Information
Prior Content
Search
Links
Minister of State Wong Seeks Canadians’ Ideas on Creating Jobs, Growth, and Long-Term Prosperity
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
Minister Wong announces new initiative to help vulnerable seniors receive CPP and OAS benefits
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
Minister Wong highlights key accomplishments for seniors in 2014
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’ financial literacy strategy
Government of Canada Invests in Innovative Projects for Seniors across Canada
Christmas Greetings from Alice Wong
The following is a transcript:
Hello, I’m Alice Wong, Member of Parliament for Richmond and Minister of State for Seniors. On behalf of myself and my husband Enoch, I wish you all a pleasant and joyful holiday season. Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah or any other religious event, may your festivities be an occasion for great happiness for you and your family. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Creating a Lasting Legacy of the 2010 Winter Games in Richmond
Government of Canada announces support for the Richmond Olympic Experience
December 17, 2014 – Richmond, British Columbia – Department of Canadian Heritage
The City of Richmond will benefit from a contribution of $500,000 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund to support the purchase of specialized equipment for a new museum, known as the Richmond Olympic Experience (ROX), to be housed within the Richmond Olympic Oval.
This funding will allow the City of Richmond to purchase large-scale, custom-designed display units with specific security and environmental controls, as well as professional lighting systems for the museum and the museum’s theatre.
The ROX will act as a permanent legacy of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. It will tell the story of the history of sport in Richmond and its role during the Games, while educating visitors about the Olympic and Paralympic movement.
This investment was announced today by the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, and the Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament (Delta–Richmond East).
Quick Facts
- When the ROX officially opens in the spring of 2015, it will be the only North American member of the Olympic Museums Network.
- The museum will have 15,000 square feet of exhibition space over three floors, featuring permanent and temporary displays, interactive media, and hands-on sporting simulations. These will highlight the history of sport in Richmond, the history of the international Olympic and Paralympic movement, and Canada’s unique achievements and contributions at the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
- The Richmond Olympic Oval was used for long track speed skating during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, and has since been converted to a multi-use fitness and community centre.
- The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund seeks to improve physical conditions for artistic creativity and arts presentation or exhibition. It is also designed to increase access for Canadians to performing arts, visual arts, media arts, museum collections, and heritage displays.
Quotes
“As a major partner in the 2010 Winter Games, the Government of Canada committed to creating enduring legacies for all Canadians to enjoy—legacies like the Richmond Olympic Oval, which has become an important public gathering place in the Lower Mainland. Our Government is proud to continue enhancing these legacies by investing in the Richmond Olympic Experience.”
—The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
“The City of Richmond has demonstrated superb vision and leadership in its efforts to bring the Richmond Olympic Experience to residents and visitors. With sport simulators and multimedia galleries, this interactive exhibit is sure to be a treat for the senses. I am looking forward to visiting the exhibit in spring 2015.”
—The Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament (Delta–Richmond East)
“The City of Richmond’s journey from coastal community to Olympic venue city boasts many inspiring stories. Now visitors from across the country and around the world will be able to relive the excitement and passion of the 2010 Winter Games and more through the Richmond Olympic Experience. We are pleased to be a partner in the success of this dynamic and innovative project.”
—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) and Member of Parliament (Richmond)
“The Richmond Olympic Experience will inform, entertain and inspire visitors as we celebrate the Olympic and Paralympic spirit, rekindle the excitement of hosting the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Canada and showcase Richmond’s proud sport history. From priceless artifacts to fun, state -of-the art sport simulators, the ROX is destined to become a popular attraction for both residents and visitors, creating new legacies of the 2010 Games for Richmond and Canada.”
—His Worship Malcolm Brodie, Mayor, City of Richmond
Associated Links
Minister Wong celebrates Canadian volunteers’ contribution on International Volunteer Day
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
Minister Wong marks the end of Financial Literacy Month by highlighting the importance of financial literacy for seniors
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
Spoke in the House of Commons
On November 25, 2014, Alice Wong spoke in the House of Commons during Question Period on the topic of Seniors. The following is a transcript:
Mr. Bruce Hyer (Thunder Bay—Superior North, GP):
Mr. Speaker, veterans and all seniors in Thunder Bay—Superior North are worried. My constituent, Louise Fisher, laments that, “Nothing is being done federally to ensure that quality services are available across Canada for our seniors.” For example, we have declining health care services and a lack of in-home support for our seniors.
When will the minister ensure that all of Canada’s seniors are respected and supported?
Hon. Alice Wong (Minister of State (Seniors), CPC):
Mr. Speaker, we have been promoting healthy, active aging by encouraging seniors to stay engaged and informed. We have information for seniors and their families, which is easy to access, to help seniors stay engaged in their communities.
It is our government that brought in the largest GIS increase in a quarter century, and the opposition voted against it. While we work to ensure the well-being of our seniors, the opposition continues to let seniors down and would take away money from seniors.
Spoke in the House of Commons
On November 18, 2014, Alice Wong spoke in the House of Commons during Question Period on the topic of Seniors. The following is a transcript:
Ms. Irene Mathyssen (London—Fanshawe, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, a new report from the College of Family Physicians of Canada highlights the failure of federal leadership under the Conservatives when it comes to improving care for our seniors. New Democrats believe that all seniors should be able to live in dignity and security. It is about priorities and intelligent planning, but the Conservatives have failed to act to fix gaps in home care.
Will the minister finally recognize these repeated calls and commit to implementing the NDP’s proposal for a national seniors strategy?
Hon. Alice Wong (Minister of State (Seniors), CPC):
Mr. Speaker, no other government has done as much for seniors as our government under the leadership of the Prime Minister. We believe in working for action. That is why we have done an action plan for seniors with 22 different departments. With that report we know that we are doing well. We have lowered taxes for seniors, increased funding for the GIS, and also encouraged healthy, active aging. That is why our seniors love us but not the NDP.
[Translation]
Ms. Marjolaine Boutin-Sweet (Hochelaga, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, 75% of Canadians think that the federal government is not doing enough to support the provinces in the area of home care. The government is showing a lack of vision and leadership, while the need for this type of care keeps growing.
The College of Family Physicians is now calling on the federal government to develop a home care strategy. The timing is good because the NDP has a strategy ready.
Will the Conservatives support us and adopt a real strategy to ensure that our seniors have access to home care?
[English]
Hon. Alice Wong (Minister of State (Seniors), CPC):
Mr. Speaker, in 2007 our government created the National Seniors Council and I commend it for its hard work on matters related to the well-being and quality of life of seniors. This includes work on issues such as elder abuse, volunteering among seniors, positive and active aging, and senior participation in the workforce.
This year I directed the NSC to study a new priority, the social isolation of seniors, and I look forward to their report. This is exactly what we have done for our great seniors.
Minister of State Wong promotes new retirement income calculator during Financial Literacy Month
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