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

For more information on the Government of Canada’s programs and services for seniors, please visit www.seniors.gc.ca.

This news release is available in alternative formats on request.

For further information (media only):

Robert Lynch
Director of Communications and Parliamentary Affairs
Minister of State (Seniors)
613-790-0219

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

Follow us on Twitter

Backgrounder

The Government of Canada is helping seniors stay active, engaged and informed through a number of initiatives.

Staying active

While health care is a provincial responsibility, the Government of Canada does promote better health for Canadians and seniors through a variety of programs.

Physical Activity Tips for Older Adults is an online resource for older adults that explains why physical activity is important, offers tips and easy ways to increase their physical activity and provides advice for maintaining good health and an improved quality of life. Physical activity is one of the most important things older people can do to maintain their physical and mental health and quality of life as they get older.

Injury prevention among seniors – One-third of Canadian seniors experience a fall each year; half of those are reported to have fallen more than once. As many as 40 percent of those falls result in hip fractures, often causing disability, loss of independence or death. Yet, falls can be prevented. The Government of Canada has developed several publications aimed at reducing falls among seniors, such as The Safe Living Guide: A Guide to Home Safety for Seniors and the You Can Prevent Falls fact sheet. More information can be found on the Public Health Agency’s website.

Staying engaged

The Government of Canada supports seniors to remain engaged in their communities through initiatives such as the Age-Friendly Communities Initiative and the New Horizons for Seniors Program.

The Age-Friendly Communities Initiative seeks to engage older Canadians and their communities in making their communities better, healthier and safer places for seniors to live and thrive.

Currently, eight provinces are working with municipal governments and non-government organizations to promote age-friendly initiatives in communities. There are 600 communities now engaged in age-friendly action. The Public Health Agency of Canada coordinates activities and opportunities to exchange knowledge, and is developing resources to help evaluate age-friendly initiatives.

Through the New Horizons for Seniors Program, seniors are able to share their knowledge, skills and experiences with others. The program supports projects led or inspired by seniors who want to make a difference in the lives of others and in their communities. Since its beginning, it has funded more than 10 400 projects in more than 1 000 communities across Canada. For more information, visit www.seniors.gc.ca.

The Targeted Initiative for Older Workers is a federal–provincial/territorial cost-shared initiative that provides employment assistance services and employability improvement activities (such as skills upgrading and work experience) to unemployed older workers aged 55 to 64 living in economically vulnerable communities.

Staying informed

Recognizing that being informed can help seniors make better decisions, the Government is committed to giving seniors the information they need.

A robust collection of information, resources and tools is available through www.seniors.gc.ca, 1 800 O-Canada and Service Canada Centres across the country.

Seniors.gc.ca has been developed as a central resource for Government of Canada information relating to seniors and seniors initiatives. It provides information on federal government initiatives targeted to seniors, their families, caregivers and supporting service organizations. It also provides key links and provincial/territorial information.

Brampton, Ontario, August 14, 2012—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today delivered opening remarks to an audience of active seniors at the Ontario 55+ Summer Games.

“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the well-being of seniors,” said Minister of State Wong. “We believe that their well-being depends on staying active, staying engaged and staying informed.”

Minister of State Wong spoke to approximately 10 000 participants from across Ontario about the importance of regular exercise in maintaining a good quality of life. She praised the athletes for being powerful role models to all ages and also encouraged community and workplace participation among older Canadians as a way to enjoy stronger social networks and better mental health.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting seniors’ well-being. For more information on the Government of Canada’s programs and services for seniors, please visit www.seniors.gc.ca.

– 30 –

This news release is available in alternative formats on request.

For further information (media only):

Robert Lynch
Director of Communications and Parliamentary Affairs
Minister of State (Seniors)
613-790-0219

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

Backgrounder

The Government of Canada is helping seniors stay active, engaged and informed through a number of initiatives.

Staying active

While health care is a provincial responsibility, the Government of Canada does promote better health for Canadians and seniors through a variety of programs.

Physical Activity Tips for Older Adults is an online resource for older adults that explains why physical activity is important, offers tips and easy ways to increase their physical activity and provides advice for maintaining good health and an improved quality of life.

