Senior citizens are easily one of Canada’s most valuable resources and the federal government provides a whole host of programs to cater to their specific needs.

Seniors contributed to build this country into one of the best in the world, and the Government of Canada wants their twilight years to be comfortable. Special initiatives for seniors are available throughout the federal government and I am pleased to highlight just a few of them here.

Government departments have plenty of useful information that can help our aging population plan for the future. There is sage advice on finances and pensions, health and wellness, housing, safety and security, veterans’ affairs, consumers’ issues, travel and leisure, computers and learning, and most other areas of interest to Canadian seniors.

The Guide to Government of Canada Services for Seniors is a publication that is designed to be of interest for persons 50 or older, persons planning for retirement, and anyone who is caring for a senior. The guide is filled with pertinent information on federal services and it provides contacts for provincial and territorial government programs and services. It is available in large print, Braille, audio cassette and computer diskette. Copies are available by calling toll-free 1-800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232) or by emailing “guide@canada.gc.ca”.

On the Internet, the federally sponsored web site “www.seniors.gc.ca” carries a great deal of advice that many seniors will find helpful. For example, did you know that “financial abuse” is most common type of abuse of seniors? It may occur when an aging adult is forced to sell their home, when money is missing, documents are forged, power of attorney is misused, clothes or equipment are not provided, or when a senior is forced to submit to something like babysitting, or sharing their house without being paid. There is information available from the Public Health Agency of Canada that explains these are crimes and there is help available.

The web site for seniors has information that targets aboriginal issues such as culture and heritage, elders councils and associations, health, housing, legal matters and pensions. Seniors in general will benefit from financial advice on debt and financial management, insurance, income supplements, programs and services, taxes, disability and retirement pensions, survivors benefits, and much more.

Many people will also derive benefit from essential health information on addiction, assistive devices, dental and eye care, fitness, food and nutrition, meal services, foot care, hearing care, home care, health insurance, medications and drugs, mental health, palliative care, and various other aspects to enhance the golden years.

As always, my door is open wide to seniors and people from the rest of the community who are seeking assistance with access to federal government programs and services. Please feel free to give me a call at my Yorkton constituency office at 306-782-3309.

- 30 -