Hon. Alice Wong, P.C.

On October 3, 2011 Alice Wong spoke on the subject of Seniors in the House of Commons. The following is a transcript:

Ms. Irene Mathyssen (London—Fanshawe, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, on Seniors Day, the government boasted about tax measures that would help seniors. The reality is that over 0.25 million–

Some hon. members: Oh, oh!

The Speaker:
Order, please. The hon. member for London—Fanshawe.

Ms. Irene Mathyssen:
Mr. Speaker, I am glad to see they are so busy patting themselves on the back but with over 0.25 million seniors living in poverty, tax measures are not the solution. Many seniors are so poor they do not even pay taxes.

When will the minister take action to address the real problems facing our seniors by boosting access to home care, eliminating seniors poverty and supporting caregivers?

Hon. Alice Wong (Minister of State (Seniors), CPC):
Mr. Speaker, our government was given a strong mandate. It is doing more for seniors than under any other government. It was our government that introduced pension income splitting and doubled the pension income credit. We lowered taxes and removed 380,000 seniors from the tax rolls completely. We also raised the guaranteed income supplement exemption, putting more money in the pockets of 1.6 million more seniors. What did the opposition do? It voted against all of these measures.

Ottawa, Ontario, October 3, 2011—The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today participated in the Mayor’s Seniors Summit organized by the City of Ottawa and hosted by Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson.

“Seniors represent a diverse and growing population, playing a significant role in building a stronger Canada,” said Minister Wong. “They deserve our support and we are working hard to improve their quality of life.”

The Mayor’s Seniors Summit provided an opportunity for seniors to come together to discuss what the City of Ottawa is doing for seniors and to provide ideas about ways to improve services. This Summit is part of a larger project that will culminate in a new older adult action plan for the City of Ottawa in 2012.

Minister Wong, alongside Mayor Watson, addressed attendees. She highlighted the work the Government of Canada is doing for seniors as well as her role in overseeing the work of the National Seniors Council and co-charing the Forum of Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors.

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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

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 helpCanada’s most vulnerable seniors. This is the largest increase to theGISin a quarter century. The measure will further improve the financial security and well-being of more than 680,000 seniors acrossCanada. 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 throughCanada’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 $387.9 million over two years underCanada’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
* providing $13 million over three years in Budget 2008 to help seniors and others recognize the signs and symptoms of elder abuse, and to provide information on available support.

Richmond, British Columbia, October 1, 2011—To mark Canada’s first National Seniors Day, Alice Wong, Member of Parliament for Richmond and Minister of State (Seniors) today celebrated seniors at her constituency in Richmond.

Coinciding with the United Nations’ International Day of Older Persons, the Government of Canada established National Seniors Day as an opportunity for Canadians to pay tribute to the contributions that seniors make to their families, communities, workplaces and society.

“National Seniors Day is an occasion to celebrate Canadian seniors,” said Alice Wong. “Especially in the City of Richmond, where people have the longest life expectancies across all of Canada. Today, we recognize the many contributions seniors have made and we thank them for continuing to be mentors and leaders in our communities.”

For tips and resources to celebrate the seniors in your life, or for more information on National Seniors Day and the Government’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):

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

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

Backgrounder

National Seniors Day is one of a number of initiatives that the Government of Canada has undertaken in recent years. In the most recent federal budget last June, the Government introduced the following:

• a new Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) top-up benefit to help Canada’s most vulnerable seniors;

• $10 million over two years to increase funding for the New Horizons for Seniors Program, bringing the program’s total 2011–2012 budget to $45 million; and

• $50 million over two years to extend the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers until 2013–2014.

The Government of Canada has brought about a number of initiatives in support of seniors:
• providing 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 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 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.

TORONTO, ONTARIO, September 30, 2011—The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, along with Minister of State (Seniors), the Honourable Alice Wong, kicked off early celebrations in anticipation of Canada’s inaugural National Seniors Day, which officially takes place October 1st.

“Canadians now have an official day to celebrate seniors, which coincides with the United Nations’ International Day of Older Persons,” said Minister Finley. “The Government is proud to pay tribute and recognize the many contributions seniors make to their families, communities, workplaces and society.”

Minister Wong joined members of the Multicultural Council for Ontario Seniors to celebrate.

“National Seniors Day is an occasion for all Canadians to appreciate and celebrate seniors,” said Minister Wong. “Canada’s seniors dedicated their lives to our country — they deserve our thanks as they continue to be influential mentors and leaders in our communities.”

