Minister Tassi meets with key senior stakeholders and experts in Hamilton to discuss support for our seniors Français
HAMILTON, ON, Oct. 19, 2018 /CNW/ - Seniors are an important part of the rich diversity of Canada and are the backbone of our communities. The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Seniors met with key senior stakeholders and experts in Hamilton today to discuss the important contributions seniors make to our communities and how we can better support them.
The Government of Canada is continously seeking expert advice on seniors' issues to develop policies that address the diversity of seniors' needs across the country. Working in partnership with across all levels of society and government is key so that older Canadians can age with dignity and economic security.
The Government is also committed to the full social and economic inclusion of Canadian seniors. That is why it has worked to support programs like the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP), an initiative that addresses seniors' issues through their active engagement and participation. Since the NHSP's creation in 2004, it has supported approximately 21,600 projects in communities all across the country.
In addition to building strong relationships, the Government of Canada has taken concrete action to improve income security for seniors by restoring the age of eligibility from 67 to 65 for the Old Age Security pension and Guaranteed Income Supplement, and increasing the supplement for single seniors by almost $1,000 per year. The availability and affordability of accessible housing and access to health care have also been increased.
Canadian seniors are integral members of society, and the Government of Canada is committed to ensuring they have access to the right programs and services in their later years.
Quotes
"I was pleased to see ex-perts from Hamilton come together to discuss how we can support our seniors. I am happy to seek input and keep learning about how we can better provide full social and economic inclusion of seniors. Building strong relationships with our partners and working collaboratively will help us provide older Canadians the support they need to age with dignity and economic security."
– The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Seniors
Quick Facts
- Seniors are the fastest-growing demographic group in Canada. By 2031, the number of seniors will reach almost 9 million people, representing close to one quarter of Canada's population.
- Canadians' life expectancy is expected to continue rising—Canadian men and women born in 2030 will live on average to age 84 and 87, respectively.
- The Government of Canada is committed to supporting and promoting seniors' health, well-being and contributions by encouraging them to stay active, engaged and informed.
- The NHSP supports the Government of Canada's overarching social goals to enhance the quality of life and promote the full participation of all individuals, including seniors, in all aspects of Canadian society by supporting initiatives that engage seniors and address seniors' issues.
- The NHSP provides funding to organizations that help ensure seniors can benefit from, and contribute to, the quality of life in their communities through active living and participation in social activities.
Associated Links
New Horizons for Seniors Program
Canada Pension Plan
Old Age Security
National Seniors Council
SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada
For media enquiries, please contact: Annabelle S. Archambault, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Seniors, 613-462-7126; [email protected]; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]
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