Government of Canada supports 16 Elder Abuse Awareness projects across Canada
OTTAWA, ONTARIO, February 23, 2009— The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Honourable Marjory LeBreton, Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister of State (Seniors), today announced support for 16 projects across Canada under the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program to raise awareness of the abuse of older adults.
“The Government of Canada is committed to the well-being of seniors and to combating elder abuse in all its forms, from physical abuse to financial and emotional abuse,” said Minister Finley. “These projects across Canada will support programs and activities that increase awareness of elder abuse while improving the quality of life, safety and security for seniors.”
Today’s announcement represents an investment of more than $4,000,000 to help reduce the incidences of abuse against older adults across the country. Some examples of projects include:
- the National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly will undertake a national project to produce and distribute elder abuse prevention, detection and intervention tools and resources for seniors, their families and communities, medical practitioners and other service providers;
- the Community Legal Information Association of Prince Edward Island will develop and distribute legal information and resources to seniors, their families, caregivers and other service providers across the province;
- the Fédération des aînés et aînées francophones du Canada will develop a number of workshops and an awareness campaign development kit adapted to the specific needs of Francophone seniors in minority settings outside Quebec;
- the British Columbia Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centers will develop awareness raising and educational materials and resources specifically targeted to Aboriginal people to help reduce the incidence of elder abuse within their communities.
"Seniors from all walks of life are vulnerable to elder abuse,” said Minister LeBreton. “We want everyone to know that it cannot and will not be tolerated, and that help is available. Seniors deserve to live with dignity and respect, and we as a government are committed to help ensure that their quality of life is not diminished by abuse of any kind."
The projects announced today fall under the Elder Abuse Awareness component of the New Horizons for Seniors Program, which supports national and regional projects. With the two other components of New Horizons for Seniors Program—Community Participation and Leadership and Capital Assistance—the overall budget of the Program is now $35 million per year.
Since its beginning, the New Horizons for Seniors Program has funded over 4,200projects across Canada, helping seniors to bring their leadership, energy and skills to benefit our communities. For more information about the Program, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/seniors.
The Government of Canada has demonstrated its commitment to seniors and to combating elder abuse in all its forms. Budget 2008 announced an investment of $13.3 million over three years to increase awareness of issues surrounding elder abuse, and to provide seniors with assistance in dealing with it.
1 comment:
Nice post, it's nice to see that people care about our senior citizens too. Projects like these make it so much easier for the elderly people. I'm we're trying to fight off the abuse and help protecting them and providing help and care with these activities.
Take care, Elli
Post a Comment