Minister of State for Seniors participates in the 43rd annual meeting of the Canadian Association on Gerontology Français
NIAGARA FALLS, ON, Oct. 17, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), highlighted the Government of Canada's work to tackle issues facing seniors in Canada during a speech delivered today to participants at a conference focused on sharing knowledge in the field of aging, hosted by the Canadian Association on Gerontology.
In her remarks, Minister Wong recognized that initiatives like the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) help address seniors' isolation and promote inter-generational learning between seniors and youth. She also highlighted government supports and initiatives to help caregivers, including the Canadian Employers for Caregivers Plan, which was launched in June, and a new Web portal on seniors.gc.ca with resources for caregivers.
This three-day conference provides an opportunity for all levels of government, seniors' organizations, professional associations, academics, experts and non-governmental organizations to share their perspectives on how to better address the needs of seniors.
Quick Facts
- The Government is committed to supporting and promoting seniors' health, well-being and contributions by encouraging them to stay active, engaged and informed.
- In September, the Government of Canada released the Government of Canada Action for Seniors report, a comprehensive information resource highlighting federal programs and services that can be accessed by seniors, their families and caregivers at seniors.gc.ca.
- Today, 1 in 7 Canadians is aged 65 or over. By 2036, nearly 1 in 4 Canadians will be a senior.
- Over the last decade in Canada, life expectancy at age 65 increased by 2 years, approximately twice the rate of growth observed over each of the previous decades since 1929.
Quote
"I commend the dedication of the Canadian Association on Gerontology for enhancing the lives of seniors through the creation and dissemination of knowledge. We are all committed to helping seniors maintain a high quality of life and be active members of their communities. I invite you to visit seniors.gc.ca and read the new Government of Canada Action for Seniors report to find out how the Government of Canada is improving the lives of seniors."
– The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)
Associated Links
Seniors in Canada (facebook)
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, Like us on Facebook
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