Injury prevention among seniors – One-third of Canadian seniors experience a fall each year; half of those are reported to have fallen more than once. As many as 40 percent of those falls result in hip fractures, often causing disability, loss of independence or death. Yet, falls can be prevented. The Government of Canada has developed several publications aimed at reducing falls among seniors, such as The Safe Living Guide: A Guide to Home Safety for Seniors and the You Can Prevent Falls fact sheet. More information can be found on the Public Health Agency’s website.

Physical activity is one of the most important things older people can do to maintain their physical and mental health and quality of life as they get older.

Staying engaged

The Government of Canada support seniors to remain engaged in their communities through initiatives such as the Age-Friendly Communities Initiative and the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP).

The Age-Friendly Communities Initiative seeks to engage older Canadians and their communities in making their communities better, healthier and safer places for seniors to live and thrive.

Currently, eight provinces are working with municipal governments and non-government organizations to promote age-friendly initiatives in communities. There are 600 communities now engaged in age-friendly action. The Public Health Agency of Canada coordinates activities and opportunities to exchange knowledge, and is developing resources to help evaluate age-friendly initiatives.

Through the NHSP, seniors are able to share their knowledge, skills and experiences with others. The NHSP supports projects led or inspired by seniors who want to make a difference in the lives of others and in their communities. Since its beginning, the NHSP has funded more than 10 400 projects in more than 1 000 communities across Canada. For more information, visit www.seniors.gc.ca.

The Targeted Initiative for Older Workers is a federal–provincial/territorial cost-shared initiative that provides employment assistance services and employability improvement activities (such as skills upgrading and work experience) to unemployed older workers aged 55 to 64 living in economically vulnerable communities.

Staying informed

Recognizing that being informed can help seniors make better decisions, the Government is committed to giving seniors the information they need.

A robust collection of information, resources and tools is available through www.seniors.gc.ca, 1 800 O-Canada and Service Canada Centres across the country.

Seniors.gc.ca has been developed as a central resource for Government of Canada information relating to seniors and seniors initiatives. The Seniors Canada website provides information on federal government initiatives targeted to seniors, their families, caregivers and supporting service organizations. It offers resources on Government of Canada programs and services for seniors and provides key links to seniors-related information from other Government of Canada and provincial/territorial websites.

VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(July 31, 2012) – To further support Canadians who have dedicated themselves to serving their country, the Government of Canada is launching the Transitional Housing and Supports for Homeless Veterans Pilot Project to help veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), highlighted the funding announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs.

“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Canadian veterans that stood up for our great country,” said Minister Wong. “By partnering with Cockrell House to provide essential services to veterans in need, we are doing our part to address veterans’ poverty and homelessness in Victoria. Our Government will always stand up for our veterans and, together with all Canadians, we will never forget their service and sacrifice.”

“We are pleased to be working together with the other sites across Canada to develop and evaluate a Canadian model for veterans experiencing homelessness that will enable them to transition successfully to housing stability,” said Angus Stanfield, Director, Cockrell House. “Cockrell House is proud to be a part of this important project. At Cockrell House, we support 11 of our local veterans in overcoming many challenges. Offering a home and supports with other veterans is the foundation for new beginnings.”

Cockrell House is receiving over $258,000 in Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) funding to provide transitional housing units and support services to veterans to help them stabilize their lives. This is one of four organisations across Canada receiving funding for a pilot project to help veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, through the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, is providing over $1.9 million in funding for this pilot project and Veterans Affairs Canada is providing in-kind contributions totaling $1.85 million.

This pilot project is based on a successful program that was launched in the United Kingdom, where the government provides support that is based on veteran-centred principles. A key component of the project is a focus on providing a structured, military-like environment in the housing facilities. Central to this environment includes the implementation of peer support, where veterans use their experience to help other veterans.

This project is being carried out in four cities across Canada: Toronto, Ontario; London, Ontario; Calgary, Alberta; and Victoria, British Columbia.

BACKGROUNDER

Transitional Housing and Supports for Homeless Veterans

The project will be administered by the City of London and is being carried out in four cities across Canada.

Toronto, Ontario: Mainstay Housing is receiving $405,789 in Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) funding.

London, Ontario: The Unity Project for Relief of Homelessness in London is receiving $304,948 in HPS funding.

