Today, the Honourable Julian Fantino, the Minister of Veterans Affairs, is condemning the vandalism of the Richmond Cenotaph, a monument to First World War Veterans that sits in front of City Hall in Richmond, British Columbia. The vandalism took place on Tuesday, according to police.

“Vandalizing a memorial to those who served Canada is shameful. The memories of the men and women who put their lives at risk to protect our country must be preserved, protected and honoured. I encourage any community members with information about this incident to contact local police immediately,” said Minister Fantino. “The perpetrators should face the full force of the law.”

“The department of Veterans Affairs has reached out to the City of Richmond and we will ensure that they have financial support for their restoration efforts if needed,” added Minister Fantino.

The Government of Canada runs the Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Fund in part to help communities make repairs following unfortunate incidents such as this.

“I am deeply troubled by the actions of those who would deface a memorial which represents the sacrifice of lives in service to our country,” said Alice Wong, Conservative Member of Parliament for Richmond. “Richmond has a heritage of service, and acts like this disrespect the memories of the veterans that we cherish.”

Minister Fantino also restated his support for Bill C-217, a private member’s bill from David Tilson, Conservative Member of Parliament for Dufferin-Caledon, that would see harsher punishment for anyone who vandalizes war memorials and cenotaphs. The Government of Canada hopes this legislation passes urgently, to hold criminals accountable.

“This egregious act of vandalism underscores the importance of preserving the sanctity of monuments built in memory of those who served our country. We must ensure that anyone who commits vandalism against a war memorial will face strong consequences,” said Minister Fantino.

February 21, 2014 – Vancouver, BC – Employment and Social Development Canada

The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today announced that seniors in British Columbia and all across Canada will benefit from a project that will help raise awareness about elder abuse.

The YWCA Metro Vancouver’s project is receiving $485,000 in federal funding. The funding is provided through the pan-Canadian stream of the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP), which supports projects led or inspired by seniors who want to make a difference in the lives of others and in their communities.

Through its project, the YWCA Metro Vancouver will develop a “Train-the-Trainer” instructional module and deliver training sessions that will enable front-line staff to better detect and prevent elder abuse. The YWCA aims to engage and educate community members and further promote the safety and security of Canadian seniors.

Quick facts

• Economic Action Plan 2014 proposes an additional $5 million per year for the New Horizons for Seniors Program to support additional community projects that benefit seniors.
• Pan-Canadian projects are eligible for grant or contribution funding of up to $250,000 per year for up to three years. Pan-Canadian funding supports larger projects that increase awareness of elder abuse and help seniors protect themselves from fraud, financial abuse and other forms of abuse, and can be replicated across Canada, complementing community-based projects.
• The YWCA Metro Vancouver’s project is one of 33 pan-Canadian NHSP projects, totalling more than $14 million, which were announced on June 15, 2012.
• Since 2006, the NHSP has funded more than 11 200 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada. NHSP funding is targeted to both pan-Canadian and community-based projects.
• In 2013, over 1 750 NHSP community-based projects across Canada were approved through the 2012–2013 call for proposals and received more than $33 million in funding.

Quotes

“Our government is committed to ensuring all Canadian seniors have the information and tools they need to stop elder abuse. By promoting awareness of elder abuse and supporting prevention activities, the Government of Canada is helping to safeguard the well-being and security of seniors.”

– The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)

“YWCA Metro Vancouver has a history of helping women and families, so we were thrilled to expand our services to meet the needs of older adults. The YWCA Community Action on Elder Abuse project complements existing national awareness projects and strengthens the capacity of front-line staff and volunteers. We are grateful to the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program for providing funding that supports action against abuse of older adults.”

– Jemma Templeton, Manager, Community Action on Elder Abuse Project

Additional links

• Pan-Canadian Projects: New Horizons for Seniors Funding Program
• seniors.gc.ca

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. The NHSP is part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to ensure the well-being of Canadian seniors and combat elder abuse in all its forms. Since 2006, the NHSP has funded more than 11 200 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 and the country 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.

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 in 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.

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

For more information on the NHSP, call 1 800 O-Canada or visit seniors.gc.ca.

February 20, 2014 – Vancouver, BC – Employment and Social Development Canada

The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), announced today that Canadians with disabilities will gain better access to programs and services offered through the Lookout Society, thanks to the Government of Canada’s Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF).

The Lookout Society provides housing and support services for people who are homeless in Metro Vancouver. Through the EAF, the Society is receiving more than $16,000 to install automated door openers at the entrance to one of its buildings.

