Canada and China work together to address challenges of aging populations

OTTAWA, May 1, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), on behalf of the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism, signed an administrative memorandum of understanding (MOU) today with the President of the China National Committee on Ageing (CNCA), Mr. Chen Chuanshu, to share information on seniors' issues.

The MOU on aging between Canada and China will allow both countries to share information on research and best practices. This MOU supports the Government's continued efforts to engage with China in areas of common interest.

Minister of State Wong was pleased to host the CNCA President and his delegation during their visit to Ottawa to finalize the MOU and to highlight some of the Government's initiatives to improve the lives of seniors, such as the New Horizons for Seniors Program, the Canadian Employers for Caregivers Plan announced in Budget 2014 and the seniors.gc.ca website.

Quick Facts

• CNCA is the Chinese national secretariat responsible for research and implementation strategies as well as policies and plans on aging.
  
  
• Minister of State Wong has met with CNCA four times, including on a 2013 trade mission to China and Japan.
  
  
• Today, one in seven Canadians is aged 65 or over. By 2036, nearly one in four Canadians will be a senior.
  
  
• Over the last decade in Canada, life expectancy at age 65 increased by two years, approximately twice the rate of growth observed over each of the previous decades since 1929. Projections show that Canadians are expected, on average, to live beyond age 90 in the future.

Quote

"Our government is keenly focused on issues facing seniors today and the aging population of tomorrow. Today's memorandum of understanding with China will allow us to build on our collective experience for the benefit of all Canadians."
- The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)

Associated Link

China-Canada Bilateral Relations

SOURCE: Employment and Social Development Canada

Earl Maynard
Office of the Minister of State (Seniors)
613-716-5422

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
[email protected]
Follow us on Twitter