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The federal context
- The Canadian federation
- Federal government involvement in aging issues
- Federal/provincial/territorial collaboration
- Sustainability of public finances
 The Canadian
federation
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To improve the quality of
life of Canadians, governments at all levels introduced in the last
century a host of programs in areas such as income security, health,
social services, and housing. The development and delivery of these
programs follow the division of legislative powers and responsibilities
between the federal and provincial governments set out in the |
Canadian Constitution – originally formulated
in the British North America Act of 1867, and recast in the Constitution
Act of 1982. Both these Acts generally assign matters of broad national
interest to the federal government and matters of a local or particular
nature to the provincial governments, which may delegate some powers to
municipalities. This sharing of powers requires close co-operation between
the federal government and provincial governments to ensure effective
policies, increase efficiency, minimize duplication and control costs,
while respecting the legislative jurisdiction of each l evel of government.
In February 1999, agreement on a framework to improve the social union
for Canadians was reached between the federal government and the governments
of the provinces and territories. This framework is based upon a mutual
respect between orders of government and a willingness to work more closely
together to meet the needs of Canadians.
Federal government involvement in aging issues
In the federal Cabinet, the Minister of Health is assigned the responsibilities
of Minister Responsible for Seniors. In addition, many portfolios have
substantial responsibilities concerning seniors. In 1980, the federal
government created the National Advisory Council on Aging to advise the
Minister of Health on issues related to the aging of the Canadian population
and the quality of life of seniors. Among its functions, the Council reviews
the needs and problems of seniors, recommends remedial action and stimulates
public discussion on aging.
Federal departments and agencies involved in aging policies and programs
include:
- the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, for research, innovation
and information on seniors' housing, and for social housing contributions
and renovation programs.
- Health Canada, for health promotion programming targeting seniors,
and for monitoring and research on issues affecting the health of seniors,
Canada's health care system, and First Nations and Inuit health.
- Human Resources Development Canada, for public retirement income programs
providing pensions and benefits, for literacy and lifelong learning
programs, and for support for volunteers and older workers.
- Industry Canada, for research on and promotion of industries and services
devices which help seniors live more independently, such as assistive
technologies.
- Statistics Canada, for demographic and social science research on
the aging Canadian population.
- Status of Women Canada, for research and information on senior women's
issues.
- Veterans Affairs Canada, for health care programs and caregiver support
programs; and for disability pensions and income support programs for
eligible veterans and their survivors.
Other departments consider the needs of older Canadians within their
broader mandates. For example, the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA)
has a Seniors Advisory Committee to help it serve older Canadian clients
more effectively. Other federal departments and agencies whose broader
mandate affects seniors and aging issues include the Canadian Human Rights
Commission, the Canadian Transportation Agency, the Department of Canadian
Heritage, the Department of Finance, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada,
the Department of Justice, Environment Canada, National Archives of Canada,
National Film Board of Canada, Public Works and Government Services Canada,
Solicitor General of Canada, and Transport Canada.
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