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Health and Community Services
March 20, 2012

Nominations Now Being Accepted for the Seniors of Distinction Awards

Nominations are now being accepted for the fourth annual Seniors of Distinction Awards Program. The awards recognize and celebrate the contributions, achievements and diversity of older adults throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Our government acknowledges and values the significant roles that seniors play in our society,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services and Minister Responsible for Aging and Seniors. “It is important that we celebrate and recognize the contributions that the older adults of our province continue to make. We encourage residents of Newfoundland and Labrador to nominate an individual who they believe has enriched the lives of others.”

To be eligible for the award, a person 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 submitted last year will be reviewed again this year at the request of the nominator.

Award recipients recognized in 2011 are Albert Dober, Marystown; Rev. Arthur G. Elliott, Lewisporte; Eileen Hann, Port au Port East; Lillian Parsons, Victoria; Aneitha Sheaves, Port aux Basques; Mary Smith, Norman’s Cove; and Major William Tilley, Paradise.

Further information on the program, including the nomination form and guidelines, is available at www.health.gov.nl.ca or by calling 1-888-494-2266. The deadline for the receipt of nominations is April 17, 2012. A selection committee will review the nominations and provide recommendations to the Minister of Health and Community Services and Minister Responsible for Aging and Seniors. The Seniors of Distinction Awards ceremony will take place during Seniors Month in June and will honour up to seven award recipients.

The Seniors of Distinction Awards Program is an initiative of the Provincial Healthy Aging Policy Framework, through which the Provincial Government invested $7.5 million in Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador. This significant investment was directed to further the priority directions of the framework which include: recognition of older persons; celebrating diversity; supportive communities; financial well-being; health and well-being; and, employment, education and research.

Under the framework, the Provincial Government has implemented a number of programs and initiatives that support healthy aging including the Newfoundland and Labrador Healthy Aging Research Program, the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Grants Program and the Seniors Community Recreation Grants Program.

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Media contact:
Jennifer Tulk
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 699-6524
jennifertulk@gov.nl.ca 

2012 03 20             10:10 a.m.

 
 
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