News Release

1999-100
July 25, 1999

Minister Rock announces funding for seniors health initiative and recognizes Surrey senior to mark International Year of Older Persons

SURREY, B.C. - Health Minister Allan Rock today announced federal funding for an initiative designed to improve the health of seniors in the Indo-Canadian community in Surrey, through health promotion and an examination of the illnesses and ailments specific to this community.

Minister Rock also recognized the achievements of a Surrey senior, to mark 1999 as the International Year of Older Persons (IYOP). Mr. Rock participated in a recognition ceremony today at the Surrey-Delta Indo-Canadian Seniors' Society Centre.

The Minister presented the honoree with a Special Edition Silver Coin, issued by the Royal Canadian Mint. The Silver Coin was released earlier this year in celebration of the International Year of Older Persons.

"The investment of funds is only one answer to how we can improve our health care system," said Minister Rock. "We must improve health education and increase access to information so that Canadians can make important decisions about their health. We must also have a system that is flexible enough to address the specific concerns and issues of individual communities and populations."

The Surrey-Delta Indo-Canadian Seniors' Society will receive more than $20,000 from the federal government, under Health Canada's Population Health Fund for the project, 'Wellness Model for Indo-Canadian Seniors'. Today's announcement complements an announcement made by Minister Rock in Kelowna on July 24, regarding funding of $50,000 for a Seniors' Summit that will be held in Vancouver later this year.

"Canada's seniors have created a wonderful legacy for all of us," said Minister Rock. "It is a legacy worth honouring because we cannot fully embrace the promise of tomorrow without acknowledging the hard work and dedication of seniors, who have strived to make their communities and their country a better place to live."

Canada's senior population is among the fastest growing in the world. In 1998, there were an estimated 3.7 million Canadians aged 65 and over, up almost 60% from 2.4 million in 1981. This demographic shift will have an impact on families and communities and alter the economic and social make-up of Canada.

Canada's theme for the IYOP is 'Canada, a society for all ages,' and highlights the importance of intergenerational dialogue, respect and cooperation on issues that affect us now and in the future. It also recognizes that seniors play an important role in Canadian society for the benefit of people of all ages.

In addition to today's presentation, Health Canada is leading the federal government's initiatives for the International Year of Older Persons. They include:

• support for national projects under the Population Health Fund
• support to the Canada Coordinating Committee, which oversees the planning and execution of IYOP activities across the country
• the launch by Canada Post of the IYOP commemorative stamp
• support for national IYOP projects approved by the Canada Coordinating Committee
• providing a toll free telephone number (1-800-355-4955) and the IYOP Web site.

The Population Health Fund

Health Canada has adopted a population health approach to further its continuing mandate to maintain and improve the health of Canadians. This approach recognizes that many factors, in addition to the health care system, have a strong influence on health, for example: nutrition, physical activity, or education. The approach promotes prevention, and encourages positive action on determinants that affect the health of the population as a whole, or that of specific population groups. The goal of the Population Health Fund, which has an annual budget of $14 million, is to increase community capacity for action on the determinants of health.

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