Canada's new Ministry of Seniors demonstrates the government's "commitment to seniors, caregivers and families," Nickel Belt MP Marc Serré said this week.
The ministry was announced as part of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet shuffle announced July 18. According to information on the federal government's website, the new ministry will "help the Government better understand the needs of Canadian seniors and ensure that programs and services are developed that respond to Canada's aging population. This will provide Canadian seniors and future retirees greater security and a better quality of life."
The ministry is being headed up by Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas MP Filomena Tassi, the deputy government whip.
Seniors' issues and the needs of the elderly have formed a major part of Serré's political work since his election in 2015. A year ago in May, his private member's bill — M-106 Seniors — was passed, paving the way for the development of a national seniors' strategy in Canada.
With the passing, the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development began studying how to develop and implement a national strategy for seniors, and call witnesses.
Serré said the creation of a Seniors Ministry is a step in the right direction.
“This new ministry along with the passing of my motion, M-106 Seniors, is truly a dream come true," Serré said in a news release. "This action demonstrates our government’s commitment to seniors, caregivers and families in Canada.”
The new ministry will help the federal government better understand the needs of older Canadians, and develop appropriate programs and services for them, the Nickel Belt MP said.
