MARKHAM, ON, June 14, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Don Meredith, Senator, on behalf of the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today attended a Social Services Network event celebrating South Asian seniors in Markham, where he highlighted government action to address elder abuse.
"Our government continues to combat the very serious issue of elder abuse in all its forms," said Senator Meredith. "By supporting elder abuse prevention activities, the Government of Canada is helping to safeguard the well-being and security of Canadian seniors."
The Senator praised members of the Social Services Network for their work in raising awareness of elder abuse and helping seniors to protect themselves from all forms of abuse. He also emphasized the importance of working together to continue to meet the needs of seniors across Canada.
Each year, on June 15, the Government marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to ensure that Canadians are informed about the signs and symptoms of elder abuse through various initiatives. Economic Action Plan 2013 also proposes measures to better safeguard the well-being of seniors in a variety of areas, including financial services, financial literacy and health.
Call 1 800 O-Canada or visit seniors.gc.ca for information on the signs and symptoms of elder abuse, as well as resources for preventative action.
Backgrounder
New Horizons for Seniors Program
The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grants and contributions program that supports projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in the lives of others and their communities, and supports the Government of Canada's commitment to ensure the well-being of Canadian seniors and ending elder abuse in all its forms. Through the NHSP, the Government of Canada encourages seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences to the benefit of others. Since its beginning, the NHSP has funded more than 12 200 projects in more than 1 000 communities across Canada.
Pan-Canadian projects focus on developing or identifying tools, resources and promising practices that can be adapted and shared across communities, regions or Canada to address elder abuse. This funding can enable community members to better recognize elder abuse in all its forms and to improve the quality of life, safety and security of seniors. Eligible pan-Canadian grant or contribution projects must have a broad reach and impact. They are eligible for up to $250,000 in funding per year, for up to three years.
Other Actions Taken by the Government of Canada to Combat Elder Abuse
In 2008, the Government launched the Federal Elder Abuse Initiative (FEAI), a multi-departmental, three-year initiative to help seniors and others recognize the signs and symptoms of elder abuse and to provide information on available supports. This initiative successfully concluded in 2011.
Building on the momentum created by the FEAI, the Government continues to address elder abuse through awareness campaigns that aim to help Canadians recognize the signs of elder abuse and give them information on available resources and supports.
In addition, the Government is addressing elder abuse through recently introduced legislation that will help ensure consistently tough penalties for offences involving the abuse of elderly persons.
For more information on the NHSP, call 1 800 O-Canada or visit seniors.gc.ca.
SOURCE: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
This news release is available in alternative formats on request.
Mark Wall
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Seniors)
613-617-7993
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
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