The Government of Canada is proud to pay tribute to the seniors who have helped build our country and continue to make valuable contributions to Canadian communities, workplaces and society.
National Seniors Day is an occasion for all Canadians to appreciate and celebrate seniors. Below you will find tips and resources to celebrate the day and commemorate the seniors in your life.
Seniors Related Initiatives
The establishment of National Seniors Day builds on the many concrete measures introduced by the Government to improve the well-being and quality of life of Canada’s seniors. The 2010 Speech from the Throne announced legislation to create a seniors day. On November 18, 2010, Bill C 40, the Celebrating Canada’s Seniors Act, received Royal Assent, officially marking October 1st of each year as National Seniors Day inCanada.
National Seniors Day is just one of a number of initiatives that the Government of Canada has undertaken for seniors in recent years. In the most recent federal budget in June, 2011 the Government introduced the following:
...a new Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) top-up benefit to help Canada’s most vulnerable seniors;
...$10 million over two years to increase funding for the New Horizons for Seniors Program, bringing the program’s total 2011–2012 budget to $45 million; and
...$50 million over two years to extend the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers program until 2013–2014.
...providing Canadians with over $70 billion this year through Canada’s public pension system;
...providing $2.3 billion annually in additional tax relief to seniors and pensioners through measures such as pension income splitting and increasing the Age Credit;
...providing $400 million over two years under Budget 2009 for the construction of housing units for low-income seniors;
...supporting positive and active aging through the collaborative Age Friendly Communities Initiative, Physical Activity Tips for Older Adults and fall prevention initiatives;
...appointing a Minister of State (Seniors)—someone who can bring the concerns of older Canadians to the Cabinet table and stand up on their behalf;
...creating the National Seniors Council in 2007 to provide advice to the federal government on matters related to the well-being and quality of life of seniors; and
...investing $13 million over three years in support of the Federal Elder Abuse Initiative (FEAI), which successfully concluded on March 31, 2011. Building on the momentum created through the FEAI, which featured an awareness campaign, the Government of Canada remains active in addressing elder abuse through the New Horizons for Seniors Program.
There are lots of ways for individuals, community groups, schools, employers and families to celebrate National Seniors Day. No matter how you choose to celebrate, your message will be heard—and appreciated!
