Hon. Alice Wong, P.C.

February 11, 2015– Vancouver, British Columbia – Employment and Social Development Canada

The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), highlighted the Government of Canada’s work to tackle the social isolation of seniors in Canada during remarks delivered today at the University of British Columbia.

Social isolation is commonly defined as a low quantity and quality of contact with others. A situation of social isolation involves few social contacts and few social roles, as well as the absence of mutually rewarding relationships.

Social isolation touches many aspects of seniors’ lives, including access to information and services, active participation in the community, healthy aging, income security and caregiving. Social isolation can lead to depression and increased vulnerability to elder abuse, among other concerns.

In her remarks, Minister Wong encouraged communities to take a coordinated approach to address the social isolation of seniors. The Government of Canada has a number of programs and activities aimed at creating awareness and addressing the impact of this growing issue.

These programs and activities include initiatives like the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) pilot projects on social isolation, the recent report of the National Seniors Council, and their ongoing work which will include a focus on examining ways to encourage local communities to reach out to socially isolated seniors. The social isolation of seniors is also one of the priorities to be examined this year by the Forum of Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors.

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada is committed to supporting and promoting seniors’ health, well-being and contributions by encouraging them to stay active, engaged and informed.
• Today, 1 in 7 Canadians is aged 65 or over. By 2036, nearly 1 in 4 Canadians will be a senior.
• Over the last decade in Canada, life expectancy at age 65 increased by 2 years, approximately twice the rate of growth observed over each of the previous decades since 1929.
• In 2014, the National Seniors Council was asked to assess the impact of social isolation on seniors in Canada and explore ways to prevent, or reduce it. The Council presented a report that highlighted the importance of working with those who deliver services and programs directly to seniors.

Quote

“Social isolation affects seniors’ economic, social, physical and mental well-being. It’s an issue that is both pervasive and difficult to resolve. But it is also preventable. I am confident we can address the isolation of seniors through social innovation. Social innovation succeeds by combining resources from governments, businesses, community organizations and academics to generate new ideas and tools that address social problems in new ways.”

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

Associated Links

Canada.ca/Seniors

National Seniors Council

New Horizons for Seniors Program

Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum

Vancouver, British Columbia, February 11, 2015

Check against delivery

Hello, everyone.

It’s my pleasure to be here today.

I am always impressed when I see a group like this together in one room.

It’s a visual reminder of our shared purpose and passion—helping others to live well.

To feel healthy, happy and safe.

To contribute to those around us.

And in turn, to feel the sense of belonging and security that a supportive community brings.

Unfortunately, life can put obstacles in our way.

Especially as we get older.

Social isolation is one of them.

It’s an issue that is both pervasive and difficult to resolve.

But the answer is both simple and yet complex. It comes down to a fundamental truth in life—people need people.

Over the past three years, I’ve been speaking with seniors, seniors’ organizations and other stakeholders across the country.

They have made it clear that social isolation is an issue that demands our attention. This is especially true in the context of our aging population.

Canada is facing a major demographic shift.

Right now, more people are over 60 years of age than there are children under 5. By 2050, seniors will outnumber children under 15.

Just the other day, I read a rather startling prediction. The Office of the Chief Actuary said that 5 of every 10 Canadians who are now aged 20 can expect to live until the age of 90.

Of course, this is good news. But the fact is, we’re going to have more and more seniors in Canada. And unless we take action now, the issue of social isolation will become more prevalent.

What do I mean by the social isolation of seniors?

Social isolation is commonly defined as low quantity and quality of contact with others.

Being socially isolated involves few social contacts and few social roles, as well as the absence of mutually rewarding relationships.

It can cause communities to suffer a lack of social cohesion, and suffer the loss of experience that older adults bring to our families, neighbourhoods and communities.

On an individual level, social isolation affects seniors’ economic, social, physical and mental well-being.

As everyone in this room knows, over time, older people can lose meaningful contact with their friends, family and community for a range of reasons.

