Hon. Alice Wong, P.C.

Ottawa, Ontario, November 4, 2011—Canadians are invited to mark their calendars: National Senior Safety Week is taking place this year from November 6 to 12.

“In November, we celebrate both National Senior Safety Week and National Crime Prevention and Community Safety Month,” said the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors). “The prevention of elder abuse is about seniors’ safety and security. It is also about crime prevention and creating safe and secure communities.”

As part of the Government of Canada’s continuing commitment to combat elder abuse, Minister Wong will host a series of three round-table discussions on the issue from November 7 to 9, in western Canada. Later this month, the Government will re‑launch its successful national advertising campaign, Elder Abuse: It’s Time to Face the Reality, to increase awareness of the signs and symptoms of elder abuse, and provide information on available support.

National Senior Safety Week is led annually by the Canada Safety Council. This year’s theme is “Safe driving for older Canadians.” Independence is a key component of healthy and active aging, and driving often contributes to that independence.

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

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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
613-790-0219

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

Backgrounder

Initiatives for Seniors

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 to the GIS for the lowest-income seniors in a quarter century. The measure will further improve the financial security and well-being of more than 680 000 seniors across Canada. It represents a $1.5 billion investment over the next five years;
* increasing funding to the New Horizons for Seniors Program this year by $5 million per year, bringing the program’s annual budget to $45 million. The Program helps seniors bring their leadership, energy and skills to benefit communities across Canada;
* providing Canadians with close to $72 billion this year through Canada’s public pension system;
* providing $2.3 billion annually 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;
* supporting positive and active aging through the collaborative Age Friendly Communities Initiative, Physical Activity Tips for Older Adults and falls prevention initiatives;
* establishing October 1 as National Seniors Day to recognize the significant and ongoing contributions seniors make to families, communities, workplaces and society; and
* creating the National Seniors Council in 2007 to provide advice to the federal government on matters related to the well-being and quality of life of seniors.

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

Ms. Irene Mathyssen (London—Fanshawe, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, the guaranteed income supplement was put in place 40 years ago to address seniors’ poverty in Canada, but because of the government’s failure to keep up with the times, seniors are falling behind. Costs are rising on everything from food to home heating. Once again, seniors are being left out in the cold. We learned today that the number of seniors using food banks has escalated over the past decade.

What is the government’s plan to help impoverished Canadian seniors?

Hon. Alice Wong (Minister of State (Seniors), CPC):
Mr. Speaker, I will take no lesson from an opposition party which has voted against all of our measures to help seniors. Canada’s seniors have–

Some hon. members: Hear, hear!

The Speaker:
Order. The hon. Minister of State has the floor.

Hon. Alice Wong:
Mr. Speaker, I will take no lesson from the opposition party which has voted against all of our measures on behalf of seniors.

Ms. Irene Mathyssen (London—Fanshawe, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, of course we voted against it because the government’s so-called plan left too many seniors at the food banks’ doors.

We could act on seniors’ poverty right now. New Democrats have put forward a practical, affordable plan to increase the GIS and lift every senior in this country out of poverty. We have the blueprint. All the government has to do is act.

Could the government explain its inaction on seniors’ poverty?

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

With respect to the tragic crash in Richmond of Northern Thunderbird Air Flight 204, Alice Wong stated:

“I offer my sincerest condolences to the family of Luc Fortin, pilot of the flight that crashed last Thursday. I also offer my sincerest wishes that the people on the flight and on the ground suffering injuries a full recovery from this most tragic incident.

I am aware that emergency response crews were quick to respond and before that people came out of their vehicles on Russ Baker Way to assist those in the aircraft. These people make me proud of our society and deserve Richmond’s support and commendations for their bravery.”

Toronto, Ontario, October 28, 2011—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today underscored the Government of Canada’s commitment to seniors in her address to the Annual General Meeting of CARP Canada by outlining recent action and future plans.

CARP Canada is a national, non-profit organization that set its mandate as the promotion and protection of the interests, rights and quality of life for Canadians as they age. The organization promotes social change for financial security, for equitable access to health care and for freedom from discrimination.

“Canada’s seniors have worked their entire lives to help build a better Canada,” said Minister Wong. “An aging population comes with opportunities and challenges; I am confident that Canada is uniquely equipped for the task.”

Minister Wong talked about steps the Government has taken to ensure seniors’ financial security, continued contribution and participation in their communities. She also commented on steps the Government has taken to prevent elder abuse.

More specifically, the Minister addressed two seniors-related commitments that the Government made in its Speech from the Throne last spring.

The Government has already enhanced the Guaranteed Income Supplement to help Canada’s most vulnerable seniors. This is the largest increase to the supplement in the past quarter century. It will help the lowest-income seniors make ends meet.

