Minister Tassi visits Northern Ontario, reaffirms Government of Canada's strong vision for healthy aging of seniors

ELLIOTT LAKE, ON, Nov. 15, 2018 /CNW/ - Seniors are an important part of our social fabric, and they contribute to building a stronger Canada. They have made countless contributions and we want to make sure they continue to do so. That is why the Government is working to support older adults throughout the country and promote healthy aging and social inclusion for all Canadians.

Today, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Seniors, met with seniors in Manitoulin Island and Sault Ste. Marie to highlight the importance of healthy aging and wellness. Minister Tassi had discussions with older Canadians on the topic of active living and highlighted the importance of working together to address challenges older individuals face in northern and rural communities throughout the country. She was joined by local officials to exchange ideas on how to better collaborate to ensure seniors' needs are heard, and met.

The Minister also participated in activities funded through the New Horizons for Seniors Program, a program which has funded over 21,600 community-based projects since 2004. The program promotes social inclusion and healthy aging by encouraging older adults to get active in their communities.

The Government of Canada continues to take concrete action to improve the well-being of seniors, including restoring the age of eligibility for Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement from 67 to 65 and increasing the Guaranteed Income Supplement amount by almost $1,000 per year for the most vulnerable single seniors. The Government has also worked with provinces and territories to enhance the Canada Pension Plan to help ensure that today's workers, the seniors of tomorrow, can enjoy a safe, secure and dignified retirement.

Initiatives like these support the Government's overall commitment to improve the well-being of all Canadians and strengthen the middle class and those working hard to join it.

Quote

"We all have to work together to ensure we respond to the needs and well-being of older adults so that all seniors can lead healthy, active and independent lives. Healthy aging and social inclusion improve seniors' well-being across Canada, and I was glad to be able to receive input and learn best practices from seniors, stakeholders and seniors' organizations in Northern Ontario."
– The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Seniors

Quick Facts

• Seniors are the fastest-growing demographic group in Canada. By 2030, the number of seniors will reach almost 9.6 million people, representing close to one quarter of Canada's population.
• Canadians' life expectancy continues to rise—Canadian men and women born in 2016 will live on average to age 86 and 89, respectively.

Associated Links

Healthy Living – Seniors 
Aging & Seniors 
Canada Pension Plan 
Old Age Security

SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

For further information: For media enquiries, please contact: Annabelle Archambault, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Seniors, 819-654-5353, [e-mail]; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [e-mail]

Related Links

http://www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca