Hon. Alice Wong, P.C.

Toronto, Ontario, June 15, 2012— The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today announced a federal investment of almost $15 million under the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) for 33 pan-Canadian projects that address elder abuse. The announcement was made on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

“Our government is committed to ensuring the well-being of Canadian seniors and we remain dedicated to ending elder abuse in all its forms,” said Minister Wong. “By partnering with a variety of stakeholders and organizations from across Canada, we can help seniors better protect themselves from abuse while continuing to raise awareness.”

Minister of State Wong made the announcement before the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario, which is receiving $675,000 to create and disseminate a best-practices guideline on elder abuse awareness for nurses across Canada.

The NHSP continues to support seniors through a new call for proposals for community-based projects, some of which also address elder abuse. The call was issued May 8 and will close June 29, 2012 (September 15, 2012 for Quebec). For more information, visit: www.hrsdc.gc.ca/seniors.

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
819-953-1144

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

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 ensuring 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 10 400 projects in hundreds of 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.

A call for proposals for pan-Canadian projects was launched on October 17, 2011, and closed on November 25, 2011. A total of 33 elder abuse awareness and prevention projects were approved and will receive over $14.6 million in funding.

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 on March 31, 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. For more information, please visit seniors.gc.ca.

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.

Agreements have been signed and are in place for the following 29 projects, and up to four more projects are expected to be signed in the near future.

OTTAWA – The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, and the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State for Seniors, today announced a Harper Government investment in support of the development of new palliative care models.

“Canadians who are ill and are at the end of their lives need and deserve compassionate care that is seamless and tailored to their needs,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “That is why our Government is providing funding for the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association and its partners to improve access to palliative care for Canadians and support the sustainability of the health care system.”

“When our health is failing, we want to be in a place that feels like home but has the medical resources needed for palliative care.” said Minister of State Wong. “Our goal is to help improve the quality of life of people living with life-threatening illnesses.”

The Harper Government’s one-time funding contribution will facilitate the delivery of palliative care in a range of settings, and by a variety of care providers, so that these services are provided in a cost-effective and sustainable way. Health Canada supports Canada-wide initiatives that raise quality standards for hospice palliative care delivery, support caregivers, and contribute to raising public awareness and sharing of knowledge.

“As Canada’s population ages, it becomes increasingly important for us to build a system of community-integrated hospice palliative care,” said Ms. Sharon Baxter, Executive Director, Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association. “This funding will help with the development of hospice palliative care at a community level that is more easily accessible to Canadians and their families.”

The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) is a national, non-profit association for which the mission is to provide leadership in improving the quality of living and dying for persons with progressive life-limiting illness and their families. The organization also provides a strong voice and national leadership in hospice palliative care in Canada.

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Backgrounder:

The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, and the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State for Seniors, today announced a Harper Government investment in support of The Harper Government is providing one-time funding of $3 million to the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association to support the development of community-integrated palliative care models for the health care sector.

“The Way Forward: Moving Toward Community-Integrated Palliative Care in Canada” initiative will focus on the following activities and outcomes:

* describing the current environment and issues through scoping reviews and discussion documents as a basis for consultations;
* consulting with a wide range of partners and stakeholders;
* engaging partners and stakeholders in a dialogue toward the development and implementation of a framework for community-integrated palliative care models, that will include strategic directions, priorities for action, and a road map for implementation;
* distributing the results to stakeholders who are in positions to implement the framework;
* evaluating the activities, outputs, and outcomes of the initiative.

Community-integrated palliative care models allow end-of-life care to be delivered in a range of settings and by a variety of care providers so that these services are increased in a cost-effective and sustainable way. Health Canada supports Canadian-wide initiatives that raise quality standards for hospice palliative care delivery, support caregivers across settings, and contribute to raising public awareness and knowledge-sharing.

How will this initiative improve our health care system?

Palliative care will be available in a broader range of settings. With increasing emphasis on policies that encourage aging and dying “in place,” health care systems need to enable delivery of palliative care in any setting, including long-term care facilities, shelters, at home and in other residential care settings. Having palliative care available in a broader range of settings would alleviate pressures on hospital beds and honour Canadians’ preferences.

More health care providers will be trained in palliative care. This initiative will facilitate palliative care training for a wider range of care providers, such as doctors, nurses, and social workers who can be better prepared to recognize when palliative care services are appropriate, and either provide those services themselves or refer the person to other care providers.

More Canadians will have access to palliative care. This initiative will benefit the health care system by improving access to palliative care and reducing the use of hospital beds for end-of-life symptom control that could be done in other settings.

More information will be available about care at the end of life. This initiative will provide tools and resources to help health care providers, and all Canadians, be better informed about end-of-life care. Advance care planning is the process by which a person considers options and identifies their wishes with regard to future health care decisions. Greater awareness and discussions about care at the end of life can help to avoid unwanted or ineffective interventions at the end of life. Please visit advance care planning, for more information.

Integrated care models will help improve efficiencies for the health care system and end results for Canadians. In the year before death, people tend to use the health care system more (and incur more costs) than at any other period in their lives. This occurs, in part, because a determination of the most appropriate care, provider, and location of care is not often made, discussed or available. The default in a crisis is the Emergency Department, which has implications for wait times. By examining different models of community-integrated palliative care, identifying and sharing promising practices and putting forward strategies for implementing these models across Canada, this initiative can help to provide better outcomes for all Canadians.

Funding for this project comes from a Budget 2011 commitment to support the development of community-integrated palliative care models. It will fall under Health Canada’s Health Care Policy Contribution Program (HCPCP) – Health Care System Innovation Fund, which is designed to support the Government of Canada’s commitment to improving the health care system by fostering strategic and evidence based decision-making and innovation in quality health care.

For more information on the Community-integrated palliative care initiative, please visit the website being developed by the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association.

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Media Enquiries:
Health Canada
(613) 957-2983

Cailin Rodgers
Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200

Public Enquiries:
(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709

Prague, Czech Republic – May 29, 2012

Check against delivery

I am delighted to be here today, on behalf of the Government of Canada, especially in Prague, a city so rich in history and culture.

Having said that, I would like to thank both Dr. Jane Barratt, Secretary General of the IFA, and Mr. Greg Shaw, IFA Director, for inviting me.

It’s also a privilege to be in the company of His Excellency, Petr Necas, Minister Jaromir Drábec, and distinguished colleagues Jan Lorman and Irene Hoskins.

The IFA, as you all know, is based in my home country of Canada, and as Canadians, we are familiar with, and inspired by, the good work you do.

As Minister of State for Seniors in Canada, I recognize that like many other countries, we face unprecedented demographic change, making this a unique time to be working on seniors’ issues.

Now, if you’ll indulge me for a moment, I would like to quickly touch upon a subject that has become quite close to my heart—elder abuse.

Yesterday, I opened a conference organized by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse.

I am delighted to see the efforts made by other countries, such as yours, which are taking action to eliminate elder abuse. But more needs to be done. And I think a continued approach to raising awareness is an important first step to addressing this problem.

Getting back on track, during the IFA’s Senior Government Officials Meeting, I was pleased to learn how advances in long-term care and technology are helping to keep seniors active and safe in their homes.

Learning from one another is critical. And this is why I am here today—to learn from you and share best practices.

What we discover here will help seniors in our respective countries enjoy the best possible quality of life, and that is why this event is so important.

Let’s take this opportunity to reinvent the idea of the “golden years” in which one is still active and vital, and to make these years a time for creative development.

I wish you a successful conference.

Thank you.

Prague, Czech Republic, May 28, 2012 — The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), is meeting with international counterparts and stakeholders today to discuss and promote the interests of seniors, including the serious problem of elder abuse, at two international conferences.

“World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is our opportunity to come together to put a spotlight on this critical issue facing all of our countries,” said Minister of State Wong. “Canada stands with the international community in its efforts to raise awareness, to more effectively measure the prevalence and to legislate tougher penalties for those who abuse seniors.”

Minister Wong gave opening remarks today at the 7th World Conference and Commemoration of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, hosted by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse. Tomorrow, she will provide greetings at the 11th Global Conference on Ageing: “Ageing Connects,” organized by the International Federation on Ageing.

As part of its ongoing commitment to address elder abuse, the Government of Canada continues to play an active role in addressing elder abuse through awareness campaigns, the New Horizons for Seniors Program and recently proposed legislation. The Government of Canada also continues to work with its domestic and international partners to address elder abuse and advance the overall well-being of seniors, taking into consideration the challenges of an aging population.

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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)
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. This is the largest increase in the GIS for the lowest-income seniors in 25 years. The measure further improves the financial security and well-being of more than 680 000 seniors across Canada. It represents an investment of more than $300 million annually;
* increasing funding to the New Horizons for Seniors Program in 2011 by $5 million for two years, 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 this fiscal year in additional tax relief to seniors and pensioners through measures such as enabling 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;
* supporting positive and active ageing through the collaborative Age-Friendly Communities Initiative, Physical Activity Tips for Older Adults and fall-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;
* establishing October 1 as National Seniors Day to recognize the significant and ongoing contributions seniors make to families, communities, workplaces and society; and
* ongoing action to address elder abuse including: awareness campaigns, the New Horizons for Seniors Program, which includes projects to raise awareness of elder abuse, and recently proposed legislation that would help ensure consistently tough penalties for offences involving abuse of elderly persons.

Find out more

For more information on what the Government of Canada is doing for seniors, visit www.seniors.gc.ca.

Prague, Czech Republic – May 28, 2012

Check against delivery

In many cultures around the world, elders are considered a source of immeasurable knowledge and wisdom.

In the Aboriginal cultures of my country, Canada, elders have taught us that life is an endless circle, and that we have to create around us circles of protection, healing and mutual support.

We are gathered here today, at this 7th World Conference and Commemoration of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, to create such a circle.

It’s very encouraging to see people here from so many different nations. It’s good to know that in the fight against elder abuse, we have so many allies in the international community.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank Gloria Gutman from the INPEA and Jan Lorman from Zivot 90 for organizing and hosting this important event.

Gloria and her team, by the way, are based in Canada, and I want to thank them for all the important work they do to raise awareness of elder abuse both at home and around the world.

Elder abuse is difficult to talk about. It’s an emotional issue. But talking about it, breaking the silence and helping people understand the magnitude of this problem is essential for it to stop.

We all hope we can grow older without losing our autonomy. But a time may come when we are dependent on others, and more vulnerable than we are now.

So it’s troubling and terrible to think that the people we trust might take advantage of us.

That is why elder abuse is such a tragedy—because it is so often a betrayal of trust.

This betrayal of trust is also the reason why elder abuse is hidden and under‑reported.

Elder abuse robs older people of their dignity and peace at a time of life when they ought to feel secure.

The Government of Canada recognizes that elder abuse is a problem with devastating consequences—a problem that must not be tolerated.

We are taking action in various ways to prevent and fight the neglectful acts that may harm vulnerable seniors.

For example, through a program called New Horizons for Seniors, we invite Canadian organizations to apply for funding to implement local, regional or national projects to address elder abuse.

When we issued a request for proposals last fall, the response was overwhelming. Organizations across the country contacted us with ideas for suitable projects.

Last month, we announced over $35.6 million in funding for small community-led projects, some of which address elder abuse.

And, in the coming weeks, we look forward to announcing funding for larger pan-Canadian projects related to elder abuse awareness.

On the judicial side, our government has moved to defend older Canadians who are mistreated.

We recently proposed legislation to amend Canada’s Criminal Code to ensure consistently tough penalties for offences involving the abuse of older people. This will further help protect our seniors against these crimes.

Of course, prevention is always better than punishment. Educating the public about elder abuse is still our first line of defence.

In Canada, we continue to raise awareness with our national elder abuse awareness campaign called “It’s Time to Face the Reality.”

The most recent campaign ran this past winter and included television, print and Internet elements.

We’re very proud of this successful campaign, and I am pleased to be able to show you today the television ad that has been airing across Canada.

We hope this campaign and our other initiatives to combat elder abuse will continue to spark a change in attitudes in communities across our country.

I am very proud of the leadership role that our government is taking to address elder abuse. But we cannot do it alone. Everyone has a role to play in fighting elder abuse.

In Canada, we continue to work closely with other levels of government, and organizations like the INPEA and the Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse.

By the way, I am very happy to see at this conference Dr. Lynn McDonald from the National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly, otherwise known as NICE, and Marie Beaulieu, holder of the Research Chair on the Mistreatment of Older Adults at the Université de Sherbrooke. And I would like to acknowledge all the excellent work they are doing.

NICE recently completed an important research project supported by the Government of Canada entitled Preparatory Work to Measure the Mistreatment of Older Adults in Canada.

They will be doing a presentation on this topic later today, and I think you will find it very insightful.

Canada is pleased that World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is now officially recognized by the United Nations.

The Day gives us an opportunity to shine a brighter light on the problem of elder abuse, which affects people around the globe.

In this regard, the INPEA has been a tremendous influence for good. Without your dedication and determination to combat elder abuse, this critical issue would still be unaddressed and unrecognized.

I am glad to be with you at this event today. I am interested to hear the outcomes.

I also look forward to participating in the International Federation on Ageing’s 11th Global Conference on Ageing tomorrow.

Working together, we can create a circle of protection around vulnerable elders and make a difference in their lives.

Working together, we can put a stop to elder abuse.

Thank you for inviting me today, and I wish you all a productive and successful conference.

Vancouver, British Columbia, May 20, 2012 – The Roundhouse Turntable Plaza — an innovative public urban space in which to socialize, enjoy performances, and explore neighbourhood heritage — officially opened today with a community celebration.

Federal and City dignitaries joined members of the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre, in partnership with the West Coast Railway Association, in celebrating the re-opening of the Roundhouse Turntable Plaza. The event coincided with the 15th anniversary of the Roundhouse, and the 125th anniversary of the arrival in Vancouver of Engine 374, which pulled the first passenger train across Canada. Activities included an aerial dance performance, a brass band, kids’activities, a public art project, and Engine 374’s annual ‘steamed up’ demonstration in the plaza.

“The revitalized Roundhouse Turntable Plaza means great things for Yaletown and the City of Vancouver,” said Minister of State (Seniors) Alice Wong, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “This investment goes a long way to ensuring the plaza will be a key gathering place for residents, tourists and the arts community for years to come.”

“Making arts a part of everyday life is an important aspect of the Vancouver Park Board mandate,” said Constance Barnes, Vancouver Park Board Chair. “This welcoming and exciting community space will bring the plaza to life for residents and visitors alike, while retaining the history of the area.”

The $1.8-million project has revitalized the urban plaza space adjacent to the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre. The project has transformed the plaza into an outdoor public and visual arts/performance space that can hold 500-750 people, for everything from farmers markets and plays, to concerts and festivals.

Designed to create a performance space and showcase the plaza as a social gathering place, the three main features of the project include:

* A crane: reflecting early railway cranes, it supports canopies with cables for lighting, banners, and aerial performances, and increases programming options while enhancing the industrial architectural style;
* A viewing platform: overlooking the turntable pit, it features a bridge-turning mechanism that creates opportunities for visitors to view historical interpretations of the turntable and Roundhouse’s story; and
* A mist feature: with programmable LED lighting, it is reminiscent of the “Age of Steam.”

The Government of Canada committed $600,000 toward the project through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The City of Vancouver and Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation invested $950,000 in the project and BC Hydro invested $250,000.

The Government of Canada is focused on creating new opportunities for jobs, growth and long-term prosperity, and infrastructure investments are an important part of this plan. Thanks to the Government of Canada’s leadership, and strong economic and financial fundamentals, the Canadian economy has recovered from the global recession better than most other countries. Canada has been a leader among G-7 countries throughout the recovery with more than 750,000 net new jobs created since July 2009. To learn more about the opportunities in Economic Action Plan 2012, visit www.budget.gc.ca/2012/home-accueil-eng.html.

For further information on Canada’s infrastructure investments in British Columbia, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca. To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

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Contacts:

Geneviève Sicard
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700

Jason Watson
Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation
604-257-8438
Jason.Watson@Vancouver.ca

Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154

On May 16, 2012, Alice Wong answered one question about pensions during question period. The following is a transcript:

Hon. Scott Brison (Kings—Hants, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, has the public service provided the Minister of Finance with an estimate of how many dollars the government will save by raising the OAS age from 65 to 67, yes or no?

Hon. Alice Wong (Minister of State (Seniors), CPC):
Mr. Speaker, there will be no reductions to seniors’ pensions.

The opposition parties are missing the point. This is not about savings. Our changes will put old age security on a sustainable path so it will be there when Canadians need it. Changes made will be gradual, beginning in 2023 and coming into full effect in 2029.

We are also providing Canadians with the option to defer OAS and collect later at a higher rate, if they wish.

Ottawa, Ontario, May 8, 2012—The Government of Canada is seeking applications for projects to help seniors lead and participate in social activities and contribute to their communities.

This call for proposals under the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) was launched today by the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors).

“Our government is proud to support organizations that are dedicated to improving the lives of seniors,” said Minister Finley. “Through initiatives such as the NHSP, we help seniors stay active and encourage them to continue to participate in the social and economic life of Canada.”

“The New Horizons for Seniors Program helps seniors put their experience to use through volunteerism and mentorship,” added Minister of State Wong. “By investing in these community projects, our government is improving both the quality of life for Canadian seniors and their neighbourhoods.”

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. Eligible recipients can receive up to $25,000 in grant funding per year.

In 2011, the Government of Canada strengthened direct support to seniors by increasing the annual NHSP budget to $45 million. Through Economic Action Plan 2012, the Government is taking the necessary steps to ensure that Canada’s social programs remain sustainable now and into the future.

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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

For further information (media only):

Marian Ngo
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482

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

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

=======================

Backgrounder

New Horizons for Seniors Program

The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grants and contributions program that supports projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in the lives of others and their communities. Through the NHSP, the Government of Canada encourages seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences to the benefit of others.

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

The call will close on June 29, 2012, for all of Canada, except Quebec. The Quebec call will close on September 14, 2012, to coincide with a provincial call for proposals.

Since its beginning, the Program has funded more than 10 400 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada. The NHSP recently approved 1 923 community-based projects worth over $35.6 million in funding through the 2010–2011 call for proposals.

For more information on the NHSP call for proposals, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/seniors.

On April 26, 2012, Alice Wong made a speech in the House of Commons on the following opposition motion:

“That this House reject the government’s plan to raise the age of eligibility for Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement from 65 to 67 years even though the current system is financially sustainable.”

The following is a transcript:

Hon. Alice Wong (Minister of State (Seniors), CPC):
Mr. Speaker, I will be splitting my time with the member for Nepean—Carleton.

I rise today to respond to the motion put forth by the member for London—Fanshawe. We oppose this motion.

It is imperative to reiterate some facts and be clear about them.

No current recipients of old age security will see any reduction in their benefits because of these proposed changes. These changes will gradually increase the age of eligibility for OAS from 65 to 67 years starting in 2023 with full implementation by 2029. This means our government is giving Canadians up to 17 years to plan and adjust accordingly.

Unfortunately, it appears that members opposite continue to take a head in the sand approach to the whole issue of OAS sustainability.

Our Conservative government is acting now to ensure the sustainability of OAS for future generations, for our children and our grandchildren. That is why we have come up with a reasonable plan to ensure all Canadians can continue to count on OAS for a more secure retirement future.

I do not believe anyone can dispute that our government is committed to ensuring seniors have the highest possible quality of life. I am proud of the work we have done to strengthen Canada’s retirement income system, and more broadly to help address issues that matter to seniors.

As a result of actions taken by our government, seniors and pensioners will receive $2.5 billion in additional targeted tax relief this fiscal year. We have introduced pension income splitting and have increased the age limit for maturing pensions and RRSPs. As a result of these actions, 380,000 seniors have been removed completely from the tax rolls. What does this really mean to the seniors I have met across this country? It means that more money will go directly into their own pockets to spend or save as they see fit.

Sadly, if it were up to the opposition parties, they would have raised taxes on all seniors, not reduced them. Whether it was a job-killing carbon tax, an increase in the GST or any number of other tax increase proposals put forward by the opposition parties, one thing is clear: if either the NDP or the Liberal Party were in power, the cost of living for Canada’s seniors would be higher.

