Terry wants to hear from you on our National Senior Strategy

Seniors, professionals, caregivers, and members of the public, are welcome to participate

MP Terry Sheehan seen during a FedNor funding announcement October 28, 2016. Kenneth Armstrong/SooToday

NEWS RELEASE

TERRY SHEEHAN, MP SAULT STE. MARIE

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Sault MP Terry Sheehan announced that he has co-seconded M106, calling for a National Seniors Strategy. “I’m delighted to support Canadian seniors with this motion to develop a National Strategy with the goal of advancing inclusion and quality of life for all seniors,” MP Sheehan said.

MP Sheehan and Sudbury MP Marc Serré, mover of M106, will host a National Seniors Strategy Session on Friday, Nov. 3, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Seniors Drop-In Centre at 619 Bay St. in the Main Hall. Seniors, professionals, caregivers, and members of the public, are welcome to participate.

Based on population projections, the percentage of Canadians ages 65 and older will continue to rise. By 2024 they will account for 10.1 per cent of the population. By 2036, seniors are expected to make up 25 per cent of the population. People ages 85 years and older are projected to make up the fastest growing age group in Canada — as this portion of the population grew by 127 per cent between 1993 and 2013.

In order to prepare for this demographic shift, it is necessary for us to plan programs and infrastructure that will accommodate our aging population comfortably. Topics for the Sault Ste. Marie session will be wide-ranging and include access to housing, aging in place, income security, community and social programming, and other local issues. Feedback from participants will support the development and implementation of a National Seniors Strategy.

The Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities have begun a 10-meeting study on developing a National Seniors Strategy. After that study is complete, the Nations Seniors Council will advise the government on how to implement the National Seniors Strategy.

Date: Friday, Nov. 3, 2017

Time: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Location: Senior Citizens Drop-In Centre
619 Bay Street
Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.

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