Meeting of Provincial-Territorial Ministers responsible for Seniors

YELLOWKNIFE (October 9, 2013) - Healthy aging, healthy living and getting a better understanding of the continuum of care options available for seniors across the country were the focus of discussions at the annual meeting of Provincial and Territorial Ministers (P/T) Responsible for Seniors.

P/T Ministers want to encourage the creation of supportive environments for seniors to age in place across Canada and lead active, socially engaged lifestyles, which contribute to healthy aging.

“Seniors are one of the fastest growing populations, not only in the Northwest Territories but for the rest of Canada as well,” said Tom Beaulieu, Minister Responsible for Seniors and Chair of the 2013 meeting of Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors. “This morning, P/T Ministers discussed the need to exchange information and best practices on healthy aging that will benefit seniors across the country. Manitoba and New Brunswick have agreed to lead this process.”

As co-leads of the Seniors’ Working Group subcommittee for the Council of the Federation, the Ministers of Alberta and Saskatchewan, will consult with the Premiers Health Care Innovation Working Group co-chairs to help coordinate the priorities of the seniors’ subcommittee.

The meeting was an opportunity for P/T Ministers responsible for seniors to share insights and discuss issues of importance to seniors such as healthy aging, housing, and aging in place. P/T Ministers also agreed to meet again in P.E.I. in 2014.

                                                           

-30-

For more information, contact:

Damien Healy
Manager, Planning and Communications
Department of Health and Social Services
Tel: (867) 920-8927
Email: damien_healy@gov.nt.ca