Calgary, Alberta: The Calgary Homeless Foundation is receiving $539,547 in HPS funding.

Victoria, BC: Cockrell House is receiving $258,800 in HPS funding.

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) will fund project activities and coordination, including an evaluation to assess the impact of the project interventions on housing stability, self-sufficiency and the integration of homeless veterans into the broader community.

The contribution of Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) will include: management and other support from its head office; clinical support and training from the VAC National Centre for Occupational Stress Injuries and regional clinics located at the pilot sites; as well as case management support from the local VAC offices at the pilot sites.

Community partner organizations are providing services such as meals and local transportation.

The City of London, as project administrator, will monitor and manage project finances for all sites, evaluate the project, and provide regular reports to HRSDC and VAC.

Homelessness Partnering Strategy

The 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.

As of July 16, 2012, 2 049 approved projects totalling over $693 million have been funded under the HPS to prevent and reduce homelessness in Canada.

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

Contact Information

Marian Ngo
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482

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

Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468

Winnipeg, Manitoba, July 24, 2012—The Government of Canada continues to combat elder abuse by funding projects through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP). The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) and Lawrence Toet, Member of Parliament for Elmwood–Transcona, highlighted NHSP funding today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

“Our government is committed to ensuring the well-being of Canadian seniors and we remain dedicated to ending elder abuse in all its forms,” said Minister Wong. “That is why our government is taking the necessary steps to help raise awareness of this serious issue.”

“Seniors are valued members of our society who deserve to be treated with respect,” said Mr. Toet. “By investing in elder abuse awareness projects, our government is helping to protect the dignity and well-being of Canadian seniors.”

Good Neighbours Active Living Centre Inc. will receive $350,000 to develop and disseminate workshops, online tools, training materials and resources to enable credit unions in Manitoba to champion efforts in their communities to prevent financial abuse. The results will be shared with communities across Canada.

This is one of 33 pan-Canadian NHSP projects, totalling $14.6 million, that were announced on the occasion of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15.

The NHSP helps ensure that seniors are able to benefit from and contribute to the quality of life in their communities through their social participation and active living. For more information, visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/seniors.

This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

For further information (media only):

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

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

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

Pan-Canadian projects focus on developing or identifying tools, resources and promising practices that can be adapted and shared across communities, regions or Canada to address elder abuse. This funding can enable community members to better recognize elder abuse in all its forms and to improve the quality of life, safety and security of seniors. Eligible pan-Canadian grant or contribution projects must have a broad reach and impact. They are eligible for up to $250,000 in funding per year, for up to three years.

A call for proposals for pan-Canadian projects was launched on October 17, 2011, and closed on November 25, 2011. A total of 33 elder abuse awareness and prevention projects were approved and will receive over $14.6 million in funding.

Other actions taken by the Government of Canada to combat elder abuse

In 2008, the Government launched the Federal Elder Abuse Initiative (FEAI), a multi-departmental, three-year initiative to help seniors and others recognize the signs and symptoms of elder abuse and to provide information on available supports. This initiative successfully concluded on March 31, 2011.

Building on the momentum created by the FEAI, the Government continues to address elder abuse through awareness campaigns that aim to help Canadians recognize the signs of elder abuse and give them information on available resources and supports. For more information, visit seniors.gc.ca.

In addition, the Government is addressing elder abuse through recently introduced legislation that would help ensure consistently tough penalties for offences involving the abuse of elderly persons.

RICHMOND, British Columbia, July 19, 2012 – An investment from the Government of Canada will allow the history of the former village of Steveston—now part of the city of Richmond—to be preserved for generations to come. This was announced today by the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) and Member of Parliament (Richmond), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

Funding will enable the Richmond Museum Society to complete a collections management project at the Richmond Museum from January 2 to March 31, 2013. The Society will purchase and install specialized storage units to manage artifacts from the Steveston Museum collection and integrate artifact location records into the Museum’s digital collections management system. With the ability to properly catalogue and retrieve any of the 5,000 artifacts quickly and efficiently, the Society will ensure long-term public access to the collection.

“This year marks the start of the five year countdown to Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017,” said Minister Moore. “Our Government is proud to invest in projects that contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians. On the road to 2017, let us continue to celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, prosperous and free country we are today.”

