Hon. Alice Wong, P.C.

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.

-30-

Media Enquiries:
Health Canada
(613) 957-2983

Cailin Rodgers
Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200

Public Enquiries:
(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709

Prague, Czech Republic – May 29, 2012

Check against delivery

I am delighted to be here today, on behalf of the Government of Canada, especially in Prague, a city so rich in history and culture.

Having said that, I would like to thank both Dr. Jane Barratt, Secretary General of the IFA, and Mr. Greg Shaw, IFA Director, for inviting me.

It’s also a privilege to be in the company of His Excellency, Petr Necas, Minister Jaromir Drábec, and distinguished colleagues Jan Lorman and Irene Hoskins.

The IFA, as you all know, is based in my home country of Canada, and as Canadians, we are familiar with, and inspired by, the good work you do.

As Minister of State for Seniors in Canada, I recognize that like many other countries, we face unprecedented demographic change, making this a unique time to be working on seniors’ issues.

Now, if you’ll indulge me for a moment, I would like to quickly touch upon a subject that has become quite close to my heart—elder abuse.

Yesterday, I opened a conference organized by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse.

I am delighted to see the efforts made by other countries, such as yours, which are taking action to eliminate elder abuse. But more needs to be done. And I think a continued approach to raising awareness is an important first step to addressing this problem.

Getting back on track, during the IFA’s Senior Government Officials Meeting, I was pleased to learn how advances in long-term care and technology are helping to keep seniors active and safe in their homes.

Learning from one another is critical. And this is why I am here today—to learn from you and share best practices.

What we discover here will help seniors in our respective countries enjoy the best possible quality of life, and that is why this event is so important.

Let’s take this opportunity to reinvent the idea of the “golden years” in which one is still active and vital, and to make these years a time for creative development.

I wish you a successful conference.

Thank you.

Prague, Czech Republic, May 28, 2012 — The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), is meeting with international counterparts and stakeholders today to discuss and promote the interests of seniors, including the serious problem of elder abuse, at two international conferences.

“World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is our opportunity to come together to put a spotlight on this critical issue facing all of our countries,” said Minister of State Wong. “Canada stands with the international community in its efforts to raise awareness, to more effectively measure the prevalence and to legislate tougher penalties for those who abuse seniors.”

Minister Wong gave opening remarks today at the 7th World Conference and Commemoration of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, hosted by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse. Tomorrow, she will provide greetings at the 11th Global Conference on Ageing: “Ageing Connects,” organized by the International Federation on Ageing.

As part of its ongoing commitment to address elder abuse, the Government of Canada continues to play an active role in addressing elder abuse through awareness campaigns, the New Horizons for Seniors Program and recently proposed legislation. The Government of Canada also continues to work with its domestic and international partners to address elder abuse and advance the overall well-being of seniors, taking into consideration the challenges of an aging population.

– 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)
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. This is the largest increase in the GIS for the lowest-income seniors in 25 years. The measure further improves the financial security and well-being of more than 680 000 seniors across Canada. It represents an investment of more than $300 million annually;
* increasing funding to the New Horizons for Seniors Program in 2011 by $5 million for two years, 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 this fiscal year in additional tax relief to seniors and pensioners through measures such as enabling 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 ageing through the collaborative Age-Friendly Communities Initiative, Physical Activity Tips for Older Adults and fall-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;
* establishing October 1 as National Seniors Day to recognize the significant and ongoing contributions seniors make to families, communities, workplaces and society; and
* ongoing action to address elder abuse including: awareness campaigns, the New Horizons for Seniors Program, which includes projects to raise awareness of elder abuse, and recently proposed legislation that would help ensure consistently tough penalties for offences involving abuse of elderly persons.

Find out more

For more information on what the Government of Canada is doing for seniors, visit www.seniors.gc.ca.

Prague, Czech Republic – May 28, 2012

Check against delivery

In many cultures around the world, elders are considered a source of immeasurable knowledge and wisdom.

In the Aboriginal cultures of my country, Canada, elders have taught us that life is an endless circle, and that we have to create around us circles of protection, healing and mutual support.

We are gathered here today, at this 7th World Conference and Commemoration of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, to create such a circle.

It’s very encouraging to see people here from so many different nations. It’s good to know that in the fight against elder abuse, we have so many allies in the international community.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank Gloria Gutman from the INPEA and Jan Lorman from Zivot 90 for organizing and hosting this important event.