The Government of Canada is taking action to ensure that our policies, programs and services continue to improve the well-being and quality of life for seniors.

For ideas and resources to celebrate the seniors in your lives, or for more information on National Seniors Day and the Government’s programs and services for seniors, visit www.seniors.gc.ca.

– 30 –

This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

For further information (media only):

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

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 establishment of National Seniors Day builds on the many concrete measures introduced by the Government to improve the well-being and quality of life of Canada’s seniors. The 2010 Speech from the Throne announced legislation to create a seniors day. On November 18, 2010, Bill C 40, the Celebrating Canada’s Seniors Act, received Royal Assent, officially marking October 1st of each year as National Seniors Day inCanada.

National Seniors Day is just one of a number of initiatives that the Government of Canada has undertaken for seniors in recent years. In the most recent federal budget last June, the Government introduced the following:

* a new Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) top-up benefit to help Canada’s most vulnerable seniors;
* $10 million over two years to increase funding for the New Horizons for Seniors Program, bringing the program’s total 2011–2012 budget to $45 million; and
* $50 million over two years to extend the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers program until 2013–2014.

The Government of Canada has brought about a number of initiatives in support of seniors:

* providing Canadians with over $70 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 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;
* 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.

On September 29, 2011 Alice Wong spoke on the subject of Seniors in the House of Commons. The following is a transcript:

Mrs. Stella Ambler (Mississauga South, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, it is important to celebrate what Canadian seniors have done and continue to do for our country. They deserve our gratitude and recognition. That is why the House passed a bill last year to officially establish October 1 as National Seniors Day.

Would the hon. Minister of State for Seniors tell the House what the government has done and continues to do to help seniors?

Hon. Alice Wong (Minister of State (Seniors), CPC):
Mr. Speaker, on October 1 we will recognize the many contributions seniors have made as leaders in strengthening our families and communities.

Our government has a strong record of action to improve the quality of life of seniors, including additional funding for seniors programs and the largest increase in the GIS in a quarter century.

Together let us recognize the many seniors who give so generously of themselves to make this the best country in the world.

OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(Sept. 29, 2011) – The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health and the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) today announced that 10 new research projects will benefit from an approximately $6 million investment from the Government of Canada.

“These studies touch on neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy and neuromuscular conditions. Through this research, we will gain reliable information on the extent of neurological conditions and their effects on Canadians,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “Together with our partners, our government is working to reduce the burden of neurological disease in Canada.”

The funding announced will support research being carried out across Canada. The Public Health Agency of Canada is collaborating with Neurological Health Charities Canada (NHCC), a coalition of 26 neurological charities, to implement these studies. The investment announced today is part of the Government of Canada’s $15 million commitment to the first-ever National Population Health Study of Neurological Conditions.

“Upon the completion of the National Population Health Study in 2013, we will have new critical information to further assist governments, neurological health charities, caregivers and those living with neurological conditions. We look forward to using this information in determining priorities going forward,” said Minister Wong.

The studies announced today will deepen our understanding of the effects of neurological conditions on the lives of Canadians and their families and the ability of health, social and community services to support them.

FACT SHEET

September 2011

NEUROLOGICAL PROJECTS

SUMMARY

The Government of Canada is investing approximately $6 million today to support 10 studies on neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and neuromuscular conditions.

This investment is part of the Government of Canada’s $15 million commitment to the first-ever National Population Health Study on Neurological Conditions which will provide a better picture of the state of neurological diseases in Canada.

Neurological Research Projects

RICHMOND, BC – Hon. Alice Wong, Member of Parliament for Richmond and Minister of State (Seniors) will be hosting an open house in Richmond to celebrate the first annual National Seniors Day, which occurs on October 1. Alice Wong will be giving a short speech, take questions from media and will be talking with individual seniors and seniors stakeholders. Members of the media are invited.

Date: Saturday, October 1, 2011

Location: “Social Suite” on the 6th (top) floor of the London Plaza Parkade
5971 No. 3 Road
Richmond, BC

Time: 9:30am to 11:30am (Speech by Alice Wong at 10:00am).

Accessibility: There is an elevator in the London Plaza parkade that leads to the 6th floor. Accessible parking on the top floor is limited; if full, guests can park in lower floors and take the elevator up.

Regina, Saskatchewan, September 26, 2011—To raise awareness of the abuse of older adults in Canada, the Government of Canada is providing additional funding to the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism, under the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP).

Mr. Ray Boughen, Member of Parliament for Palliser, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors).

“The Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism has successfully increased awareness and knowledge of elder abuse and financial fraud across the province,” said Mr. Boughen. “By continuing to support its projects, we are working together to help reduce the incidence of these types of offences.”

The Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism is receiving an additional $62,119 in NHSP funding to continue its work on two successful projects: Fraud Awareness for Seniors Toolkit and Abuse Prevention and Response Network project. This funding will allow the organization to translate the toolkit into multiple languages and continue raising awareness of elder abuse through provincial roundtables in remote areas.

A call for proposals for pan-Canadian projects that expand awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse, will be launched this fall. Organizations will be able to apply for up to $250,000 per year in contribution or grant funding, for a maximum of three years.

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This news release is available in alternative formats upon 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

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 across Canada.

The NHSP supports projects that aim to address one or more of the following five program objectives:

promoting volunteerism among seniors and other generations;
engaging seniors in the community through the mentoring of others;
expanding awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse;
supporting the social participation and inclusion of seniors; and
providing capital assistance for new and existing community projects and/or programs for seniors.

Through Budget 2011, the Government of Canada is investing an additional $5 million per year in the NHSP, bringing the Program’s 2011–2012 budget to $45 million.

For more information on the Program, elder abuse or upcoming calls for proposals, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/seniors.

Alice Wong was at the ceremony that commenced the Ottawa Protocol on Anti-Semitism.

Among its commitments, the Protocol calls for:
– Leaders of faith groups to combat all forms of hatred and discrimination, including anti-Semitism,
– Governments to establish an international task force to identify and monitor hate on the Internet, and it calls on governments to record all hate crimes, including anti-Semitism.
– Expresses a concern over anti-Semitism on campuses, and encourages local solutions to monitor and share best practices.

Such initiatives demonstrate Canada’s continued commitment to leading a coordinated global effort to fight anti-Semitism and all
forms of racism. Our zero tolerance of anti-Semitism and our actions to combat it are part of a larger effort to address racism and discrimination affecting other communities.

The following speech was given by Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Jason Kenney:

At the signing of the Ottawa Protocol
Ottawa, Ontario, September 19, 2011

Good evening,

I’m here tonight with my colleague, the Honourable John Baird, to mark a very important milestone in the fight against anti-Semitism.

While Canada is generally a tolerant and peaceful country, we cannot overlook the rise of this most pernicious form of racism.

Vandalism and graffiti have defaced synagogues and Jewish community centres. And even our university campuses experience anti-Semitic bullying.

Although Jews make up only about one percent of Canada’s population, they are the main target of hate crimes, with almost two-thirds of hate crimes targeting this religious group.

Any failure to acknowledge and address a rise in anti-Semitic actions – should we be so complacent – would be the same as condoning these hateful crimes.

When we see racism, intolerance and prejudice, we must take a stand. And I’m proud that Canada has become a world leader in combating anti-Semitism.

Canada had the largest delegation at the first meeting of the Inter-parliamentary Coalition for Combating Antisemitism Conference in London in 2009. And last fall we hosted the second Conference in Ottawa.

By unanimous consent, parliamentarians there received the Ottawa Protocol. By signing it today, we demonstrate the Government of Canada’s support for it and commitment to its goals.

Among its commitments, the Protocol calls for leaders of faith groups to combat all forms of hatred and discrimination, including anti-Semitism.

It calls on governments to establish an international task force to identify and monitor hate on the Internet. And it calls on governments to record all hate crimes, including anti-Semitism. It also expresses a concern over anti-Semitism on campuses, and encourages local solutions to monitor and share best practices.

The Protocol also calls on governments to reaffirm and implement the United Nations’ Genocide Convention of 1948. The Holocaust was a crime against humanity unlike any other in human history, and fundamentally altered how the world views and treats acts of genocide.

As the Genocide Convention states, “in order to liberate mankind from such an odious scourge, international co-operation is required.”

The Ottawa Protocol represents an important step in our overall strategy to help lead the global fight against anti-Semitism. This includes our membership in the Task Force for International Cooperation on Holocaust Education, Remembrance, and Research.

