Hon. Alice Wong, P.C.

Strengthening Seniors’ Financial Literacy is the first phase of a comprehensive national strategy for financial literacy

October 16, 2014 – Winnipeg, Manitoba – Financial Consumer Agency of Canada

Canada’s Minister of State (Finance) Kevin Sorenson and Canada’s first Financial Literacy Leader Jane Rooney today announced the release of the National Strategy for Financial Literacy, Phase 1: Strengthening Seniors’ Financial Literacy.

In Economic Action Plan 2013, the Government committed to implementing a financial literacy strategy that specifically responds to seniors’ needs. Strengthening Seniors’ Financial Literacy, which has been refined through consultation with Canadians and stakeholder organizations involved in financial literacy, responds to that commitment and is the first component of the national strategy for financial literacy for all Canadians.

The seniors’ strategy establishes goals and objectives that will require collaboration among public, private and non-profit organizations across Canada. Supported by members of the National Steering Committee on Financial Literacy, Canada’s Financial Literacy Leader, Jane Rooney, will oversee and coordinate implementation of the seniors’ strategy as a component of the wider national strategy for financial literacy.

Beginning today, Minister Sorenson and Jane Rooney will also begin consultations on Phase 2 of the national strategy on financial literacy which will focus on the unique needs of low-income Canadians, Canadians with disabilities, newcomers to Canada and Aboriginal peoples.

Quick facts

• The 2009 Canadian Financial Capability Survey shows that financial literacy skills among seniors are lower overall compared to other groups of Canadians.
• In 2011, an estimated 5 million people were 65 or older. That number is expected to double by 2036, reaching about 10.4 million seniors.
• The National Strategy for Financial Literacy is expected to be released in 2015, following consultations on Phase 3, which includes children, youth and adults.

Quotes
“This comprehensive strategy will help Canadian seniors ensure they have the knowledge and tools needed to navigate an increasingly complex financial marketplace. I look forward to seeing the collaborative effort of public, private and non-profit sector groups that will enable seniors to improve their own personal finances, strengthening the economy as a whole.”

—Kevin Sorenson, Minister of State (Finance)

“The strategy demonstrates our Government’s concern for the well-being of seniors, who face unique financial challenges and require a broad base of support to ensure they can make confident and informed decisions on financial matters. I was very pleased to participate in the public consultations in June, which saw substantial and valuable feedback from individuals and groups representing seniors across Canada.”

—Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)

“The public consultations have resulted in a strategy that addresses the diverse range of financial literacy issues facing Canadians as they move through their senior years. A broad range of organizations have stepped forward to participate in the work of developing this strategy that will help improve the financial literacy of Canada’s senior population.”

—Jane Rooney, Financial Literacy Leader

Associated Links

• News release: Government of Canada announces members of Canada’s National Steering Committee on Financial Literacy
• News release: Consultation begins on a national financial literacy strategy
• Backgrounder: Toward a National Strategy for Financial Literacy – Phase 1: Strengthening Seniors’ Financial Literacy
• Final Report of the Task Force on Financial Literacy
• Information for seniors (seniors.gc.ca)
• Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (itpaystoknow.gc.ca)

October 1, 2014 – Ottawa, Ontario – Employment and Social Development Canada

Canadians across the country are celebrating National Seniors Day today to show their appreciation and to honour the seniors who have made a difference in their lives and in their communities.

To help mark the day, the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State for Seniors, along with representatives from HelpAge, visited the Good Companions Seniors’ Centre to release the Global AgeWatch Index 2014 report and announce Canada’s worldwide standing in the measure of seniors’ well-being.

HelpAge created the Global AgeWatch Index to monitor the economic and social well-being of older adults worldwide and give governments a benchmark by which to help measure the success of their efforts for seniors. This year, Canada’s ranking has increased from 5th to 4th out of the 96 countries measured.

As the Canadian seniors population continues to grow, the Government of Canada remains committed to improving the well-being and quality of life of older Canadians through tax relief, improved services and by increasing available information and resources.

Coinciding with the United Nations’ International Day of Older Persons on October 1, National Seniors Day in Canada provides an occasion for all Canadians to honour the seniors who enrich their lives.

