April 29, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Consultations on Unpaid Caregivers in Canada

TORONTO, ONTARIO—The Honourable Tony Ianno, Minister of State (Families and Caregivers), is today hosting the fourth in a series of consultation roundtables planned over the coming months in regions across Canada. Key stakeholders and members of the Ontario's caregiving community will take part in today's consultations, which will focus on unpaid caregiving for seniors and persons with disabilities.

"The Government of Canada recognizes the vital contributions unpaid caregivers are making to Canadian society. My appointment as Minister of State (Families and Caregivers) provides a new focal point for the Government's work with respect to families and other unpaid caregivers," said Minister Ianno. "I am committed to listening and sharing with members of the Ontario caregiving community to identify the best ways to support our unpaid caregivers."

More and more Canadian seniors and people with disabilities are receiving unpaid care in their own home, care that is provided by friends, neighbours, or family members. This trend is expected to grow over the next decade with Canada's aging and diversifying population.

"This roundtable is the beginning of a long-term collaborative partnership between governments, stakeholders—including non-profit groups, service delivery organizations, private sector and employer organizations—and Canadians," Minister Ianno added.

Today's consultations follow an experts' roundtable in Ottawa, Ontario, on January 10, 2005, and stakeholders' roundtables in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, on January 28, 2005, and in Regina, Saskatchewan, on March 17, 2005. All three roundtables were hosted by Minister Ianno and Social Development Canada. These events brought together caregiving organizations and experts in the field to discuss issues of importance for unpaid caregivers in Canada.

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For more information on SDC's Consultation and Engagement Strategy, please visit our Web site at: www.sdc.gc.ca.

For information, please contact:

Renée Filiatrault
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Tony Ianno, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State (Families and Caregivers)
(613) 941-3656

Social Development Canada
Media Relations
(613) 941-1110