“Richmond is a diverse community with a fascinating history,” said Ms. Wong. “This exhibit allows us to preserve some of the most important aspects of the past, while enabling the Richmond Museum Society to take advantage of modern technological advancements. Because of this investment, the Steveston Museum collection will be accessible for years to come.”

“We appreciate the support provided by the Government of Canada to help us preserve these important historical artifacts,” said Keith Lidtke, Chair of the Board of the Richmond Museum Society. “This new storage facility and digital archive will increase access to the artifacts by researchers, exhibitions, and the public.”

The Richmond Museum is accessible to the public through a wide range of collections, exhibits, and public programming. The Society aims to increase awareness and appreciation of Richmond’s diverse history and heritage. Its collection holdings include archaeology, ethnology, and artifacts related to the agricultural and commercial history of the area.

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $49,130 through the Museums Assistance Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides funding to Canadian museums and related institutions for projects that foster excellence in museum activities and that facilitate access to the treasures of our collective heritage.

For more information (media only), please contact:

Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788

Perry Boldt
Regional Manager Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
604-666-5739

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca

RICHMOND, BC, July 10, 2012 /CNW/ – On behalf of the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) and Member of Parliament (Richmond), today announced the Government of Canada’s contribution to Badminton Canada in support of the 2012 Yonex Canada Open Grand Prix. The event is being held from July 10 to 15, 2012, in Richmond, British Columbia.

“The Government of Canada, through Sport Canada’s Hosting Program, is proud to provide support to Badminton Canada for the 2012 Yonex Canada Open Grand Prix,” said Minister of State Gosal. “This event offers an opportunity for our athletes to compete against some of the best in the world, while bringing about a welcome economic boost to the local community.”

“I am pleased to welcome all the athletes and coaches from across Canada and around the world competing here in Richmond,” said Minister of State Wong. “The 2012 Yonex Canada Open Grand Prix is a world-class event, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the event’s organizers and volunteers from our local community.”

“The 2012 Yonex Canada Open Grand Prix has increased the profile of badminton in Canada and brought some of the best players in the world to Canada to compete,” said Kyle Hunter, Executive Director of Badminton Canada. “Having an event of this calibre in Canada gives our athletes the opportunity to hone their competitive skills and our fans the chance to see badminton of the highest level. The support of the Government of Canada through Sport Canada’s Hosting Program has been crucial to the success of the event.”

Badminton Canada is the national sport governing body dedicated to developing and promoting badminton for all Canadians. It is responsible for developing elite athletes, coaches, and officials and assists with grassroots development activities for badminton.

The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in Canada and supports participation and excellence from playground to podium. Funding of $15,000 for the 2012 Yonex Canada Open Grand Prix has been provided through Sport Canada’s Hosting Program. In 2011-2012, Badminton Canada received approximately $245,000 from the Sport Support Program, and almost $87,000 was provided through the Athlete Assistance Program to support 11 athletes with living and training expenses.

For further information:

For more information (media only), please contact:
Jenny Van Alstyne
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Bal Gosal, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State (Sport)
819-934-1122
jenny.vanalstyne@pch.gc.ca

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca

Whitehorse, Yukon, June 29, 2012—The Government of Canada continues to combat elder abuse by funding projects through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP). The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) and Ryan Leef, Member of Parliament for Yukon, highlighted NHSP funding today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

“Elder abuse robs older people of their dignity and well-being at a time when they ought to feel secure,” said Minister Wong. “Our government is taking action to prevent the neglect and harm that seniors may experience.”

“Canadian seniors and elders in the North need our help in the fight against elder abuse,” said Mr. Leef. “By educating people on the signs and symptoms of elder abuse, we are empowering communities to stand up and stop the abuse.”

The Yukon Public Legal Education Association will receive $328,000 to develop and deliver presentations and information kits for seniors and elders in Yukon. These tools will help increase awareness and recognition of elder abuse and improve community response measures.

This is one of 33 pan-Canadian NHSP projects, totalling $14.6 million, announced on the occasion of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15.

The NHSP continues to support seniors through a new call for proposals for community-based projects, some of which also address elder abuse. The call was launched on May 8 and is closing today, June 29, 2012 (September 15, 2012 for Quebec). For more information, visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/seniors.

