McGuinty Government Making It Easier For Seniors To Access Services In Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield

News Release

August 18 , 2006

MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT MAKING IT EASIER FOR SENIORS TO ACCESS SERVICES IN SMITH-ENNISMORE-LAKEFIELD
New Website Offers One-Stop Access to Seniors’ Services In 22 Ontario Communities

SMITH-ENNISMORE-LAKEFIELD – The McGuinty government, with its federal and municipal partners, has launched SeniorsInfo.ca making it easier for older adults to access information, programs and services from all levels of government Ontario Minister Responsible for Seniors, Jim Bradley announced today.

“SeniorsInfo.ca is a terrific website for seniors who want a convenient way to access information about all the programs and services available in their home town,” said Bradley. “SeniorsInfo.ca was designed with input from seniors. I encourage seniors and their families and caregivers to log on to www.seniorsinfo.ca to get answers to their questions.”

Need to find out whether you may be eligible to receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement? Want information about OHIP coverage, or a special seniors program at your local library? This innovative website will eliminate the need to run around from one place to another in search of information.

“The Township of Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield, being a territory rich in natural rural beauty yet having close proximity to all major services, is called home to thousands of active senior citizens. Easy access to information needed by our seniors, in such a large geographical area, is a very efficient and positive step in the quality of their lives. The seniors’ portal is a welcome service. Thank you,” said Reeve Ron Millen.

The Township of Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield is just one of 22 Ontario communities which have developed a unique website for their seniors.

Ontario’s seniors population is expected to more than double to 3.2 million by 2028. The McGuinty government has been investing to help meet the challenges and opportunities posed by the province’s aging population, including:

Increasing the number of cataract surgeries by 16 per cent and increasing the number of hip and knee replacements by 28 per cent by December 2006.

Partnering with the Federal Government and local municipalities to invest more than $600 million for up to 15,000 new units of affordable housing, and provide rent subsidies for up to 5,000 lower income households. Ontario seniors will be among those who benefit from more affordable housing, and new housing projects targeted to seniors are already underway. The first wave of new funding was allocated to municipalities in August 2005.

Ending mandatory retirement effective December 2006.

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Contacts:
Rhonda Lindsay, Minister’s Office, (416) 327-4276
Donna Piasentini, Communications Branch, (416) 314-7242

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