Question Period Note: NATIONAL SENIORS COUNCIL

The work of the National Seniors Council

The National Seniors 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.

Since its inception, in 2007, the Council has provided advice on a range of topics including: elder abuse; labour force participation; social isolation; seniors housing needs; and issues emerging from or highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In October 2022, Ministers announced that the National Seniors Council would serve as an expert panel to examine measures, including a potential aging at home benefit, to further support Canadians who wish to age within the comfort of their home and communities. A report containing their advice is expected by end of September 2023.

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 Labour and 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. Members are appointed for terms of up to 3 years and may be reappointed once for a maximum of two consecutive terms. 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 two vacant positions. The composition of the membership is diverse and reflects the seniors’ population. Of the remaining 10 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, linguistic, and ethnocultural balance – members identify as female; member is a First Nations person; embers are from a visible minority group; are part of the 2SLGBTQI+ community; and members are bilingual (French-first).

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.

Nora Spinks, the Chairperson, will serve until June 30, 2024.

A Governor in Council Selection Process is currently underway to identify and screen in candidates qualified to be appointed to the National Seniors Council. The review of application date is set for October 3, 2023.

The National Seniors Council provides advice to the Government of Canada by reaching out and listening to what seniors have to say and by:

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;

commissioning research, convening expert panels and roundtables, and holding consultative meetings;

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

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.

The Council is currently serving as the expert panel examining measures to further support Canadians who wish to age at home. The Council is expected to submit its report containing recommendations, including potentially a new aging at home benefit, to Ministers before the end of September 2023.

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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