Quick facts

• Since 2006, the Government has continued to support seniors across Canada by providing assistance in areas needed most including: 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.
• The Government has also taken steps to protect Canada’s most vulnerable seniors from elder abuse and financial abuse.
• In September, the Government of Canada released the Government of Canada Action for Seniors report, a comprehensive information resource highlighting federal programs and services that can be accessed by seniors, their families and caregivers.
• For tips and resources on celebrating the day and honouring the seniors in your life as well as information about programs, services and benefits for seniors, visit www.seniors.gc.ca.
• Join the new Seniors in Canada Facebook page today and post stories and photos of celebrations in your community. Tell us about a #senior in your life! #thinkingofyou.

Quotes

“National Seniors Day is a time for Canadians all across the country to stop and pay tribute to the special seniors in their lives. So many seniors, including grandparents, parents, other family and friends, play such an important role in the lives of Canadians every day. I encourage everyone to reach out to a senior who has made a difference in their life and let them know how special they are to you. Our government will continue to ensure that Canada’s seniors continue to receive the support they need and deserve.”

– The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)” Aging is quickly changing our world, especially in developed countries such as Canada. There is no doubt that in many ways our seniors fare better than elsewhere. However, on a daily basis, older Canadians still face important issues, from access to services to social isolation. We need to work together to address these issues—they impact us all.”

– Jacques Bertrand, Executive Director, HelpAge Canada ” The Good Companions is happy to celebrate National Seniors Day again this year. As one of Ottawa’s largest seniors’ centres, we are dedicated to promoting, enhancing and supporting the zest for living, well-being and independence of older adults as well as adults with physical disabilities.”

– Jacques Bertrand, Executive Director, HelpAge Canada

Associated links

Seniors.gc.ca

Seniors in Canada (Facebook)

Global AgeWatch Index 2014

September 10, 2014 – Hamilton, Ontario – Employment and Social Development Canada

The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State for Seniors, unveiled today the new Government of Canada Action for Seniors report, a comprehensive information resource highlighting federal programs and services that can be accessed by seniors, their families, and caregivers.

Minister Wong made the announcement with officials who developed McMaster University’s Optimal Aging Portal, a website that offers information about healthy aging and which can now be accessed through the Government of Canada’s seniors.gc.ca website.

The Action for Seniors report provides an overview of the many programs and resources available for seniors, ranging from help to combat elder abuse to government support such as ensuring seniors’ financial security. More than 22 federal departments and agencies collaborated to create the report, which reflects the interdisciplinary nature of seniors’ issues that cut across the various departments and agencies. Providing information for seniors on programs and resources is a priority for the Government of Canada. Minister of State Wong welcomed the placement of a link to the McMaster portal on the seniors.gc.ca website, where the report can also be found.

The seniors.gc.ca website is a central resource for seniors, their families, their caregivers and supporting service organizations. The site provides information for seniors on federal, provincial, territorial and some municipal government benefits and services, including information on finances, housing, health and wellness, through an interactive map. The website also highlights federal seniors-related initiatives and supports the government’s efforts to encourage seniors to stay active, engaged and informed.

Quick Facts

• The Government is committed to supporting and promoting seniors’ health, well-being and contributions by encouraging seniors to stay active, engaged and informed.
• The Government of Canada Action for Seniors report contains information about services and benefits that that can be accessed by seniors, their families, and caregivers.
• 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.

Quotes

“Our Government is committed to helping seniors maintain a high quality of life and remain active members of their communities. I invite you to visit seniors.gc.ca and read our new report Government of Canada: Action for Seniors to find out more about what the Government of Canada is doing for seniors and their families.”

– The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)“Having the Government of Canada Action for Seniors report available online as well as in print is important to ensure that it is quickly accessible to all. -We know Canadian seniors are technologically savvy, so this excellent report puts information about all the federal services and resources for seniors at their fingertips, such as our McMaster Optimal Aging Portal, which provides easy-access, evidence-based health information.”

– Patrick Deane, President and Vice-Chancellor McMaster University

Associated link

www.seniors.gc.ca

June 23, 2014 – Toronto, Ontario – Employment and Social Development

The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), announced the launch of the Canadian Employers for Caregivers Plan (CECP) at the first meeting of its newly-established Employer Panel for Caregivers.

In Economic Action Plan 2014, the Government of Canada committed to work with employers on finding cost-effective workplace practices to help informal caregivers participate as fully as possible in the labour market. The Canadian Employers for Caregivers Plan includes the establishment of the Employer Panel for Caregivers, the development of business cases analyzing the cost-benefit of existing various workplace supports and the exploration of mechanisms for sustained employer engagement in this area.

Many employed Canadians also provide informal care to their aging parent, friend, or spouse. Yet, the demands of caregiving can create many challenges in the workplace such as conflicting working hours and flexibility required for emergencies.

