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Alice Wong Community BBQ – August 16, West Richmond Community Centre
You are cordially invited to Alice Wong’s Annual Community BBQ.
Come and join Alice for her free Annual Summer BBQ Lunch:
Saturday, August 16 from 12 – 3 PM
West Richmond Community Center Plaza near Hugh Boyd Park (On No. 1 Rd near Francis Rd)
Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with free food, live music by The Road Crew, and entertainment for your whole family!
Questions? Contact the Constituency Office at 604-775-5790 or e-mail alice.wong.c1f@parl.gc.ca.
Happy Canada Day from Alice Wong
The following is a transcript:
Hi, I’m Alice Wong, your Member of Parliament for Richmond and Minister of State for Seniors. On July 1st, Canadians from coast to coast to coast will come together to commemorate the birth of our great nation as Canada celebrates its 147th birthday. With our rich history, vast natural and cultural heritage, strong values and sense of purpose, there is so much to be proud of. As Canadians, we are truly fortunate to call Canada home. This Canada day, I hope you join me in celebrating by attending one of the many events that are happening in our community. Happy Canada Day.
Harper government launches the Canadian Employers for Caregivers Plan
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
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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backgrounder
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
Minister of State Wong participates in conference highlighting elder abuse awareness
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
Consultation begins on a national financial literacy strategy
Public and stakeholder consultations will focus on seniors as the first phase of the Government’s work towards a comprehensive national strategy reflective of all Canadians
June 17, 2014 – Ottawa, Ontario – Financial Consumer Agency of Canada
Today, Minister of State (Finance) Kevin Sorenson and Minister of State (Seniors) Alice Wong joined forces with Canada’s Financial Literacy Leader Jane Rooney to launch consultations on a proposed strategy to help improve the financial literacy of Canadians. Recognizing the unique and often significant challenges faced by near and current seniors, the first phase of consultations will focus on seniors. Additional phases will follow with an emphasis on low-income Canadians, Aboriginal peoples, newcomers to Canada, and children, youth and adults.
The proposed blueprint, Toward a National Strategy for Financial Literacy – Phase 1: Strengthening Seniors’ Financial Literacy, is intended to encourage discussion and invites comments from all Canadians on ways to bolster the financial literacy of seniors and those approaching this phase of their lives. Stakeholders from the public, private and non-profit sector will take part in in-person sessions across the country. All Canadians are encouraged to submit comments on the blueprint by mail or email by July 15, 2014.
Quick facts
- In 2009, Canada’s Task Force on Financial Literacy met with stakeholders across the country to hear their views on strengthening Canadians’ financial literacy. Many of the Task Force recommendations have been implemented or will be by the end of 2014. Key actions taken have included:
- Financial Literacy Month was launched in 2011 to engage organizations across Canada in a month-long effort to promote financial literacy. Last November, 91 organizations participated and offered 443 financial education activities to Canadians.
- In March 2013, theFinancial Literacy Leader Act (Bill C-28) was passed; implementing the Task Force’s first recommendation. Jane Rooney was appointed as Canada’s first Financial Literacy Leader on April 15, 2014.
- In Economic Action Plan 2013, the Government committed to working with stakeholders to implement a financial literacy strategy that specifically responds to the needs of seniors.
- Seniors were identified as a priority group because research shows that financial literacy skills among seniors are low compared to other groups of Canadians. In the 2009 Canadian Financial Capability Survey, seniors had lower scores than younger adults in four areas.
- In 2011, an estimated 5 million people were 65 or older in Canada. 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 summer 2015.
Quotes
“In today’s increasingly complex financial marketplace, financial literacy is key to helping seniors make better financial decisions. When seniors have access to the tools they need to make those decisions, not only do they improve their own personal finances but the economy as a whole benefits as well.”
Kevin Sorenson, Minister of State (Finance)
“Our Government is committed to improving the lives of seniors in many ways, including financial literacy. It is a critical life skill for all Canadians and particularly for Canadian seniors—who often face unique financial challenges.”
Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)
“We are committed to working with stakeholders to better understand the unique challenges faced by seniors. I look forward to hearing from Canadians and stakeholders alike throughout this process to ensure that we implement a national strategy that will respond to seniors’ needs.”
Jane Rooney, Financial Literacy Leader
Associated links
- Strengthening Seniors’ Financial Literacy: Consultation Questions at a Glance
- Toward a National Strategy for Financial Literacy – Phase 1: Strengthening Seniors’ Financial Literacy
- Financial Literacy Leader
- Minister of State (Finance) Announces Appointment of Canada’s First Financial Literacy Leader
- 2009 Canadian Financial Capability Survey
- Information for seniors (seniors.gc.ca)
- Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (itpaystoknow.gc.ca)
Harper government highlights World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
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
Government of Canada helps establish a new initiative for seniors’ Cantonese Opera Troupe in Vancouver
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
Harper Government marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and supports local seniors project
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
Harper Government announces elder abuse awareness project while highlighting World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
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
Spoke in the House of Commons
On June 3, 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, over the next 25 years the number of seniors in Canada will double. Unfortunately, the Conservatives have no plan to deal with or provide the needed supports for our aging population.
From health care to financial security to housing, it is time for a plan. Our seniors deserve nothing less.
Why have the Conservatives not worked with the provinces and territories to develop a national aging strategy? It is time for some federal leadership.
Hon. Alice Wong (Minister of State (Seniors), CPC):
Mr. Speaker, seniors in Canada can be proud of the record support they are seeing from this government.
We have increased tax relief for seniors, increased funding for the new horizons for seniors program, and are investing in programs to help seniors, such as the targeted initiative for older workers.
That member and that party voted against all of these. We will take no lessons from the NDP, which would raise taxes for all Canadians, including seniors.