For all seniors, aging is a series of transitions. Some transitions are planned, while others are not.

For anyone, senior or not, losing a spouse, a change in income, or an illness can be a major, life-changing event.

Most of us would have our hands full simply keeping up a daily routine after something like this.

It’s a somber irony that going through events like this can damage the social networks we have, even when we are most in need of their support.

Even something like losing the ability to drive can drastically change someone’s life.

If you can’t drive, walk or take a bus to go to an appointment or meet some friends, it’s easy to lose touch with your community.

Dealing with illness, or any sort of loss of independence, can cause a social disconnect.

There are clear links between health and social isolation. For seniors, being part of a social network has a positive influence.

For example, it can encourage seniors to stay physically and mentally active.

Without a social network, seniors run a higher risk of having health issues.

They’re more likely to drink and smoke, remain sedentary and eat poorly.

To add to that, the risk of hospitalization of isolated seniors is four to five times greater.

These are serious consequences. Unfortunately, it does not end there.

Apart from the physical health risks, social isolation also threatens mental wellness.

It is associated with higher levels of depression and suicide.

In fact, one in four seniors lives with a mental health problem such as depression, anxiety or dementia.[1]

Approximately half of Canadians over the age of 80 report feeling lonely. And sadly, men over 80 have one of the highest suicide rates of all age groups.[2]

Social isolation can also leave seniors vulnerable to elder abuse, including financial abuse.

As you can see, social isolation is a common denominator among a whole range of issues that affect the well-being of seniors.

It is a problem we can’t ignore.

While difficult to pinpoint, we do know that back in 2006 over 30 percent of Canada’s seniors were at risk of social isolation.

In 2008, 19 percent of Canadians aged 65 or over said they felt a lack of companionship, left out or isolated from others.

As I said before, social isolation is complex and pervasive. But it is also preventable.

That’s why we are taking coordinated action to tackle this issue head on.

We are collaborating to align the priorities of the National Seniors Council and the New Horizons for Seniors Program to work together to address the social isolation of seniors.

I am also pleased to say that the Forum of Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors has chosen to explore the issue of social isolation as a priority for this upcoming year.

Last year, the National Seniors Council was asked to assess the impact of social isolation on seniors in Canada and explore ways to prevent or reduce it.

The Council consulted over 300 stakeholders, including seniors, community organizations and academics,[3] and presented a report on their key findings. If you have not yet had an opportunity to review this excellent report, together with a companion review of relevant literature on this issue, I would encourage you to do so.

The report highlighted the importance of working with those who deliver services and programs directly to seniors.

This year, I have asked the Council to continue their work on this issue and further examine barriers that prevent communities and seniors from reaching out to each other.

And I have asked them to examine ways to encourage communities to reach out to socially isolated seniors in their neighborhoods.

Friends, we want to help communities to build stronger relationships with socially isolated seniors in their midst.

And by bringing Canadian citizens, volunteers, organizations and seniors together, we will reduce the social isolation of seniors in their communities.

Along with the National Seniors Council, and the New Horizons for Seniors Program, the Forum of Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors has also made social isolation one of its main priorities for this upcoming year.

This Forum brings together Ministers, Deputy Ministers and senior officials from the federal, provincial and territorial governments who are collaborating to promote the interests of Canadian seniors.

By collaborating together, we are working to find innovative solutions to address social isolation among seniors, including those living in rural and remote communities.

I look forward to sharing our progress on the Forum’s activities with you.

Next, I would like to talk about the New Horizons for Seniors Program.

The vast majority of the New Horizons for Seniors Program is devoted to community‑based grants of up to $25,000. This year we will fund more than 1,800 of these grants in communities from coast to coast to coast.

However, a much smaller portion of the New Horizons for Seniors Program is devoted to larger projects with a longer duration. These are sometimes called “pan‑Canadian” grants, and they are typically connected by a broad theme, such as elder abuse.

