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

GATINEAU, QC, Oct. 1, 2017 /CNW/ - "Seniors make valuable contributions to our families, workplaces, communities and society by sharing their knowledge, skills and experience with others. Canada established October 1 as National Seniors Day to honour Canada's seniors, adults 65 and older. For the first time in Canada's history, our country is experiencing a generational shift where the number of seniors has exceeded that of children. In many ways, this is good news. As grandparents, they help raise our children. As volunteers, they strengthen our communities. As colleagues and mentors, they enrich our workplaces with their experience.

A key priority of our Government is achieving better outcomes for our seniors, by improving income security, social inclusion, health and housing. All Canadians should have access to a dignified and secure retirement. That is why, in addition to restoring the age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) benefits to 65, we enhanced the Canadian Pension Plan and increased direct payments to single seniors through the Guaranteed Income Supplement. The Government of Canada has launched an OAS Program toolkit, making it easier for advocates and support groups to help seniors become aware of and obtain their OAS pension and other related benefits. In addition, we continue to improve how people receive benefits — with now over 60% of people automatically receiving their OAS pension without having to apply. We also increased investments in affordable housing and home care services to ensure that our seniors can live as long as possible in their own homes and in decent conditions.

The Government of Canada is actively committed to supporting and promoting seniors' well-being by encouraging them to stay active engaged, informed and involved in their communities. Through the New Horizons for Seniors Program, we are collaborating with local governments, institutions and organizations to reduce their social isolation and to recognize the significant contribution they bring to our communities.

Today, on National Seniors Day, join me in celebrating all seniors across Canada! I invite you to get involved in the conversation by liking and contributing to the Seniors in Canada Facebook page, a space for seniors and their families to receive information about the Government of Canada initiatives that benefit them. Let us honour, celebrate and respect the seniors in our life."

–The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

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SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

For further information: For media enquiries : Émilie Gauduchon-Campbell, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable 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, [e-mail]