Hon. Alice Wong, P.C.

The following is a Lunar New Year Greeting from Alice Wong:

The player will show in this paragraph

The following is a transcript:

Hi, I’m Alice Wong, Member of Parliament for Richmond and Minister of State for Seniors. It’s my pleasure and honour to extend my best wishes this Lunar New Year to all new Canadians of Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese descent. Not only is this time of year characterized by long-standing traditions, celebrations and beliefs, it also honours the history and ancient customs of one of the world’s oldest civilizations. As we enter into the year of the dragon, a symbol of good fortune, it is my sincere hope for all families to be blessed with luck, happiness and good health in the year to come. Those born in the year of the dragon are said to be masters of authority and are honoured and respected. The coincidence of this is noteworthy as honour and respect are the two qualities Canada strives to exemplify in our strong relationships with China, Korea and Vietnam. On behalf of our Conservative government and from my family to yours, I wish all Canadians happiness in the year of the dragon and beyond. Gung Hei Fat Choy.

On December 12, 2011, Alice Wong answered two questions about seniors during question period. The following is a transcript:

Ms. Irene Mathyssen (London—Fanshawe, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, there is an elderly couple in Toronto. She has asthma and bronchitis. He has Parkinson’s. They can barely make ends meet. In fact, they just won a contest because of the depth of their needs. However, there are no winners here. Three hundred thousand seniors live in poverty. The government offers no help. Seniors should not have to turn to a contest just to keep their heads above water.

When will the government stop ignoring seniors and start actually helping them?

Hon. Alice Wong (Minister of State (Seniors), CPC):
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member opposite for bringing up this very important issue.

Seniors’ poverty is something which all Canadians should be concerned about. That is why our government has been taking action. We have worked hard to put more money into the pockets of seniors by cutting taxes and investing billions in affordable housing, but it does not stop there. We have also introduced pension income splitting and have provided the largest GIS increase in a quarter century.

Canadians know that they can count on this government to deliver for our seniors.

[Translation]

Ms. Lysane Blanchette-Lamothe (Pierrefonds—Dollard, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, I am not sure the minister realizes how critical the situation is for seniors because she refuses to admit that more needs to be done. Some 300,000 seniors are living in poverty. It is not just a statistic; it is a hidden crisis and the government is doing nothing about it. This winter, seniors will have to choose between paying their electricity bills or buying groceries. It is not an easy choice. In order for our seniors to be able to live in dignity, it would take only $700 million, which is half of what this government has given in gifts to the banks this year alone.

Why does this government help CEOs instead of seniors?

[English]

Hon. Alice Wong (Minister of State (Seniors), CPC):
Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to supporting seniors. The largest GIS increase in a quarter century has put more money into the pockets of 1.6 million more seniors. Our low-tax plan has removed 380,000 seniors from the tax rolls completely. Our investment to combat financial elder abuse is raising awareness so that the money seniors have worked so hard to save is not lost.

I have also consulted with stakeholders around the country and have seen first-hand the positive impacts made, thanks to our government.

On December 8, 2011, Alice Wong answered two questions about seniors during question period. The following is a transcript:

Ms. Irene Mathyssen (London—Fanshawe, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, this government’s record on seniors is shameful. Many seniors are struggling to pay for food, housing and medication. This is putting them into situations of dependence and making them more vulnerable to elder abuse. The Conservatives’ out-of-touch plan has left hundreds of thousands of Canadian seniors living in poverty. That is what New Democrats voted against.

Conservative policy is insulting and abusive to seniors. Why will the government not take seniors’ poverty seriously with a plan to protect the most vulnerable?

Hon. Alice Wong (Minister of State (Seniors), CPC):
Mr. Speaker, any form of abuse is unacceptable. Following the introduction of a very successful awareness campaign, which will continue through 2012, we also increased funding for elder abuse awareness programs including new horizons.

Furthermore, the Minister of Justice and I have met with stakeholders across Canada. We look forward to fulfilling our commitment to further protect vulnerable seniors.

[Translation]

Ms. Lysane Blanchette-Lamothe (Pierrefonds—Dollard, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, to “further protect” does not necessarily mean the government is doing enough.

