The Voice of Canada News| July 10, 2019
Mississauga, Ontario – July 10, 2019 – MPP Deepak Anand hosted a Seniors Strategy Consultation with the Minister of Seniors and Accessibility and the Parliamentary Assistant for Seniors and Accessibility. The consultation was held on July 5, when a group of approximately 30 attendees congregated at the Four Corners Health Centre. Attendees included various service providers, representatives of seniors’ organizations, private caregivers, and seniors that live within the community. The Ontario government is looking to formulate a Seniors Strategy focused on ensuring that all seniors
are able to live lives filled with respect, protection, and dignity. The primary objective of the strategy consultation was to hear directly from the seniors within the Mississauga-Malton community, and those that care for and support them. Given the feedback that has been shared regarding seniors issues in our community, there was an opportunity to provide a forum for those closest to the issues to provide consultation, and insight, to be shared with the Ministry. Participants were invited to complete the Consultation Survey to help facilitate the discussion. Attendees were then given the opportunity to speak candidly with the Minister and PA
to provide feedback, share concerns, and offer recommendations on the Seniors Strategy. The Minister and PA shared some of their personal stories, experiences and insights. They were also eager to hear more about some of the pressing issues facing those within the seniors’ community. Some of the key concerns mentioned included:
Mental health and wellness
Appropriate transportation for seniors/disabled citizens
Housing for seniors
Additional support for homecare
The Minister also announced the provincial government’s commitment to an annual investment of $90 million for a program that will offer free dental care for eligible seniors. Seniors within Ontario aged 65
and over with a sole income of $19,300 or a combined annual income of $32,300, and not currently receiving dental benefits, will meet the criteria for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program. The Minister and PA also encouraged the participants to begin thinking about applying for the 2020–21 Seniors Community Grant Program, as this year’s extended deadline of July 5 has now passed. More information on both the Seniors Dental Care Program and the Seniors Grant Program can be found on https://www.ontario.ca/page/ministry-seniors-accessibility
