October 1, 2007
For immediate distribution

Information
	Age-Friendly Cities backgrounder

News Release

Canada's Minister of Health internationally recognized for his leadership role in seniors' health issues

(London, England) - Today, on the International Day of Older Persons, Canadian Health Minister Tony Clement received an international award from Help the Aged UK, distinguishing him as a leader in seniors' health issues. The Honourable Mike O'Brien, Minister of State for Pension Reform, UK, made the presentation to Minister Clement at an event to launch the World Health Organization's (WHO) Age-Friendly Cities Guide, a project that received $258,000 in funding from the Government of Canada.

Minister O'Brien (left), UK Minister of State for Pension Reform, presents Canadian Health Minister Tony Clement with an international award from Help the Aged UK.

“I am very honored to receive this prestigious award from an organization that's world-renowned for its commitment to seniors. Canada's New Government takes seniors' health issues very seriously, and we value the important role seniors play in communities around the globe,” stated Minister Clement.

The WHO's Age-Friendly Cities Guide is a global tool designed to help communities make their urban centers more age-friendly. The WHO collaborated with 33 participating cities across the globe, including four Canadian cities: Saanich, British Colombia; Portage La Prairie, Manitoba; Sherbrooke, Quebec; and Halifax, Nova Scotia, to analyse the needs of an aging population and create the guide.

The Minister of Health also announced that Canada's New Government will commit an additional $150,000 in funding for global Age-Friendly City implementation and sustainability, which will support Phase II of the WHO's Age-Friendly Cities project.

“The Government of Canada is proud to be a key partner in the Age-Friendly Cities project. This ground-breaking initiative will provide the tools necessary for cities in Canada and around the world to make their communities better, healthier and safer places for seniors to live and thrive,” said Minister Clement.

Through this funding, Canada's New Government will continue to work with Canadian provinces and territories, and municipalities world-wide, and to act as a leader in seniors' health promotion and well-being.

The support and close partnership of the Canadian government on this project is welcomed by the WHO. "An age-friendly city benefits everyone: children, the young and seniors,” said Dr. Alex Kalache, Director of the Ageing and Life Course Programme in WHO. "For example, local activities that bring together people of all ages foster the spirit of harmony and solidarity between younger and older neighbours, and secure public areas are reassuring for children, youth, women and older adults."

Help the Aged, UK, is also a key partner in the Age-Friendly Cities project. “The Canadian government is playing a crucial role in developing knowledge and the policies needed to make communities for an aging population,” added Director General Michael Lake. “The-Age Friendly Cities project is representative of a number of important initiatives that will bring tangible benefits to the lives of older people and I am pleased that Help the Aged could recognize this leadership through our International Award for 2007.”

From left to right: James Wright, Canadian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom of great Britain and Northern Ireland; Dr Alex Kalache, Director of the WHO's Life Course and Aging Programme; Mike O'Brien, UK Minister of State for Pension Reform; Canadian Minister of Health Tony Clement; Michael Lake, Director General of Help the Aged UK)

Dr. Jane Barratt, Secretary General of the International Federation on Ageing (IFA) acknowledged the work of the WHO and the leadership that the Public Health Agency of Canada has shown. “It is not only older people who will benefit through the application of the AFC guidelines, but society as a whole. We have an obligation to ensure that our communities, services, infrastructure and environments enable people from all ages to be active contributors to our society. With the increasing aged population, the built environment is an important part of meeting our needs into the future,” said Dr. Barratt.

The Government has established a National Seniors Council, which reports to Minister Clement and Minister Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Development Canada. This Council aims to advise on matters related to the health, well-being and quality of life of seniors, focusing on both the opportunities and challenges presented by a rapidly growing and aging seniors' population.

For more information, please see the backgrounder on this initiative.

- 30 -

Media Inquiries:
Alain Desroches
Media Relations Officer
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 948-7970

Laryssa Waler
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200