The other commitment was to introduce tougher sentences for those who abuse seniors. Minister Wong said that legislation to address this issue is forthcoming.

– 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
613-790-0219

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

Backgrounder

Seniors-related Initiatives

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 to the GIS for the lowest-income seniors in a quarter century. The measure will further improve the financial security and well-being of more than 680,000 seniors across Canada. It represents a $1.5 billion investment over the next five years;
* providing $10 million over two years to increase funding for the New Horizons for Seniors Program in Budget 2011. This enhanced support will further the program’s objectives by funding a greater number of projects. The program helps seniors use their leadership, energy and skills to benefit communities across Canada;
* providing Canadians with close to $72 billion this year through Canada’s public pension system;
* providing $2.3 billion annually 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;
* supporting positive and active aging through the collaborative Age Friendly Communities Initiative, Physical Activity Tips for Older Adults, and falls prevention initiatives;
* establishing October 1st as National Seniors Day to recognize the significant and ongoing contributions seniors make to families, communities, workplaces and society; and
* creating the National Seniors Council in 2007 to provide advice to the federal government on matters related to the well-being and quality of life of seniors.

The Page Program provides young Canadians with the best seats in the country to listen to heated parliamentary debates of our nation, learn about Canadian politics first hand, as well as share this year-long phenomenal experience with fellow young Canadians from coast to coast. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity that will mark one of the most memorable years of your life. (Cissie Liu, former House of Commons Page)

For more information, go to http://www.parl.gc.ca/hocpage.

This year’s deadline for application is Thursday, December 22, 2011.

Ottawa, Ontario, October 21, 2011—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today highlighted the need for a common front to combat elder abuse in her welcoming remarks at a meeting hosted by the National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly (NICE).

“Elder abuse should be everyone’s concern and that is why our government is ensuring that Canadians are aware of the issue and can take the necessary preventative action or seek support,” said Minister Wong.

The Government of Canada awarded nearly $567,000 to the National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly, to develop tools to measure elder abuse, which could support the development of strategies for prevention, detection and treatment. The objectives of the meeting were to share results of the elder abuse project and establish next steps with key stakeholders.

“Our government is committed to support the well-being of seniors,” said Minister Wong. “We pledged in the Speech from the Throne that our government will do more to support our seniors, such as combating elder abuse in all its forms and raising awareness of this serious issue.”

This year, the Government increased the New Horizons for Seniors Program by $5 million per year, bringing the program’s annual budget to $45 million. A portion of this funding will support projects that expand awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse.

The Government of Canada is also taking action to increase awareness through its elder abuse awareness television campaign, which will air starting late November 2011.

– 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

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

Backgrounder

Seniors-related Initiatives

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

proposing a new Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) top-up benefit to help Canada’s most vulnerable seniors. This is the largest increase to the GISin 25 years. The measure will further improve the financial security and well-being of more than 680 000 seniors across Canada. It represents a $1.5 billion investment over the next five years;

providing $10 million over two years to increase funding for the New Horizons for Seniors program in Budget 2011. This enhanced support will further the program’s objectives by funding a greater number of projects. The program helps seniors use their leadership, energy and skills to benefit communities across Canada;

providing Canadians with close to $72 billion this year through Canada’s public pension system;

providing $2.3 billion annually 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;

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;

establishing October 1st as National Seniors Day to recognize the significant and ongoing contributions seniors make to families, communities, workplaces and society;

creating the National Seniors Council in 2007 to provide advice to the federal government on matters related to the well-being and quality of life of seniors; and

investing $13 million over three years in support of the Federal Elder Abuse Initiative (FEAI), which successfully concluded on March 31, 2011. Building on the momentum created through the FEAI, which featured an awareness campaign, the Government of Canada remains active in addressing elder abuse through the New Horizons for Seniors Program and continuation of its elder abuse television awareness campaign, which will air in late November 2011.

FIND OUT MORE

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

It gets better – An anti-bullying message, in memory of Jamie Hubley. Alice Wong says “It gets better” at 1:28 into the video.

On October 17, 2011, Alice Wong answered a question during question period about Seniors. The following is a transcript:

Ms. Irene Mathyssen (London—Fanshawe, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, a new report by TD Bank shows that seniors in Canada are accumulating debt at a rate faster than other Canadians. With the rising cost of food, home heating, and day to day expenses, seniors are struggling to make ends meet. Seniors built this country and deserve to retire with dignity. We need pension reform, long-term care, and affordable home care.

When will the government finally take action and ensure a secure retirement for all seniors?

Hon. Alice Wong (Minister of State (Seniors), CPC):
Mr. Speaker, Canada’s seniors have worked hard to build a better country and our government believes they deserve a secure and dignified retirement. That is why we are providing the largest GIS increase in a quarter century to the lowest income seniors who need it the most. Also, since 2006, the government has provided over $2.3 billion in annual tax relief for seniors and pensioners, removed 380,000 seniors from the tax rolls completely, and introduced pension income splitting.