Last year, we did a call for proposals for pilot projects on the issue of social isolation, and we learned a great deal. We increased the upper limit of the contribution agreements, and in appropriate circumstances we allowed them to be funded into a second or third year. We also began to incorporate some of the elements of what is sometimes called “social innovation” into the process—such as fund leveraging and sustainability planning.

The results have been very good, but disconnected. What I mean by that is that each of these good projects has proceeded independently of each other. They have not had the benefit of sharing what they have learned, nor have their efforts been in any way coordinated. The result is that, while again I must stress that the pilot projects have been very good individually, their collective social impact is modest.

But that is why we run pilot projects—to learn how to improve.

And today I am pleased to announce that for the next five years, at least, the broad theme of the pan-Canadian stream of the New Horizons for Seniors Program will be focused upon reducing the social isolation of seniors in their immediate communities.

I am also pleased to announce that we will be working with the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation. The McConnell Foundation, and their Innoweave initiative, will work with the Government to bring together successful applicants in a sharing network, to measure progress against established metrics, to gather what we learn and to suggest adjustments along the way.

The McConnell Foundation and its Social Innovation Generation partners will also provide advice to the Government in the context of the selection process, with a view to curating the projects to maximize social impact.

We are very excited about this new partnership. I am hoping to see more applications for projects that show the creativity and flexibility I have mentioned.

We are hoping to see projects that take new approaches—or that take old ones and use them in new ways.

We are hoping to see projects that are challenging us to use the considerable wealth of knowledge, tools and compassion we have at our disposal so that we can do something great. And to do it in a way we haven’t tried before.

It is time to shake up our existing ideas and approaches and let some new ones in.

It is time to allow ourselves to approach issues in different ways.

And it might mean flipping some ideas on their heads to be able to see them differently.

And it absolutely means opening ourselves up to creativity, flexibility and the willingness to look for inspiration everywhere—even if it’s outside our discipline.

Steve Jobs said, “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”

Therefore, as leaders, innovation is more than an asset quality—it’s a requirement.

I expect many of you may be thinking that this isn’t an area where big bureaucracies excel.

And, in some ways, you’d be right.

Which is why I’m excited that our Government is playing a leading role in bringing together partners from various sectors.

Social innovation succeeds by combining resources from governments, businesses, community organizations and academics to generate new ideas and tools that address social problems in new ways.

What we are trying to do is bring together the various citizens, volunteers, organizations and governments—that are separately seeking to address this issue—and try to facilitate a more coordinated approach, with a view to increasing our collective effectiveness in tackling this complex social problem.

As Minister of State responsible for Seniors, I want to see all Canadian seniors enjoy a high quality of life. And richness of life cannot occur in solitude and isolation from one’s community. We are inherently relational. We are born into communities and we cannot live without them.

Whereas in generations past, the elderly would live together with their adult children, and enjoy their fellowship each day—this is no longer our culture. Tragically, a growing number of seniors live alone, cut off from their neighbors—despite their geographical proximity.

The fact is that the social isolation of Canada’s seniors is nothing less than a tragedy, with real consequences for our society, young and old alike.

But friends, this is a problem that can be solved. The medicine is community. The medicine is fellowship. Cups of tea, visits, walks, conversations.

On a grassroots level, in our communities, it is really a question of knowing who our neighbours are, and acting like Canadians—by taking a little time to check in on seniors living alone in our immediate communities. How to affect that outcome is our present task.

Working together, with all of the creativity and innovation that we collectively possess, I am confident that we can make progress in addressing this complex problem, and bring light and life into the lives of socially isolated seniors.

Thank you.