Gloria and her team, by the way, are based in Canada, and I want to thank them for all the important work they do to raise awareness of elder abuse both at home and around the world.

Elder abuse is difficult to talk about. It’s an emotional issue. But talking about it, breaking the silence and helping people understand the magnitude of this problem is essential for it to stop.

We all hope we can grow older without losing our autonomy. But a time may come when we are dependent on others, and more vulnerable than we are now.

So it’s troubling and terrible to think that the people we trust might take advantage of us.

That is why elder abuse is such a tragedy—because it is so often a betrayal of trust.

This betrayal of trust is also the reason why elder abuse is hidden and under‑reported.

Elder abuse robs older people of their dignity and peace at a time of life when they ought to feel secure.

The Government of Canada recognizes that elder abuse is a problem with devastating consequences—a problem that must not be tolerated.

We are taking action in various ways to prevent and fight the neglectful acts that may harm vulnerable seniors.

For example, through a program called New Horizons for Seniors, we invite Canadian organizations to apply for funding to implement local, regional or national projects to address elder abuse.

When we issued a request for proposals last fall, the response was overwhelming. Organizations across the country contacted us with ideas for suitable projects.

Last month, we announced over $35.6 million in funding for small community-led projects, some of which address elder abuse.

And, in the coming weeks, we look forward to announcing funding for larger pan-Canadian projects related to elder abuse awareness.

On the judicial side, our government has moved to defend older Canadians who are mistreated.

We recently proposed legislation to amend Canada’s Criminal Code to ensure consistently tough penalties for offences involving the abuse of older people. This will further help protect our seniors against these crimes.

Of course, prevention is always better than punishment. Educating the public about elder abuse is still our first line of defence.

In Canada, we continue to raise awareness with our national elder abuse awareness campaign called “It’s Time to Face the Reality.”

The most recent campaign ran this past winter and included television, print and Internet elements.

We’re very proud of this successful campaign, and I am pleased to be able to show you today the television ad that has been airing across Canada.

We hope this campaign and our other initiatives to combat elder abuse will continue to spark a change in attitudes in communities across our country.

I am very proud of the leadership role that our government is taking to address elder abuse. But we cannot do it alone. Everyone has a role to play in fighting elder abuse.

In Canada, we continue to work closely with other levels of government, and organizations like the INPEA and the Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse.

By the way, I am very happy to see at this conference Dr. Lynn McDonald from the National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly, otherwise known as NICE, and Marie Beaulieu, holder of the Research Chair on the Mistreatment of Older Adults at the Université de Sherbrooke. And I would like to acknowledge all the excellent work they are doing.

NICE recently completed an important research project supported by the Government of Canada entitled Preparatory Work to Measure the Mistreatment of Older Adults in Canada.

They will be doing a presentation on this topic later today, and I think you will find it very insightful.

Canada is pleased that World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is now officially recognized by the United Nations.

The Day gives us an opportunity to shine a brighter light on the problem of elder abuse, which affects people around the globe.

In this regard, the INPEA has been a tremendous influence for good. Without your dedication and determination to combat elder abuse, this critical issue would still be unaddressed and unrecognized.

I am glad to be with you at this event today. I am interested to hear the outcomes.

I also look forward to participating in the International Federation on Ageing’s 11th Global Conference on Ageing tomorrow.

Working together, we can create a circle of protection around vulnerable elders and make a difference in their lives.

Working together, we can put a stop to elder abuse.

Thank you for inviting me today, and I wish you all a productive and successful conference.

TORONTO, March 15, 2012 — The Government of Canada announced today the introduction of legislation which will help ensure that sentencing for crimes against elderly Canadians reflects the significant impact that crime has on their lives. The announcement was made by the Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada; along with the Honourable Alice Wong, M.P. for Richmond and Minister of State (Seniors); and Robert Goguen, M.P. for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice.

““Our Government has a responsibility to protect elderly Canadians and to ensure that crimes against them are punished appropriately,” said Minister Nicholson. “This legislation will help ensure tough sentences for those who take advantage of vulnerable members of our society.””

““This legislation would further support our Government’s common front to combat elder abuse in all forms,” said Minister of State Wong. “Elder abuse will not be tolerated. Our Government is committed to ensuring that Canadians are made aware of this serious issue and that they have the necessary information and support to take action and help prevent abuse.””

Under the proposed amendment to the Criminal Code, evidence that an offence had a significant impact on the victims due to their age – and other personal circumstances such as health or financial situation – would be considered an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes.

