Today, the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, acknowledged June as Seniors Month and June 1 as Intergenerational Day in Newfoundland and Labrador.
These events recognize the valuable contributions of seniors throughout the province as well as the importance of making connections between generations. People are living longer, living healthier and contributing to their communities, families and work lives for longer periods than in previous generations. The Provincial Government is committed to continued development of age-friendly communities.
Budget 2018 included an investment of $300,000 for the Age-Friendly Transportation Project to support community-based transportation projects that demonstrate clear evidence of volunteer involvement and collaboration. We are also rolling out healthy living assessments in select communities this year to provide seniors and their families with information to improve their overall health and quality of life.
The Provincial Government is also committing $65 million for the Newfoundland and Labrador Income Supplement, which benefits approximately 155,500 individuals and their families. As well, $56 million has been allotted for the Newfoundland and Labrador Seniors’ Benefit, which was increased in 2016. This program benefits approximately 47,000 seniors and their families.
Through Budget 2018, the Provincial Government has made significant investments to help enhance and improve the lives of older people throughout our province including $10.9 million for the Rent Supplement Program and additional investments in affordable housing which will benefit seniors.
In the coming weeks, the Provincial Government will announce the 2018 recipients of the Seniors of Distinction Awards. This annual program recognizes and promotes the contributions of older persons in our province.
Supporting our seniors delivers on commitments in The Way Forward to deliver better services and better outcomes for residents. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.
Quotes
“Through Seniors Month and Intergenerational Day, we recognize the many connections through all ages which benefit our society and communities. Our government is committed to helping older adults live healthy and active lives and remain independent. This month, I encourage everyone to take some time to celebrate seniors and the many contributions older adults make in our communities.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
“Seniors Month is an important time to recognize the contribution seniors make to our communities through their work and volunteering. Seniors play a vital role in many respects, especially in lending their expertise and knowledge to help shape programs and services for seniors and for those who support them. Seniors Month is a time for all of us to reflect on what we do and how we support seniors in our province.”
Kelly Heisz,
Executive Director, Seniors NL
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The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development (CSSD), recently met with the Child and Youth Advocate, and representatives of SeniorsNL and the Coalition of Seniors to sign a proclamation marking June 1 as Intergenerational Day and June as Seniors Month. Pictured are (Back L-R) Donna Ballard, Deputy Minister, CSSD; Derek Bennett, Parliamentary Secretary CSSD; Pamela Crummey, Coalition of Seniors; Jackie Lake-Kavanagh, Child and Youth Advocate; Lorraine Best, SeniorsNL; Mary Ennis, SeniorsNL, and Rick Healey, Assistant Deputy Minister, CSSD. (Front L-R) Sharron Callahan, Chair, Coalition of Seniors; Minister Lisa Dempster; Jan Lilly, Board Chair, SeniorsNL.
Learn More
2018 Budget Highlights for Seniors
Seniors Resource Centre of Newfoundland and Labrador
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @CSSD_GovNL
Media contacts
Gina MacArthur
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 730-2977
ginamacarthur@gov.nl.ca
Kelly Heisz
Executive Director
Seniors NL
709-737-2333