Even though this government is boasting about its achievements, the reality is that today an increasing number of seniors rely on food banks or charities to make ends meet. To tell seniors living in poverty that they will not have to pay taxes is not going to solve the issue of poverty. All Canadians have the right to age with dignity, not just those who had more luck.

When will this government stop repeating the same old tune and finally provide real security to our seniors?

[English]

Hon. Alice Wong (Minister of State (Seniors), CPC):
Mr. Speaker, our government continues to take strong action to support seniors. This includes providing billions in annual tax relief for seniors and pensioners, removing hundreds of thousands of seniors from the tax rolls completely, increasing the GIS exemption and introducing the largest GIS increase in a quarter century.

We have also made significant investments in affordable housing for low-income seniors and introduced pension income splitting. We will keep working hard to deliver for seniors.

On December 5, 2011, Alice Wong answered a question about seniors during question period. The following is a transcript:

Ms. Irene Mathyssen (London—Fanshawe, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, seniors have paid their dues to our country but the government demonstrates over and over again that seniors just are not a priority.

Fortunately, the NDP is listening to seniors. We held a round table discussion this morning to hear first-hand about the challenges seniors face. That is in contrast to the government’s attitude of ignoring seniors’ needs for affordable housing, pension security and pharmacare.

Why does the government refuse to allow our seniors to age with dignity?

Hon. Alice Wong (Minister of State (Seniors), CPC):
Mr. Speaker, Canadians gave us a strong mandate to continue doing more for seniors than any other government. It was our government that introduced pension income splitting, lower taxes for seniors, increased funding for elder abuse awareness and provided the largest GIS increase in a quarter century. What did the opposition members do? They voted against all of these measures.

Ottawa, Ontario, December 5, 2011— 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 a new member to the National Seniors Council (NSC) for a three-year term.

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Maurice Royer as a new member of the National Seniors Council,” said Minister Finley. “His skills, knowledge and experience make him an excellent addition to the Council.”

Based in Eastern Ontario, Mr. Royer has had a distinguished career in mediation, facilitation and negotiation services. His community involvement has included serving as a member of the Board of Directors for the Kingston Children’s Aid Society, and as a member of the Kingston Police Services Board.

“As Canada’s population ages, advice and assistance from the National Seniors Council is increasingly vital to policy makers,” said Minister of State Wong. “With the insight he has gained from dealing with a range of issues important to older Canadians, Mr. Royer will bring a wealth of expertise to the Council.”

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 may comprise a maximum of 12 members, including the Chair.

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

– 30 –

This news release is available in alternative formats on request.

For further information (media only):

Alyson Queen
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482

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

Ottawa, Ontario, December 5, 2011— 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 a new member to the National Seniors Council (NSC) for a three-year term.

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Hubert P. McGrath as a new member of the National Seniors Council,” said Minister Finley. “His experience, leadership and knowledge will be valuable assets for the Council.”

Mr. McGrath had a distinguished career of more than 30 years in education, working as a principal, a teacher and an administrator. More recently, he has also served as a trustee and committee member on various community and health-care boards. Those boards include the Newfoundland and Labrador Eastern Regional Integrated Health Authority, the Finance Committee for the Eastern Regional Integrated Health Authority, and the Child Custody Review Committee of the Child, Youth and Family Services Division of Eastern Health.

“Advice and assistance from the National Seniors Council is vital to policy makers as Canada’s population ages,” said Minister Wong. “Mr. McGrath will bring a wealth of expertise to the Council on a range of issues that are important to older Canadians.”

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 unique perspectives and experiences that help the federal government understand the issues facing seniors today. The Council may comprise a maximum of 12 members, including the Chair.

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

– 30 –

This news release is available in alternative formats on request.

For further information (media only):

Alyson Queen
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482

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

On December 1, 2011, Alice Wong answered a question about seniors during question period. The following is a transcript:

[Translation]

Ms. Lysane Blanchette-Lamothe (Pierrefonds—Dollard, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, the government keeps going on and on about what it has already done in order to justify turning its back on seniors in desperate need.