[1] http://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/issues/seniors

[2] http://www.seniorscouncil.gc.ca/eng/research_publications/social_isolation/page05.shtml#h2.1-3.1

[3] http://www.seniorscouncil.gc.ca/eng/research_publications/social_isolation/page04.shtml

Toronto-based AGE-WELL network will look to new technology for better senior care

January 19, 2015 – Toronto, Ontario – Industry Canada

Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), on behalf of her colleague, the Honourable Ed Holder, Minister of State (Science and Technology), today announced that AGE-WELL, a new network, is receiving $36.6 million over five years to help seniors live independently and safely at home.

Through a collaborative approach with industry partners, not-for-profit organizations and researchers, AGE-WELL will identify the needs of seniors and find ways to reduce the burden on their caregivers. The network will use advanced technology such as mobile communications, smart sensors and robotics to help achieve this goal. AGE-WELL will contribute to increasing the independence and quality of life of older Canadians while creating more affordable technologies that meet Canadians’ needs.

Today’s investment is the result of the most recent competition in the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) program. The competition resulted in four new networks receiving funding, which includes AGE-WELL, and one existing network being renewed for a second five-year term.

NCEs mobilize a critical mass of expertise from across the country, bringing together health, natural and social scientists as well as engineers. Partners from industry, government and the not-for-profit sector contribute additional expertise and support.

Quick facts

• On December 15, 2014, the Government of Canada named five research networks to conduct groundbreaking research that is focused on addressing major social, economic, or health- and life sciences–related issues:
  • New
    • Aging Gracefully across Environments using Technology to Support Wellness, Engagement, and Long Life—AGE-WELL (Toronto, Ontario)
    • Biotherapeutics for Cancer Treatment—BioCanRX (Ottawa, Ontario)
    • Canadian Glycomics Network—GlycoNet (Edmonton, Alberta)
    • Canadian Arrhythmia Network—CANet (London, Ontario)
  • Renewed
    • NeuroDevNet (Vancouver, British Columbia)
• With these new grants, the Networks of Centres of Excellence program currently funds 14 networks.
• Recently, Prime Minister Stephen Harper delivered on the government’s commitment to provide an updated science, technology and innovation strategy. The strategy, Seizing Canada’s Moment, is a vision and a road map for strengthening Canada’s position as a global leader in scientific research while looking to harness greater Canadian innovations that create jobs, increase prosperity and improve the quality of life of Canadians.

Quotes

“Through our updated science, technology and innovation strategy, our government is making the necessary investments to push the boundaries of knowledge, create jobs and prosperity, and improve the quality of life of Canadians. The newest Networks of Centres of Excellence will undertake research in the important areas of biochemistry, cancer, arrhythmia, aging and brain development, leveraging nationwide talent and resources to tackle social and economic challenges that are important to Canadians.”

– Ed Holder, Minister of State (Science and Technology)

“Our government is committed to investing in world-class research networks, including AGE-WELL, which will develop new technologies to help seniors live independently and safely at home. These investments will improve the quality of life of Canadians and contribute to the creation of a stronger, more innovative economy and a more prosperous Canada.”

– Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)

“AGE-WELL will join the impressive lineup of NCEs that are already helping drive innovation in Canada by bringing together the brightest researchers and a wide range of partners. This new network offers a great opportunity for top researchers in aging to explore how we can use technology to improve the quality of life of seniors.”

– Michel Perron, Vice-President, External Affairs and Business Development, Canadian Institutes of Health Research

“We need new tools, devices and solutions in the marketplace that will help older adults remain at home in their later years. AGE-WELL represents a cohesive approach to developing those tools and to establishing Canada as a leader in designing and implementing technology that contributes significantly to the well-being of older people and caregivers.”

– Alex Mihailidis, Joint Scientific Director, AGE-WELL

“AGE-WELL will work closely with end-users—older people and caregivers—industry partners, not-for-profit organizations and the country’s top researchers and research institutions, including Simon Fraser University and our friends at Toronto Rehab. We will identify the needs of aging people and develop solutions to help them live more independently and safely at home while reducing the burden on their caregivers.”

