Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association Presents Evidence
to Special Senate Committee on Aging

In November 2006, the Senate created a new special committee to study the issue of aging in Canadian society. According to Statistics Canada, by 2031, the number of people aged 65 and over will range between 8.9 and 9.4 million, while the number of children will range between 4.8 and 6.6 million. By 2040, there will be 40 percent more Canadians dying every year.

The committee is reviewing public programs and services for seniors; the gaps that exist in meeting the needs of seniors and the implications for future service delivery as the population ages; as well as health issues, housing and transportation issues and financial issues. The committee is also reviewing Canada’s role and obligations in light of the 2002 Madrid International Plan of Action on Aging.

Senator Sharon Carstairs (Manitoba) is the elected Chair of the committee and Senator Wilbert Joseph Keon (Ottawa – Ontario) is the elected Deputy Chair.

“Thirty years from now, the face of Canada will have changed dramatically, and we’re just not ready,” says Senator Carstairs. “Our governments aren’t ready and we as a society aren’t ready. We’re not ready in the workplace. We don’t have proper housing or health systems. We aren’t organized for caregiving or palliative care. We’re not prepared in terms of appropriate support, or the financial implications of this huge shift in our population’s demographics.” 

“We would like the Senate to come out with a forward-looking, non-political, non-partisan report on issues that need to be addressed by government,” says Senator Keon. “As a society, we have time to plan now and we should be taking advantage of the opportunity.” 

The committee members are the Honourable Senators:
Sharon Carstairs (Manitoba), Chair; Maria Chaput (Manitoba); Jane Cordy (Nova Scotia); Janis G. Johnson (Winnipeg - Interlake - Manitoba); Wilbert Joseph Keon (Ottawa - Ontario); Terry M. Mercer (Northend Halifax - Nova Scotia); Lowell Murray (Pakenham - Ontario)

For further information on the committee, please visit: www.senate-senat.ca/age.asp

	CHPCA Brief to the Special Senate Committee on Aging - June 18, 2007
	Special Senate Committee on Aging Transcripts - June 11 & 18, 2007