FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government’s Council on Aging has launched a new website encouraging residents to share their story about growing older in New Brunswick.
“The council wants to hear from a cross-section of New Brunswickers who are interested in helping develop an aging strategy for our province,” said Social Development Minister Cathy Rogers. “Consultations with stakeholder groups and individual members of the public will assist the council in bringing forward an action-oriented plan that will guide the provincial government on all policies and issues affecting seniors in New Brunswick.”
The website is being launched on Intergenerational Day in Canada, an occasion dedicated to promoting respect between generations and an age-friendly culture.
New Brunswickers have until June 30 to submit their stories online or to send them by mail at Council on Aging, Department of Social Development, P.O. Box 6000, Fredericton, N.B., E3B 5H1.
Submissions will be reviewed by the council this summer in preparation for a final report and recommendations to the government before the end of this year.
The 17-member council was formed in February with a mandate to develop an aging strategy that addresses both short-term sustainability and long-term changes in order to balance the needs of the aging population and the rising cost and pressures on the health-care system.
“The challenge before us is to make New Brunswick a leader in aging care,” said Ken McGeorge, co-chair of the council. “The conversation around aging needs to change to one that is positive and celebrates the aging experience and the value and contributions of seniors to our families, communities and our province.”
Meetings and consultations with stakeholder groups were also conducted earlier this year. Public input is the next phase of the consultation process.
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