Alice Wong, MP

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.

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.

- 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 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.

- 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

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.