Health and Community Services
February 7, 2011

Nominations Called for Seniors of Distinction Awards

The Department of Health and Community Services is now accepting nominations for the third annual Seniors of Distinction Awards. The awards recognize and celebrate the contributions, achievements and diversity of seniors throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Seniors play a variety of significant roles in our society throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and it is important that we acknowledge them,” said the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services and Minister Responsible for Aging and Seniors. “I encourage residents of the province to nominate individuals they know who have enriched our social, cultural and/or community life, and have contributed to our well-being at the local, provincial, national or international level.”

To be eligible for the awards, a senior must be nominated by an individual or group, be 50 years of age or older, and be a current or past resident of Newfoundland and Labrador. Seniors are considered for both voluntary and paid work. Nominations from last year will be reviewed again this year at the request of the nominee. Up to five seniors will be recognized through this year’s Seniors of Distinction Awards.

Recipients of last year’s award were Julia Best, Placentia; Agnes Brake, Little Rapids; Nellie Caul, Stephenville; John Nicholas Jeddore, Conne River; and R. Thomas Mills, St. John’s.

The Seniors of Distinction Awards Program is one initiative of the Provincial Healthy Aging Policy Framework which was launched by the Provincial Government in 2007. The priority directions outlined in the policy framework are: recognition of older persons; celebrating diversity; supportive communities; financial well-being; health and well-being; and, employment, education and research.

The deadline for the receipt of nominations is April 8, 2011. A selection committee will review the nominations and provide recommendations to the minister. The Seniors of Distinction Awards ceremony will take place during Seniors Month in June. Further information on the program, including the nomination form and guidelines, is available on the Department of Health and Community Services website at www.health.gov.nl.ca.

Budget 2010: The Right Investments – For Our Children and Our Future, includes approximately $7.5 million through the Provincial Healthy Aging Policy Framework for the continuation of several programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing the lives of seniors. For example, since 2009, nearly $3 million has been invested annually to strengthen the 65Plus Plan under the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program (NLPDP).

One of the improvements is the coverage of medication for the treatment of macular degeneration, a serious age-related eye condition. In addition, Budget 2010 further enhanced the Low-Income Seniors’ Benefit Program, with the maximum amount under the program increasing from $803 to $900.

The Provincial Government has implemented a number of other programs and initiatives that support healthy aging. For example, the Seniors Community Recreation Grants Program was launched in 2009 and provides $200,000 per year to assist recreation commissions, committees and town councils in providing physical and leisure activities aimed at seniors.

- 30 -

Media contacts:

2011 02 07                                                      10:15 a.m.