Quick facts

• The Government extended the EAF on an ongoing basis at $15 million per year to improve accessibility in facilities across Canada, including workplaces.
• Since launching the EAF in 2007, the Government of Canada has funded over 1 100 EAF projects, helping thousands of Canadians gain better access to their communities’ facilities, programs and services.
• The Government of Canada also launched the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) in April 2007, and since then has allocated over $740 million for projects to prevent and reduce homelessness across Canada. In 2013, the Government committed additional funding of almost $600 million over five years, starting April 1, 2014, to renew the HPS using a Housing First approach.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is committed to improving accessibility for Canadians with disabilities. This project ensures that people in Vancouver who need help through the Lookout Society will have easier access to their programs and services.”

– The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)

Additional links

• Government Support for Canadians with Disabilities
• Enabling Accessibility Fund

Ministers of State Wong and Sorenson take part in post-budget consultation

February 19, 2014 – Vancouver, British Columbia – Employment and Social Development

The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), and the Honourable Kevin Sorenson, Minister of State (Finance), today met with community leaders in Vancouver to highlight key measures from Economic Action Plan 2014 that help improve the quality of life for seniors.

With Economic Action Plan 2014, the Government of Canada proposes a number of initiatives to support seniors, such as:
• investing an additional $5 million per year ongoing to enhance the New Horizons for Seniors Program to enable more seniors to participate in social activities and contribute to their communities;
• improving financial literacy among seniors;
• enhancing disclosure by banks on the costs and benefits of using powers of attorney or joint accounts and more robust bank processes and staff training to better provide this information to seniors; and
• expanding health-related tax relief to help Canadians, including seniors, manage or improve their health and financial situation.

Quick facts

• The Economic Action Plan is working:
  • As a result of actions taken to date by the Government, seniors and pensioners are receiving about $2.8 billion in additional annual targeted tax relief.
  • Canada has experienced the strongest job growth among the G7 countries over the recovery. Over 1 million more Canadians are working now than at the end of the recession, with the vast majority of new jobs being full-time, high-wage, private-sector positions.
  • Canadians have enjoyed the strongest income growth in the G7. Canadian families in all income groups have seen increases of about 10 percent or more in their real after-tax, after-transfer income since 2006.
  • Canada places at the top of OECD rankings in terms of post-secondary educational attainment.

Quotes

“Through Economic Action Plan 2014, our government has set out a plan for safeguarding Canada’s economy and creating long term prosperity. With the help of Canadians, including seniors, we will continue to build on our successes and focus on the drivers of growth and job creation—innovation, investment, education, skills and communities—underpinned by our commitment to lower taxes and return to a balanced budget in 2015.”

– The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) 

“Creating jobs and opportunities for all Canadians remain our government’s top priorities. Economic Action Plan 2014’s focus on these priorities is the best way to ensure that Canada’s future is a prosperous one, with a healthy, competitive economy fuelled by low taxes, and government services that are sustainable for generations to come.”

– The Honourable Kevin Sorenson, Minister of State (Finance)

January 23, 2014 – Gatineau, QC – Employment and Social Development Canada

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the horrible fire at a seniors residence in L’Isle-Verte this morning. My thoughts and prayers go out to families and friends of those who were lost in this tragedy.”

–Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)

Government seeks Canadians’ views on how to continue to build a stronger, more prosperous Canada

January 17, 2014 – Vancouver, BC– Employment and Social Development Canada

The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today hosted a pre-budget consultation with business representatives, community leaders and academics. The roundtable was one of several consultations in communities across the country in preparation for Economic Action Plan 2014.

To ensure that all Canadians can participate in this process, in addition to the ongoing series of pre-budget roundtables, Canadians are also invited to submit their views online.

Quick facts

• The Government is committed to having a balanced budget by 2015. The Government has set an ambitious debt-to-GDP target of 25 per cent by 2021, and will reduce that ratio to pre recession levels by 2017.
• Canada leads the G-7 in job creation, income growth, and keeping debt levels low.

Quotes

“Today’s roundtable is part of a larger series of consultations that will inform future Government policy and help our government create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity, while ensuring the best use of taxpayers’ money. I’m particularly interested in hearing about how the Government can better support seniors in maintaining a high quality of life and continuing to be active members of their communities.”

– Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)

Additional links

• Introduction to Pre-Budget Online Consultation (Department of Finance Canada)

Government seeks Canadians’ views on how to continue to build a stronger, more prosperous Canada

January 16, 2014 – Winnipeg, Manitoba – Employment and Social Development Canada

The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today hosted a pre-budget consultation with business representatives, community leaders and academics. The roundtable was one of several consultations in communities across the country in preparation for Economic Action Plan 2014.

To ensure that all Canadians can participate in this process, in addition to the ongoing series of pre-budget roundtables, Canadians are also invited to submit their views online.

Quick facts

• The Government is committed to having a balanced budget by 2015. The Government has set an ambitious debt-to-GDP target of 25 per cent by 2021, and will reduce that ratio to pre recession levels by 2017.
• Canada leads the G-7 in job creation, income growth, and keeping debt levels low.

Quote

“Today’s roundtable is part of a larger series of consultations that will inform future Government policy and help our government create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity, while ensuring the best use of taxpayers’ money. I’m particularly interested in hearing about how the Government can better support seniors in maintaining a high quality of life and continuing to be active members of their communities.”

– Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)

Associated Link

• Introduction to Pre-Budget Online Consultation (Department of Finance Canada)

Government seeks Canadians’ views on how to continue to build a stronger, more prosperous Canada

January 15, 2014 – Toronto, Ontario – Employment and Social Development Canada

The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today hosted a pre-budget consultation with business representatives, community leaders and academics. The roundtable was one of several consultations in communities across the country in preparation for Economic Action Plan 2014.

To ensure that all Canadians can participate in this process, in addition to the ongoing series of pre-budget roundtables, Canadians are also invited to submit their views online.

Quick facts

• The Government is committed to having a balanced budget by 2015. The Government has set an ambitious debt-to-GDP target of 25 per cent by 2021, and will reduce that ratio to pre recession levels by 2017.
• Canada leads the G-7 in job creation, income growth, and keeping debt levels low.

Quote

“ Today’s roundtable is part of a larger series of consultations that will inform future Government policy and help our government create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity, while ensuring the best use of taxpayers’ money. I’m particularly interested in hearing about how the Government can better support seniors in maintaining a high quality of life and continuing to be active members of their communities.”

– Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)

Additional link

• Introduction to Pre-Budget Online Consultation (Department of Finance Canada)

December 19, 2013
Richmond, British Columbia

The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State for Seniors and Member of Parliament for Richmond, was in Richmond today on behalf of the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, to announce support for the Richmond Public Library under the Harper Government’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).

In Economic Action Plan 2012, the Harper Government announced further support to help communities across the country modernize their infrastructure. The Government committed $150 million over two years for the Fund.

The Fund supports projects that look to improve existing community infrastructure accessible for use by the public, such as community centres, recreational buildings, local arenas, cultural and other community facilities.

Quick Facts

• The Harper Government’s investment of $73,409 upgraded the wireless broadband service the wireless broadband service within five Richmond library branches and four recreation centres.
• These facilities are now equipped with reliable internet service and enhanced access to educational and learning opportunities for visitors.

Quotes

“I am proud to see the Richmond Public Library benefit from our Government’s support for community infrastructure improvements. This library is an important part of our community, offering opportunities for learning and providing many different services that people from Richmond have come to love. This investment helped create jobs and growth within our community, and will support the prosperity of the area for years to come.”

– Alice Wong, Minster of State for Seniors

“Our community benefits by having engaged citizens. These new library services will promote community engagement by providing more access to information for all of our residents, encouraging literacy and building new connections within the community. The City is pleased to have supported the Richmond Public Library and the Government of Canada in expanding the range and accessibility of the library’s e-services.”

– Malcolm Brodie, Mayor of Richmond

“Enhanced access to government websites, Richmond Public Library’s online resources, and the full range of social media, are just a few of the advantages. The library’s introduction of seven new digital services, including eBooks, eMagazines, eAudiobooks, eNewspapers, eMusic, eVideo and Online Language Learning, makes access to the information people need just a click away. The Richmond Public Library Board wishes to thank the Federal Government for its Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund, as well as the City of Richmond for providing this increased access.”

– Peter Kafka, Library Board Chair

Contacts

Jaime Burke
Regional Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: 604-666-1318
Email: jaime.burke@wd-deo.gc.ca

Lee Anne Smith
Coordinator, Learning Place Services
Richmond Public Library
Richmond, British Columbia
Telephone: 604-231-6417
Email: leeanne.smith@yourlibrary.ca