20th Meeting of Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors

News Release

For Immediate Release

Federal, Provincial, Territorial ministers responsible for seniors meet to discuss support for Canada's aging population

May 22, 2019           Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors

The Federal, Provincial and Territorial (FPT) Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum met today to discuss key priorities and meaningful ways to support current and future generations of Canadian seniors. The meeting was co-chaired by the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Seniors, and the Honourable Ernie Hudson, Minister of Social Development and Housing for the Government of Prince Edward Island.

The Ministers shared measures underway in their respective jurisdictions to help seniors age in their community. The Ministers also discussed two reports commissioned by the Forum that speak to supports that help seniors to age in their homes and communities. Specifically, the first highlighted the importance of better understanding seniors' housing needs and ensuring that housing and communities support independent living by seniors. The second report explored the home and community support services currently available for seniors in their communities across Canada.

In addition, the Ministers discussed labour force participation of older workers by examining the impact public programs and policies have on seniors' decisions to remain in, retire from, or return to the workforce. The Ministers recognized the complexity of these choices and endorsed a report that encourages further examination of the issues that influence these decisions.

These reports will be available on the Forum's website in the coming months.

Recognizing that seniors are the fastest-growing age demographic in Canada, the Forum is keeping abreast of issues important to seniors and discussing ways to continue collaborating on the social and economic well-being of seniors. The Ministers will reconvene in 2020 for the 21st meeting of the FPT Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum.

*All governments contribute to the FPT Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum by sharing information, expertise and innovative practices. However, Quebec does not subscribe to pan-Canadian approaches with reference to seniors as it intends to continue to fulfill its responsibilities to seniors in Quebec.

*Due to recent elections, the Minister from Newfoundland and Labrador was unable to attend.

Quotes

"We need to ensure that we recognize the contributions of seniors with programs and policies that continue to meet the evolving needs of an aging population. The discussions with my provincial and territorial colleagues today reinforce the need to collaborate on issues important to seniors. Together, we will continue to work to find ways to make Canada a better place to live and age."
– The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Seniors, Government of Canada

"The Government of Prince Edward Island is pleased to host our federal, provincial, and territorial colleagues to discuss a range of matters affecting Canadian seniors. This annual meeting of Ministers Responsible for Seniors is an opportunity to gain greater understanding of the contributions and needs of Canadians aging in today's society."  
– The Honourable Ernie Hudson, Minister of Social Development and Housing, Government of Prince Edward Island

Associated link:

Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum

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For media enquiries, please contact:

Lars Wessman
Office of the Minister of Seniors
873-396-0742
lars.wessman@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

April Gallant
Senior Communications Officer
PEI Department of Social Development and Housing
902-620-3409
aldgallant@gov.pe.ca