Minister of State Ablonczy announces new National Seniors Day

June 16, 2010

OTTAWA, ONTARIO - Today, the Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State (Seniors), introduced a bill in the House of Commons entitled "Celebrating Canada's Seniors Act."

This bill supports the creation of a National Seniors Day to recognize the significant and continuing contributions seniors make to their families, communities, workplaces and society.

"Our government is proud of Canada's seniors. They built our country, and deserve our thanks," said Minister of State Ablonczy. "National Seniors Day will be an occasion to honour older Canadians and show our appreciation for their contributions to our country."

National Seniors Day would be celebrated every year on October 1, coinciding with the International Day of Older Persons. By designating October 1 as National Seniors Day, Canada can join other countries in reflecting on the vast contributions seniors make to the economic and social fabric of society.

Minister of State Ablonczy's announcement-a commitment made in the 2010 Speech from the Throne-came while she was joining Mr. Jean-Guy Soulière, Chair of the National Seniors Council (NSC), and other Council members at the NSC's annual meeting. Minister of State Ablonczy also announced the Council's new priorities and the release of its Report on Volunteering Among Seniors and Positive and Active Aging.

"Canada's seniors are more active, healthier and living longer than ever before, and therefore many will be working past the age of 60," explained Minister of State Ablonczy. "That is why I have asked the National Seniors Council to look at two new priorities: labour force participation and intergenerational relations."
"The Council was honoured to meet with a number of stakeholders across Canada last year, including many seniors and seniors' organizations, to find out how seniors can stay healthy, remain active and continue contributing to society," stated Mr. Soulière. "We are pleased with our report on volunteering among seniors and positive and active aging, and look forward to talking to Canadians as we tackle our next priorities."

Since 2007, the NSC has met with seniors and seniors' organizations across Canada in its examination of matters related to the well-being and quality of life of seniors, including the opportunities and challenges arising from a rapidly growing and increasingly diverse seniors' population.
The Government of Canada is working hard to help improve the lives of seniors on many fronts, including:

• Appointing a Minister of State (Seniors)-someone who can bring the concerns of older Canadians to the attention of the Government and stand up on their behalf;
• Providing significant tax relief to seniors and pensioners through measures such as income splitting and increasing the Age Credit; and
• Supporting the New Horizons for Seniors Program, which helps seniors use their leadership, energy and skills to benefit communities across Canada.

The NSC was created in 2007 to provide advice to the federal government on matters related to the well-being and quality of life of seniors. For more information on the Council or to view its newest report, please visit www.seniorscouncil.gc.ca.

For more information on the Government's programs and services for seniors, please visit www.seniors.gc.ca.