September 14, 1999
(Health and Community Services)

Federal/provincial/territorial ministers examine issues facing an aging society

Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers responsible for seniors met today in St. John's and discussed ways of working together to meet the needs of seniors across the country. Recognizing the significance of the International Year of Older Persons (IYOP), ministers emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges posed by Canada's aging society.

Speaking on behalf of their colleagues, conference co-hosts federal Minister Allan Rock and Newfoundland and Labrador Minister Joan Marie Aylward stated that all ministers welcomed the opportunity to recognize the contributions of seniors to Canadian society which have been, and continue to be, invaluable.

The ministers discussed the following issues :

1. International Year of Older Persons (IYOP)

Ministers recognized the successful initiatives and celebrations by seniors, communities and all levels of government across the country that have given impetus to IYOP. Flora MacDonald, Co-Chair of the Canada Coordinating Committee, reported on national activities and projects. Ministers considered mechanisms for carrying forward the objectives of the IYOP and agreed to report back at their next meeting on the success of legacy projects and other initiatives related to the year. Quebec stated that it oversees all activities relating to the IYOP within its jurisdiction.

2. Safety and Security

Safety and security for seniors includes the broad issues of elder abuse, crime prevention (particularly fraud and scams) and injury prevention (mainly falls). Ministers approved a strategy for addressing safety and security concerns that included the following actions that governments may wish to consider when planning and promoting safety and security strategies within their jurisdictions: dissemination of the reference document, Enhancing Safety and Security for Canadian Seniors; a study and evaluation of current fall-prevention programs and practices and dissemination of their findings; investigating the costs and implications of strengthening injury prevention data on seniors; and working with key organizations to ensure that building codes and product standards address the safety needs of seniors.

 

3. Technology and Aging

While more and more seniors are using technology, some older people still encounter difficulties in accessing and using "day-to-day" or "basic" technologies such as voice mail, automated banking machines and computer technologies that are regularly used by the general population. "Assistive technology", however, can help prevent or compensate for functional limitation, facilitate independent living, and can enable older people and persons with disabilities to live more independently in the community. Ministers encouraged the development of initiatives that would increase older persons' knowledge of new technology and the development of senior-friendly assistive technologies. They also agreed to explore collaborative initiatives aimed at improving and/or encouraging seniors' use of technologies, as well as the development of such technology.

4. Supportive Housing for Seniors

Ministers Responsible for Seniors have recognized the need for flexible housing with a continuum of support arrangements that extend the time seniors can live independently in their communities. Ministers examined a set of descriptive principles and goals, to which they might refer, to identify options with a valuable role in enhancing the independence of frail seniors.

5. Older Women

Ministers acknowledged a growing body of evidence that indicates that in numerous sectors (e.g., health, income, housing, and social services), many older women find themselves at greater disadvantage than their male counterparts. They agreed to explore the feasibility of developing a clearinghouse for research on older women and to work with their colleagues responsible for women's issues.

6. National Framework on Aging

When they met in March 1998, ministers approved the development of a national database of federal, provincial and territorial policies and programs for seniors. It will contain information on health, social, housing and income-support programs and other services. The ministers were advised today that work on this database is proceeding well and agreed that it would be accessible to the public when it is up and running later this year.

Quebec is not participating in the development of the National Framework on Aging, but is contributing to the creation of the database with a view to intergovernmental information sharing.

7. Next Meeting

Ministers agreed to meet in 2001 and have accepted the offer of Ontario to host that meeting.

NOTE: Quebec pointed out that, as a general rule, it intends to meet its own responsibilities and does not subscribe to, or take part in, the implementation of federal-provincial -territorial approaches or pan-Canadian standards in matters that come under Quebec's jurisdiction.

Media contact:

Derek Kent
Office of Allan Rock
Federal Minister of Health
Tel: (613) 957-1515

Glenn Bruce
Department of Health and Community Services
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
Tel: (709) 729-1377

1999 09 14 5:45 p.m.