Hon. Alice Wong, P.C.

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.

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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.

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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
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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.

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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

The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State for Seniors, will host a roundtable with stakeholders to discuss elder abuse in Ottawa.

Minister Wong will be available for a photo op and to answer questions from the media following the roundtable.

Please note that all details are subject to change. All times are local.

DATE:
Thursday, November 24, 2011

TIME:
11:30 a.m.

PLACE:
The Good Companions
670, Albert Street
Ottawa, Ontario

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FOR INFORMATION (media only):

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

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

Burnaby, British Columbia, November 10, 2011— The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) and Member of Parliament for Richmond, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today announced that the Government of Canada is investing over $1,569,000 in four youth employment projects. Minister Wong made the announcement at S.U.C.C.E.S.S which is receiving over $696,000 through the Skills Link Program for its youth employment program.

“For many young Canadians, it is a challenge to make the transition to the job market, especially in today’s environment,” said Minister Wong. “That is why our government is creating opportunities for youth to succeed through support for community-based employment projects.”

Local youth who face barriers to employment will get job preparation training and work experience through the Government of Canada’s investments in four employment projects.

With assistance from the Government of Canada, three community organizations will each deliver a Skills Link project to help over 150 youth develop the skills and experience needed to find a job or the confidence to return to school. In addition to S.U.C.C.E.S.S, the other two projects are:

* UFCW Local 247 will receive over $469,000 in Skills Link funding for its Discovery to Apprenticeship project.
* The Mennonite Central Committee of British Columbia will receive over $364,000 in Skills Link funding for its Youth Keep Working project.

The fourth organization, Uni‑Pro Apparel Inc., will receive $40,000 for a Career Focus project to help two post‑secondary graduates gain practical experience through on-the-job training.

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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

For further information (media only):

Robert Lynch
Director, Communications
Office of Minister of State Wong
613-960-8717

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

Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-555

Backgrounder

The Skills Link and Career Focus programs are two of three programs under the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy (YES); the other program is Summer Work Experience. YES helps young people aged 15 to 30 years, particularly those facing barriers to employment, obtain career information, develop skills, gain work experience, find good jobs and stay employed.

Skills Link helps youth between 15 and 30 years of age who are not receiving Employment Insurance benefits develop basic and advanced employment skills. Career Focus links young post-secondary graduates with potential employers who can provide them with career-related work experience and help them acquire advanced employment skills to facilitate their transition into the rapidly changing labour market.

Youth employment programs are also part of the Government of Canada’s strategy to create the best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce in the world. The Government underscored its commitment to this strategy in Canada’s Economic Action Plan. A key component of the Plan is to create more and better opportunities for Canadian workers through skills development. To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

The Skills Link and Career Focus programs are delivered by Service Canada, which provides one-stop personalized services for Government of Canada programs, services and benefits. For more information about this program, visit servicecanada.gc.ca, call 1 800 O‑Canada or drop by your local Service Canada Centre.

Ottawa, Ontario, November 4, 2011—Canadians are invited to mark their calendars: National Senior Safety Week is taking place this year from November 6 to 12.

“In November, we celebrate both National Senior Safety Week and National Crime Prevention and Community Safety Month,” said the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors). “The prevention of elder abuse is about seniors’ safety and security. It is also about crime prevention and creating safe and secure communities.”

As part of the Government of Canada’s continuing commitment to combat elder abuse, Minister Wong will host a series of three round-table discussions on the issue from November 7 to 9, in western Canada. Later this month, the Government will re‑launch its successful national advertising campaign, Elder Abuse: It’s Time to Face the Reality, to increase awareness of the signs and symptoms of elder abuse, and provide information on available support.

National Senior Safety Week is led annually by the Canada Safety Council. This year’s theme is “Safe driving for older Canadians.” Independence is a key component of healthy and active aging, and driving often contributes to that independence.

