Hon. Alice Wong, P.C.

Regina, Saskatchewan, November 29, 2013—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), and members of the National Seniors Council (NSC) met today in Regina with seniors’ organizations, service and health providers, and researchers and practitioners to assess how social isolation affects seniors and how best to tackle the issue in Canada.

“Social isolation affects the overall well-being of seniors. It can be harmful to their health and their participation in family life, and affect their place in workplaces and communities,” said Minister of State Wong, who oversees the day-to-day work of the Council. “Our government is working hard to tackle issues like social isolation by listening to seniors and consulting with key players from the non-profit, public and private sectors.”

The NSC met with individuals and organizations from across Saskatchewan as part of a series of cross-country round tables. Social isolation touches many aspects of seniors’ lives, including active participation, healthy ageing, income security, caregiving, elder abuse and transportation. For example, social isolation can lead to depression and increased vulnerability to elder abuse, among other concerns. Statistics Canada’s Canadian Community Health Survey 2008–2009 found that 19 percent of seniors aged 65 or over felt a lack of companionship, left out or isolated from others.

“We are confident that the National Seniors Council’s findings will help the Government of Canada better understand and address the needs of seniors,” said Dr. Andrew Wister, member of the NSC. “Keeping seniors active and socially engaged benefits not just the senior, but their communities as a whole.”

Since 2007, the NSC has undertaken work on elder abuse and low income among seniors, volunteerism, positive and active ageing, and most recently explored approaches to retaining and attracting older workers in the labour force.

On October 1, 2013, National Seniors Day, the Government of Canada announced a Call for Proposals to fund approximately 20 pilot projects—an investment of $2,000,000—aimed at addressing seniors’ social isolation.

For more information on the NSC, visit www.seniorscouncil.gc.ca.

Backgrounder

The NSC advises on matters related to the well-being and quality of life of seniors, including the opportunities and challenges arising from a rapidly growing and increasingly diverse seniors population.

• The Council reports to the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development, and to the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health.  The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), is responsible for the day‑to‑day operations of the Council.
• NSC members include seniors, representatives of organizations that serve seniors and/or experts on seniors and ageing.
• The Government of Canada established the NSC in 2007 to provide advice on the overall well-being of seniors, both now and in the future.

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

• redeveloping seniors.gc.ca as a central resource for seniors including a new Information for Seniors section that brings together a variety of federal, provincial/territorial and municipal resources about relevant programs and benefits;
• providing Canadians with close to $76 billion this year through Canada’s public pension system;
• a top-up to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) in 2011 to help Canada’s most vulnerable seniors. This was the largest increase in 25 years to the GIS for the lowest-income seniors. This measure further improves the financial security and well-being of more than 680 000 seniors across Canada;
• providing $2.7 billion in 2013 in 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 Canada’s Economic Action Plan for the construction of housing units for low-income seniors;
• making a strong investment in the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) through an annual budget of $45 million. Since 2006, the NHSP has funded more than 11 200 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada;
• investing up to $2 million for approximately 20 pilot projects that will address the isolation of seniors and intergenerational learning through the New Horizons for Seniors Program;
• actions to address elder abuse, including awareness campaigns, projects funded by the New Horizons for Seniors Program to raise awareness of elder abuse and legislation to help ensure consistently tough penalties for offences involving the abuse of elderly people; and
• supporting positive and active aging through the collaborative Age-Friendly Communities Initiative, Physical Activity Tips for Older Adults and falls-prevention initiatives.

Ottawa, November 18, 2013 – For people who are preparing for, or are currently at this stage of their lives, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) has developed Living in retirement, a comprehensive free guide that covers a variety of financial matters that many seniors will face, announced Minister of State (Finance) Kevin Sorenson. Filled with valuable tips and information, the new resource helps Canadian seniors prepare themselves financially so they can navigate their retirement years with confidence.

“Whether we retire early or work well into our elder years, we all need to think about our personal finance needs and plan accordingly,” said Minister Sorenson. “Through this new resource and our Government’s Economic Action Plan 2013, we are working to equip Canada’s seniors with high-quality information so they can make good financial decisions and safeguard their well-being.”

“Our government is committed to improving the lives of seniors in many ways, including financial literacy,” said Minister of State (Seniors) Alice Wong. “It is a critical life skill for all Canadians and particularly for Canadian seniors – who often face unique financial challenges.”

