Statement by the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development on National Seniors Day

GATINEAU, QC, Oct. 1, 2016 /CNW/ - The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, made the following statement:

"Today, October 1, is National Seniors Day. It is an excellent opportunity for us to pay tribute to Canada's seniors for the many contributions they have made and continue to make in strengthening our families, our workplaces, our communities, our country. As a government, we are committed to improving the quality of life and enabling the full social and economic inclusion of Canadian seniors.

Our government is demonstrating the commitment it made to seniors in Budget 2016 by helping seniors who face challenges accessing affordable housing, increasing the Guaranteed Income Supplement for the lowest-income single seniors and restoring the age of eligibility for the Old Age Security pension from 67 to 65. Building on these measures, the Government has also been working to provide more generous and flexible leave for caregivers.

Show your appreciation for the seniors in your lives, and thank them for their contributions to our society.

All Canadians are encouraged to share their messages to seniors for the important role they play in their lives, our society and our economy on Twitter using the hashtag #SayThanks and to visit and like our Seniors in Canada Facebook page, which is an engaging space for seniors, families and communities to receive the latest information about Government of Canada initiatives that benefit seniors.

Today, I salute and thank all of our seniors, who, through their time and effort, have improved the lives of all Canadians and have made Canada a better country."

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

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SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

Mathieu Filion, Director of Communications, Office of the Hon. 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]