– Andrew Sixsmith, Joint Scientific Director, AGE-WELL

Related product

• Backgrounder: Announcement of NCE Competition Results

Associated links

• NCE competition results
• NCE program information
• Currently funded NCEs
• Science, technology and innovation strategy, Seizing Canada’s Moment
• Seniors.gc.ca
• AGE-WELL

Residents of Vancouver contributed their views to pre-budget consultations

January 16, 2015 – Vancouver, British Columbia

The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) and Member of Parliament for Richmond, today hosted one of a series of cross-country pre-budget roundtable discussions. The purpose of these consultations is to listen to Canadians and hear their views on how Canada can create jobs, growth, and long-term prosperity. This formal process comes after months of meetings with Canadians about what matters to them and their families.

Finance Minister Joe Oliver launched these consultations November 27 with a clear message. First, the Government will not engage in reckless new spending or new taxes that will lead Canada down a path of fiscal deficits and economic decline. Second, the Government will remain focused on creating jobs and growth.

All Canadians will be able to participate through online consultations. The Government is seeking the input of Canadians on five key questions that can be found by clicking on the following link: http://www.fin.gc.ca/news-nouvelles/nr-nc/2014/prebudget-prebudgetaire-eng.asp.

Quick Facts

• Under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, our Government’s top priority is creating jobs, growth, and long-term prosperity.
• We are on track to balance the federal budget in 2015.
• With balanced budgets in sight, the Harper Government is delivering close to $27 billion in tax relief for hard-working families over this year and the next five years, by:
  o Increasing and expanding the Universal Child Care Benefit
  o Introducing the Family Tax Cut
  o Increasing the Child Care Expense Deduction dollar limits
• Canada’s Economic Action Plan is working:
  o Since the depths of the recession, we have created more than 1.2 million net new jobs—overwhelmingly full-time, good-paying jobs in the private sector.
  o The overall federal tax burden is at its lowest level in over 50 years.
  o Bloomberg ranks Canada the second most attractive place in the world to do business.

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.”

– The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), Member of Parliament for Richmond.

Related products

• Pre-Budget Consultations 2015
• Update of Economic and Fiscal Projections
• Economic Action Plan 2014

January 16, 2015– Vancouver, British Columbia – Employment and Social Development Canada

The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today announced the launch of a new initiative to work with community organizations to ensure seniors receive their retirement benefits.

Minister Wong renewed the Government of Canada’s commitment to reach the most vulnerable seniors, such as those who are incapable of managing their own affairs while they are homeless or at risk of being homeless. The Government is undertaking targeted efforts, by working with community organizations, to increase their capacity to assist these seniors and ensure they receive the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) benefits for which they are eligible. These seniors can now receive their CPP or OAS benefits through an appropriate community organization, including non-profit or charitable organizations, and municipalities.

The announcement was made at Vancouver’s Union Gospel Mission, which provides outreach services to vulnerable residents. Services include emergency shelter, meals, education and job preparation, affordable housing and preventative programs to build healthy families.

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada is committed to the well-being of Canada’s seniors by working with all levels of government, seniors’ organizations and stakeholders to develop policies and programs to support seniors.
• The OAS program and the CPP enhance the quality of life of Canadian seniors by providing a modest base upon which to build additional income for retirement.
• The OAS program is funded through general tax revenues and provides a basic monthly income for Canadian seniors. In 2013–14, approximately $41.8 billion in OAS benefits were provided to 5.4 million individuals.
• The CPP (or the Quebec Pension Plan in Quebec) is funded through contributions by Canadian workers, their employers and the self-employed and through investment earnings on the Plan’s funds. In addition to retirement benefits, the Plan provides disability, death, survivor and children’s benefits.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is dedicated to reaching seniors to ensure they receive the CPP and OAS benefits for which they are eligible. We are working with other levels of government, communities and organizations to help the most vulnerable seniors, particularly those who are not able to manage their own affairs while they are homeless or at risk of being homeless.”

