Hon. Alice Wong, P.C.

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, October 26, 2012—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today met with local seniors’ organizations on keeping seniors informed, engaged, and active.

“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the well-being of seniors,” said Minister of State Wong. “We believe their well-being depends on their staying active, staying engaged and staying informed.”

Minister of State Wong emphasized the importance of active living at any age. She explained that opportunities for seniors to remain active are not limited to physical activity. They include being active in the workplace, in volunteer organizations and in communities. She also spoke about the importance of seniors staying informed so they can take full advantage of the wide range of government programs and services available to them.

“The Government of Canada’s website, seniors.gc.ca, is a key resource for seniors,” said Minister of State Wong. “The website provides relevant and easy access to information on federal, provincial and territorial services and benefits available to Canadian seniors.”

The outcome of these roundtable discussions will help inform the direction of future government policies and programs on seniors’ issues.

The following statement was issued to local media:

As I indicated at the event in Richmond on October 11, 2012, our Government condemns the reprehensible practise of shark “finning”, which has been banned in Canada since 1994.

On the other hand, I am of the view that shark which comes from a legal, humane and sustainable fishery is no different from any other food that Canadians may or may not choose to consume.

As noted, I do engage with the Chinese-Canadian media on a regular basis in both Mandarin and Cantonese. However, it is unfortunate that the Richmond News and the Richmond Review were not notified of this local event.

Vancouver, British Columbia, October 20, 2012—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), addressed participants today at the Canadian Association on Gerontology’s 41st Annual Scientific and Educational Meeting, the theme of which is “Aging in a Changing World.”

Minister of State Wong introduced one of the keynote speakers, Dr. Geoff Fernie, Director for Research at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, who spoke about the role of technology in helping seniors with disabilities stay mobile and independent. She also provided opening remarks at the National Seniors Council’s workshop, where Council members presented preliminary findings on their consultations with employers about the aging workforce.

“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the well-being and ongoing needs of Canada’s seniors,” said Minister of State Wong. “Working together, we can all encourage seniors to stay active, engaged and informed in a rapidly changing world.”

Minister of State Wong also participated in the annual Awards Ceremony of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Institute of Aging. The awards are an occasion for members of the research community to recognize the work of their peers.

This three-day conference provides an opportunity for all levels of governments, seniors’ organizations, professional associations, academics, experts and non-governmental organizations to come together to share their views and perspectives to better address the needs of seniors.

Burnaby, British Columbia—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today announced that the Harper Government is helping 1 600 Canadians with disabilities get jobs.

“Our top priorities are job creation, economic growth and long-term prosperity, and we know that employers across this country are looking for workers,” said Minister Wong. That’s why I am proud to announce that the Harper Government is helping 1 600 Canadians with disabilities get jobs through the Opportunities Fund program.”

According to a recent survey by the Bank of Montreal, 56% of small businesses in Canada have never hired anyone with a disability. When asked why they had not, the most common answer from small business owners was that they do not know how to recruit them. The Harper Government is taking action to address this problem by working with small business owners to help connect willing workers with jobs.

Through the Opportunities Fund, the Harper Government is making an investment in Canadians with disabilities. The new investment is designed to provide work experience to Canadians with disabilities that will lead to ongoing employment in small or medium-sized enterprises across Canada. Some of the projects will increase employer awareness of the valuable contribution people with disabilities can make to their businesses and the Canadian economy.

Minister Wong’s announcement is one of a series taking place across the country today. Minister Finley kicked off the nation-wide events by launching a Call for Proposals under the Opportunities Fund to deliver the funding.

“To support Canada’s continued economic growth, we must ensure that everyone who wants to work has the opportunity—including under-represented groups such as people with disabilities,” said Minister Wong.

“People with disabilities are ready for, and interested in, the social and economic inclusion that employment provides,” said Ross Chilton, Executive Director of the Community Living Society. Investments like this will assist employers to tap into the potential of individuals with disabilities to further contribute to society.”

The Harper Government will partner with eligible organizations such as businesses, not-for-profit organizations, Crown corporations and educational institutions to develop and manage large-scale national projects. Organizations have until November 16, 2012 to apply. Information is available at www.servicecanada.gc.ca.

The Harper Government is improving labour market opportunities for all Canadians through a wide range of effective policies, programs and services, including the Opportunities Fund, Targeted Initiative for Older Workers, Youth Employment Strategy and labour market agreements with provinces and territories.

To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

– 30 –

For more information, contact:

Marian Ngo
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482

Media Relations Office
Human Resources and
Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559

Backgrounder

Through the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities, the Harper Government is helping 1 600 Canadians with disabilities develop the skills and work experience they need to participate fully in the economy.

The Opportunities Fund helps people with disabilities who have little or no labour force attachment prepare for, obtain and keep employment or become self-employed. It supports projects that help Canadians with disabilities develop a broad range of skills and work experience they need to participate in the job market.

