Hon. Alice Wong, P.C.

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

Vancouver, British Columbia, July 18, 2013—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today hosted two roundtables in Vancouver. The round tables 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 mark the beginning of a series of cross-Canada consultations to be held in the coming weeks.

“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 round tables 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.

The following is a video of Alice Wong’s Canada Day remarks:

The player will show in this paragraph

The following is a transcript:

Canada Day is a special holiday where we come together as a nation to commemorate the birth of our country. This year, as Canada celebrates its 146th birthday, I invite you to join me in taking part in celebrations throughout our community. Whatever your activities entail this Canada Day, I encourage you to reflect on how lucky we are to call this great country our home. Happy Canada Day.

Richmond, British Columbia, June 26, 2013—Eligible organizations across Canada still have the opportunity to submit applications for New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) funding until July 5, 2013 (September 6 for Quebec).

The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today reminded all organizations that promote the engagement of seniors to take advantage of the 2013-2014 NHSP call for proposals for community-based projects, which was launched on May 22, 2013.

“Many organizations in Canada are committed to helping seniors maintain a high quality of life and to helping them continue to be active, participating members of their communities,” said Minister of State Wong. “Through initiatives like the NHSP, seniors have new opportunities to use their knowledge and skills to make a difference in the life of others.”

Eligible organizations may receive up to $25,000 in grant funding per year and must address one or more of the program’s five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, social participation and capital assistance.

Minister of State Wong also highlighted that Volunteer Richmond Information Services is receiving close to $25,000 in NHSP funding. The organization will develop new information material to help raise awareness of elder abuse, including power of attorney rights and responsibilities.

“Funding from the Government of Canada will have a substantial impact on our community,” said Mary Kemmis, President, Volunteer Richmond Information Services. “It will allow us to address the growing concern of elder financial abuse, particularly when it’s caused by the exploitation of powers of attorney. We’ll be able to educate seniors and their family members on how to prevent this form of abuse, with a focus on Richmond’s ethno-cultural communities.”

Government initiatives such as the NHSP help to ensure that seniors maintain their personal health and well-being. Economic Action Plan 2013 proposes to better safeguard the well-being of seniors in a variety of areas, including financial services, financial literacy and health.

For more information and to apply for funding, visit seniors.gc.ca.

Backgrounder

The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) 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.

The 2013–2014 NHSP call for proposals for community-based projects was launched on May 22, 2013. Organizations may receive up to $25,000 in funding per year and must address one or more of the program’s five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, social participation and capital assistance.

The call for proposals will close on July 5, 2013, for all of Canada, except Quebec. The Quebec call will close on September 6, 2013, to coincide with a provincial call for proposals.

Since its beginning, the NHSP has funded more than 12 200 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada. The NHSP recently approved over 1 750 community-based projects through the 2012–2013 call for proposals.

For more information on the NHSP, please visit seniors.gc.ca.

June 15, 2013 – The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today issued the following statement in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day:

“Since 2006, June 15th has been recognized as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, focusing attention on the abuse and neglect that some older adults experience and how it can be prevented.

“Elder abuse is a hidden crime that can take many forms, including physical, financial or emotional. It robs older people of dignity and peace at a time of life when they should feel secure. In Canada, it has been estimated that between four and ten percent of seniors experience some form of abuse and that only one in five cases of abuse is reported.

“Elder abuse is difficult to talk about, because it is such an emotional issue. However, breaking the silence and helping people understand the magnitude of this problem is essential.

“Our government is committed to standing up for victims of elder abuse. We are pleased to recognize and support the work being done to raise awareness of elder abuse and help seniors better protect themselves from its many forms.

“Our government also helps to address elder abuse through awareness campaigns, the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) and legislation. The NHSP provides funding for projects that raise awareness about elder abuse and create resources to help seniors protect themselves.

“In January 2013, the Protecting Canada’s Seniors Act was adopted, ensuring stronger penalties for offences involving the abuse of elderly people. 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.

“We all have a role to play in preventing elder abuse. I encourage everyone to visit seniors.gc.ca for information on the signs and symptoms of elder abuse, as well as resources for preventative action.”

