Hon. Alice Wong, P.C.

Iqaluit, Nunavut, November 2, 2012—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today met with local seniors’ organizations to discuss informed, engaged and active seniors.

“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the well-being of seniors,” said Minister of State Wong. “We believe their well-being 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 and engaged 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 Government of Canada’s website, seniors.gc.ca, is a key resource for seniors,” said Minister of State Wong. “The website provides relevant and easy access to information on federal, provincial and territorial services and benefits available to Canadian seniors.”

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

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, October 26, 2012—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today met with local seniors’ organizations on keeping seniors informed, engaged, and active.

“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the well-being of seniors,” said Minister of State Wong. “We believe their well-being 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 Government of Canada’s website, seniors.gc.ca, is a key resource for seniors,” said Minister of State Wong. “The website provides relevant and easy access to information on federal, provincial and territorial services and benefits available to Canadian seniors.”

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

Vancouver, British Columbia, October 20, 2012—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), addressed participants today at the Canadian Association on Gerontology’s 41st Annual Scientific and Educational Meeting, the theme of which is “Aging in a Changing World.”

Minister of State Wong introduced one of the keynote speakers, Dr. Geoff Fernie, Director for Research at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, who spoke about the role of technology in helping seniors with disabilities stay mobile and independent. She also provided opening remarks at the National Seniors Council’s workshop, where Council members presented preliminary findings on their consultations with employers about the aging workforce.

“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the well-being and ongoing needs of Canada’s seniors,” said Minister of State Wong. “Working together, we can all encourage seniors to stay active, engaged and informed in a rapidly changing world.”

Minister of State Wong also participated in the annual Awards Ceremony of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Institute of Aging. The awards are an occasion for members of the research community to recognize the work of their peers.

This three-day conference provides an opportunity for all levels of governments, seniors’ organizations, professional associations, academics, experts and non-governmental organizations to come together to share their views and perspectives to better address the needs of seniors.

Ottawa, Ontario, October 1, 2012—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), delivered opening remarks today, on the occasion of National Seniors Day, at an elder abuse awareness event organized by the Fédération des aînées et aînés francophones du Canada (FAAFC).

“National Seniors Day is an occasion to recognize seniors, and all of the valuable contributions they have made and continue to make in our communities, workplaces, families and society,” said Minister of State Wong. “On this day, the Government of Canada is proud to pay tribute to seniors and remains committed to better protecting Canadian seniors from elder abuse.”

The FAAFC received $700,000 in pan-Canadian project funding under the New Horizons for Senior Program (NHSP) to update and improve elder abuse awareness tools, create a national network of partners and train senior volunteers to facilitate awareness activities for seniors in francophone communities across the country. This is one of 33 pan-Canadian NHSP projects, totalling $14.6 million, that the Government of Canada announced in early summer to help increase awareness of elder abuse.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the well-being of seniors. For relevant and easy-to-access information on federal, provincial and territorial services and benefits available to Canadian seniors, please visit www.seniors.gc.ca.

Speaking notes for the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)
Prévention des abus envers les aîné(e)s Fédération des aînées et aînés francophones du Canada (FAAFC)
Ottawa, Ontario
October 1, 2012

Bonjour tout le monde! Je suis contente d’être avec vous.

When I first came to Canada, I learned to speak English, and now I’m practicing the beautiful French language. By National Seniors Day next year, and with more practice, I’m hoping to be able to speak a little more français with you.

Today, I’d like to congratulate the Fédération for the outstanding job you are doing in raising awareness about elder abuse.

The initiative you have undertaken to prevent violence and abuse against seniors is quite remarkable, and the tools you are developing to increase awareness of elder abuse in francophone communities are inspiring.

Through partnerships with your member associations in the provinces and territories, you have the ability to reach francophone audiences in a very effective manner on this important issue.

Your president, Michel Vézina, has shown great resolve and determination in this area.

Michel, leaders like you are precisely the champions we need in the fight against elder abuse. Merci Michel!

As Minister of State for Seniors, I am very happy to be with you on the occasion of National Seniors Day.

October 1 is a day to recognize Canada’s seniors, and all the valuable contributions they have made, and continue to make in our communities, workplaces, families, and society.

Throughout their lives, seniors have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge, experience and influence, which they continue to share as leaders and mentors.

Just look at the number of seniors who are actively involved in their communities.

Our government is proud to pay tribute to seniors and remains committed to supporting their well-being.

We are also committed to protecting seniors from elder abuse.

It’s always very disturbing to read the papers and find a story about seniors who have been mistreated or neglected by a family member or by someone they trusted.

Our government is committed to fighting elder abuse through the New Horizons for Seniors Program, through public awareness campaigns and through proposed legislation to amend Canada’s Criminal Code to further protect our seniors against these crimes.

We encourage innovative solutions such as the ones being carried out by the Fédération.

Today, on behalf of the Government of Canada, it gives me great pleasure to announce $700,000 in NHSP funding to support your organization.

This investment will enable the Fédération to build on the success achieved in Phase 1 of its campaign against elder abuse.

I understand that, with this funding, you will be accomplishing many important things: organizing a symposium on elder abuse; recruiting and training volunteers; developing a promotional campaign for francophone communities; and producing a documentary series on elder abuse.