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

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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

For further information (media only):

Robert Lynch
Director, Communications
Office of Minister of State Wong
613-790-0219

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

Backgrounder

Initiatives for Seniors

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

* introducing a new Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) top-up benefit to help Canada’s most vulnerable seniors. This is the largest increase to the GIS for the lowest-income seniors in a quarter century. The measure will further improve the financial security and well-being of more than 680 000 seniors across Canada. It represents a $1.5 billion investment over the next five years;
* increasing funding to the New Horizons for Seniors Program this year by $5 million per year, bringing the program’s annual budget to $45 million. The Program helps seniors bring their leadership, energy and skills to benefit communities across Canada;
* providing Canadians with close to $72 billion this year through Canada’s public pension system;
* providing $2.3 billion annually in additional 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;
* supporting positive and active aging through the collaborative Age Friendly Communities Initiative, Physical Activity Tips for Older Adults and falls prevention initiatives;
* establishing October 1 as National Seniors Day to recognize the significant and ongoing contributions seniors make to families, communities, workplaces and society; and
* creating the National Seniors Council in 2007 to provide advice to the federal government on matters related to the well-being and quality of life of seniors.

With respect to the tragic crash in Richmond of Northern Thunderbird Air Flight 204, Alice Wong stated:

“I offer my sincerest condolences to the family of Luc Fortin, pilot of the flight that crashed last Thursday. I also offer my sincerest wishes that the people on the flight and on the ground suffering injuries a full recovery from this most tragic incident.

I am aware that emergency response crews were quick to respond and before that people came out of their vehicles on Russ Baker Way to assist those in the aircraft. These people make me proud of our society and deserve Richmond’s support and commendations for their bravery.”

Toronto, Ontario, October 28, 2011—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today underscored the Government of Canada’s commitment to seniors in her address to the Annual General Meeting of CARP Canada by outlining recent action and future plans.

CARP Canada is a national, non-profit organization that set its mandate as the promotion and protection of the interests, rights and quality of life for Canadians as they age. The organization promotes social change for financial security, for equitable access to health care and for freedom from discrimination.

“Canada’s seniors have worked their entire lives to help build a better Canada,” said Minister Wong. “An aging population comes with opportunities and challenges; I am confident that Canada is uniquely equipped for the task.”

Minister Wong talked about steps the Government has taken to ensure seniors’ financial security, continued contribution and participation in their communities. She also commented on steps the Government has taken to prevent elder abuse.

More specifically, the Minister addressed two seniors-related commitments that the Government made in its Speech from the Throne last spring.

The Government has already enhanced the Guaranteed Income Supplement to help Canada’s most vulnerable seniors. This is the largest increase to the supplement in the past quarter century. It will help the lowest-income seniors make ends meet.

The other commitment was to introduce tougher sentences for those who abuse seniors. Minister Wong said that legislation to address this issue is forthcoming.

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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

For further information (media only):

Robert Lynch
Director, Communications
Office of Minister of State Wong
613-790-0219

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

Backgrounder

Seniors-related Initiatives

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

* introducing a new Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) top-up benefit to help Canada’s most vulnerable seniors. This is the largest increase to the GIS for the lowest-income seniors in a quarter century. The measure will further improve the financial security and well-being of more than 680,000 seniors across Canada. It represents a $1.5 billion investment over the next five years;
* providing $10 million over two years to increase funding for the New Horizons for Seniors Program in Budget 2011. This enhanced support will further the program’s objectives by funding a greater number of projects. The program helps seniors use their leadership, energy and skills to benefit communities across Canada;
* providing Canadians with close to $72 billion this year through Canada’s public pension system;
* providing $2.3 billion annually in additional 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;
* supporting positive and active aging through the collaborative Age Friendly Communities Initiative, Physical Activity Tips for Older Adults, and falls prevention initiatives;
* establishing October 1st as National Seniors Day to recognize the significant and ongoing contributions seniors make to families, communities, workplaces and society; and
* creating the National Seniors Council in 2007 to provide advice to the federal government on matters related to the well-being and quality of life of seniors.

The Page Program provides young Canadians with the best seats in the country to listen to heated parliamentary debates of our nation, learn about Canadian politics first hand, as well as share this year-long phenomenal experience with fellow young Canadians from coast to coast. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity that will mark one of the most memorable years of your life. (Cissie Liu, former House of Commons Page)

For more information, go to http://www.parl.gc.ca/hocpage.

This year’s deadline for application is Thursday, December 22, 2011.