Federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for seniors release report on older workers Français
GATINEAU, QC, May 31, 2021 /CNW/ - Over the past two decades, Canada's labour force has seen greater numbers of people staying in the work force longer. However, widespread ageist views may be responsible for persistent negative beliefs and attitudes about older workers and their role in the workforce.
The engagement of older workers and combatting ageism is an important issue for the Forum of Federal/Provincial/Territorial (FPT) Ministers Responsible for Seniors. Today, the Forum published its report entitled Older Workers: Exploring and Addressing the Stereotypes. The report examines current knowledge on attitudes and beliefs about older workers and includes best practices and initiatives to address these negative stereotypes.
Governments, employers and all Canadians have a role to play in challenging negative perceptions and attitudes not only of older workers, but of older adults. This can notably include the creation of positive messaging and building evidence to refute negative stereotypes.
This report about older workers' participation in the labour force delivers on one of the Forum's key priorities for the 2018–2021 work cycle. This information will be supporting the Forum's future thinking on how to best encourage the engagement of older workers, who offer value to the economy and the broader society. The report is now available on the Forum's website.
Quotes
"Ageist views in Canadian workplaces ruin careers and hold back our economy. This report provides a better understanding of the challenges that older workers face as they strive to remain active contributors in the workforce. We all need to challenge ageist stereotypes in our workplaces and in our society."
– Minister of Seniors, Deb Schulte
"This report reminds us that we all have a part in challenging the negative stereotypes of older adults in the workplace. Older workers bring a range of work and life experience to their careers, and are a valuable addition to any workplace. As our economy recovers, Alberta's government continues to deliver training support programs to help Albertans, including seniors, adapt to changing times and gain the skills they need today and tomorrow."
– Minister of Seniors and Housing, Josephine Pon, Government of Alberta
Quick Facts
- In Canada, older workers are frequently defined as being 55 years of age or more.
- Over the past two decades, labour force participation of those over 55 in Canada's workforce has almost tripled.
- The FPT Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum was established in 1992. The FPT governments work together to discuss issues of importance to seniors, advance issues of common concern and focus on concrete, collaborative projects.
- All governments contribute to the FPT Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum by sharing information, expertise and innovative practices. However, Quebec does not subscribe to pan-Canadian approaches with reference to seniors as it intends to continue to fulfill its responsibilities to seniors in Quebec.
Associated Links
Report: Older Workers: Exploring and Addressing the Stereotypes
Forum of Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors
SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada
For media enquiries, please contact: Daniel Pollak, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Seniors, Deb Schulte, 343-551-7558, [email protected]; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]
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