Senator Marjory LeBreton was guest of honour at the inaugural meeting of the Senior Advisory Group Tuesday at the Aurora Senior Centre. Service groups, elected representatives and members of the Aurora Senior Centre were among the invitees.
 
Introduced by Newmarkt-Aurora MP Lois Brown, the Senator commended Ms. Brown for her advocacy in Ottawa on behalf of her constituents, and for inviting her to the riding. “At our very first caucus meeting, Lois was already approaching me about coming to Newmarket-Aurora,” quipped the Senator.
 
“As you know, in a few years, the first wave of baby boomers will turn 65,” said Senator LeBreton. “This demographic shift promises to have a profound impact on our society and economy. 65 is the new 50.”
 
“Canadians are living longer than ever before,” she went on to say. “Thanks in part to better medical care, good nutrition, activity and exercise our seniors are enjoying more years of health as they age.
 
Most of the news for older Canadians is very good. But there are still challenges. Some seniors can be more isolated than they used to be. Some have fewer connections to friends, family and the community, and can sometimes fell powerless and vulnerable.
 
"It is important that seniors know they are not alone. I am very proud that our government recognizes how valuable seniors are to families, communities and our country. We know that they contribute tremendous knowledge and experience as well as a range of valuable skills to society.”
 
Senator LeBreton went on to summarize a number of initiatives brought in by the Conservative government which included appointing a Minister Responsible for Seniors and establishing a National Seniors Council.
 
Several issues affecting seniors were discussed including elder abuse. The Senator pointed out that the work of the National Seniors Council identified elder abuse as an important and often hidden issue. This realization led to a national elder abuse awareness campaign launched earlier this month.
 
Financial security for seniors was also a topic of discussion. “We have taken a range of steps and introduced a number of measures to benefit seniors financially from different walks of life,” said the Senator. “Canada’s Economic Action Plan reinforced our commitment to seniors’ financial concerns. Our plan includes tax relief measures, funding for affordable housing, and the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers. All told, the government is providing about $1.9 billion annually in tax relief to seniors and pensioners.”
 
Senator LeBreton also explained that the government has increased its support to caregivers in recognition of their important contribution. She highlighted the New Horizons for Seniors program which allocates $35 million each year for grassroots projects. The Senator was later taken for a tour of the Aurora Seniors Centre work shop which had recently been upgraded as a result of a successful application to the New Horizons program.
 
“We want Canada to be a country where people can enjoy their later years of life without worry,” added Senator LeBreton. “I am extremely proud of our government’s commitment to seniors and the work we are doing to honour our seniors.”
 
Senator Marjory LeBreton is the Leader of the Government in the Senate, and Minister of State (Seniors).