The Employer Panel for Caregivers is comprised of industry leaders from small, medium and large-sized businesses, as well as expert advisors on caregiving. They will consult with employers across Canada to help identify successful and promising workplace practices that support caregivers who are balancing their work responsibilities with caring for a loved one ensuring a stronger workforce and more prosperous economy.

Quick facts

• The Panel is chaired by Kim Forgues (Home Depot Canada), and includes Panel members:
  o Lucie Chagnon (Median Solutions)
  o Rachelle Gagnon (Assumption Life Insurance)
• o Sharene Herdman (Johnson & Johnson Inc. Canada)
  o Caterina Sanders (Habanero Consulting Group)
  o Stephen Shea (Ernst and Young LLP) .
• Expert advisors to the Panel are:
  o Vickie Cammack (Founder, Tyze Personal Networks)
  o Janice Keefe (Nova Scotia Centre on Aging, Mount Saint Vincent University).
• Caregiving refers to unpaid care provided to a family member or friend due to chronic or long-term illness, disability or aging and does not include short-term care for minor illnesses such as colds or flu, or everyday caring for children, etc.

Quotes

“There are currently 6.1 million employed Canadians who are providing care to a family member or friend. Our government will work with employers through the Canadian Employers for Caregivers Plan to help identify cost-effective solutions to support employed caregivers, helping them achieve a better balance of work and caring responsibilities.”

– The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)“Our government’s top priorities are creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity. That’s why this initiative builds on existing federal measures that include a range of tax credits for caregivers, the Employment Insurance Compassionate Care Benefit and other federal benefits.”

– The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)“Having cared for a loved one, I know first-hand how overwhelming it can be to balance the needs of work and family. As Chair of the Employer Panel for Caregivers, I’m looking forward to reporting back to the Government on workplace supports that could help reduce the stress on informal caregivers.”

– Kim Forgues, Chair of Employer Panel for Caregivers

Associated links

• Canadian Employers for Caregivers Plan
• Information for Caregivers
• Budget

Contacts

Earl Maynard
Office of the Minister of State (Seniors)
613-716-5422

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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Quick Facts about Informal Caregivers

• 8 million Canadians aged 15+ provided unpaid care to a chronically ill, disabled or elderly family member or friend in 2012

• Approximately 70 percent of all caregivers are caring for a senior, compared to 19 percent who care for someone aged 45–64; 10 percent for someone aged 18–44; and 3 percent for someone under the age of 18;

• 17 percent (1.4 million) of all caregivers provide 15 hours or more of care per week (high-intensity caregivers);
• 75 percent (6.1 million) of all caregivers are employed, representing an estimated 35 percent of all employed Canadians.

• The majority of caregivers (56 percent) are aged 45+; the majority of employed caregivers (60 percent) are also aged 45+.

Issue

Canadians balancing employment and informal caregiving face labour market challenges.

Informal caregiving
Informal caregivers are people aged 15 and over who provide unpaid care to a family member or friend with a long-term health problem or a physical or mental disability, or with problems related to aging. Informal caregiving does not include child care or parenting or care for people with minor short-term illnesses such as colds or flu.  For example, informal caregiving could include caring for an elderly mother who has Alzheimer’s, or a spouse with a chronic disease such as cancer, or a son with developmental delays.

Overview

In the context of an aging society, the demand for care is expected to increase. Presently, it is estimated that the total replacement cost for unpaid care is approximately $24 billion annually. The demand for care of seniors alone is projected to nearly double by 2031.

Many informal caregivers struggle to balance their work and care responsibilities, resulting in potentially negative employment consequences. For example, in 2012, nearly 600,000 employed caregivers indicated that they had reduced their regular working hours over the past 12 months, while about 160,000 caregivers turned down paid employment during the previous year due to caregiving. Likewise, approximately 390,000 caregivers indicated that they had to quit their job at some point in their career in order to provide care.

Beyond the costs to individuals in terms of lost wages or benefits, the negative employment consequences of informal care also impact employers. The Conference Board of Canada estimates that informal caregiving costs employers $1.28 billion annually in lost productivity as a result of caregivers missing work, quitting or losing their jobs.

Evidence suggests that work-life balance initiatives can help decrease the negative consequences of caregiving to caregivers and employers. For example, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) found that flexible working arrangements, including telework, job-sharing, and flexible work hours, could strengthen the labour force attachment of employed caregivers. Leading firms such as British Telecom have achieved increased productivity and cost-savings by implementing flexible working arrangements and absentee rates have decreased drastically.