The amendment would ensure a consistent application of sentencing practices that treat the abuse against individuals who are vulnerable due to their age and other personal circumstances seriously. The Criminal Code already contains similar measures that denounce the abuse of vulnerable persons. For instance, it states that the abuse of a person under the age of eighteen is an aggravating factor at sentencing.

““The interests of law-abiding citizens should always be placed ahead of those of criminals,” said Parliamentary Secretary Goguen. “Our Government will continue to honour our 2011 platform pledge to protect our seniors.””

The Government addresses elder abuse in a number of ways, including its elder abuse awareness campaigns and the New Horizons for Seniors Program, which includes projects to increase awareness. In 2011, the Government increased its investment in the New Horizons for Seniors Program by $5 million per year, bringing the program’s annual budget to $45 million.

More information about elder abuse can be found at www.seniors.gc.ca.

Backgrounder: Elder Abuse Legislation

-30-

Ref.:

Julie Di Mambro
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Justice
613-992-4621

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

Media Relations
Department of Justice
613-957-4207

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

Ottawa, Ontario, October 3, 2011—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today participated in the Mayor’s Seniors Summit organized by the City of Ottawa and hosted by Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson.

“Seniors represent a diverse and growing population, playing a significant role in building a stronger Canada,” said Minister Wong. “They deserve our support and we are working hard to improve their quality of life.”

The Mayor’s Seniors Summit provided an opportunity for seniors to come together to discuss what the City of Ottawa is doing for seniors and to provide ideas about ways to improve services. This Summit is part of a larger project that will culminate in a new older adult action plan for the City of Ottawa in 2012.

Minister Wong, alongside Mayor Watson, addressed attendees. She highlighted the work the Government of Canada is doing for seniors as well as her role in overseeing the work of the National Seniors Council and co-charing the Forum of Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors.

– 30 –

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 helpCanada’s most vulnerable seniors. This is the largest increase to theGISin a quarter century. The measure will further improve the financial security and well-being of more than 680,000 seniors acrossCanada. 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 throughCanada’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 $387.9 million over two years underCanada’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;
* establishing October 1st as National Seniors Day to recognize the significant and ongoing contributions seniors make to families, communities, workplaces and society;
* 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; and
* providing $13 million over three years in Budget 2008 to help seniors and others recognize the signs and symptoms of elder abuse, and to provide information on available support.

Richmond, British Columbia, October 1, 2011—To mark Canada’s first National Seniors Day, Alice Wong, Member of Parliament for Richmond and Minister of State (Seniors) today celebrated seniors at her constituency in Richmond.

Coinciding with the United Nations’ International Day of Older Persons, the Government of Canada established National Seniors Day as an opportunity for Canadians to pay tribute to the contributions that seniors make to their families, communities, workplaces and society.

“National Seniors Day is an occasion to celebrate Canadian seniors,” said Alice Wong. “Especially in the City of Richmond, where people have the longest life expectancies across all of Canada. Today, we recognize the many contributions seniors have made and we thank them for continuing to be mentors and leaders in our communities.”

For tips and resources to celebrate the seniors in your life, or for more information on National Seniors Day and the Government’s programs and services for seniors, please visit www.seniors.gc.ca.

– 30 –

This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

For further information (media only):

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

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

Backgrounder

National Seniors Day is one of a number of initiatives that the Government of Canada has undertaken in recent years. In the most recent federal budget last June, the Government introduced the following:

• a new Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) top-up benefit to help Canada’s most vulnerable seniors;

• $10 million over two years to increase funding for the New Horizons for Seniors Program, bringing the program’s total 2011–2012 budget to $45 million; and

• $50 million over two years to extend the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers until 2013–2014.

The Government of Canada has brought about a number of initiatives in support of seniors:
• providing 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 Budget 2009 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 fall-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;
• establishing October 1st as National Seniors Day to recognize the significant and ongoing contributions seniors make to families, communities, workplaces and society;
• 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; and
• investing $13 million over three years in support of the Federal Elder Abuse Initiative (FEAI), which successfully concluded on March 31, 2011. Building on the momentum created through the FEAI, which featured an awareness campaign, the Government of Canada remains active in addressing elder abuse through the New Horizons for Seniors Program.

TORONTO, ONTARIO, September 30, 2011—The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, along with Minister of State (Seniors), the Honourable Alice Wong, kicked off early celebrations in anticipation of Canada’s inaugural National Seniors Day, which officially takes place October 1st.

