Seniors’ Week Proclamation

Nova Scotia will celebrate the volunteer work of its senior citizens during Seniors’ Week, June 17 to 23.

"This week provides a wonderful opportunity for all Nova Scotians to acknowledge and experience the valuable contributions that seniors bring all year to our province," said Premier John Hamm. "It is the perfect opportunity to promote awareness regarding the initiatives, programs and special events available to our seniors."

The International Year of the Volunteer is an ideal time to celebrate the contributions seniors make to this province. A recent report has revealed that Nova Scotians have the highest levels of volunteering throughout the country; seniors play a major role in this effort.

"Seniors play a vital role throughout the province," said Jamie Muir, chair of the Senior Citizens’ Secretariat. "We made a commitment to strengthen the ability of the Senior Citizens’ Secretariat to communicate and consult with all Nova Scotians. We are extremely proud to follow through with that commitment."

The Senior Citizens’ Secretariat is a government agency that provides direct communication between seniors, seniors’ organizations and government.

"Our ability to communicate and consult with seniors and their organizations has certainly been enhanced over the last few months," said Valerie White, executive director of the secretariat. "The strengthening of our secretariat has enabled us to move forward on issues for older persons and allowed seniors greater participation in government’s policy and planning process."

Secretariat committees address seniors’ concerns and interests, including safe driving, elder abuse, literacy and grandparents’ rights. These committees support government’s commitment to ensure that the input and interests of seniors are at the forefront of government decision-making.

In addition to committee work, current secretariat projects include Aging Well in Rural Places, an initiative which focuses on senior mental health, and the Seniors for Literacy Project. The secretariat is also organizing its annual 50+ Expo, which is scheduled to take place July 6 and 7 at the World Trade and Convention Centre.

The secretariat includes the ministers of Community Services, Health, Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations and Education and the minister responsible for Sport and Recreation.

To learn more about these initiatives or the secretariat please call the Nova Scotia Senior Citizens’ Secretariat at 1-800-670- 0065.