Government of Canada Action

In Economic Action Plan 2014, The Road to Balance: Creating Jobs and Opportunities, the Government of Canada committed to work with employers on finding cost-effective workplace practices to help informal caregivers participate as fully as possible in the labour market.

On June 23, 2014, the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), announced the launch of the Canadian Employers for Caregivers Plan (CECP) at the first meeting of its Employer Panel for Caregivers. The Employer Panel for Caregivers, comprised of industry leaders from small, medium and large-sized businesses, as well as expert advisors on caregiving, will consult with employers across Canada to identify successful and promising workplace practices that support informal caregivers who are balancing their work responsibilities with caring for a loved one.

The Panel aims to increase awareness of employed caregivers and the challenges they face, identify workplace practices that benefit employers and caregivers alike, and share best practices among all employers.

Panel chair

Kim Forgues (Home Depot Canada)

Panel members

Lucie Chagnon (Median Solutions)

Rachelle Gagnon (Assumption Life Insurance)

Sharene Herdman (Johnson & Johnson Inc. Canada)

Caterina Sanders (Habanero Consulting Group)

Stephen Shea (Ernst and Young LLP)

Expert advisors to the Panel

Vickie Cammack (Founder, Tyze Personal Networks)

Janice Keefe (Nova Scotia Centre on Aging, Mount Saint Vincent University)

Related Products

Panel members’ biographies

News release

Associated Links

Canadian Employers for Caregivers Plan

Information for Caregivers

Budget

June 18, 2014 – Ottawa, Ontario – Employment and Social Development Canada

The Government of Canada is helping more seniors better protect themselves from elder abuse, including financial abuse. The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), made the announcement today at an elder abuse awareness conference held at the Chinese-Canadian Heritage Centre.

The host organization, the Ottawa Chinese Community Service Centre, received more than $21,000 in New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) funding to help raise awareness about elder abuse among Chinese seniors. In addition to hosting the one-day conference, the organization is also running a media campaign on elder abuse, producing several skits to illustrate elder abuse, and creating a brochure.

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 elder 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 new 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 elderly Canadians.

To find out more about elder abuse prevention and recognition, as well as other resources for seniors, visit seniors.gc.ca.

Quick facts

• Economic Action Plan 2014 proposed a funding increase of $5 million per year for the NHSP to support more projects that benefit seniors. This is in addition to the $45 million the Government currently provides to this program annually.
• 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 such as elder abuse, social isolation and intergenerational learning.
• To better protect seniors from mistreatment such as fraud and financial abuse, the Government has passed or introduced legislation such as the Digital Privacy Act to amend the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
• A brochure on powers of attorney and joint bank accounts was released in November 2013 by the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum to inform seniors about the risks, benefits and possible unintended consequences of opening a joint bank account or granting someone a power of attorney.

Quotes

“Elder abuse is an appalling act and the Government of Canada is committed to protecting seniors from all its forms. Awareness-raising activities by organizations such as the Ottawa Chinese Community Service Centre will help improve the quality of life for seniors.”

– The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)“Our event will help create awareness of elder abuse and engage community members on how we can promote dignity and respect towards seniors. Every person in our community is encouraged to promote senior’s rights and ensure they are treated with respect and dignity.”

– Jonas Ma, President, Ottawa Chinese Community Service Centre

Associated link

• Funding: New Horizons for Seniors
• Economic Action Plan
• seniors.gc.ca
• Digital Privacy Act
• Canadian Victims Bill of Rights
• Powers of Attorney (for financial matters and property) and Joint Bank Accounts

Taking action to combat elder abuse in all its forms

June 15, 2014               Gatineau, Quebec                     Employment and Social Development Canada

The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today joined communities across Canada and the globe in recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).

The World Health Organization and the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse launched WEAAD in 2006 to draw attention to the abuse and neglect that older adults can experience and to provide help in preventing it. The United Nations has also observed the date since 2012.

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 elder abuse, including neglect. These include awareness activities and New Horizons for Seniors Program elder abuse awareness projects. The Government has also introduced new 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 elderly Canadians.

Visit seniors.gc.ca for access to tools and resources to help detect and prevent elder abuse.

