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Location: Home - Human Rights Program | 2006-12-15 | ||
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Seniors and Human RightsInternational | Legal Protection | FPT Initiatives | Non-governmental In Canada, seniors - individuals 65 years or older - make up 12 percent of the total population. "Ageism" describes negative attitudes and stereotypes towards older people. It also refers to the tendency of constructing a society based on the assumption that everyone is young, thus failing to accommodate the needs of seniors. Seniors often face social and systemic barriers that prevent their full enjoyment of human rights, in particular economic and social rights related to health, employment and housing. International Initiatives Even though the rights of seniors are not explicitly referenced in international treaties, all individuals are entitled to the rights included in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights has developed a General Comment On April 8-12, 2002, the Second United Nations World Assembly on Ageing The UN Programme on Ageing Other inter-governmental organizations, such as the World Health Organization Legal Protection Section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, enacted in 1982, makes it illegal for governments in Canada to discriminate against persons on the basis of age in their laws and policies. Age is also a prohibited ground of discrimination under the Canadian Human Rights Act , which covers employers and providers of service within federal jurisdiction. In addition, most provinces and territories have provisions in their human rights legislation that prohibit discrimination on the basis of age. Federal, Provincial and Territorial Initiatives Federal, provincial and territorial governments in Canada offer a range of programs and services for seniors. The following is information on some of these programs and where to find more details. Governments working together... Federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for seniors meet at 18-24 month intervals to examine and discuss key seniors issues, to share experience of their jurisdictions and consider opportunities for collaboration. In 1994, the Ministers proposed the development of a National Framework on Aging (NFA), which was implemented in 1998. The NFA' Vision Statement is: Canada, a society for all ages, promotes the well-being and contributions of older people in all aspects of life. It is based upon the following core principles: Dignity, Independence, Participation, Fairness and Security. A Policy Guide and the Seniors Policies and Programs Database are available to help policy makers understand and respond to seniors' needs and values. At the national level... The federal government provides a number of services and programs for Canada's large senior population. Health Canada's Division of Aging and Seniors provides information about health issues and updates on current events of concern to seniors, financial support programs and projects for older people, and support to the National Advisory Council on Aging (NACA). The NACA was created in 1980 to help the Minister of Health on issues related to seniors. The council of 18 members advocates for seniors to receive the same rights as all Canadian citizens, and for older people to be autonomous and make their own decisions. For additional information, you can consult the Government of Canada's Web site, which includes information such as the online edition of Services for Seniors: Guide to Government of Canada Services for Seniors and their Families, whose purpose is to help seniors plan for retirement, stay healthy, live in safety and security, and be as active as possible. In your province or territory... For information on relevant programs and services in your province or territory, you can consult the following Web sites. British Columbia
Alberta
Saskatchewan Manitoba Ontario
Québec
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia Prince Edward Island Newfoundland and Labrador Yukon Northwest Territories Nunavut Non-governmental Initiatives Canadian Organizations...
International Organizations
An Innovative Approach...
For more information on this project, please contact SAFSS's head office: 1200 Markham Road, Suite 214Scarborough, Ontario M1H 3C3 Telephone: (416) 431-4847 Fax: (416) 431-7283 Email: office@safss.org
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Date modified: 2004-04-20![]() |
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