Canada and an aging society: An opportunity for federal government
Within the next 30 years, Canadians 65 and older will make up nearly one-quarter of the Canadian population, up from 11.6 per cent. Some would call this shift a demographic crisis, and indeed the colloquial terms for this shift, such as the “grey tsunami” portend a sense of doom. To date, the federal government […]
More seniors living at home, policies need to reflect health-care resources needed
More Canadians over 65 are living at home and policies need to reflect the change to ensure that health-care resources are properly allocated, experts say. Using data from censuses of the population and the 2011 General Social Survey, researchers at Statistics Canada published a report in February that documented demographic changes among seniors. They […]
Conservatives ignoring challenges facing Canada’s aging population
Our seniors worked hard to build a society of prosperity, generosity, and sound institutions. Our country owes them a debt of gratitude for what they have given us. We therefore have a responsibility to ensure each senior has a dignified retirement. No one should have to grow old in poverty, insecurity, and isolation. But […]
MP’s push for national dementia strategy supported by Alzheimer’s Society, CARP
A private member’s bill calling on the federal government to engage with the provinces on a national dementia strategy has the backing of the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada and the Canadian Association of Retired Persons, who say that not enough is being done to address the rapidly growing health crisis. NDP MP Claude Gravelle’s […]
Government of Canada supports caregivers
As the minister of state responsible for seniors, I am proud of our government’s efforts to support Canadians who take on the role of caregiver—not only for the seniors in their lives but for family members, friends, and others in their communities who need help due to chronic or long-term illness, disability, or aging. […]
For Canadian youth, the future isn’t what it used to be
“Education is the point at which we decide whether we love the world enough to assume responsibility for it, and by the same token save it from that ruin which except for renewal, except for the coming of the new and the young, would be inevitable. And education, too, is where we decide whether […]
Gainful youth employment, a job we can’t afford to fail at
Until now, every generation has had better opportunities than the previous one, and a belief that they would be better off than their parents. For the first time, there is a growing sense and evidence that this is about to change. High unemployment coupled with growing underemployment means today’s youth are taking longer to […]
Youth unemployment: more than just a number
As the youth critic for the official opposition NDP, I have risen repeatedly in the House of Commons over the last several months to point out the high youth unemployment rate. Hovering near 14 per cent, it is double the national average. Instead of taking action, the Conservative government’s response is to deflect responsibility […]
Political parties stake out pot positions
The federal government is considering legislation that would allow Canadians to possess small amounts of cannabis without being criminally charged, but advocates for the legalization of marijuana say that such a system would do nothing to protect Canadian youth because it would leave Canada’s underground pot economy intact. The Conservative government says that […]
Harper government’s No. 1 priority remains job creation
The Harper government’s No. 1 priority remains job creation, economic growth, and long-term prosperity. We are committed to helping Canadians, including young Canadians, obtain the skills required to obtain and keep the in-demand jobs available today and into the future. It is important to put the youth unemployment rate in Canada into context. Canada […]