For Immediate Release
June 20, 2007

RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF SENIORS

Every year in Ontario, the month of June is recognized as Seniors’ Month. I believe Seniors’ Month provides us an excellent opportunity to acknowledge the contributions our seniors have made both in Ontario and across Canada.

There are nearly 1.6 million seniors living within the province of Ontario. That’s approximately 13% of the population. In the riding of Haliburton-Victoria-Brock that percentage is considerably higher as more than 19% are over the age of 65.

As Ontario’s population continues to age, we certainly hope that better health habits and technologies will allow more people to lead healthy, active and independent lives.

It is very encouraging to note that more and more seniors are staying active. In Canada it is estimated that seniors volunteer nearly 180 million hours every year. Our seniors are strong-willed, independent and socially engaged.

Throughout June communities in Ontario are hosting Seniors’ Month events such as information fairs, seminars and award ceremonies. I am please to be once again teaming up with our Member of Parliament, Barry Devolin, and co-hosting three seminars dedicated to seniors. Information, dates and locations of these seminars are listed below:

Registration and Exhibit Viewing for each event begins at 8:30 AM. Seminars begin at 9:00 AM and conclude at 12:00 Noon. Attendees will enjoy speakers from Community Care, Ontario Seniors Secretariat, United Seniors Citizens of Ontario Inc., and the Older Persons Mental Health and Addiction Network. Complimentary Lunch will also be provided.

Seniors who wish to attend one of our seminars are encouraged to contact my office at 705-324-6654 or 1-800-424-2490.

Much of the prosperity that we enjoy today in Ontario is a result of a lifetime of hard work, commitment and sacrifice by our seniors. I think the very least we can do is work to provide the opportunity for them to live with dignity, respect, safety and independence.

We all have a duty to look after our seniors in their time of need. When we do, we are simply taking care of the very people who have taken such great care of us. There is no better way we can repay our seniors for all they have done, then by giving them the peace of mind that we too will be there for them.

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For Further Information Contact:

Laurie Scott, MPP

705- 324-6654

1-800-424-2490