Federal Government Plan Good News for Seniors

Toronto, Ontario (June 2, 2004) – Prime Minister Paul Martin’s announcement of a five-year, $2.5 billion plan aimed at seniors, the disabled and family caregivers is welcome news. 

“Here in Ontario we certainly appreciate the federal government’s attention to the needs of seniors, in particular measures aimed at easing the burden for those on fixed incomes,” said Donna Rubin, CEO of the Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors (OANHSS).

The four-point plan includes an increase in the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) for low-income seniors, $1 billion over the next five years to help families caring for seniors and the disabled, doubling the amount for medical and disability-related expenses a family caregiver can claim and the creation of a Secretariat for Seniors.

“We are pleased to see the emphasis in this announcement on choice for seniors in their living arrangements and providing the necessary supports to allow people to live independently for as long as possible. These principles have always been a priority for the members of our Association,” Rubin added.

As part of their overall health plan the federal Liberals have also pledged $2 billion over five years to create a new Home Care Fund. “This is money that is desperately needed by a sector that, if properly funded, will go a long way in taking the pressure off more costly parts of the healthcare system,” Rubin said.

OANHSS is the provincial association representing not-for-profit providers of long term care, services and housing for seniors. Its member facilities operate over 26,000 long term care beds and more than 5,000 seniors' housing units in Ontario.

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For further information, contact:
Debbie Humphreys
OANHSS
905-851-8821 x 233

C

ontact OANHSS 

Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes & Services for Seniors
7050 Weston Road, Suite 700, Woodbridge, Ontario L4L 8G7
(P) 905-851-8821
(F) 905-851-0744

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OANHSS members include not-for-profit providers of long term care, services and housing for seniors in Ontario.
Members include municipal and charitable long term care homes, non-profit nursing homes,
seniors' housing projects and community service agencies.