Minister Duclos participates in successful first meeting with members of the National Seniors Council and their new chairperson Français
GATINEAU, QC, May 29, 2018 /CNW/ - Seniors are an important part of our social fabric and they help to build a stronger Canada. That is why our Government is committed to providing access to programs and services that support Canadians in their later years.
Today, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development meets with the National Seniors Council to launch a new work cycle under the leadership of Dr. Suzanne Dupuis-Blanchard, the new Chairperson of the Council.
The National Seniors Council advises the Government of Canada on matters related to the health, well-being and quality of life of seniors, including opportunities and challenges arising from a rapidly growing and increasingly diverse population of seniors. Today's meeting was an opportunity for National Seniors Council members to discuss emerging issues and to identify potential work priorities that the Council can address.
Moving forward, the Council will play a key role in providing evidence-based advice to the federal government, taking into consideration the views of seniors, experts, community organizations and others working for seniors.
Quote
"I am very pleased to be working with the National Seniors Council. Their depth of expertise and well— balanced advice will ensure a comprehensive approach to seniors issues so that federal programs and services are responsive to the needs of older adults."
—The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
Quick Facts
- Seniors are the fastest growing demographic group in Canada. By 2031, the number of seniors will reach almost nine million people, representing close to one quarter of Canada's population.
- The National Seniors Council advises the Government of Canada on matters related to the health, well-being and quality of life of seniors, including opportunities and challenges arising from a rapidly growing and increasingly diverse population of seniors.
- Since 2007, the National Seniors Council has examined issues of elder abuse, the effects of low income among seniors, volunteerism, positive and active aging, approaches to attracting older workers to the labour force and retaining them, and the social isolation of seniors.
- The Government of Canada recently announced the appointment of a new Chairperson, Dr. Suzanne Dupuis-Blanchard, who brings 25 years of experience in community health nursing and gerontology to the role. This three-year appointment was effective December 2017.
Associated Links
Governor in Council appointments
Backgrounder
The National Seniors Council was established to advise the Government of Canada on matters related to the health, well-being and quality of life of seniors.
The Council provides advice to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and the Minister of Health. Under the leadership of the Chairperson of the National Seniors Council, the Council:
- advises on current and emerging issues and opportunities related to the health, well-being and quality of life of seniors, both now and in the future;
- undertakes activities such as commissioning research, convening expert panels and round tables, and holding consultative meetings;
- delivers well-balanced advice, taking into account the views of experts, seniors, organizations and groups that provide seniors' programs and services, provincial and territorial advisory bodies on seniors, and other relevant stakeholders and interested parties; and
- ensures a comprehensive and collaborative approach in its examination of the policies, programs and services that have an impact on the lives of seniors by consulting with other federal departments, other levels of government and advisory bodies involved in seniors-related efforts.
SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada
Media enquiries: Michael Brewster, Acting Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, P.C., M.P., Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, 819-654-5546; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]
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