FREDERICTON (CNB) – Sue Stultz, minister of social development as well as minister responsible for seniors, housing and community non-profit organizations, attended a meeting of federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for seniors this week in Hamilton, Ont.
"The discussions were both insightful and helpful as we plan and work together to meet the current and future needs of our senior population," said Stultz. "It was a pleasure for me to share with my national colleagues some of the initiatives that have been undertaken in New Brunswick to support seniors."
The ministers agreed to focus on four priorities. They are championing innovative responses to the needs of seniors in the areas of living arrangements, housing and transportation; identifying and helping to prevent elder abuse, especially financial abuse; promoting active participation in the community through employment or volunteering; and improving access to government services and benefits.
The ministers instructed senior officials to undertake advance work on these priorities and report back to them.
The ministers shared their respective best practices to address the opportunities and challenges of an aging population. They agreed to take leadership to support the well-being of Canada's seniors, and agreed on future priorities to guide their work.
The ministers reviewed research on housing and support services that help seniors to age in the place of their choice and within age-friendly communities. They discussed their shared concern regarding all forms of elder abuse, and they agreed on the importance of addressing this issue. Their talks centred on the prevention of financial abuse, one of the most commonly reported forms of elder abuse.
Seniors make up a growing proportion of Canada’s population. The first of the baby boomers turn 65 this year and, in 25 years, nearly one in four Canadians will be a senior. With this demographic shift in mind, the ministers looked at the range of perceptions, values and needs among seniors and near-seniors.
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