The Hon. Alice Wong, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State (Seniors)

New York, New York, June 14, 2013—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), was a keynote speaker today at a special event held at the United Nations headquarters to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which is on June 15. Minister of State Wong spoke about the measures that Canada has taken to combat elder abuse, as well as the importance of raising awareness about the issue.

“Our Government is committed to standing up for victims of elder abuse,” said Minister of State Wong. “In support of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we are pleased to recognize the work being done to raise awareness of elder abuse and help enable seniors protect themselves from its many forms, including financial abuse.”

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day brings attention to the abuse and neglect that some older adults experience and how abuse can be prevented. The governments of Canada and the United States partnered with the United Nations to jointly host the recognition event, which consisted of two sessions. An international perspectives session included speakers from the United States, Canada, the European Union and Malawi. It was followed by a non-government organization discussion and networking session.

The Government of Canada helps to address elder abuse through awareness campaigns, the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) and legislation. The NHSP provides funding for projects that raise awareness about elder abuse and create resources to help seniors protect themselves. In January 2013, the Protecting Canada’s Seniors Act was adopted, ensuring stronger penalties for offences involving the abuse of elderly people. 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.

Elder abuse is a hidden crime that can take many forms, including physical, financial or emotional. In Canada, it has been estimated that between 4 and 10 percent of seniors experience some form of abuse, and that only one in five cases of abuse is reported.

Visit seniors.gc.ca for information on the signs and symptoms of elder abuse, as well as resources for preventative action.

Backgrounder

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

• developing seniors.gc.ca as a central resource for seniors on government benefits and services, including finances, housing, health and wellness;
• providing Canadians with close to $76 billion this year through Canada’s public pension system;
• implementing a top-up to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) 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 additional 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;
• taking action to address elder abuse, including awareness campaigns, the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP), which funds projects to raise awareness of elder abuse, and legislation that would help ensure consistently tough penalties for offences involving the abuse of elderly persons;
• increasing funding to the NHSP by $5 million, bringing the Program’s annual budget to $45 million. The Program helps seniors use their leadership abilities, energy and skills to benefit communities across Canada; and
• supporting positive and active aging through the collaborative Age-Friendly Communities Initiative, Physical Activity Tips for Older Adults and falls-prevention initiatives.

Gatineau, Quebec, June 12, 2013—The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, and the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today announced the appointment of two new members to the National Seniors Council (NSC).

“I am pleased to announce the appointments of Dr. Marie Beaulieu and Mrs. Sharron Gionet as new members of the National Seniors Council,” said Minister of State Wong. “Each of these new members will bring a wealth of expertise to the Council on issues of importance to older Canadians at a time when Canada is facing a demographic challenge of an aging population.”

A professor of applied human sciences at the Université de Sherbrooke, Dr. Beaulieu specializes in the study of aging and constructive approaches to gerontology. Her research subjects include the social participation of seniors and the issue of elder abuse.

Mrs. Gionet is a charge gerontological nurse in the Geriatric Evaluation and Management Unit of the Horizon Health Network at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Saint John, New Brunswick. In addition to her extensive volunteer work on committees related to addressing seniors’ issues, she is a mentor for the Canadian Nurses Association’s Gerontology Exam Preparation program in the Atlantic region.

The NSC is mandated to provide advice to the federal government on matters related to the well-being and quality of life of Canada’s seniors, including new opportunities and issues arising from a rapidly growing and increasingly diverse seniors population.

Members appointed to the NSC bring with them unique perspectives and experiences that help the federal government understand the issues facing seniors today. The Council comprises a maximum of 12 members, including the Chair.

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

Toronto, Ontario, June 10, 2013—Older people with disabilities and people who are deaf will benefit from increased access to supports and services aimed at preventing elder abuse through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP).

“Our government continues to combat the very serious issue of elder abuse in all its forms,” underlined the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State for Seniors, to mark the upcoming World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 15. “By supporting elder abuse prevention activities, our government is helping protect the well-being and security of Canadian seniors.”

Minister of State Wong added that the Government of Canada recognizes the great work done by groups across Canada to raise awareness of elder abuse and help seniors protect themselves from its many forms, including financial abuse.

