Seniors' Ministers Work Together on the
Opportunities and Challenges of Canada's Aging Population

At their annual meeting, Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors agreed on the pressing need to address the opportunities and challenges associated with the country's aging population.

Recently updated demographic projections by Statistics Canada indicate that between 2015 and 2021, the number of seniors is expected to surpass the number of children under the age of 15. It is also expected that as many as one in four Canadians will be a senior by 2036, nearly double the 13.9 per cent recorded in 2009. Ministers Responsible for Seniors play an important role as champions of seniors' issues in their respective jurisdictions. Ministers highlighted the need for governments, the private, non-profit and voluntary sectors, as well as families and individuals, to work together to facilitate seniors' participation in Canada's economic and social life.

"My colleagues and I recognize the changing Canadian landscape arising from a rapidly growing and diverse seniors' population and the need to work together to prepare for the future," said Minister Ablonczy. "We will do this by engaging with seniors and soon-to-be seniors. Our government values their experience, wisdom and their many contributions to this country."

"In New Brunswick, we recognize the value of building partnerships and working together to enhance seniors' participation in our province," said Minister of State for Seniors, Cheryl Lavoie. "Our vision is for a strong population where seniors are fully involved and continually contributing to our way of life."

At the meeting, ministers heard from experts about the urgency of preparing for the impacts of the demographic shift. These experts noted that Canadians are living longer, healthier lives and many may want to remain in the workforce. Ministers also underlined the importance of transportation and the need to share innovative ideas which support the active involvement and mobility of seniors throughout Canada, including rural and remote communities. In the months to come, officials will explore promising practices associated with an aging labour force and transportation.

In addition, seniors' ministers agreed to examine how to better coordinate efforts to ensure that the most vulnerable seniors are aware of and can access federal and provincial/territorial programs.

The ministers are sponsoring the symposium, Spotlight on Images of Aging, in Montreal, Quebec, on December 2, 2010, to bring together experts and professionals in the fields of aging and mass media to discuss how to promote positive and realistic images of aging and older Canadians.

In 2011, Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors will reconvene in Toronto to review progress, build on the results of past work, and explore new developments and opportunities for Canada's seniors.

- 30 -

Media contacts:

2010 07 08                                                   2:20 p.m.