For Immediate Release
October 1, 2010
The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) is pleased today to highlight the 20th Anniversary of the United Nations International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) and, subject to the relevant bill receiving Royal Assent, to celebrate National Seniors Day in Canada. CASW acknowledges and honours the experience, knowledge and ongoing contributions that older persons make to the fabric of Canada and the world. “Older persons bring life perspectives and insights that must be given voice in the national discourses shaping the future of Canada,” stated CASW President Darlene MacDonald.
CASW acknowledges that while Canada has made some progress over the years in meeting the needs of older Canadians, far too many older people still live in poverty—and the numbers will inevitably rise unless governments make the economic security of seniors a priority. To this end, CASW’s 2010 pre-budget submission calls upon the Government of Canada to make policy changes to alleviate poverty in old age, especially as it affects women, by improving benefits and implementing measures that would improve their ability to accumulate retirement income throughout their lifetimes.
“As the government’s own numbers demonstrate, by 2036 the number of seniors in Canada is projected to more than double from 4.2 million to 9.8 million,” stated McDonald. “With currently 30 percent of families and 27.5 percent of Canadians over 65 having no retirement savings, the alarm bells should be ringing in Ottawa.”
“We must ensure that a basic level of dignity is protected, and this is going to require investment,” stated MacDonald. “In 2009, the Parliament of Canada unanimously passed a motion to ensure that all Canadians can count on a dignified retirement. Now is the time for the government put goodwill into action.”
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For more information:
Eugenia Repetur Moreno, S.W., M.S.W. (Equiv.), R.S.W.
Executive Director
casw@casw-acts.ca
Tel.: 613.729.6668