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Addressing the challenges and opportunities of ageing in Canada
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Other federal actions
Employment Insurance Compassionate Care Benefits
Many people are caring for elderly family members and many more will likely do so as the number of seniors increases. In recognition of the importance of family caregivers, Employment Insurance Compassionate Care Benefits can now be paid up to a maximum of six weeks to someone who has to be absent from work to provide care or support to a family member at risk of dying within 26 weeks.55 In 2006, the Government expanded the definition of "family member" to allow the care or support of, for example, current or former foster parents, wards, guardians or tutors; and a close friend or neighbour. The basic benefit rate is 55% of an individual's average insured earnings (or $413 per week, whichever is less).56
Secretary of State for Seniors
In recognition of the growing importance of seniors in Canada, the Government of Canada appointed a Secretary of State for Seniors in January 2007 to ensure that the Government is doing what it needs to do for seniors in Canada.57
Seniors Secretariat
In 2005, a Seniors Secretariat was created within Human Resources and Social Development Canada to provide a focal point for federal seniors-related efforts, to raise the profile of seniors' issues and to develop a collaborative approach to policy and program development for the rapidly increasing number of seniors as Canada's population ages.
The Seniors Secretariat supports and participates in the Federal/Provincial/Territorial (FPT) Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum that meets regularly to examine seniors' issues and to develop a common understanding of their needs in an ageing society.
The Secretariat also coordinates an Interdepartmental Committee on Seniors. The Committee formed in recognition of the interconnectedness of seniors' issues and the large number of federal departments that have responsibilities that either directly or indirectly include seniors' issues.
Research and knowledge development
The Madrid Action Plan emphasizes the need for ongoing research and information exchange to support policy and program development around population ageing. There is a large and robust research network in Canada including all levels of government, universities, non-profit organizations, membership associations for seniors and the private sector. Some federal actions include a Special Senate Committee on Ageing, the ongoing work of the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR), and the research program within Human Resources and Social Development Canada.
Special Senate Committee on Aging
In November 2006, the Senate of Canada created a Special Committee on Aging, to examine and report by December 31, 2007, on the implications of an ageing society in Canada.58 The Committee may examine issues such as promoting active living and well being; housing and transportation needs; financial security and retirement; abuse and neglect; health promotion and prevention, and health care needs.
Canadian Institutes for Health Research
The Canadian Institutes for Health Research is a federal health research agency comprised of 13 Institutes. The CIHR funds researchers and trainees in universities, teaching hospitals, and research institutes across Canada working to improve Canadians' health and the health care system.
The CIHR Institute of Ageing works to create and advance into action knowledge in the field of ageing to improve the quality of life and health of older Canadians. The Institute supports research and training programs in five areas: healthy and successful ageing, biological mechanisms of ageing, cognitive impairment in ageing, ageing and maintenance of functional autonomy, and health services and policies relating to older persons.59
Human Resources and Social Development Research Program
Evidence-based policy and program development is a priority for the Department. To inform and support this process, the Department is currently developing a sizeable body of research focusing on the implications of population ageing, seniors and older workers. In particular, current research initiatives focus on retirement issues, including transitions to retirement, income in retirement and the retirement income system; the social and economic well-being of elderly immigrants; seniors' care networks, needs and social support; seniors' housing; and participation and contributions of seniors in all spheres of society, including participation and the extent to which elderly Canadians are able to age within their own homes and communities.60
Collaboration
Federal, Provincial and Territorial (FPT) Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum61
In Canada, the responsibility for seniors is an area of shared jurisdiction and mutual interest. The federal government is responsible for public pensions and provides leadership on seniors and ageing. Provincial and territorial governments provide income tax measures (e.g., property tax relief) and other programs for seniors, such as subsidies for prescription drugs and transportation. Most provinces and territories also have seniors' advisory groups involved in advocacy, education, research, policy and program development.
Since 1992, FPT Ministers Responsible for Seniors have met regularly to examine seniors' issues and develop a common understanding of their needs in an ageing society. The Forum is supported by a committee of FPT officials that also carries out research and other activities and facilitates information sharing in support of priority areas identifed by Ministers.
Over the years, the Forum has studied many seniors' issues including: medication use, continuing care, caregiving, older women, supportive housing and technology. Some of the most recent areas of focus include:
- Planning for Canada's Ageing Population: A Framework identifies priority areas to be addressed through planning and policy or program development over the next 10 years. The broad priorities are countering ageism, helping communities and families to support frail seniors, promoting health, promoting participation, ageing in place of choice, and smoothing transitions from the workforce to retirement.
- Healthy Ageing in Canada: a New Vision, a Vital Investment provides information, evidence and recommendations about ageing well, including social connectedness, physical activity, healthy eating, injury prevention, and smoking cessation.
- For World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Canada (June 15, 2006) a public awareness and education kit was developed and distributed across Canada and events were held in all jurisdictions to raise awareness of the issue. Governments will again recognize the day in 2007.
- Social Isolation research and analysis, including a literature review, an Expert Consultation, a profile of social isolation in Canada and a review of policies and programs in Canada that may contribute to or reduce the risk of social isolation.
- Canadian Age-Friendly Rural/Remote Communities Initiative inspired by the World Health Organization's (WHO) Global Age-Friendly Cities project that is engaging cities in several countries to make their communities more age-friendly (i.e., policies, services and structures related to the physical and social environment to enable older people to live in security, enjoy good health and continue to participate fully in society).
The WHO project will identify concrete indicators of an age-friendly city and produce an international age-friendly city guide to stimulate and guide advocacy, community development and policy change to make communities age-friendly; and to increase awareness of local needs, gaps and suggestions for improvement in each city.62
The Canadian Initiative will adapt the WHO approach to identify age-friendly elements in several rural and remote communities in Canada, culminating in a guide that will be distributed across the country in 2007.
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