Officially named by the United Nations, October 1 represents a day to recognize seniors for what they have contributed economically, socially, culturally and environmentally.
“On behalf of our government, I wish to commemorate this day by recognizing and thanking the many seniors who have contributed so much of their experience, skills and wisdom to our families and communities and to our country,” said Minister of State (Seniors) LeBreton.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Older Persons, and the theme is “Towards a Society for All Ages.”
“Today, Canada’s seniors are living longer, healthier lives and are more financially secure than previous generations,” she added, “and our Government’s actions are improving seniors’ lives on many fronts.”
The Government of Canada is steadfast in its commitment to Canada’s growing and diverse seniors’ population. In Budget 2008, our government announced $13 million over three years to help combat elder abuse, including an awareness campaign that is currently under way. The New Horizons for Seniors Program also has a component to increase elder abuse awareness. This is in addition to the Program’s other two funding streams—Community Participation and Leadership, and Capital Assistance.
Canada’s Government provides approximately $1.9 billion annually in tax relief to seniors and pensioners and, in Canada’s Economic Action Plan, it made a clear commitment to protect Canadians, including seniors, in difficult times by implementing several key measures:
* Increasing the Age Credit by $1,000 for 2009 and beyond to allow eligible seniors to receive up to an additional $150 in annual tax savings.
* Providing seniors with $200 million in tax relief by reducing the required minimum withdrawal amount for 2008 from Registered Retirement Income Funds by 25 percent, in recognition of the impact of the deterioration in market conditions on retirement savings.
* Helping older workers and their families through these tough economic times by investing an additional $60 million over three years in the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers, and by expanding the number of eligible communities to include older workers in small cities.
* Providing $400 million over two years through the Affordable Housing Initiative for the construction of housing units for low-income seniors.
For more information on the Government’s programs and services for seniors, please visit www.seniors.gc.ca.
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