Living in retirementdeals with a number of topics relevant to seniors, including:

• Budgeting in retirement
• Sources of retirement income
• Public pension benefits, tax credits and other benefits for seniors
• Working in retirement
• Preventing financial abuse and fraud
• Dealing with transitions such as changing living needs, care giving and the loss of independence.

To create the resource, FCAC consulted extensively with several external stakeholders and partners.

“Living in retirement contains relevant material for seniors as a result of our collaboration with a variety of partners, many of whom deal with seniors’ issues on a regular basis and therefore, are well aware of their informational needs and the money matters they struggle with,” said Lucie Tedesco, Commissioner of FCAC.

The resource is a new addition to FCAC’s Life Event series, designed to help Canadians plan for important milestones in life so they make good financial decisions and reach their goals. Other events in the series include Planning your retirement, Living as a couple and Teaching children about money and are available on our website: itpaystoknow.gc.ca.

The launch of Living in retirement coincides with Financial Literacy Month in Canada. All month long in November, there are activities happening across the country to help Canadians increase their knowledge of personal finances. Both the Government of Canada and FCAC have hosted and participated in a number of events.

About FCAC

With educational materials and interactive tools, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) provides objective information about financial products and services to help Canadians increase their financial knowledge and confidence in managing their personal finances. FCAC informs consumers about their rights and responsibilities when dealing with banks and federally regulated trust, loan and insurance companies. FCAC also makes sure that federally regulated financial institutions, payment card network operators and external complaints bodies comply with legislation and industry commitments intended to protect consumers.

You can reach us through FCAC‘s Consumer Services Centre by calling toll-free 1-866-461-3222 (TTY: 613-947-7771 or 1-866-914-6097) or by visiting our website: itpaystoknow.gc.ca.

Toronto, Ontario, November 6, 2013—Members of the National Seniors Council (NSC) met today in Toronto with seniors’ organizations, service and health providers, as well as researchers and practitioners from across Ontario, for the first of a series of cross-Canada round tables assessing how social isolation affects seniors and how best to tackle the issue in Canada.

“Social isolation affects the overall well-being of seniors including their health and their participation in their families, workplaces and communities,” said the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), who oversees the day-to day work of the Council. “Our government is working hard to tackle issues like social isolation by listening to seniors and consulting with key players from the non-profit, public and private sectors.”

Social isolation touches many areas affecting seniors’ lives, including active participation, healthy ageing, income security, caregiving, elder abuse and transportation. For example, social isolation can lead to depression and increased vulnerability to elder abuse, among other concerns. In a Statistics Canada 2012 Health Report, nearly one in four seniors reported that they would like to participate more in social activities.

“We are confident that the National Seniors Council’s findings will help the Government of Canada better understand and address the needs of seniors,” said Dr. Andrew Wister, member of the NSC. “Keeping seniors active and socially engaged benefits not just the senior, but their communities as a whole.”

Since 2007, the NSC has undertaken work on elder abuse and low income among seniors, volunteerism, positive and active ageing, and most recently explored approaches to retaining and attracting older workers in the labour force.

On October 1, 2013, National Seniors Day, the Government of Canada announced a Call for Proposals to fund approximately 20 pilot projects—an investment of $2,000,000—aimed at addressing seniors’ social isolation.

For more information on the NSC, visit www.seniorscouncil.gc.ca.

Backgrounder

The National Seniors Council (NSC)

The NSC advises on matters related to the well-being and quality of life of seniors, including the opportunities and challenges arising from a rapidly growing and increasingly diverse seniors’ population.

• The Council reports to the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development, and to the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health.  The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), is responsible for the day‑to‑day operations of the Council.
• NSC members include seniors, representatives of organizations who serve seniors and/or experts on seniors and ageing.
• The Government of Canada established the NSC in 2007 to provide advice on the overall well-being of seniors, both now and in the future.

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

• redeveloping seniors.gc.ca as a central resource for seniors including a new Information for Seniors section that brings together a variety of federal, provincial/territorial and municipal resources about relevant programs and benefits;
• providing Canadians with close to $76 billion this year through Canada’s public pension system;
• a top-up to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) in 2011 to help Canada’s most vulnerable seniors. This was the largest increase in 25 years to the GIS for the lowest-income seniors. This measure further improves the financial security and well-being of more than 680 000 seniors across Canada;
• providing $2.7 billion in 2013 in 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 Canada’s Economic Action Plan for the construction of housing units for low-income seniors;
• making a strong investment in the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) through an annual budget of $45 million. Since 2006, the NHSP has funded more than 11 200 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada;
• investing up to $2 million for approximately 20 pilot projects that will address the isolation of seniors and intergenerational learning through the New Horizons for Seniors Program;
• actions to address elder abuse, including awareness campaigns, projects funded by the New Horizons for Seniors Program to raise awareness of elder abuse and legislation to help ensure consistently tough penalties for offences involving the abuse of elderly people; and
• supporting positive and active aging through the collaborative Age-Friendly Communities Initiative, Physical Activity Tips for Older Adults and falls-prevention initiatives.

YELLOWKNIFE, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES, October 10, 2013—This week, Federal, Provincial and Territorial (F/P/T) Ministers Responsible for Seniors met to review recent collaborative work and discuss ways to further support the well-being of seniors living in Canada. Building on the forum’s actions over the past year, Ministers agreed on shared priorities for the year ahead.

Older Canadians are healthier, living longer, more active lives, and continue to make valuable contributions to our communities, families and workplaces. With the growing number of seniors in Canada the ongoing work in the interest of older Canadians is more important than ever.

“Our government continues to work hard to improve the lives of seniors,” said the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) and federal meeting co-chair. “I welcome the opportunity to meet with my provincial and territorial colleagues to discuss, among other things, increasing seniors’ financial literacy, and ways to help older workers balance the competing demands of work and care.”

“In the Northwest Territories, we encourage healthy aging and support seniors to stay with loved ones for their remaining years,” said the Honourable Tom Beaulieu, Minister Responsible for Seniors for the Northwest Territories and meeting co-chair. “These past two days, we have shared our healthy aging perspectives with Ministers from all other provinces and territories. We are pleased with the collaboration and discussion among Ministers and we appreciate the opportunity to showcase our territory.”

Ministers agreed to work on the following priorities:

• Assist older workers balancing the competing demands of work and care by ensuring that employees and employers are aware of the programs, services and benefits that could potentially enable older workers, who are also caregivers, to continue to be a part of the Canadian labour force;
• Explore options to support seniors and near seniors by increasing awareness for the need to plan for aging in place, including having the knowledge and skills to make informed financial decisions. These options may include how technology can support aging in place.

The F/P/T Ministers Responsible for Seniors approved an information resource on Powers of Attorney and joint bank accounts. This booklet helps develop an understanding of the benefits and risks associated with these two financial management tools commonly used by seniors. The booklet will be made public and will be distributed by the provinces and territories at their discretion.

F/P/T Ministers Responsible for Seniors will reconvene in October 2014 to review progress on the work being done and identify new priorities.

“I look forward to welcoming F/P/T Ministers to continue our ongoing collaboration towards supporting the well-being of seniors in Canada,” said Prince Edward Island Minister of Community Services and Seniors Valerie E. Docherty.

Toronto, Ontario, October 1, 2013—National Seniors Day is an occasion for Canadians across the country to show their appreciation and celebrate seniors in their community. To help celebrate National Seniors Day, the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State for Seniors, took part in the Positive Active Aging Forum, hosted by the Ontario Society (Coalition) of Senior Citizens’ Organizations (OCSCO).

“I am pleased to participate in today’s Positive Active Aging Forum to help celebrate this country’s seniors,” said Minister of State Wong. “Our Government values the important contributions that older Canadians continue to make in our communities and in our workplaces.”

OCSCO received $19,000 in funding from the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) to host the forum. Subject matter experts will help increase awareness and understanding of seniors’ issues, including barriers to aging well.

“We are pleased to host a free one-day forum,focusing on aging, on National Seniors Day,” said John Morency and Carolann Fernandes, co-chairs of the board of directors of OCSCO.  “This event is groundbreaking, as it will not only help us identify the systemic and cultural barriers impacting aging Ontarians, but will provide a forum for participants to find solutions to eliminate barriers of agism.”

Minister of State Wong addressed forum participants, which included older adults, caregivers, policy-makers and educators, at the North York Seniors Centre in Toronto. She congratulated the organizers for supporting social participation and inclusion of seniors in their communities.

For tips and resources to celebrate the day, honour the seniors in your life and for information about programs, services and benefits for seniors, visit www.seniors.gc.ca.

October 1, 2013—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State for Seniors, today issued the following statement in recognition of the third annual National Seniors Day:

“Our government is proud to pay tribute to the seniors who have helped build our country and continue to make valuable contributions to our communities, workplaces and families.

As the Canadian seniors population continues to grow, our government 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.