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

“In light of the growing number of homeless and vulnerable seniors in our community, this announcement couldn’t come at a better time. We are pleased that the Government of Canada has not only recognized this troubling problem, but that it has taken strategic action. Union Gospel Mission helps hundreds of seniors each year, dozens of whom had barriers to accessing pensions and disability funding; this initiative will enable additional organizations to more widely and effectively assist one of Canada’s most cherished resources—our seniors.”

– Dan Russell, Director of Programs, Union Gospel Mission

”This is a really valuable tool to help front-line organizations ensure vulnerable seniors can access critical financial resources. Being able to access Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security benefits can make all the difference in the world to a low-income senior.”

– Tim Richter, President & CEO, Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness

December 22, 2014 – Gatineau, Quebec – Employment and Social Development Canada

As 2014 comes to an end, the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), reflected on some of the key achievements of the Government of Canada in supporting and promoting seniors’ well-being and in encouraging seniors to stay active, engaged and informed.

This year, Minister Wong unveiled the first ever Government of Canada Action for Seniors report, highlighting federal programs and services across the federal government that can be accessed by seniors, their families, and caregivers.

Additionally this summer, Minister Wong launched the Canadian Employers for Caregivers Plan which included establishing of the Employer Panel for Caregivers, as well as a new portal on seniors.gc.ca which provides in-depth information specifically for caregivers. The Government of Canada also provides support for caregivers through the Family Caregiver Tax Credit, and the Employment Insurance Compassionate Care Benefit.

In October, Minister Wong co-chaired the 16th meeting of Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors, where ministers committed to share information and best practices, and to work collaboratively as champions of seniors’ issues. This year, Ministers agreed to work on innovative solutions to combat social isolation among seniors, as well as to develop ways to increase caregiver readiness.

The Government of Canada continued to make combating elder abuse, including financial abuse, a priority through a variety of actions such as funding for elder abuse awareness projects.

The Government remains committed to strengthening the financial literacy of Canadians and in November, the Honourable Kevin Sorenson, Minister of State (Finance) released the report Strengthening Seniors’ Financial Literacy after working collaboratively with Minister Wong throughout the year. In addition, an improved user friendly Canadian Retirement Income Calculator now provides retirement income estimates in a matter of minutes.

In September, Minister Wong participated in the G7 Global Dementia Legacy Event in Ottawa, where international leaders gathered to discuss Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, which represent a growing health challenge for Canada and other global partners.

Last month, the National Seniors Council released its Report on the Social Isolation of Seniors – 2013-2014. The report presents consultation findings and innovative practices to help address social isolation. Earlier this fall, the Government of Canada approved 24 New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) pilot projects—representing an investment of more than $1.7 million—aimed at addressing seniors’ social isolation.

Moving forward, the Government remains committed to improving the well-being and quality of life of seniors. Areas of priority for the Minister will continue to include reducing social isolation, improving seniors’ access to information and helping Canadians who are balancing work and caregiving responsibilities.

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

Quick Facts

• Since 2006, the Government supported seniors through: introducing pension income splitting, increasing the Guaranteed Income Supplement, investing in the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers and increasing funding to community-based projects for seniors.
• Economic Action Plan 2014 increased funding for the NHSP by $5 million per year, in addition to the $45 million provided on an ongoing basis. Since 2006, the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) has funded more than 13,000 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada. NHSP funding supports projects that focus on issues like elder abuse, social isolation and intergenerational learning.
• In Budget 2014, the Government of Canada committed to launch the Canadian Employers for Caregivers Plan to engage with employers on cost-effective workplace solutions to help maximize caregivers’ labour force participation.

Quote

“I am very proud of the work we’ve done over the past year to help seniors maintain a high quality of life and remain active members of their communities. We will continue to support seniors and their families. I invite you to visit seniors.gc.ca and read our new report Government of Canada: Action for Seniors to find out more about the scope of benefits, services and opportunities available to seniors.”

