Seniors play an important role in our families, communities and workplaces. They helped build Canada and continue to contribute to its success. This is why the Government of Canada is committed to providing Canadian seniors with greater security and a better quality of life.

Today, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Seniors, visited Toronto where she met with seniors and other partners to hear about issues important to older Canadians. During her discussions, the Minister encouraged seniors to stay active, engaged and informed, and highlighted a number of measures the Government of Canada has taken to improve their social and economic well-being.

While in Toronto, Minister Tassi dropped by Better Living Health and Community Services where she met with residents of its long-term care facility, met with seniors participating in the organization's Adult Day Program and stopped in at a Tai Chi class as part of its fitness program. During her discussions, she took the opportunity to learn more about the organization's Music Care project, which trains volunteer seniors to reach isolated seniors to help them make social connections in their community through music. This project is supported by the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program, which aims to foster social inclusion and engagement of seniors.

Minister Tassi concluded her day with a visit to Blair Court, a seniors housing unit run by the Toronto Community Housing Corporation. The Corporation works with a number of local community partners to help seniors age in place in their communities and live with comfort and dignity.

Seniors are the fastest-growing demographic group in Canada. By 2030, the number of seniors will reach 9.6 million people, representing close to one quarter of Canada's population. Canadians' life expectancy is expected to continue rising-Canadian men and women born in 2016 will live on average to age 87 and 90, respectively.

Do you have news to share?
The ICAA welcomes your news submissions. Please send your press releases to colinmilner@icaa.cc-the ICAA's email for submissions-and staff will consider your news for possible publication. Newsworthy topics include such things as center/community openings; initiative or campaign launches; announcements of awards, promotions or grants; and other topics of interest to active-aging professionals.

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