This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

For further information (media only):

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

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

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

Pan-Canadian projects focus on developing or identifying tools, resources and promising practices that can be adapted and shared across communities, regions or Canada to address elder abuse. This funding can enable community members to better recognize elder abuse in all its forms and to improve the quality of life, safety and security of seniors. Eligible pan-Canadian grant or contribution projects must have a broad reach and impact. They are eligible for up to $250,000 in funding per year, for up to three years.

A call for proposals for pan-Canadian projects was launched on October 17, 2011, and closed on November 25, 2011. A total of 33 elder abuse awareness and prevention projects were approved and will receive over $14.6 million in funding.

Other actions taken by the Government of Canada to combat elder abuse

In 2008, the Government launched the Federal Elder Abuse Initiative (FEAI), a multi-departmental, three-year initiative to help seniors and others recognize the signs and symptoms of elder abuse and to provide information on available supports. This initiative successfully concluded on March 31, 2011.

Building on the momentum created by the FEAI, the Government continues to address elder abuse through awareness campaigns that aim to help Canadians recognize the signs of elder abuse and give them information on available resources and supports. For more information, please visit seniors.gc.ca.

In addition, the Government is addressing elder abuse through recently introduced legislation that would help ensure consistently tough penalties for offences involving the abuse of elderly persons.

Toronto, Ontario, June 15, 2012— The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today announced a federal investment of almost $15 million under the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) for 33 pan-Canadian projects that address elder abuse. The announcement was made on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

“Our government is committed to ensuring the well-being of Canadian seniors and we remain dedicated to ending elder abuse in all its forms,” said Minister Wong. “By partnering with a variety of stakeholders and organizations from across Canada, we can help seniors better protect themselves from abuse while continuing to raise awareness.”

Minister of State Wong made the announcement before the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario, which is receiving $675,000 to create and disseminate a best-practices guideline on elder abuse awareness for nurses across Canada.

The NHSP continues to support seniors through a new call for proposals for community-based projects, some of which also address elder abuse. The call was issued May 8 and will close June 29, 2012 (September 15, 2012 for Quebec). For more information, visit: www.hrsdc.gc.ca/seniors.

This news release is available in alternative formats on request.

For further information (media only):

Robert Lynch
Director of Communications
Office of Minister of State (Seniors), Alice Wong
819-953-1144

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

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, and supports the Government of Canada’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of Canadian seniors and ending elder abuse in all its forms. Through the NHSP, the Government of Canada encourages seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences to the benefit of others. Since its beginning, the NHSP has funded more than 10 400 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada.

Pan-Canadian projects focus on developing or identifying tools, resources and promising practices that can be adapted and shared across communities, regions or Canada to address elder abuse. This funding can enable community members to better recognize elder abuse in all its forms and to improve the quality of life, safety and security of seniors. Eligible pan-Canadian grant or contribution projects must have a broad reach and impact. They are eligible for up to $250,000 in funding per year, for up to three years.

A call for proposals for pan-Canadian projects was launched on October 17, 2011, and closed on November 25, 2011. A total of 33 elder abuse awareness and prevention projects were approved and will receive over $14.6 million in funding.

Other Actions Taken by the Government of Canada to Combat Elder Abuse

In 2008, the government launched the Federal Elder Abuse Initiative (FEAI), a multi-departmental, three-year initiative to help seniors and others recognize the signs and symptoms of elder abuse and to provide information on available supports. This initiative successfully concluded on March 31, 2011.

Building on the momentum created by the FEAI, the Government continues to address elder abuse through awareness campaigns that aim to help Canadians recognize the signs of elder abuse and give them information on available resources and supports. For more information, please visit seniors.gc.ca.

In addition, the Government is addressing elder abuse through recently introduced legislation that will help ensure consistently tough penalties for offences involving the abuse of elderly persons.

Agreements have been signed and are in place for the following 29 projects, and up to four more projects are expected to be signed in the near future.

OTTAWA – The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, and the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State for Seniors, today announced a Harper Government investment in support of the development of new palliative care models.

“Canadians who are ill and are at the end of their lives need and deserve compassionate care that is seamless and tailored to their needs,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “That is why our Government is providing funding for the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association and its partners to improve access to palliative care for Canadians and support the sustainability of the health care system.”