The new funding will enable people with disabilities to obtain work experience with small and medium-sized enterprises, and ensure employers are aware of the valuable contribution people with disabilities can make to their business and the Canadian economy. It will be allocated to projects chosen through a Call for Proposals.

In addition, to further support people with disabilities and help them get jobs, the Government recently established the Panel on Labour Market Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities. The Panel will identify private sector successes and best practices regarding employing, retaining and accommodating Canadians with disabilities in the workforce, and better connecting potential employees to employers that provide jobs. As well, the Panel will identify barriers and disincentives to the employment of persons with disabilities. For more information on the Panel, please visit http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/consultations/panel/index.shtml.

On October 1, 2012, Alice Wong answered two questions about seniors during question period. The following is a transcript:

[Translation]

Mr. Bernard Trottier (Etobicoke—Lakeshore, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, today, we are celebrating the second annual National Seniors Day. The government created this special day to officially recognize and celebrate our seniors and all that they have done to make Canada a great country.

[English]

Could the Minister of State for seniors please tell the House what other action our government has taken to support seniors, who so richly deserve it.

Hon. Alice Wong (Minister of State (Seniors), CPC):
Mr. Speaker, our government has been working hard to increase access to services and benefits for seniors while promoting ways for them to stay active, engaged and informed. However, there is more.

We have increased funding for the new horizons program, taken action against elder abuse, increased the GIS by biggest amount in 25 years, and put OAS on a long-term sustainable path.

Our government is standing up for seniors and we will continue to do so.

…

[Translation]

Ms. Lysane Blanchette-Lamothe (Pierrefonds—Dollard, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, today is National Seniors Day. Unfortunately, many seniors have nothing to celebrate because the Conservatives are making seniors shoulder the burden of their cost-cutting measures. The Conservatives have raised the eligibility age for old age security from 65 to 67, reduced provincial health transfers, and the list goes on.

Can the minister tell us why the Conservatives have chosen to cut services to seniors?

[English]

Hon. Alice Wong (Minister of State (Seniors), CPC):
Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to supporting seniors.

We have taken action, including the biggest GIS increase in a quarter century. Our low-tax plan has helped remove almost 400,000 seniors from the tax rolls completely. There is additional funding for affordable housing for seniors, increased funding for the new horizons for seniors program, and we continue increasing awareness of elder abuse and have introduced legislation to ensure there are tough sentences for those who abuse seniors.

I would like to encourage Canadians to visit seniors.gc.ca as a resource to help guide them to the services and benefits they deserve.

Ottawa, Ontario, October 1, 2012—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), delivered opening remarks today, on the occasion of National Seniors Day, at an elder abuse awareness event organized by the Fédération des aînées et aînés francophones du Canada (FAAFC).

“National Seniors Day is an occasion to recognize seniors, and all of the valuable contributions they have made and continue to make in our communities, workplaces, families and society,” said Minister of State Wong. “On this day, the Government of Canada is proud to pay tribute to seniors and remains committed to better protecting Canadian seniors from elder abuse.”

The FAAFC received $700,000 in pan-Canadian project funding under the New Horizons for Senior Program (NHSP) to update and improve elder abuse awareness tools, create a national network of partners and train senior volunteers to facilitate awareness activities for seniors in francophone communities across the country. This is one of 33 pan-Canadian NHSP projects, totalling $14.6 million, that the Government of Canada announced in early summer to help increase awareness of elder abuse.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the well-being of seniors. For relevant and easy-to-access information on federal, provincial and territorial services and benefits available to Canadian seniors, please visit www.seniors.gc.ca.

Speaking notes for the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)
Prévention des abus envers les aîné(e)s Fédération des aînées et aînés francophones du Canada (FAAFC)
Ottawa, Ontario
October 1, 2012

Bonjour tout le monde! Je suis contente d’être avec vous.

When I first came to Canada, I learned to speak English, and now I’m practicing the beautiful French language. By National Seniors Day next year, and with more practice, I’m hoping to be able to speak a little more français with you.

Today, I’d like to congratulate the Fédération for the outstanding job you are doing in raising awareness about elder abuse.

The initiative you have undertaken to prevent violence and abuse against seniors is quite remarkable, and the tools you are developing to increase awareness of elder abuse in francophone communities are inspiring.

Through partnerships with your member associations in the provinces and territories, you have the ability to reach francophone audiences in a very effective manner on this important issue.

Your president, Michel Vézina, has shown great resolve and determination in this area.

Michel, leaders like you are precisely the champions we need in the fight against elder abuse. Merci Michel!

As Minister of State for Seniors, I am very happy to be with you on the occasion of National Seniors Day.

October 1 is a day to recognize Canada’s seniors, and all the valuable contributions they have made, and continue to make in our communities, workplaces, families, and society.

