Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
June 6, 2016

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development:

Minister Recognizes June as Seniors Month in Newfoundland and Labrador

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize June as Seniors Month in Newfoundland and Labrador. It is a time to show our appreciation for the many contributions older adults have made, and continue to make, in our province.

My mandate from the Premier includes the development of legislation to create a Seniors' Advocate Office. I am pleased to say that Budget 2016 provides funding to establish this office. It will be independent of government, report to the House of Assembly and be a strong voice for seniors and their families as we look to address system-wide issues which impact older adults.

Budget 2016 provides $63.7 million for the Newfoundland and Labrador Income Supplement to help eligible low income seniors, individuals, families, and persons with disabilities. We have also increased the Low Income Seniors' Benefit by $12.7 million in Budget 2016 bringing the total annualized investment in the seniors' benefit to $57.9 million. Many seniors in our province will benefit from these two programs.

We continue to support seniors to live healthy, independent lives while participating fully in their communities.

I ask all members to join me in celebrating June as Seniors Month and recognizing the many contributions of seniors throughout our province.

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2016 06 06                              2:00 p.m.