Sixth Meeting of Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers responsible for Seniors

Toronto - Building on a decade of collaborative initiatives, Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors continue to take a leading role in addressing a number of important issues affecting current and future seniors in Canada¹. The Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario co-hosted the forum which was chaired by the Honourable Sharon Carstairs, Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister with Special Responsibility for Palliative Care, on behalf of the Honourable Anne McLellan, Minister of Health and Minister Responsible for Seniors, and by the Honourable Carl DeFaria, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Minister Responsible for Seniors.

"Considerable progress has been made today on a number of issues of interest to seniors," said Minister Carstairs. "It is vitally important that governments, non-government organizations and citizens ensure that our society is well equipped to deal with the opportunities and the challenges of an aging population." Ministers agreed that the work currently underway in Canada and the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing 2002, adopted at the Second World Assembly on Ageing, provide good context for continuing future action.

"Our meeting today strengthened our partnership and our resolve to continue planning services that meet the needs of Canada's growing seniors population," said Minister DeFaria. "At the same time we acknowledge the tremendous contributions seniors make to our families, our communities, and Canada."

Topics covered at today's Sixth Meeting of Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors included: planning for an aging population; healthy aging and seniors wellness; family/informal caregiving of seniors; and elder abuse.

1. Planning for an Aging Population

Ministers agreed that the significant aging of the population over the next few decades will present both major opportunities and challenges for governments across Canada and acknowledged the importance of putting into place the necessary policies and services so that Canada is ready for this significant social change. Enhanced quality of life for an aging population requires a commitment to foster a society in which seniors are valued and recognized for their contributions.

Ministers discussed a wide range of issues posed by an aging population and identified ageism, wellness and healthy aging, and elder abuse as priorities for future attention. Ministers directed their officials to identify actions to help their governments, as well as Canadian society as a whole, prepare for these challenges and opportunities.

2. Healthy Aging and Seniors Wellness

Ministers reaffirmed that enabling Canadians to maintain health and wellness in later life is a shared priority. They noted that many aging-related diseases can be prevented or their impacts reduced. Increasing public awareness, as well as encouraging and supporting initiatives such as active living, healthy eating, injury prevention and smoking cessation are key contributors to the health, independence and quality of life for today's and future seniors. Ministers directed officials to identify current initiatives being undertaken with a view to sharing successful approaches.

3. Family/Informal Caregiving of Seniors

Ministers value and recognize the very important role that family, friends and neighbours play in providing informal care to many seniors. In Canada, an estimated 2.1 million people provide family/informal care to seniors with long-term health problems. This care enables older persons to remain in their homes longer and provides essential support for seniors.

4. Addressing Elder Abuse

Research indicates that the abuse of older adults is a hidden problem as reported cases only represent the "tip of the iceberg". Older adults are often reluctant to report abuse due to fears of retaliation, shame, family loyalty, abandonment and institutionalization. Therefore, continuing attention to public education is important. Ministers have requested further analysis on existing elder abuse strategies and legislation across jurisdictions in Canada. The analysis will continue their collaborative efforts to address the safety and security needs of seniors by identifying priority strategic initiatives for potential action, for governments who so desire.

5. Information Items

Ministers were provided with information on the following:

   
• An overview of the Canadian Seniors Partnership, an initiative exploring inter-governmental service delivery opportunities;
   
• A progress report on the National Framework on Aging and the two tools associated with it: the Policy Guide and the Canadian Seniors Programs and Policies Database.
   
• An update on publications released in the past eight months as a result of collaborative work by officials.

6. Next Meeting

Ministers agreed to meet in 2004 and have accepted the offer of Nova Scotia to host that meeting.

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¹Quebec pointed out that, generally, it intends to assume its own responsibilities and will not adhere to or take part in the establishment of federal-provincial-territorial approaches, joint action or pan-Canadian standards in areas under its jurisdiction.

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For information:

                                               

Debbie Paine            Health Canada            (416) 973-4183

Catherine Maguire            Minister's Office            Ontario Ministry of Citizenship            (416) 325-6207

Stephanie Craig
Office of Sharon Carstairs
Leader of the Government in the Senate and
Minister with Special Responsibility for Palliative Care
(613) 947-7123