Question Period Note: NATIONAL SENIORS COUNCIL

The work of the National Seniors Council

• The Council can comprise up to 12 members, including the Chairperson, from various regions across the country. The membership reflects the diversity of the Canadian population.

• The Council recently completed a three-year work plan spanning from 2018 to 2021, which included the following four priorities:
1. Identifying measures to reduce crimes and harms against seniors;
2. Identifying objectives and elements that could be included in a national seniors strategy, if such a strategy is developed;
3. Providing advice to the Government on the development and implementation of existing federal initiatives using an age-friendly/healthy aging perspective.
4. Identifying measures to counteract ageism by shifting the public discourse on aging.

• Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Council has also provided advice on issues emerging from or highlighted by COVID-19 and seniors.

• In the coming months, the Council will be discussing with Ministers key areas of focus and developing a plan for their next work cycle.

• The National Seniors Council was established in 2007 by Order in Council to advise the Government of Canada on matters related to the health well-being and quality of life of seniors. The Council provides advice to the Minister of Seniors and the Minister of Health.

• The Council has a maximum of 12 members who are appointed by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Ministers. The membership is diverse and can include seniors, representatives of organizations that serve the needs or interests of seniors, and experts from fields of study related to seniors and aging.

• There are currently four vacant positions and the Chairperson’s term will come to an end in December 2022. The composition of the membership is diverse and reflects the seniors’ population. Of the remaining 8 members, this includes:
• Representatives from various regions across the country – most geographic regions are represented (with the exception of the Territories for the time being);
• Gender and ethnocultural balance – 6 members are female; 1 member is a visible minority; 2 members are bilingual (French-first); 1 member is a First Nations person; and
• Broad sectoral representation – members represent the various sectors of the economy: academics/education, health care (long term care, home care, nursing, pharmacist, doctor), public service (former politicians and bureaucrats), and the non-profit/NGO sector.

• Suzanne Dupuis-Blanchard, the Chairperson, will serve until December 13, 2022.

• The National Seniors Council provides advice to the Government of Canada by reaching out and listening to what seniors have to say and by:
o advising on current and emerging issues and opportunities related to the quality of life and well-being of seniors, both now and in the future;
o commissioning research, convening expert panels and roundtables, and holding consultative meetings;
o delivering well-balanced advice, taking into account the views of experts; seniors; organizations and groups that provide seniors’ programs and services; provincial/territorial advisory bodies on seniors; and other relevant stakeholders and interested parties; and
o ensuring a comprehensive and collaborative approach in its examination of the policies, programs and services that impact the lives of seniors by consulting with other federal departments, other levels of government and advisory bodies involved in seniors-related efforts.

• Since its inception, the Council has delivered reports to Ministers on a range of issues, including: elder abuse; low income among seniors; volunteerism; positive and active aging; labour force participation; intergenerational relations; social isolation; financial crimes and harms against seniors; seniors housing needs; the potential value of a national seniors strategy; and issues emerging from or highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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