“When our health is failing, we want to be in a place that feels like home but has the medical resources needed for palliative care.” said Minister of State Wong. “Our goal is to help improve the quality of life of people living with life-threatening illnesses.”

The Harper Government’s one-time funding contribution will facilitate the delivery of palliative care in a range of settings, and by a variety of care providers, so that these services are provided in a cost-effective and sustainable way. Health Canada supports Canada-wide initiatives that raise quality standards for hospice palliative care delivery, support caregivers, and contribute to raising public awareness and sharing of knowledge.

“As Canada’s population ages, it becomes increasingly important for us to build a system of community-integrated hospice palliative care,” said Ms. Sharon Baxter, Executive Director, Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association. “This funding will help with the development of hospice palliative care at a community level that is more easily accessible to Canadians and their families.”

The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) is a national, non-profit association for which the mission is to provide leadership in improving the quality of living and dying for persons with progressive life-limiting illness and their families. The organization also provides a strong voice and national leadership in hospice palliative care in Canada.

-30-

Backgrounder:

The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, and the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State for Seniors, today announced a Harper Government investment in support of The Harper Government is providing one-time funding of $3 million to the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association to support the development of community-integrated palliative care models for the health care sector.

“The Way Forward: Moving Toward Community-Integrated Palliative Care in Canada” initiative will focus on the following activities and outcomes:

* describing the current environment and issues through scoping reviews and discussion documents as a basis for consultations;
* consulting with a wide range of partners and stakeholders;
* engaging partners and stakeholders in a dialogue toward the development and implementation of a framework for community-integrated palliative care models, that will include strategic directions, priorities for action, and a road map for implementation;
* distributing the results to stakeholders who are in positions to implement the framework;
* evaluating the activities, outputs, and outcomes of the initiative.

Community-integrated palliative care models allow end-of-life care to be delivered in a range of settings and by a variety of care providers so that these services are increased in a cost-effective and sustainable way. Health Canada supports Canadian-wide initiatives that raise quality standards for hospice palliative care delivery, support caregivers across settings, and contribute to raising public awareness and knowledge-sharing.

How will this initiative improve our health care system?

Palliative care will be available in a broader range of settings. With increasing emphasis on policies that encourage aging and dying “in place,” health care systems need to enable delivery of palliative care in any setting, including long-term care facilities, shelters, at home and in other residential care settings. Having palliative care available in a broader range of settings would alleviate pressures on hospital beds and honour Canadians’ preferences.

More health care providers will be trained in palliative care. This initiative will facilitate palliative care training for a wider range of care providers, such as doctors, nurses, and social workers who can be better prepared to recognize when palliative care services are appropriate, and either provide those services themselves or refer the person to other care providers.

More Canadians will have access to palliative care. This initiative will benefit the health care system by improving access to palliative care and reducing the use of hospital beds for end-of-life symptom control that could be done in other settings.

More information will be available about care at the end of life. This initiative will provide tools and resources to help health care providers, and all Canadians, be better informed about end-of-life care. Advance care planning is the process by which a person considers options and identifies their wishes with regard to future health care decisions. Greater awareness and discussions about care at the end of life can help to avoid unwanted or ineffective interventions at the end of life. Please visit advance care planning, for more information.

Integrated care models will help improve efficiencies for the health care system and end results for Canadians. In the year before death, people tend to use the health care system more (and incur more costs) than at any other period in their lives. This occurs, in part, because a determination of the most appropriate care, provider, and location of care is not often made, discussed or available. The default in a crisis is the Emergency Department, which has implications for wait times. By examining different models of community-integrated palliative care, identifying and sharing promising practices and putting forward strategies for implementing these models across Canada, this initiative can help to provide better outcomes for all Canadians.

Funding for this project comes from a Budget 2011 commitment to support the development of community-integrated palliative care models. It will fall under Health Canada’s Health Care Policy Contribution Program (HCPCP) – Health Care System Innovation Fund, which is designed to support the Government of Canada’s commitment to improving the health care system by fostering strategic and evidence based decision-making and innovation in quality health care.

For more information on the Community-integrated palliative care initiative, please visit the website being developed by the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association.

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