Throughout their lives, seniors have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge, experience and influence, which they continue to share as leaders and mentors.

Just look at the number of seniors who are actively involved in their communities.

Our government is proud to pay tribute to seniors and remains committed to supporting their well-being.

We are also committed to protecting seniors from elder abuse.

It’s always very disturbing to read the papers and find a story about seniors who have been mistreated or neglected by a family member or by someone they trusted.

Our government is committed to fighting elder abuse through the New Horizons for Seniors Program, through public awareness campaigns and through proposed legislation to amend Canada’s Criminal Code to further protect our seniors against these crimes.

We encourage innovative solutions such as the ones being carried out by the Fédération.

Today, on behalf of the Government of Canada, it gives me great pleasure to announce $700,000 in NHSP funding to support your organization.

This investment will enable the Fédération to build on the success achieved in Phase 1 of its campaign against elder abuse.

I understand that, with this funding, you will be accomplishing many important things: organizing a symposium on elder abuse; recruiting and training volunteers; developing a promotional campaign for francophone communities; and producing a documentary series on elder abuse.

All these activities will drive home the point that elder abuse won’t be tolerated.

Seniors have worked hard to build this country, and they continue to contribute to its success. For that we thank them.

But we in turn need to ensure that seniors can continue to live with dignity—free from prejudice, free from neglect and free from abuse.

We owe it to them.

Before I leave you, I would like to tell you about one of my other priorities—to help seniors stay active, engaged and informed. I believe these are the keys to seniors’ well-being.

Please visit our website, seniors.gc.ca, for more information.

Again, on behalf of our government, I would like to wish you all a happy National Seniors Day.

Merci!

Ottawa, Ontario, October 1, 2012—Today, the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), marked Canada’s National Seniors Day at a traditional tea event organized by the Bruyère Foundation and hosted by the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa, Ontario.

“I am pleased to be here today on the occasion of National Seniors Day to honour and celebrate this country’s seniors,” said Minister of State Wong. “The Government of Canada is committed to the continued well-being of seniors and we believe that, ultimately, their well-being depends on staying active, engaged and informed.”

Minister of State Wong praised the Bruyère Foundation for its support and dedication to the continued care of Canadian seniors. She also congratulated the Fairmont Château Laurier on its 100th birthday.

The Government of Canada officially established National Seniors Day in 2010 to provide an occasion for all Canadians to celebrate and appreciate seniors. It coincides with the United Nations International Day of Older Persons.

People looking for ideas to celebrate the seniors in their lives, or who wish to learn more about National Seniors Day, programs and services for seniors or tips on how to better stay active, engaged and informed, are encouraged to visit www.seniors.gc.ca.

For further information (media only):

Robert Lynch
Director of Communications and Parliamentary Affairs
Minister of State (Seniors)
613-790-0219

Media Relations Office
Human Resources and
Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559

Backgrounder

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

* introducing a new Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) top-up benefit to help Canada’s most vulnerable seniors in 2011. 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. It represents an investment of $1.5 billion over five years;
* increasing funding to the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) in Budget 2011 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;
* providing Canadians with close to $76 billion this year through Canada’s public pension system;
* providing $2.5 billion in additional tax relief to seniors and pensioners through measures such as enabling pension income splitting and increasing the Age credit in 2012–2013;
* providing $400 million over two years under Canada’s Economic Action Plan for the construction of housing units for low-income seniors;
* supporting positive and active aging through the collaborative Age-Friendly Communities Initiative, Physical Activity Tips for Older Adults, and falls-prevention initiatives;
* appointing a Minister of State (Seniors)—someone who can bring the concerns of older Canadians to the Cabinet table and stand up on their behalf;
* ongoing actions to address elder abuse, which include: awareness campaigns; the NHSP, which funds projects to raise awareness of elder abuse; and recently proposed legislation that would help ensure consistently tough penalties for offences involving the abuse of elderly persons; and
* developing seniors.gc.ca as a central resource for Government of Canada information relating to seniors and seniors’ initiatives.

Toronto, Ontario, September 30, 2012—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), spoke on the eve of Canada’s National Seniors Day at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto (CCCGT) and highlighted New Horizons for Seniors Program funding to the organization.

The Government of Canada officially established National Seniors Day to recognize seniors and all of the valuable contributions they have made and continue to make in communities, workplaces and families.

“The Government of Canada is proud to pay tribute to seniors and remains committed to supporting their well-being,” said Minister of State Wong. “We believe their well-being depends on their staying active, staying engaged and staying informed.”

The CCCGT received $25,000 in community-based project funding under the New Horizons for Seniors Program to provide educational sessions for Chinese-Canadian seniors to learn more about health issues and to encourage them to stay active.