To teach future generations of Canadians the lessons of the Holocaust and the effects of xenophobia, we have partnered with B’nai Brith Canada to invest in the National Task Force on Holocaust Education, Remembrance and Research.

The task force brings together scholars, legal experts, educators, Holocaust survivors, and community representatives to further Holocaust research and education in Canada.

Learning about the errors of our past ensures they aren’t repeated. But we must remain vigilant.

In Nazi Germany the Jews were stripped of citizenship, denied their natural rights, and their very right to exist was called into question. In contemporary times, there are those who are trying to strip the State of Israel of its citizenship in the international community, circumscribe its right to exist and attack its natural rights as a member state in international society.

Ladies and gentlemen, there is a worrying new acceptance of the vilification of Israel and of Jews around the world. While criticism of Israel cannot in and of itself be regarded as anti-Semitic, if that criticism selectively condemns and denies the only Jewish state’s right to exist, it can create a hateful environment.

This coming Thursday, Canada will once again take a stand on the global stage against anti-Semitism, when we will refuse to participate in the 10th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Program of Action, sometimes called Durban 3.

I’m proud to say that Canada was the first country in the world to withdraw from the United Nations’ Durban Review Conference, or Durban 2. We refused to participate in what was clearly a tainted process that would not combat the very real problems of racism.

This was based on our concern about what happened at the first Durban conference, which included examples of anti-Semitism, including the circulation of copies of the Protocols of the Elders of Zion and explicitly anti-Semitic symbolism.

Our stand was vindicated when Durban 2 was used by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as a platform to disseminate hate and intolerance, and when the governments of Israel, the United States and several European Union members also boycotted the conference.

Canada is committed to the fight against racism. We cannot support an agenda that actually seeks to promote racism and anti-Semitism rather than combat it.

Ladies and gentlemen, Canada has a proud history of promoting human rights and combating hate and discrimination. Today, we continue this tradition by signing the Ottawa Protocol.

In doing so, we affirm our commitment to fight anti-Semitism, both in Canada and around the world. And we affirm our position as a leader in the global fight against anti-Semitism.

Thank you.

Whitehorse, Yukon, September 1, 2011— The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) and Ryan Leef, Member of Parliament for Yukon, today highlighted federal support to six organizations in Yukon under the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP).

“Seniors and Elders in the North have significantly contributed to building a rich and unique Canadian heritage,” said Minister Wong. “That is why our government is proud to support projects that encourage seniors to share their skills, experiences and traditions with others in their community.”

“Today’s seniors know the importance of being active and staying involved in their communities,” said Mr. Leef. “The New Horizons for Seniors Program is just one example of how we are helping seniors make a positive difference in their own lives and in those of the people around them.”

The announcement was made at the Yukon Literacy Coalition, which received $25,000 in funding for its project to help encourage local Elders and seniors to create reading and storytelling programs for families and members of the community.

This is one of six projects in Yukon that combined, received $98,715 in NHSP funding. The projects encourage seniors to continue to play an important role in their communities by helping those in need, providing leadership, and sharing their knowledge and skills with others.

The NHSP is now accepting proposals for community-based projects that address one or more of the Program’s five objectives: promoting volunteerism, mentoring, elder abuse awareness, social participation, and providing capital assistance for new or existing projects and programs for seniors. The application deadline is September 16, 2011.

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This news release is available in alternative formats upon 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

——————————

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 across Canada.

A total of 1078 projects were approved under the 2010–2011 Community Participation and Leadership Call for Proposals, receiving over $20.6 million in funding. The following six projects received funding in Yukon:

The Carcross Recreation Board received $9,715 for its ‘Caribou Crossing Footprints through Time – The Stories of Carcross’ project.
The Dawson City Arts Society received $2,000 for its ‘Seniors Learning and Teaching the Arts’ project.
The Mayo Seniors Advisory Association received $25,000 for its ‘Mayo Seniors Activity’ project.
The Ross River HOPE Society received $12,000 for its ‘Elders Mentoring Youth in Life Values’ project.
The Vuntut Gwitch’in First Nation received $25,000 for its ‘Senior Camp’ project.
The Yukon Literacy Coalition received $25,000 for its ‘Tales to be Told’ project.

Through Budget 2011, the Government of Canada is investing an additional $10 million over two years in the NHSP, bringing the Program’s 2011–2012 budget to $45 million.

For more information on the Program, or upcoming calls for proposals, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/seniors.