Statement made on 29 September 2011 by Senator Catherine Callbeck
Hon. Catherine S. Callbeck:
Honourable senators, I am pleased to rise today in celebration of the very first National Seniors Day, which will be held on October 1. Canada's commemorative day coincides with the United Nations International Day of Older Persons.
This day is a great opportunity for everyone to pay tribute to the many contributions seniors have made, and continue to make, in communities across our country. Older Canadians built the society we know today. Veterans risked life and limb to ensure our freedom. Grandmothers joined together to help fight poverty and disease in Africa. Older workers share their vast experience and skills to help improve our schools, our workplaces and the whole country.
I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the Prince Edward Island Senior Citizens' Federation, a grassroots advocacy organization that works hard to improve the quality of life for Island seniors. The federation consists of over 50 clubs and seniors' organizations located in communities across the province. They publish monthly The Voice for Island Seniors, as well as a quarterly newsletter called The Federation Voice. They offer a variety of programs, including the Learning Elders Art Program, Computing for Seniors and The Island Family Trees Program.
The federation is not the only way seniors are making their presence felt in my province. Senators may remember that last year I spoke about the East Prince Seniors Initiative, which is a partnership among community, business and government that works together to improve the lives of Islanders aged 50 plus. The University of Prince Edward Island has established a Seniors College that provides learning opportunities in a wide range of interesting courses in three regions of Prince Edward Island. Members pay an annual fee, which allows them to take as many courses as they want.
All across the province, Island seniors are participating in their communities, improving the well-being of Islanders and making a difference in the lives of others.
Honourable senators, seniors built this country. It is only fitting that their contributions be recognized. October 1 is a chance for all of us to celebrate these contributions and to show our appreciation for all that our seniors have done and continue to do.