Minister launches Seniors� Month in the province

Health and Community Services Minister Tom Osborne today joined seniors at Saint Luke�s Home, St. John�s, for a nutrition break to officially proclaim June as Seniors� Month in Newfoundland and Labrador. The minister spoke to the seniors about the outcomes of the recently completed healthy aging consultations that took place across the province and how they can help government to address the needs of seniors today and into the future.

"Seniors have made a substantial contribution to the society we live in today and during Seniors� Month we should all take time to acknowledge the valuable contribution of seniors and recognize the diversity and attributes of our province�s senior population," said Minister Osborne. "Our government is committed to addressing the needs of seniors and we look forward to using the input we received through the healthy aging consultations across the province to create a new Healthy Aging Strategy for the province."

Statistics show that Newfoundland and Labrador has the most rapidly aging population in Canada, with estimates indicating that by the year 2016, almost 20 per cent of the population will be over the age of 65. Government recently concluded public consultations in 17 communities across the province on the development of a healthy aging framework. Approximately 1,000 people participated in the process and shared their thoughts, experiences and advice on how government can ensure healthy aging for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

As a follow up to the consultations, a provincial stakeholder forum will take place in St. John�s tomorrow (June 7) to gather input from community partners on aging and seniors issues. The results of the consultations and the forum will be used to develop a framework document to guide government�s plans to prepare for an aging population.

"It is important that we start planning today to be able to address the needs of our people tomorrow," said Minister Osborne. "The provincial framework on healthy aging will help all areas of government to anticipate and understand the needs of our people throughout the lifespan. This is important for planning of programs and services, investments in infrastructure, and supportive living arrangements."

In keeping with government�s commitment to provide quality health and community services for seniors, government invested $25.2 million in Budget 2006 to proceed with long-term care facilities in Clarenville, Corner Brook and Happy Valley-Goose Bay to respond to an identified need for additional capacity. Government also invested funds to expand the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program to provide drug coverage to more individuals and families, including seniors. The program is scheduled to come into effect in January 2007.

Media contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-1377, 685-1741

2006 06 06                     12:05 p.m.