Seniors Celebrated During Seniors Month for Tremendous Contributions

June is Seniors Month, an important time to celebrate the many accomplishments of seniors and acknowledge the significant role they play in the province.

“Today’s seniors are actively engaged in all facets of the community in which they live, work and volunteer, and they are a critical part of our culture,” said Minister Sullivan. “Our government, under the leadership of Premier Dunderdale, fully recognizes the important role seniors have in our society, and we want that to continue as we build an age-friendly province where seniors live active and healthy lives. During this month, I encourage all residents to celebrate the valuable contribution of seniors in their communities and the province as a whole.”

Minister Sullivan also welcomed five new members of the Provincial Advisory Council on Aging and Seniors. Established in 2005, the council consists of 13 individuals from different regions of the province. It assists the Provincial Government in preparing for an aging population by ensuring seniors’ perspectives are reflected in policy development and planning for future service delivery. New members are Ron MacNeill, Mount Pearl; Linda Oldford, Gander; Patricia Burton, Paradise; Josephine Waddleton, Trepassey; and, Wayde Rowsell, St. Lawrence. For a full membership listing, visit www.gov.nl.ca/health/seniors/provincialadvisory.html. 

“The Provincial Advisory Council on Aging and Seniors plays an essential role in providing advice to our government, which guides our programs and policies to support seniors,” said Minister Sullivan. “Thanks to the valuable input from members of the advisory council, we have successfully implemented several initiatives for the betterment of seniors in our province.”

Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future includes over $42 million for seniors’ initiatives, including a refundable tax credit for low income seniors; a 35 per cent reduction on driver’s license and vehicle registration fees; and, the expansion of Community Response Teams, which provide services to support seniors and reduce hospitalization.

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Media contact:
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca 

2013 06 03             9:35 a.m.