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

Associated Links

Seniors.gc.ca

Seniors’ financial literacy strategy

Government of Canada Invests in Innovative Projects for Seniors across Canada

December 5, 2014 – Gatineau, Quebec – Employment and Social Development Canada

The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today marked International Volunteer Day by recognizing the millions of Canadians who give generously of their time to help others.

International Volunteer Day was established by the United Nations (UN) on December 17, 1985, in order to shine a light on the importance of volunteers and their socio-economic contributions. The UN invites governments to observe every December 5 as International Volunteer Day to raise awareness and encourage people from all walks of life to donate their time and skills.

The Government of Canada supports volunteers, businesses and not-for-profit organizations through investments by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), the lead department on volunteerism. Under ESDC, initiatives are put forward through the Social Development Partnerships Program and New Horizons for Seniors Program. As a result, communities across the country are able to improve the lives of families and fund projects that involve seniors, enabling them to play an important role as volunteers or leaders in local activities.

A number of other federal departments, such as the Canada Revenue Agency, Parks Canada and Heritage Canada, run programs that rely on the dedication of volunteers, who keep our country vibrant.

The Government of Canada also recognizes exceptional volunteers through the delivery of the Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards. The Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards program consists of 17 awards in total: 2 at the national level and 15 at the regional level. Awards are presented to volunteers, innovative not-for-profit organizations and forward thinking businesses that have made outstanding contributions to communities from coast to coast to coast. For more information on the Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards, visit www.pm.gc.ca/awards.

Quick Facts

• Each year, over 13 million Canadians volunteer over 2 billion hours of their time and effort for others.
• The value of volunteers’ time in Canada is equivalent to 1.1 million full-time jobs annually.
• Thirty-six percent of seniors perform volunteer work, with volunteers over 65 contributing about 223 hours a year, compared to the national average of 156 hours .

Quote

“International Volunteer Day is an opportunity to thank those who generously give of their time, resources and expertise. Many seniors are active and engaged in their community, often through volunteering. This special day highlights the impact of their efforts and contributions within Canada and around the world.”

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

Associated Link

Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards website: www.pm.gc.ca/awards

November 28, 2014– Winnipeg, Manitoba – Employment and Social Development Canada

The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), joined by Lawrence Toet, Member of Parliament for Elmwood–Transcona, attended the launch of a new online course, Financial Abuse of Older Adults: Recognize, Review & Respond, which will help credit union staff to recognize financial abuse of older adults and know what to do if they suspect it is happening.

The Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) funding of $350,000, provided to Good Neighbours Active Living Centre Inc., has given Prevent Elder Abuse Manitoba, Credit Union Central of Manitoba, Credit Union Central of Canada and CUSOURCE Credit Union Knowledge Network the opportunity to work collaboratively with the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada to develop this online course, which will be made available to all credit union employees across Canada.

The Government of Canada has made combatting elder abuse a priority and supports a range of measures to help protect seniors from all forms of abuse, including neglect. To raise awareness about elder abuse, the Government recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day each year on June 15, creates activities and information resources and provides funding for elder abuse awareness projects through the NHSP. The Government has also introduced legislation, including the Protecting Canada’s Seniors Act, which came into force in January 2013 and helps ensure consistently tough penalties for those who take advantage of seniors in Canada.

The Government of Canada remains committed to strengthening the financial literacy of Canadians. Most recently, the Government released the report Strengthening Seniors’ Financial Literacy, the first phase of a comprehensive national strategy for financial literacy.

Quick Facts

• To find out more about elder abuse prevention and recognition, as well as other resources for seniors, visit seniors.gc.ca.
• Since 2006, the NHSP has funded more than 13,000 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada. NHSP funding supports projects that focus on issues like elder abuse, social isolation and intergenerational learning.
• Financial Literacy Month in November aims to promote the importance of financial literacy, which means having the knowledge, skills and confidence to make responsible financial decisions.
• Economic Action Plan 2013 committed to implementing a financial literacy strategy that specifically responds to seniors’ needs.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada’s new financial literacy strategy for seniors will help older Canadians, their families and their caregivers make more informed financial decisions. Having the right information will help seniors to better protect themselves from the various forms of financial abuse. Our Government remains committed to helping prevent the financial abuse of Canadian seniors.”