Quick facts

• Economic Action Plan 2014 supports the implementation of the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights, which was announced on April 3, 2014. The proposed legislation, Bill C-32, will give victims of crime, including seniors, clear rights and a stronger voice at the federal level in the criminal justice and corrections system.
• A brochure on powers of attorney and joint bank accounts was released in November 2013 by the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum to inform seniors about the risks, benefits and possible unintended consequences of opening a joint bank account or granting someone a power of attorney.
• In January 2013, the Protecting Canada’s Seniors Act came into force, helping to ensure consistently tough penalties for those who take advantage of elderly Canadians.

Quote

“On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the Government of Canada is encouraging communities across the country to help raise awareness of this serious issue and inform seniors on ways to protect themselves. Our government is committed to helping preserve the well-being and security of Canadian seniors, and it continues to introduce new legislation and initiatives to combat elder abuse in all its forms.”

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

Associated link

• seniors.gc.ca
• Protecting Seniors Act
• Digital Privacy Act
• Canadian Victims Bill of Rights
• Powers of Attorney (for financial matters and property) and Joint Bank Accounts

June 14, 2014 – Vancouver, British Columbia – Employment and Social Development Canada

Seniors in Vancouver will soon have new opportunities to get involved in their community, the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), announced today. The Vancouver Seniors’ Singing Club Association is receiving over $23,000 through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) for its Cantonese Opera Troupe for Seniors. An estimated 800 Canadians in the area will benefit from the project.

Local seniors will be recruited and trained by the Vancouver Seniors’ Singing Club Association to manage and perform in the Cantonese Opera Troupe for Seniors. The project will encourage seniors to forge new connections in their community and take on roles as volunteers, mentors, performers, musicians, technicians and planners.

On May 13, 2014, Minister Wong launched the NHSP 2014–2015 Call for Proposals for Community-Based Projects. Organizations have until July 4, 2014, to apply for up to $25,000 in grant funding for projects led or inspired by seniors making a difference in their communities. Visit www.esdc.gc.ca/seniors for more information.

Quick facts

• Cantonese opera, which has its roots in the 13th century, is a unique blend of singing, music, acrobatics, martial arts and acting. Vancouver is home to one of the world’s largest and most active Cantonese opera communities outside of Asia.
• The Government of Canada is providing more than $33.4 million in funding for over 1,770 community-based projects approved through the NHSP 2013–2014 call for proposals. NHSP-funded projects help ensure that seniors maintain a good quality of life and are able to be active, participating members of their communities.
• Economic Action Plan 2014 proposes an additional $5 million per year for the NHSP to support projects that benefit seniors. This is in addition to the $45 million the Government already provides to this program annually.

Quotes

“Our government is proud to work with the Vancouver Seniors’ Singing Club Association to support a new cultural initiative for the senior’s Cantonese Opera Troupe. This intergenerational project helps to ensure seniors remain active and productive members of their community through the arts by performing with this city’s youth.”

– The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)“Our organization’s Cantonese Opera Troupe for Seniors project is supported by New Horizons for Seniors Program funding. The troupe is inspired and led by seniors and encourages their pursuit of artistic and cultural achievements. The program also gives seniors an opportunity to share their operatic knowledge with others, or receive training so they can learn to sing and play Cantonese opera on the stage to entertain large groups of seniors. The troupe is the very first one established in Vancouver for seniors to pursue this traditional Chinese art form.”

– Eric Szeto, President of the Vancouver Seniors’ Singing Club Association

Associated links

• Funding: New Horizons for Seniors
• Economic Action Plan
• seniors.gc.ca

June 14, 2014 – Vancouver, British Columbia – Employment and Social Development Canada

Today, the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), marked the upcoming World Elder Abuse Awareness Day by encouraging communities to get informed about this serious issue and help seniors to protect themselves against abuse.

The Government of Canada has made combatting elder abuse a top priority and is addressing the issue through awareness activities, legislation, and the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP).

During her visit to the Multicultural Helping House Society (MHHS), Minister Wong announced over $24,500 in NHSP funding to support its project entitled Breaking the Silence of Abuses: Empowering Elders.

Seniors will play a leading role in the project by helping to produce video recordings of testimonials from elderly people who have experienced abuse. They will also compile resources on elder abuse, including financial abuse, for use in awareness sessions that will encourage peer sharing, mentoring and networking.

The Government of Canada is providing more than $33.4 million in funding for over 1,770 community-based projects across Canada. These projects, approved through the NHSP’s 2013–2014 call for proposals, will lead to new programs and activities for seniors.