All these activities will drive home the point that elder abuse won’t be tolerated.

Seniors have worked hard to build this country, and they continue to contribute to its success. For that we thank them.

But we in turn need to ensure that seniors can continue to live with dignity—free from prejudice, free from neglect and free from abuse.

We owe it to them.

Before I leave you, I would like to tell you about one of my other priorities—to help seniors stay active, engaged and informed. I believe these are the keys to seniors’ well-being.

Please visit our website, seniors.gc.ca, for more information.

Again, on behalf of our government, I would like to wish you all a happy National Seniors Day.

Merci!

Ottawa, Ontario, October 1, 2012—Today, the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), marked Canada’s National Seniors Day at a traditional tea event organized by the Bruyère Foundation and hosted by the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa, Ontario.

“I am pleased to be here today on the occasion of National Seniors Day to honour and celebrate this country’s seniors,” said Minister of State Wong. “The Government of Canada is committed to the continued well-being of seniors and we believe that, ultimately, their well-being depends on staying active, engaged and informed.”

Minister of State Wong praised the Bruyère Foundation for its support and dedication to the continued care of Canadian seniors. She also congratulated the Fairmont Château Laurier on its 100th birthday.

The Government of Canada officially established National Seniors Day in 2010 to provide an occasion for all Canadians to celebrate and appreciate seniors. It coincides with the United Nations International Day of Older Persons.

People looking for ideas to celebrate the seniors in their lives, or who wish to learn more about National Seniors Day, programs and services for seniors or tips on how to better stay active, engaged and informed, are encouraged to visit www.seniors.gc.ca.

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 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 in 2011. This was the largest increase in 25 years to the GIS, for the lowest-income seniors. This measure further improves the financial security and well-being of more than 680 000 seniors across Canada. It represents an investment of $1.5 billion over five years;
* increasing funding to the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) in Budget 2011 by $5 million, bringing the Program’s annual budget to $45 million. The Program helps seniors use their leadership abilities, energy and skills to benefit communities across Canada;
* providing Canadians with close to $76 billion this year through Canada’s public pension system;
* providing $2.5 billion in additional tax relief to seniors and pensioners through measures such as enabling pension income splitting and increasing the Age credit in 2012–2013;
* 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;
* appointing a Minister of State (Seniors)—someone who can bring the concerns of older Canadians to the Cabinet table and stand up on their behalf;
* ongoing actions to address elder abuse, which include: awareness campaigns; the NHSP, which funds projects to raise awareness of elder abuse; and recently proposed legislation that would help ensure consistently tough penalties for offences involving the abuse of elderly persons; and
* developing seniors.gc.ca as a central resource for Government of Canada information relating to seniors and seniors’ initiatives.

Toronto, Ontario, September 30, 2012—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), spoke on the eve of Canada’s National Seniors Day at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto (CCCGT) and highlighted New Horizons for Seniors Program funding to the organization.

The Government of Canada officially established National Seniors Day to recognize seniors and all of the valuable contributions they have made and continue to make in communities, workplaces and families.

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

The CCCGT received $25,000 in community-based project funding under the New Horizons for Seniors Program to provide educational sessions for Chinese-Canadian seniors to learn more about health issues and to encourage them to stay active.

People looking for ideas to celebrate the seniors in their lives, or who wish to learn more about National Seniors Day and/or programs and services for seniors, are encouraged to visit www.seniors.gc.ca.

Backgrounder

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

* introducing a new Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) top-up benefit to help Canada’s most vulnerable seniors in 2011. This was the largest increase in 25 years to the GIS, for the lowest-income seniors. This measure further improves the financial security and well-being of more than 680 000 seniors across Canada. It represents an investment of $1.5 billion over five years;

* increasing funding to the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) in Budget 2011 by $5 million, bringing the Program’s annual budget to $45 million. The Program helps seniors use their leadership abilities, energy and skills to benefit communities across Canada;

* providing Canadians with close to $76 billion this year through Canada’s public pension system;

* providing $2.5 billion in additional tax relief to seniors and pensioners through measures such as enabling pension income splitting and increasing the Age credit in 2012–2013;

* 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;

* appointing a Minister of State (Seniors)—someone who can bring the concerns of older Canadians to the Cabinet table and stand up on their behalf;

* ongoing actions to address elder abuse, which include: awareness campaigns; the NHSP, which funds projects to raise awareness of elder abuse; and recently proposed legislation that would help ensure consistently tough penalties for offences involving the abuse of elderly persons; and

* developing seniors.gc.ca as a central resource for Government of Canada information relating to seniors and seniors’ initiatives.

Vienna, Austria, September 20, 2012—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today addressed the Ministerial Conference on Ageing at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, hosted by the Austrian Government, to talk about Canadian successes and to share best practices about social inclusion and participation of older persons in the labour market.

“The participation of older workers and seniors in the labour force has a positive impact on communities and the economy,” said Minister of State Wong. “Older Canadians play an important role in Canadian society, and we are committed to helping them stay active, engaged and informed.”

The Government of Canada supports the Commission’s work of exchanging experiences that can help address information, knowledge and implementation gaps. This two-day forum has created an open dialogue between participants with the aim of building a society for all ages.

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
Office of Minister of State (Seniors), Alice Wong
1-613-790-0219

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

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.

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.