We have also made significant advances in affordable housing–

OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(Oct. 18, 2011) – Today, the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), joined Mr. Jean-Guy Soulière, Chair of the National Seniors Council (NSC), in announcing the release of the Council’s Report on the Labour Force Participation of Seniors and Near Seniors and Intergenerational Relations.

“I want to thank the members of the National Seniors Council for their thorough examination of two issues of importance to older Canadians,” said Minister of State Wong. “Along with my colleagues, Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, I look forward to reviewing their report carefully.”

“The Council was honoured to meet with a number of seniors, organizations and experts across Canada over the past year,” said Mr. Soulière. “Our report points to many keen observations we heard about supporting seniors and near seniors who want to participate in the labour force, and promoting positive relationships between different generations of family members, co-workers and community members.”

The National Seniors Council’s next priorities will be announced following the appointment of new Council members.

For more information on the Council or to view its newest report, please visit www.seniorscouncil.gc.ca. To obtain further information regarding the Government’s programs and services for seniors, please visit www.seniors.gc.ca.

This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

Contact Information

Robert Lynch
Director of Communications
Office of Minister of State (Seniors)
819-953-1144

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

Backgrounder

The Government of Canada created the National Seniors Council (NSC) in 2007 to provide advice on all matters related to the well-being and quality of life of seniors, including the opportunities and challenges arising from a rapidly growing and increasingly diverse seniors’ population.

• The Council reports to the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, in light of her responsibilities with respect to seniors, and the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, whose portfolio reflects the importance of health-related issues for older Canadians.
• The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Council.
• NSC members include seniors, representatives of organizations that serve seniors and/or experts on seniors and aging.
• The NSC advises the Government of Canada on matters related to the well-being and quality of life of seniors.
• Since 2007, the NSC has undertaken work on elder abuse, low income among seniors, volunteering among seniors, and positive and active aging. As part of that work, the Council convened roundtable meetings across Canada with seniors, seniors’ organizations and other stakeholders. These consultations help the Council develop recommendations on how the Government of Canada can support seniors.
• The Government of Canada’s action on elder abuse demonstrates that the NSC’s efforts are making a difference. In 2009, the federal government launched a national awareness campaign, Elder Abuse — It’s Time To Face the Reality.

Since 2006, the Government of Canada has taken action on many issues important to seniors, including:

• providing Canadians with close to $72 billion this year through Canada’s public pension system;
• providing $2.3 billion annually 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 Budget 2009 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;
• establishing October 1st as National Seniors Day to recognize the significant and ongoing contributions seniors make to families, communities, workplaces and society;
• introducing a new GIS top-up benefit in Budget 2011 to help Canada’s most vulnerable seniors, which will further improve the financial security of more than 680 000 seniors across Canada; and
• investing $13 million over three years in support of the Federal Elder Abuse Initiative (FEAI), which successfully concluded on March 31, 2011. Building on the momentum created through the FEAI, which featured an awareness campaign, the Government of Canada remains active in addressing elder abuse through the New Horizons for Seniors Program.

Government of Canada is combatting Elder Abuse

Vancouver, British Columbia, October 14, 2011—The Government of Canada is offering to help communities protect seniors from elder abuse.

The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, announced today that the government is seeking applications for elder abuse prevention projects under the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP).

“Our government is committed to supporting the well-being of seniors and we are proud to assist organizations working to improve the lives of seniors,” said Minister Wong. “These projects will ultimately help seniors protect themselves from the many forms of elder abuse, including fraud and financial abuse.”

On October 17, 2011, the program will begin accepting proposals for pan-Canadian projects that address elder abuse. Organizations with eligible projects can receive up to $250,000 per year in contribution or grant funding, for up to a maximum of three years. The application deadline is November 25, 2011.

“We pledged in the Speech from the Throne that our government will do more to support our seniors – such as combatting elder abuse in all its forms and raising awareness of this serious issue,” added Minister Wong.

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

– 30 –

This news release is available in alternative formats upon 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

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 in their communities. Since its beginning, the Program has funded more than 8,500 projects in hundreds of communities acrossCanada.

The NHSP provides pan-Canadian project funding for networking, developing and delivering education and awareness activities, and creating tools and resources to help seniors protect themselves from elder abuse, including fraud and financial abuse. This funding can also enable community members to better recognize elder abuse in all its forms and to improve the quality of life, safety and security of seniors.

Pan-Canadian projects must have a broad reach and impact and can identify and share promising practices across the country, enabling replication on what has worked well to address seniors’ issues.

Through Budget 2011, the Government of Canada is investing an additional $5 million per year in the NHSP, bringing the Program’s total annual budget to $45 million.