As part of these efforts, the Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL) has received $600,000 in funding for its NHSP project. This will help the CACL develop community responses across Canada related to the abuse of older people with disabilities and people who are deaf. The project engages communities to develop tools, resources and best practices on awareness and prevention of elder abuse. As well, older individuals with disabilities and their families will develop individual safety plans to support them in their communities.

“Through this funding, the Disabled Women’s Network Canada and the Canadian Association for Community Living, and many other provincial, territorial and local partners, are working together to improve communities across the country,” said Bonnie Brayton, National Executive Director, Disabled Women ‘s Network.

“The NHSP is an exceptional example of how a focused funding strategy can result in change in attitude, approach and a real change in communities,” added Laurie Larson, President, Canadian Association for Community Living. “Local citizens are being given the opportunity to learn about and prevent the abuse of older people with disabilities and people who are deaf.”

This project is one of 33 pan-Canadian initiatives collectively receiving over $14 million in NHSP funding.

Through Economic Action Plan 2013 the Government proposes to better safeguard the well-being of seniors. The Government also continues to ensure that Canadians are informed about the signs and symptoms of elder abuse.

Visit seniors.gc.ca for information on the signs and symptoms of elder abuse, as well as resources for preventative action.

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, and supports the Government of Canada’s commitment to ensure the well-being of Canadian seniors and ending elder abuse in all its forms. Through the NHSP, the Government of Canada encourages seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences to the benefit of others. Since its beginning, the NHSP has funded more than 12 200 projects in more than 1000 communities across Canada.

Pan-Canadian projects focus on developing or identifying tools, resources and promising practices that can be adapted and shared across communities, regions or Canada to address elder abuse. This funding can enable community members to better recognize elder abuse in all its forms and to improve the quality of life, safety and security of seniors. Eligible pan-Canadian grant or contribution projects must have a broad reach and impact. They are eligible for up to $250,000 in funding per year, for up to three years.

Other Actions Taken by the Government of Canada to Combat Elder Abuse

In 2008, the Government launched the Federal Elder Abuse Initiative (FEAI), a multi‑departmental, three-year initiative to help seniors and others recognize the signs and symptoms of elder abuse and to provide information on available supports. This initiative successfully concluded in 2011.

Building on the momentum created by the FEAI, the Government continues to address elder abuse through awareness campaigns that aim to help Canadians recognize the signs of elder abuse and give them information on available resources and supports.

In addition, the Government is addressing elder abuse through recently introduced legislation that will help ensure consistently tough penalties for offences involving the abuse of elderly persons.

For more information on the NHSP, visit seniors.gc.ca.

Gatineau, Quebec, May 22, 2013—The Harper government is seeking applications for projects that will help seniors use their leadership abilities, energy and skills to continue to make a difference in their communities through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP).

The 2013–2014 NHSP call for proposals for community-based projects was launched today by the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors).

“Our government recognizes the importance of supporting organizations that are dedicated to improving the lives of seniors,” said Minister of State Wong. “Initiatives such as the New Horizons for Seniors Program help seniors to lead and participate in community activities that strengthen their well-being and quality of life.”

NHSP community-based project funding enables seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences with others and helps communities increase their capacity to address local issues. Organizations may receive up to $25,000 in grant funding per year and must address one or more of the program’s five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, social participation and capital assistance.

The application deadline will be July 5, 2013, in all provinces and territories except Quebec, which will close on September 6, 2013, to coincide with a provincial call for proposals.

For more information and to apply for funding, visit seniors.gc.ca.

Government initiatives such as the NHSP help to ensure that seniors maintain their personal health and well-being. Economic Action Plan 2013 proposes to better safeguard the well-being of seniors in a variety of areas, including financial services, financial literacy and health.

Backgrounder

New Horizons for Seniors Program

The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) supports projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in the lives of others and their communities. Through the NHSP, the Harper government encourages seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences to the benefit of others.

Community-based projects must address one or more of the program’s five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, social participation and capital assistance.

The call for proposals will close on July 5, 2013, for all of Canada, except Quebec. The Quebec call will close on September 6, 2013, to coincide with a provincial call for proposals.

Since its beginning, the NHSP has funded more than 12 200 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada. The NHSP recently approved over 1 750 community-based projects through the 2012–2013 call for proposals.

For more information on the NHSP, please visit seniors.gc.ca.