“Canadians now have an official day to celebrate seniors, which coincides with the United Nations’ International Day of Older Persons,” said Minister Finley. “The Government is proud to pay tribute and recognize the many contributions seniors make to their families, communities, workplaces and society.”

Minister Wong joined members of the Multicultural Council for Ontario Seniors to celebrate.

“National Seniors Day is an occasion for all Canadians to appreciate and celebrate seniors,” said Minister Wong. “Canada’s seniors dedicated their lives to our country — they deserve our thanks as they continue to be influential mentors and leaders in our communities.”

The Government of Canada is taking action to ensure that our policies, programs and services continue to improve the well-being and quality of life for seniors.

For ideas and resources to celebrate the seniors in your lives, or for more information on National Seniors Day and the Government’s programs and services for seniors, visit www.seniors.gc.ca.

– 30 –

This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

For further information (media only):

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

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

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

Backgrounder

Seniors Related Initiatives

The establishment of National Seniors Day builds on the many concrete measures introduced by the Government to improve the well-being and quality of life of Canada’s seniors. The 2010 Speech from the Throne announced legislation to create a seniors day. On November 18, 2010, Bill C 40, the Celebrating Canada’s Seniors Act, received Royal Assent, officially marking October 1st of each year as National Seniors Day inCanada.

National Seniors Day is just one of a number of initiatives that the Government of Canada has undertaken for seniors in recent years. In the most recent federal budget last June, the Government introduced the following:

* a new Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) top-up benefit to help Canada’s most vulnerable seniors;
* $10 million over two years to increase funding for the New Horizons for Seniors Program, bringing the program’s total 2011–2012 budget to $45 million; and
* $50 million over two years to extend the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers program until 2013–2014.

The Government of Canada has brought about a number of initiatives in support of seniors:

* providing Canadians with over $70 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 Budget 2009 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 fall 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;
* 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; and
* investing $13 million over three years in support of the Federal Elder Abuse Initiative (FEAI), which successfully concluded on March 31, 2011.
* Building on the momentum created through the FEAI, which featured an awareness campaign, the Government of Canada remains active in addressing elder abuse through the New Horizons for Seniors Program.

OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(Sept. 29, 2011) – The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health and the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) today announced that 10 new research projects will benefit from an approximately $6 million investment from the Government of Canada.

“These studies touch on neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy and neuromuscular conditions. Through this research, we will gain reliable information on the extent of neurological conditions and their effects on Canadians,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “Together with our partners, our government is working to reduce the burden of neurological disease in Canada.”

The funding announced will support research being carried out across Canada. The Public Health Agency of Canada is collaborating with Neurological Health Charities Canada (NHCC), a coalition of 26 neurological charities, to implement these studies. The investment announced today is part of the Government of Canada’s $15 million commitment to the first-ever National Population Health Study of Neurological Conditions.

“Upon the completion of the National Population Health Study in 2013, we will have new critical information to further assist governments, neurological health charities, caregivers and those living with neurological conditions. We look forward to using this information in determining priorities going forward,” said Minister Wong.

The studies announced today will deepen our understanding of the effects of neurological conditions on the lives of Canadians and their families and the ability of health, social and community services to support them.

FACT SHEET

September 2011

NEUROLOGICAL PROJECTS

SUMMARY

The Government of Canada is investing approximately $6 million today to support 10 studies on neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and neuromuscular conditions.

This investment is part of the Government of Canada’s $15 million commitment to the first-ever National Population Health Study on Neurological Conditions which will provide a better picture of the state of neurological diseases in Canada.

Neurological Research Projects

RICHMOND, BC – Hon. Alice Wong, Member of Parliament for Richmond and Minister of State (Seniors) will be hosting an open house in Richmond to celebrate the first annual National Seniors Day, which occurs on October 1. Alice Wong will be giving a short speech, take questions from media and will be talking with individual seniors and seniors stakeholders. Members of the media are invited.

Date: Saturday, October 1, 2011

Location: “Social Suite” on the 6th (top) floor of the London Plaza Parkade
5971 No. 3 Road
Richmond, BC

Time: 9:30am to 11:30am (Speech by Alice Wong at 10:00am).

Accessibility: There is an elevator in the London Plaza parkade that leads to the 6th floor. Accessible parking on the top floor is limited; if full, guests can park in lower floors and take the elevator up.