Figures from the task force on financial literacy completely contradict what the Parliamentary Secretary just said. Every year, $1 billion in old age security benefits goes unclaimed. Furthermore, 70% of seniors who do not receive benefits have an income of less than $10,000. They are spending their golden years in poverty.

Is the government trying to save money at the expense of seniors, by refusing to pay them their pensions?

[English]

Hon. Alice Wong (Minister of State (Seniors), CPC):
Mr. Speaker, our government continues to take strong action to support seniors. Since 2006, our government has provided billions in annual tax relief for seniors and pensioners, removed hundreds of thousands of seniors from the tax roll completely, introduced the largest GIS increase in a quarter century, and made significant investment in affordable housing for low-income seniors.

What did the opposition do? It voted against all of these measures.

The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State for Seniors, will host a roundtable with stakeholders to discuss elder abuse in Ottawa.

Minister Wong will be available for a photo op and to answer questions from the media following the roundtable.

Please note that all details are subject to change. All times are local.

DATE:
Thursday, November 24, 2011

TIME:
11:30 a.m.

PLACE:
The Good Companions
670, Albert Street
Ottawa, Ontario

– 30 –

FOR INFORMATION (media only):

Robert Lynch
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Seniors)
613-790-0219

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

The following is a Remembrance Day video from Alice Wong:

The player will show in this paragraph

The following is a transcript:

Hello, I’m Alice Wong, Minister of State for Seniors and Member of Parliament for Richmond. On November the 11th, Canadians will join together in a day of Remembrance, when we will remember the ultimate sacrifices made by Canada’s brave men and women in uniform and honour the legacies they left behind. We will thank those who have given up so much for our great country and showed courage, bravery and determination. This Remembrance day, we will honour those willing to put themselves in harms way and stand up for what’s right and protect the values we hold dear. Lest we forget.

Burnaby, British Columbia, November 10, 2011— The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) and Member of Parliament for Richmond, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today announced that the Government of Canada is investing over $1,569,000 in four youth employment projects. Minister Wong made the announcement at S.U.C.C.E.S.S which is receiving over $696,000 through the Skills Link Program for its youth employment program.

“For many young Canadians, it is a challenge to make the transition to the job market, especially in today’s environment,” said Minister Wong. “That is why our government is creating opportunities for youth to succeed through support for community-based employment projects.”

Local youth who face barriers to employment will get job preparation training and work experience through the Government of Canada’s investments in four employment projects.

With assistance from the Government of Canada, three community organizations will each deliver a Skills Link project to help over 150 youth develop the skills and experience needed to find a job or the confidence to return to school. In addition to S.U.C.C.E.S.S, the other two projects are:

* UFCW Local 247 will receive over $469,000 in Skills Link funding for its Discovery to Apprenticeship project.
* The Mennonite Central Committee of British Columbia will receive over $364,000 in Skills Link funding for its Youth Keep Working project.

The fourth organization, Uni‑Pro Apparel Inc., will receive $40,000 for a Career Focus project to help two post‑secondary graduates gain practical experience through on-the-job training.

– 30 –

This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

For further information (media only):

Robert Lynch
Director, Communications
Office of Minister of State Wong
613-960-8717

Alyson Queen
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482

Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-555

Backgrounder

The Skills Link and Career Focus programs are two of three programs under the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy (YES); the other program is Summer Work Experience. YES helps young people aged 15 to 30 years, particularly those facing barriers to employment, obtain career information, develop skills, gain work experience, find good jobs and stay employed.

Skills Link helps youth between 15 and 30 years of age who are not receiving Employment Insurance benefits develop basic and advanced employment skills. Career Focus links young post-secondary graduates with potential employers who can provide them with career-related work experience and help them acquire advanced employment skills to facilitate their transition into the rapidly changing labour market.

Youth employment programs are also part of the Government of Canada’s strategy to create the best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce in the world. The Government underscored its commitment to this strategy in Canada’s Economic Action Plan. A key component of the Plan is to create more and better opportunities for Canadian workers through skills development. To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

The Skills Link and Career Focus programs are delivered by Service Canada, which provides one-stop personalized services for Government of Canada programs, services and benefits. For more information about this program, visit servicecanada.gc.ca, call 1 800 O‑Canada or drop by your local Service Canada Centre.