News Release

1999-99
July 24, 1999

Minister Rock announces funding for Seniors Summit and recognizes Kelowna seniors to mark International Year of Older Persons

KELOWNA, BC - Health Minister Allan Rock today announced federal funding for a Seniors Summit which will bring together British Columbia seniors' organizations and other stakeholders to examine a range of issues affecting the future health and well-being of seniors.

Minister Rock also recognized the achievements of three British Columbia seniors to mark 1999 as the International Year of Older Persons (IYOP). Mr. Rock participated in a recognition ceremony today at Kelowna's Water Street Seniors' Centre.

The Minister presented each of the honorees 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.

"As we prepare to greet a new century, it is only right that we take the time to acknowledge the efforts of seniors, whose hard work and sacrifices have made Canada better place to live," said Minister Rock. "By listening to seniors and embracing their ideas and experiences, we can continue to build a better Canada for citizens of all ages."

The 411 Seniors' Centre Society of Vancouver will receive $50,000 from the federal government, under Health Canada's Population Health Fund for the Seniors' Summit, Creating a Legacy. The summit will be held in Vancouver, October 30 and 31, and will allow seniors and other stakeholders to reflect on the challenges and opportunities presented by an aging population. In addition, the summit will result in the creation of a forum for strategic thinking and action planning in the future.

"With an aging population Canada must reflect perspectives of seniors in many of our programs and services," said Minister Rock. "They must have a voice in the decisions that will affect their lives today, and in the future."

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; and
• 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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