Enough of pointing out the obvious, negative, damaging effects the opposition would inflict on Canada’s seniors if they were in power; rather, I would like to continue the discussion on how our government has delivered, and will continue to deliver, for seniors.

We have strengthened the support of the retirement income system and invested in a GIS top-up benefit for Canada’s most vulnerable seniors. In fact, it was the single largest increase to the GIS in over 25 years. What did the opposition do? Once again both parties voted against it. In total, this top-up provided additional annual benefits for more than 680,000 low income seniors.

Going back a little further, in budget 2008 we increased the amount that can be earned before the GIS is reduced to $3,500, so that recipients can keep more of their hard-earned money without any reduction in GIS benefits. Once again, as they have been known to do, almost as if they were in a coalition, both parties voted against this measure.

The CPP was modernized in 2009 to make it more flexible for those transitioning out of the workforce and to better reflect the way Canadians currently live, work and retire.

We built a better framework for federally regulated registered pension plans, including ensuring that an employer fully funds benefits, even if the pension plan is terminated. We expanded pension options with the introduction of pooled registered pension plans for millions of Canadians who have not previously had access to a large-scale, low-cost, professionally administered company pension plan.

Shifting gears for a moment, I would also like to discuss what many consider to be the greatest policy innovation in a generation to help Canadians save for their retirement, the tax-free savings account, TFSA, which we introduced in budget 2008. I do not think I need to tell members which way the NDP voted, but I will anyway. That is right. Again, the NDP voted against it. That is shameful because the TFSA is particularly beneficial to Canada’s seniors, as withdrawals from a TFSA do not affect income supports such as the age credit or OAS and GIS benefits. The TFSA also benefits seniors by giving them a savings vehicle to meet their ongoing savings needs.

As well, there have been several other initiatives that have demonstrated our support for seniors. We have eliminated the mandatory retirement age for federally regulated workers unless there is a bona fide occupational requirement. This allows the choice for Canadians to decide how long they wish to remain active in the workforce. We have also provided $400 million over two years for the construction of new housing units for low-income seniors. Since 2006, we have provided $220 million into the targeted initiative for older workers. This program is a federal-provincial-territorial employment program that provides a range of employment services for unemployed older workers in vulnerable communities. I am proud to report that about 75% of older workers who participate in the TIOW go on to find new employment. That is something we can be proud of.

I have just listed the unprecedented support our government has given to seniors since 2006. Let me highlight some other positive changes that were announced in our most recent budget. We announced our government will be working with a third-quarter project to assist seniors who are looking for jobs. For example, our government has for the first time introduced proactive enrolment for OAS benefits. These changes, which will start in 2013, will reduce the obligation of many seniors to apply for benefits and help ensure seniors receive the benefits they deserve.

Unfortunately, we have heard the same fearmongering and misinformation from the opposition about the sustainability of the OAS. Whether it be through misleading and confusing op-eds sent to local newspapers or partisan mail-outs and petitions that misrepresent the facts, the opposition parties have engaged in a reckless campaign of misinformation aimed at scoring cheap political points. We have heard a lot of questions about the savings associated with the proposal. Such questions miss the point entirely. We are taking these actions to ensure the survival of this benefit for future generations. We are implementing these measures to give predictability and certainty to those preparing for their retirement.

It is particularly hypocritical of the Liberal Party to be grandstanding on such an issue. This was the same matter that Paul Martin attempted to change in the mid-1990s to ensure the sustainability of this benefit. Unfortunately, the Liberals lacked the conviction to show real leadership and decided to pass the buck to a future generation and a future government to make the tough choices in the long-term interests of our nation. It is no surprise that Canadians elected a strong, stable, national Conservative majority government.

I would ask my hon. colleagues across the way to put aside their partisan blinders and to think of the long-term sustainability of this program. There is a greater interest than their perceived short-term political gain in considering this issue.

We need to act now to provide Canadians the certainty they need to plan for their retirements. We have heard from many private sector economists and the chief actuary, as well as pension and financial experts alike. They agree that the increased demand of a rapidly aging population is going to threaten the sustainability of the old age security program.