People looking for ideas to celebrate the seniors in their lives, or who wish to learn more about National Seniors Day and/or programs and services for seniors, are encouraged to 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:

* introducing a new Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) top-up benefit to help Canada’s most vulnerable seniors in 2011. 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. It represents an investment of $1.5 billion over five years;

* increasing funding to the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) in Budget 2011 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;

* providing Canadians with close to $76 billion this year through Canada’s public pension system;

* providing $2.5 billion in additional tax relief to seniors and pensioners through measures such as enabling pension income splitting and increasing the Age credit in 2012–2013;

* providing $400 million over two years under Canada’s Economic Action Plan for the construction of housing units for low-income seniors;

* supporting positive and active aging through the collaborative Age-Friendly Communities Initiative, Physical Activity Tips for Older Adults and falls-prevention initiatives;

* appointing a Minister of State (Seniors)—someone who can bring the concerns of older Canadians to the Cabinet table and stand up on their behalf;

* ongoing actions to address elder abuse, which include: awareness campaigns; the NHSP, which funds projects to raise awareness of elder abuse; and recently proposed legislation that would help ensure consistently tough penalties for offences involving the abuse of elderly persons; and

* developing seniors.gc.ca as a central resource for Government of Canada information relating to seniors and seniors’ initiatives.

Vienna, Austria, September 20, 2012—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today addressed the Ministerial Conference on Ageing at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, hosted by the Austrian Government, to talk about Canadian successes and to share best practices about social inclusion and participation of older persons in the labour market.

“The participation of older workers and seniors in the labour force has a positive impact on communities and the economy,” said Minister of State Wong. “Older Canadians play an important role in Canadian society, and we are committed to helping them stay active, engaged and informed.”

The Government of Canada supports the Commission’s work of exchanging experiences that can help address information, knowledge and implementation gaps. This two-day forum has created an open dialogue between participants with the aim of building a society for all ages.

For more information on the Government of Canada’s programs and services for seniors please visit www.seniors.gc.ca.

– 30 –

This news release is available in alternative formats on request.

For further information (media only):

Robert Lynch
Director of Communications
Office of Minister of State (Seniors), Alice Wong
1-613-790-0219

Media Relations Office
Human Resources and
Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
Follow us on Twitter

Business leaders contribute views for a refreshed Global Commerce Strategy

August 24, 2012 – The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), on behalf of the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today attended a consultation session in Vancouver with industry and business leaders from across British Columbia to help the government refresh its Global Commerce Strategy (GCS) in order to better align Canada’s trade and investment objectives in large, dynamic and fast-growing priority markets.

“Our government’s top priority is the economy,” said Minister Fast. “With one in six jobs in B.C. generated by trade, I welcome the valuable contributions stakeholders from B.C. are bringing to our cross-country consultations, which will in turn help us develop the next phase of our ambitious pro-trade plan for jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for Canadians.”

In 2007, the Harper government launched the Global Commerce Strategy to position Canada for long-term prosperity. It identified 13 priority markets around the world where opportunities for Canadian businesses and interests had the greatest potential for growth and success. This led to five years of Canadian leadership on the world stage in support of open trade, job creation, economic growth and prosperity for Canadians.

As part of Economic Action Plan 2012, the government announced a commitment to refresh the GCS following extensive consultations with Canada’s key trade and investment stakeholders, including Canada’s business community, with a particular emphasis on the very critical community of small and medium-sized enterprises. Launched on August 14, 2012, in Halifax, the consultations are taking place in seven other communities across the country (Montréal, Toronto, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Calgary, Vancouver and Ottawa).

“Forging new trade and investment ties around the world is the best way for our government to ensure the financial security of businesses, workers and their families in B.C.,” said Minister Wong. “The consultations that took place today in Vancouver will help inform the next phase of our government’s pro-trade plan for the long-term prosperity of B.C.”

Trade is fundamental to British Columbia, with total exports of goods amounting to $33 billion in 2011. The largest share of B.C.’s merchandise exports went to the United States (42.1 percent), followed by China (14.9 percent), Japan (14 percent), the Republic of Korea (8.3 percent) and Taiwan (2.2 percent). In 2011, the top three merchandise exports from B.C. were mineral fuels and oils, wood and wood pulp.

Under the current GCS, the government has concluded new free trade agreements with nine countries; begun deepening trade and investment ties with key markets, including Brazil, China, India, Japan and the countries of the European Union; concluded or brought into force new foreign investment promotion and protection agreements with 11 countries; and opened new trade offices in the fast-growing priority markets of Brazil, China and India.

The next phase of the GCS will be announced in 2013.

To learn more about the renewal of the GCS, consult Cross-Country Global Commerce Strategy Consultations.

– 30 –

For further information, media representatives may contact:

Rudy Husny
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway
613-992-7332

Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-996-2000
Follow us on Twitter: @Canada_Trade