Premier Creates Department of Seniors

Premier Rodney MacDonald reaffirmed his budget commitment to Nova Scotia seniors today, Sept. 10, with the creation of the Department of Seniors and appointment of a deputy minister.

Rosalind Penfound, who now serves as Public Service Commissioner and deputy minister of Immigration and the Advisory Council on the Status of Women, becomes deputy minister of the new department.

Carolyn Bolivar-Getson is minister of seniors, as well minister responsible for the Seniors’ Secretariat.

"This government values the role of seniors and the appointment of a deputy minister will bring additional focus to their issues at the most senior levels of government," said Premier MacDonald.

The Seniors Secretariat, established by legislation in 1989, will continue. The secretariat is comprised of ministers responsible for: Seniors, Health, Community Services, Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, Education, Healthy Promotion and Protection, and Justice.

"The participating ministers remain committed to the co-ordination of seniors services and issues across government and will provide consistent leadership to the new department," said Ms. Bolivar-Getson. "To date, we have responded to many of the needs of seniors today, as well as begun planning for the province's aging population through the Strategy for Positive Aging in Nova Scotia.

"I am thrilled to be taking another step to achieve even more for Nova Scotia's seniors."

Ms. Bolivar-Getson continues to hold responsibility for Immigration, Human Resources and the Public Service Commission, Advisory Council on the Status of Women, Emergency Management, and the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation.