Latest News
Federal seniors minister Deb Schulte participated in a roundtable with seniors stakeholders Tuesday in Richmond.
Photo by Don Fennell
Seniors minister unveils support for elders
—
Canada’s minister of seniors says the federal government is committed to keeping seniors engaged and active.
The Hon. Deb Schulte announced Monday in Surrey that more than $9.3 million is being invested in seniors in B.C. through the New Horizons for Seniors Program. New Horizons provides grants and contributions funding for projects that make a difference in the lives of seniors. Over the coming year, close to 300 projects across the province will receive some $5.3 million from the program’s community-based stream to help improve the well-being of seniors and foster social inclusion.
“When seniors are respected, valued and included in our communities, their health and well-being is enhanced and our communities benefit,” said Schulte.
Schulte also met with seniors’ stakeholders Tuesday evening in Richmond, during a roundtable hosted by the ICONN BC Business Association. Various seniors-related issues were discussed during the roundtable, ranging from health issues such as dementia to having access to a family doctor. Other topics included the cost of drugs and longterm care.
Schulte noted the federal government has created a program to reduce the cost of drugs for Canadians. She said millions have already been saved by using the process.
As well, she said a plan to implement a national pharmaceutical program is also being worked on but will require additional input from the provinces and territories.
The need for longterm care may be an eventuality for many Canadians. But Schulte agreed initiatives that keep seniors active longer are beneficial.
“We have looked at trying to provide opportunities for seniors to remain active within their own communities through the New Horizons program,” she said. “It’s a program that provides an opportunity for them to stay active, be creative and share their knowledge.”
Schulte said seniors also want to live in their own homes as long as they can. In 2016, the government designated $6 billion over 10 years to assist the provinces and territories with providing more in-home care.
But addressing all the issues facing Canada’s growing seniors population is complex and ongoing.
“We need all three levels of government working together,” she said. “There’s not just one answer. We need to have multiple options.”
2 Hours of free financial consulting
Jai Xin Planning Ltd.
C$120.00 C$0.00
Use any of our home staging service and get a second month rental for free!
MiiX Interiors
C$500.00 C$0.00
Get 10% off any order
Phantom Screens Lower Mainland
C$200.00 C$180.00