Quick facts

• Economic Action Plan 2014 has recently proposed an extra $5 million per year for the NHSP to support more projects that benefit seniors. This is in addition to the $45 million the Government already provides to this program annually.
• 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.
• On May 13, 2014, Minister Wong launched the NHSP 2014–2015 Call for Proposals for Community-Based Projects. Through this call for proposals, which will close on July 4, 2014, organizations may receive up to $25,000 in grant funding for projects that are led or inspired by seniors.
• June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It was first launched by the World Health Organization and the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse in 2006 to bring attention to the abuse and neglect that some older adults experience and how such abuse and neglect can be prevented.
• To better protect seniors from mistreatment such as fraud and financial abuse, the Government has passed or introduced legislation such as the Digital Privacy Act to amend the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
• A brochure on powers of attorney and joint bank accounts was released in November 2013 by the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum to inform seniors about the risks, benefits and possible unintended consequences of opening a joint bank account or granting someone a power of attorney.
• The Government of Canada website seniors.gc.ca provides seniors, their families and caregivers with important information and resources about elder abuse.

Quotes

“In anticipation of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, our government is encouraging communities across the country to raise awareness of this serious issue and empower seniors to protect themselves. I applaud Multicultural Helping House Society for taking on this project that educates and inspires seniors to work within their community to combat elder abuse.”

– The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)“Thanks to the generous funding from the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program, organizations like the Multicultural Helping House Society have the opportunity to empower seniors through workshops and mobilize key partners and stakeholders in breaking the silence of elder abuse. This program will certainly benefit the seniors ’ population in British Columbia.”

– Tomas Avendano, President and Chief Executive Officer, Multicultural Helping House Society

Associated links

• Seniors.gc.ca
• World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
• Funding: New Horizons for Seniors
• Economic Action Plan

June 13, 2014 – Ottawa, Ontario – Employment and Social Development Canada

The Government of Canada is helping seniors from various backgrounds better protect themselves from elder abuse, the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) recognized today in a speech held at Jewish Family Services of Ottawa. The Minister also highlighted that June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).

The Jewish Family Services of Ottawa is receiving $575,000 in New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) funding for its JFS Pan-Canadian Elder Abuse Awareness and Education Program for Ethnocultural Communities three-year project. Collaborating with four partner agencies across the country, the organization brings together volunteer immigrant seniors to help develop information materials and awareness-raising programs for Jewish, as well as other ethnic and cultural communities. By learning to recognize and prevent elder abuse, seniors can help decrease incidents of mistreatment. Unique to this program is the use of theatrical performance as an educational tool.

The Government of Canada has made combatting elder abuse a priority and recognizes WEAAD each year as part of its own efforts to increase awareness about the issue. Canadians can help raise awareness of elder abuse by engaging in discussions, participating in related activities or helping an elder who may be in distress. To find out more about the Government’s related activities, or to learn how to get involved, visit seniors.gc.ca.

Quick facts

• Economic Action Plan 2014 has recently proposed an additional $5 million per year for the NHSP to support additional projects that benefit seniors. This is in addition to the $45 million the Government already provides to this program annually.
• 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.
• June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It was first launched by the World Health Organization and the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse in 2006 to bring attention to the abuse and neglect that some older adults experience and how abuse can be prevented.
• To better protect seniors from mistreatment such as fraud and financial abuse, the Government has passed or introduced legislation such as the Digital Privacy Act to amend the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
• A brochure on powers of attorney and joint bank accounts was released in November 2013 by the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum to inform seniors about the risks, benefits and possible unintended consequences of opening a joint bank account or granting someone a power of attorney.

Quotes

“Our government is proud to work with organizations like Jewish Family Services of Ottawa whose elder abuse awareness project will go a long way to ensure that immigrant seniors living in ethno-cultural communities are safer and more secure. This project will help seniors better protect themselves from the many forms of elder abuse, such as neglect and financial abuse. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is a great opportunity for Canadians to remember that seniors have played a central part in building this country, and they deserve to enjoy the best quality of life possible.”

– The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)“This project has enabled, for the first time, Jewish family service agencies across the country to work together to address elder abuse in communities that often fall through the cracks. By engaging members of various communities in their respective languages, volunteering seniors and non-seniors work together to empower others to respond to, and protect themselves from elder abuse. Jewish Family Services Ottawa is proud to be leading this project, and is thankful for the funding that has made it possible.”

– Mark Zarecki, Executive Director, Jewish Family Services of Ottawa

Associated links

• Funding: New Horizons for Seniors
• Economic Action Plan
• seniors.gc.ca
• Digital Privacy Act
• Canadian Victims Bill of Rights
• Powers of Attorney (for financial matters and property) and Joint Bank Accounts