I would ask opposition parties to get their heads out of the sand and to stop their wilful ignorance of the very real challenges that face our nation because of an aging population and to join with the government in voting against the motion.

Ms. Ève Péclet (La Pointe-de-l’Île, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, I just have one question. Did the government consult the provinces before changing the age to 67? We all know that the provinces will have to cope with the two years that seniors are not going to receive money.

[Translation]

For now, the economic burden will be downloaded onto the provinces and they will have to deal with it. The money that this government refuses to invest for seniors will have to be invested by the provinces.

Why is this government not assuming its responsibilities, instead of chucking them onto the provinces?

[English]

Hon. Alice Wong:
Mr. Speaker, it is exactly what the government has done. We have already made it clear in our budget that any net loss that might incur to provinces and territories because of the changes will be compensated by our government.

There are 11 years to discuss this. We will keep working on this in the next provincial and federal government meetings.

Hon. Gerry Byrne (Humber—St. Barbe—Baie Verte, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member has suggested that she has solid information and knowledge of the government’s intentions with regard to the old age security program and the GIS program. She has suggested there will be no changes to any current recipient.

I would like to ask the honourable member this, since she has personal and intimate knowledge of the government’s intentions. The current policy of allowing the optioning of registered retirement income funds for the purposes of the calculation of GIS has currently been deemed illegal by the Tax Court of Canada. It has said that within the Old Age Security Act there are no provisions to allow for the optioning of RRIF income, yet the government continues to do so. It has suggested that if the government were to ban this practice, according to policy, it would be negatively impacting current recipients of old age security and GIS benefits.

Is it the intention of the Government of Canada to amend the Old Age Security Act to allow what it is currently doing under policy to occur statutorily by an amendment to the Old Age Security Act to allow the optioning of RRIF income for the purposes of the calculation of eligibility to the GIS program?

Hon. Alice Wong:
Mr. Speaker, the question we are debating right now is whether we should extend the age of eligibility from 65 to 67. That is what we are debating right now.

Let us listen to what some of our economists have said.

“What is less reasonable is the quasi-hysterical and downright demagogic reactions from opposition critics to what was a fairly modest proposal”. That was from the Montreal Gazette.

Here is another quote. “Without any changes, Canada will be hard-pressed to provide any social or institutional programs beyond seniors’ income supplements and health care.” That was in a Star Phoenix editorial.

Another quote says, “opposition parties’ efforts to panic Canadians that the…government is targeting seniors are as disingenuous as they are dangerous”. That was in a Star Phoenix editorial.

Another quote says, “The fact of the matter is Canadians are getting older, the demands on the system are getting greater, and the costs are going up”. That was said by Patricia Croft, economist, The Bottom Line, CBC The National.

All these quotes just confirm that our move is in the right direction.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Marketwire – April 16, 2012) – Seniors across Canada can look forward to new services and activities in their communities through the New Horizons for Seniors Program. The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), made the announcement today.

“Our government recognizes the diversity of skills, knowledge and experience that seniors contribute to our society and economy,” said Minister of State Wong. “Through initiatives such as the New Horizons for Seniors Program, we are helping to ensure that seniors maintain a high quality of life and continue as active, participating members of their communities.”

The announcement was made at the Robert Lee YMCA of Greater-Vancouver, which will receive $24,912 for its project to promote social participation and inclusion of seniors by providing a health and fitness program.

Since its beginning, the New Horizons for Seniors Program has funded more than 10,400 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada. This year, the Government of Canada will provide more than $35.6 million in funding for almost 2,000 community projects.

This news release is available in alternative formats on request.

BACKGROUNDER

New Horizons for Seniors Program

The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grants and contributions program that supports projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in the lives of others and their communities. Through the NHSP, the Government of Canada encourages seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences to the benefit of others.

The 2011-12 community-based projects call for proposals ran from June 20 to September 16, 2011. Projects can receive up to $25,000 in funding and must address one or more of the program’s five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, social participation, and capital assistance.

Since its beginning, the Program has funded more than 10,400 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada.

The next NHSP call for proposals is expected to launch in spring 2012. For more information on the NHSP, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/seniors.