Children, Seniors and Social Development
June 1, 2017
Minister Gambin-Walsh Recognizes June as Seniors Month
Today, the Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, acknowledged June as Seniors Month in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Seniors Month provides an opportunity to recognize the valuable contributions of seniors throughout the province. The Provincial Government is committed to supporting seniors in living healthy independent lives, and continuing to participate fully in their communities.
Through Budget 2017, the Provincial Government has made significant investments to help enhance and improve the lives of older people throughout our province including $5.7 million to support affordable housing for seniors and $10.6 million for the Rent Supplement Program.
In addition, the new Office of the Seniors’ Advocate will be a strong, independent voice for Newfoundland and Labrador’s seniors, their families and supporters. The Independent Appointments Commission is leading the search process for the position of the Seniors’ Advocate, which is expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Working collaboratively with the Office of the Citizens’ Representative and SeniorsNL, the Seniors' Advocate will address systemic issues impacting seniors in the province.
The Provincial Government is also continuing to support age-friendly transportation services and communities by making investments in seniors' health and well-being, and is providing new and expanded financial benefits for seniors with low income.
In the coming weeks, the Provincial Government will announce the 2017 recipients of the Seniors of Distinction Awards. This annual program recognizes and promotes the contributions of older persons in our province.
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“Seniors Month is an opportunity to show our appreciation for the lifelong contributions of older adults to our province and recognize seniors for the important role they play in our communities. It is important for all of us, including governments and community organizations, to ensure we are meeting the current demands of our older adults and, with our changing demographics, it is even more important that seniors are supported to remain independent and live healthy, active lives.”
Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
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Learn More
Children, Seniors and Social Development - www.cssd.gov.nl.ca
Provincial Government announced legislation to establish Office of the Seniors’ Advocate - www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2016/exec/1213n04.aspx
2017 Budget highlights for seniors - www.budget.gov.nl.ca/budget2017/highlights/healthyliving.pdf
Seniors Resource Centre of Newfoundland and Labrador - www.seniorsresource.ca/
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Media contact
Krista Dalton
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca
2017 06 01 9:55 a.m.