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

“Our Government is committed to helping preserve the well-being and security of Canadian seniors and continues to introduce new legislation and initiatives to combat elder abuse in all its forms. Innovative projects like this one will help improve the quality of life for seniors.”

– Lawrence Toet, Member of Parliament for Elmwood–Transcona

“This year, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada launched a number of national consultations to better understand the issues Canadians face in managing their own financial affairs. Our consultations with seniors showed that financial abuse was a significant concern, so we congratulate Prevent Elder Abuse Manitoba and the credit union system for developing this program and feel it is fitting that the launch of a course designed to protect and assist senior Canadians marks the end of Financial Literacy Month 2014.”

– Jane Rooney, Financial Literacy Leader

“The opportunity to develop a course to educate credit union staff in Canada about the role they can play to address financial elder abuse and the resources available to support them would not be possible without the funding we received from the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program. Today’s launch of Financial Abuse of Older Adults: Recognize, Review & Respond is a significant achievement for Prevent Elder Abuse Manitoba, the credit union system and our provincial and federal governments. We look forward to continuing these partnerships as we unveil community presentations in 2015 that will provide senior Canadians with information to help them identify and protect themselves against financial abuse.”

– Dara Maternick, Prevent Elder Abuse Manitoba

Associated Links

• Seniors.gc.ca
• Funding: New Horizons for Seniors Program
• Financial Literacy Month 2014
• Strengthening Seniors’ Financial Literacy

November 13, 2014 – Vancouver, British Columbia – Employment and Social Development

The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State for Seniors, officially launched today the newly redesigned Canadian Retirement Income Calculator (CRIC). The CRIC is an online tool that provides Canadians with retirement income information, including information on the Old Age Security (OAS) pension and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) retirement benefits.

This retirement planning tool, available on the Service Canada website, has been substantially improved. It is now easier to use and provides retirement income estimates in a matter of minutes using dynamic text, dropdowns and graphics that show users how small changes in savings and financial behaviour can impact results.

Minister of State Wong made the announcement during Financial Literacy Month, which takes place annually during the month of November and is led by the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada.

The Government of Canada remains committed to strengthening the financial literacy of Canadians. Most recently the Government released the report Strengthening Seniors’ Financial Literacy, the first phase of a comprehensive national strategy for financial literacy.

Quick facts

• The modernized Canadian Retirement Income Calculator works well on tablets and smart phones.
• Financial Literacy Month in November aims to promote the importance of financial planning and financial literacy of Canadians.
• Economic Action Plan 2013 committed to implementing a financial literacy strategy that specifically responds to seniors’ needs.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is dedicated to helping Canadians plan early for their retirement and take advantage of the various programs and benefits available to them. I would like to take the opportunity during Financial Literacy Month to draw your attention to the new Canadian Retirement Income Calculator, which is a wonderful tool that will help you make informed decisions.”

– The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) “Financial literacy is an increasingly important issue for Canadians of all ages, particularly when planning for retirement. When Canadians have the skills they need to make solid financial choices about their retirement, our entire economy benefits.”

– The Honourable Kevin Sorenson, Minister of State (Finance) “The Canadian Retirement Income Calculator is an excellent tool that will help Canadians prepare for one of life’s most significant events—retirement. It will therefore support our national efforts to provide Canadians with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to strengthen their financial literacy.”

– Jane Rooney, Financial Literacy Leader

Associated links

• Canadian Retirement Income Calculator
• Financial Literacy Strategy for Seniors
• Financial Literacy Month
• Seniors.gc.ca