Minister Tassi wraps up successful visits in London to highlight commitment to seniors

October 9, 2018         London, Ontario        Employment and Social Development Canada

Seniors have a wealth of knowledge, skills and experiences that make a difference in the lives of others. The Government of Canada encourages seniors to participate in and contribute to the prosperity of the country.

Today, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Seniors, met with numerous seniors’ organizations and with seniors, their families and caregivers in London to discuss and seek insight into issues seniors face in Ontario. The tour included visits to Goodwill, the Dementia Caregivers Support Group, a meeting with members of the Chinese-Canadian seniors community and the Horton Street Seniors’ Centre which have received New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) funding.

The Government is committed to the full social and economic inclusion of seniors and is taking concrete action to improve income security for seniors, such as restoring the age of eligibility for Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) from 67 to 65. It has also increased the GIS amount by about $1,000 per year for the lowest-income single seniors and has worked to improve access to affordable housing.

The NHSP promotes positive aging by supporting seniors’ volunteerism and encouraging seniors to play an active role in their communities. This popular program enhances seniors’ social well-being and enables seniors to maintain social ties and share their knowledge, skills and experience with others.

Quotes

“I was pleased to see how all these organizations help improve the well-being and quality of life of seniors. Having the chance to talk with seniors and advocates of seniors is a real pleasure, and all the exchanges that were shared with me during the visits will help me in my role as I build on the work our government has done for seniors.”
– The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Seniors

Quick facts

• Seniors are the fastest-growing demographic group in Canada. By 2031, the number of seniors will reach almost 9 million people, representing close to one quarter of Canada’s population.
• Canadians’ life expectancy is expected to continue rising—Canadian men and women born in 2030 will live on average to age 84 and 87, respectively.
• The Government of Canada is committed to supporting and promoting seniors’ health, well-being and contributions by encouraging them to stay active, engaged and informed.
• The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) supports the Government of Canada’s overarching social goals to enhance the quality of life and promote the full participation of all individuals, including seniors, in all aspects of Canadian society by supporting initiatives that engage seniors and address seniors’ issues.
• The NHSP provides funding to organizations that help ensure seniors can benefit from, and contribute to, the quality of life in their communities through active living and participation in social activities.
• Since 2004, the NHSP has approved close to 21,600 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada, with a total Government of Canada investment of approximately $452.5 million.

Associated links

• New Horizons for Seniors Program
• Canada Pension Plan
• Old Age Security
• National Seniors Council

Contacts

For media enquiries, please contact:
Annabelle Archambault
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Seniors
819-654-5353
annabelle.archambault@hrsdc-rhddc.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

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