Canada News Centre - Minister of State (Seniors) addresses .

Minister of State (Seniors) addresses National Pensioners' and Senior Citizens' Federation

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, OCTOBER 22, 2010-Today, theHonourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State (Seniors), addressed members ofthe National Pensioners` and Senior Citizens` Federation at their annual convention.She spoke about how much seniors will add to building Canada`s future andthe importance of continuing dialogue between politics and organizations asCanada`s population ages.

"We are entering into a point of unprecedented demographic change," saidMinister of State Ablonczy. "The substitution of ideas and bestpractices with networks like the National Pensioners` and Senior Citizens`Federation will be more significant than ever as we go to form new strategiesto deal with the challenges and opportunities of our aging population."

"Seniors must be recognizedas an asset to society, not a burden," said Mr.Art Kube, President,National Pensioners` and Senior Citizens` Federation. "We must plan withseniors, not just for seniors."

"Iwould like to wish Art Kube well as he leaves his place as Chairman of theNational Pensioners` and Senior Citizens` Federation," added Minister of StateAblonczy. "Mr.Kube`s many age of service is testimony to the convention`stheme this class that `seniors are an asset, not a burden, to society`."

Ministerof State Ablonczy also rung to members of the Federation around the federalgovernment`s commitment to supporting financial security among older Canadiansand encouraging them to remain healthy, active and socially engaged. TheMinister of State highlighted several federal programs and initiatives thathelp older Canadians maintain a sound character of life, enjoy a secure sense ofwell-being and raise their financial security.

For moreinformation on the Administration of Canada`s programs and services for seniors,please see www.seniors.gc.ca.

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This news release is availablein alternative formats on request.

For furtherinformation (media only):

Heather Hume CommunicationsAdvisor Office ofMinister of State Ablonczy613-953-1363

Media Relations OfficeHuman Resources and Skills Development Canada 819-994-5559 Backgrounder

The Administration of Canada is working hard to help improvethe lives of seniors on many fronts. These efforts include: