Preparing for an aging population focus of three new seniors initiatives

"Government will embrace seniors as part of planning for an aging population," said John Ottenheimer, Minister of Health and Community Services today as he announced the establishment of a Division of Aging and Seniors, Provincial Advisory Council and Ministerial Council of Aging and Seniors � new initiatives focused on seeking the input of seniors in planning for the future.

"Seniors have made a significant contribution in building our province and we hope they will continue to contribute in assisting government better plan and respond to their needs, now and in the future," said Minister Ottenheimer. "As our population continues to grow older, we must encourage healthy aging and assist seniors to live safely and as independently as possible with the supports they need."

The Division of Aging and Seniors fulfills a Blueprint commitment to create a centre of expertise within the Department of Health and Community Services that will have a dedicated responsibility to address issues related to Newfoundland and Labrador�s aging population and ensure the needs and concerns of seniors are properly understood and addressed. It will work with other departments and levels of government to identify areas where policy development and improved co-ordination may result in improved services for seniors and serve as the Secretariat to the provincial advisory council and Ministerial Council.

Ms. Elizabeth Crawford, a long-serving public servant with a Masters degree in Social Work, has been named director of the new division. She has previously held various senior management positions throughout government.

A provincial advisory council on aging and seniors comprised of approximately 12 individuals with expertise in seniors issues will provide an opportunity for seniors to ensure their perspective is reflected in future policy development and planning.

Among their functions, the council will advise government on quality-of-life issues facing seniors; identify opportunities for government to adapt and develop policies, programs and services to better accommodate an aging population; promote healthy aging and help create an environment that better understands aging.

Ross Wiseman, parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Health and Community Services, has been asked to chair the Provincial Advisory Council.

Over 150 community and provincial organizations with a close working relationship with seniors have been asked in writing to identify potential candidates for consideration by mid-December. A number of criteria, including geography, diversity, gender, experience and understanding of seniors issues, will be used in the selection process. It is anticipated that the council will be named in the next month.

"This council will serve as a valuable resource and it is my privilege to lead and facilitate discussions among seniors and communities about how to influence healthy aging and how government can become more responsive to their needs," said Ross Wiseman.

Minister Ottenheimer will chair a new Ministerial Council to support policy development across all government activities on behalf of seniors. Relationships will be strengthened with departments that have responsibility for legislation, policies and programs affecting seniors.

Membership of the council will include: Loyola Sullivan, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board; Tom Marshall, Minister of Justice and Attorney General; Joan Burke, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment (with responsibility for Housing and the Status of Women); Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works and Aboriginal Affairs, Paul Shelley, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, and Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, as well as Minister responsible for the Rural Secretariat.

"Healthy aging is about adding life to years, not years to life. It is about being able to live our later years to the fullest with optimum health," added Minister Ottenheimer. "These initiatives will help us work collectively to reach our goal."

Newfoundland and Labrador is home to approximately 66,300 seniors, which is close to 13 per cent of the population. Statistics Canada predicts that by 2021, the province will have more than one in four persons 65 years or older, the highest proportion in the country.

Provincial Budget 2004 previously announced a $200,000 investment to support these initiatives.

Media contact: Carolyn Chaplin, Health and Community Services, (709) 729-1377 or 682-5093

2004 11 26                             10:30 a.m.