I encourage you to find your own unique way to celebrate the seniors in your life today. Perhaps make time to visit, or send a simple thank-you note to a senior you know, whether they be a family member, neighbour or friend.

However you choose to express your gratitude, the message that we value older Canadians will be heard and appreciated across the country.

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

For National Seniors Day celebration ideas, and for information about programs, services and benefits for seniors, visit www.seniors.gc.ca.

Backgrounder

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

• redeveloping seniors.gc.ca as a central resource for seniors including a new Information for Seniors section that brings together a variety of federal, provincial/territorial and municipal resources about relevant programs and benefits;
• providing Canadians with close to $76 billion this year through Canada’s public pension system;
• a top-up to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) in 2011 to help Canada’s most vulnerable seniors. This was the largest increase in 25 years to the GIS for the lowest-income seniors. This measure further improves the financial security and well-being of more than 680 000 seniors across Canada;
• providing $2.7 billion in 2013 in 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 Canada’s Economic Action Plan for the construction of housing units for low-income seniors;
• making a strong investment in the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) through an annual budget of $45 million. Since 2006, the NHSP has funded more than 11 200 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada;
• actions to address elder abuse, including awareness campaigns, projects funded by the New Horizons for Seniors Program to raise awareness of elder abuse and legislation to help ensure consistently tough penalties for offences involving the abuse of elderly people; and
• supporting positive and active aging through the collaborative Age-Friendly Communities Initiative, Physical Activity Tips for Older Adults, and falls-prevention initiatives.

Toronto, Ontario, October 1, 2013—To mark National Seniors Day,  the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today announced a Call for Proposals to fund approximately 20 pilot projects—an investment of $2,000,000—aimed at addressing seniors’ social isolation.

“Social isolation has a negative effect on the health and well-being of seniors.  The Harper government is taking action to ensure that seniors maintain a high quality of life and continue to be active members of their communities,” said Minister Wong. “Through these pilot projects, our government continues to look at innovative solutions to address seniors’ issues, particularly social isolation, by leveraging social partnerships to marshal the resources needed to support seniors in our communities.”

These pilot projects will be eligible to receive between $50,000 and $100,000 of federal funding over a maximum of 24 months which will be matched with funding from other sources. The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) pilot projects will also pursue intergenerational learning projects that help seniors develop new interests and share their knowledge and experience with others.

The application period begins on October 3, 2013 and will close on November 13, 2013. Additional information and application details are available online.

Through Economic Action Plan 2013, the Government proposes to better safeguard the well-being of seniors in a variety of areas, including financial services, financial literacy and health.

For a wide range of information for seniors, including details on the NHSP, please visit seniors.gc.ca.

– 30 –

Backgrounder

New Horizons for Seniors Program

The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grants and contributions program that supports projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in the lives of others and their communities.

Through the NHSP, the Government of Canada encourages seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences to the benefit of others. Since 2006, the New Horizon’s for Seniors Program has funded more than 11 200 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada.

NHSP funding is available for both pan-Canadian and community-based projects.

Pan-Canadian projects focus on developing or identifying tools, resources and promising practices that can be adapted and shared across communities, regions and the country to address elder abuse. They are eligible for up to $250,000 in funding per year, for up to three years.

Community-based project funding provides support for activities that address one or more of the program’s five objectives. The Call for Proposals being launched on October 3, 2013 is seeking proposals for larger-value, longer-duration pilot projects that focus specifically on seniors’ isolation and/or intergenerational learning. These projects will receive up to $100,000 over 24 months in contribution funding, will engage partners, and will leverage funding from other community partners.

New Westminster, British Columbia, August 21, 2013—Vulnerable seniors will have access to the help they need to avoid homelessness, as a result of Government of Canada support for a local organization. Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today announced funding on behalf of the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development, for the Seniors Services Society at an event hosted by the Society.

“Our government is giving a hand up to vulnerable Canadians to help them meet certain basic needs and break free from the cycle of homelessness and poverty. We are pleased to support the Seniors Services Society in its efforts to find local solutions to local problems,” said Minister Wong. “By partnering with local organizations to provide essential services to people in need, we are doing our part to prevent and address homelessness in Metro Vancouver.”

With Homelessness Partnering Strategy funding of more than $323,000, the Seniors Services Society will provide support services for seniors who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The Society’s outreach workers will help vulnerable seniors find or keep long-term, affordable and safe housing.

“The impact of outreach services is phenomenal!  Our outreach workers help seniors navigate through a system that demands normalcy which is impossible when one is living their days in crisis and trauma,” said Anna Truong, Manager of Housing Services, BC Seniors Services Society. “With the help of HPS funding last year, our outreach team housed over 110 seniors.”

The Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan 2013 proposes $119 million per year over five years for the HPS using a Housing First approach as an effective way to reduce homelessness.

“Housing First” involves giving people who are homeless a place to live first, and then providing the necessary supports (e.g. for mental illness) to help them stabilize their lives and recover as best as possible.

– 30 –

Backgrounder

Homelessness Partnering Strategy

The Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) is a unique community-based program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness by providing direct support and funding to 61 designated communities across Canada.

Economic Action Plan 2013 proposes $119 million per year over five years, until March 2019, for the HPS using a Housing First approach. This represents nearly $600 million in total new funding.

“Housing First” involves giving people who are homeless a place to live first, and then providing the necessary supports (e.g. for mental illness) to help them stabilize their lives and recover as best as possible. “Housing First” can be an effective tool in solving chronic homelessness while reducing pressure on other shelter, health and justice services.

Since the launch of the HPS in April 2007, the Government has approved over $745 million for projects to prevent and reduce homelessness across Canada. The HPS provides structures and supports that help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to achieve self-sufficiency and participate fully in society. This model seeks to address homelessness by working in partnership with the provinces and territories and other federal departments, as well as with communities and the private and not-for-profit sectors.

The availability of safe, stable housing and related supports is an important element in addressing homelessness and helping individuals who are homeless achieve greater self‑sufficiency and a better quality of life. The Government’s investments are creating jobs, stimulating local economies and improving the quality of life for many Canadians.

By working with all our partners, we will maximize results to make a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable Canadians. The HPS provides the support that our community partners are seeking.

The HPS has adopted a Housing First approach, recognizing that housing stability is an important first step in addressing homelessness. It is also necessary for the success of other interventions such as education and training, the development of life skills and the management of mental health issues.

For more information on the HPS and its seven funding streams, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/homelessness.

Montréal, Québec, August 13, 2013 — The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today hosted two roundtables in Montreal. The roundtables provided a forum for employers and stakeholder organizations to discuss both the challenges and best practices on the prevention of financial abuse, and the needs of older workers who are balancing work and caregiving responsibilities for seniors. These events are part of a series of cross-Canada consultations taking place over the summer.

“Roundtables such as these will help to inform future policy direction on issues of importance to seniors” said Minister of State Wong.  “Our government is working hard to improve the lives of older Canadians on many fronts, including combatting financial abuse and supporting those with caregiving responsibilities for seniors.”

The consultations brought together employers, employer associations, human resources professionals, as well as stakeholders from the financial, legal and social services sectors. The roundtables are an opportunity for open dialogue on these important issues.

The Government of Canada is committed to older Canadians and seniors through initiatives such as the New Horizons for Seniors Program, the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers and the seniors.gc.ca website, which provides seniors, their family members, and caregivers with useful information on government benefits and services.

Visit seniors.gc.ca for easy access to government-related programs and initiatives for seniors.

Gatineau, Quebec, August 8, 2013—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today announced the National Seniors Council’s new priority for 2013-2014 is to assess how social isolation affects seniors and explore ways to prevent and reduce the social isolation of seniors in Canada.

“Social isolation affects the health and well-being of seniors,” said Minister of State Wong. “That’s why it’s so important to address this issue by listening to seniors and consulting with key players from the non-profit, public and private sectors.”

Social isolation can lead to depression and increased vulnerability to elder abuse, among other concerns. As a complex and multifaceted issue, social isolation touches many policy areas affecting seniors, including active participation, healthy ageing, income security, caregiving, elder abuse and transportation.

In keeping with the Minister of State’s commitment to ensuring that seniors stay active, engaged and informed, the National Seniors Council (NSC) will consider the Government of Canada’s role in preventing and reducing the social isolation of seniors.

Last year, the NSC explored approaches to retaining and attracting older workers in the labour force. The final report, Older Workers at Risk of Withdrawing from the Labour Force or Becoming Unemployed: Employers’ views on how to retain and attract older workers, is now available online.

In 2012, the NSC conducted cross-country consultations with stakeholders and employers representing a variety of sectors. During the consultations, employers recognized the experience, knowledge, skills and passion that older workers bring to the workplace.

The Government of Canada established the NSC in 2007 to provide advice on the overall well-being of seniors, both now and in the future.

For more information on the NSC, visit www.seniorscouncil.gc.ca