Prince Edward Island's new Seniors Advisory Council was announced today by Honourable Mildred Dover, Minister of Health and Social Services and Minister Responsible for Seniors.
The Council Co-Chairs are Heather Henry-MacDonald of Stratford and
Donald M. Thompson of Charlottetown. The Council has twelve members representing seniors across Prince Edward Island.
The purpose of the Seniors Advisory Council is to advise government on current and emerging issues of concern to seniors; to represent these issues to government; and to liaise with seniors' organizations, individuals, and those who provide services to seniors.
Minister Dover advised that, through the creation of the new Seniors Advisory Council, government is honouring its commitment to seniors to strengthen their voice in government.
"The new Council will enable seniors to have direct input into the policy direction of government, and it will enable government to draw upon the knowledge and experience of the seniors of our province for the benefit of seniors and all of us. We are especially pleased to have the Council in place before the International Year of Older Persons which will be celebrated in 1999," she said.
Members of the new Council are David Harper, Gerarda Corcoran, West Prince; Henry Meek, Fran Sark, Antoine Richard, East Prince; Eileen Trainor, Donald M. Thompson, Heather Henry-MacDonald, Dr. Bernice Bell, Queens; Faye MacLean, Malcolm Patterson, Southern Kings; and Gordon Roberston, Eastern Kings.
The Council members were appointed by government with assistance from a provincial steering committee which sought interest from the public.
The Seniors Advisory Council will also review existing government policy and programs, noting their relevancy to the abilities, interests, and needs of the older population today, and in future as the population ages. They will meet at least four times per year and produce an annual report to advise the public of their progress. The Council has held several initial meetings. Some of their discussions have included changing demographics, home care, and pharmaceutical issues.
The Council Co-Chairs indicate their confidence in the leadership to be provided by a very dedicated group. Council members welcome the challenge of studying issues and concerns of seniors. They wish to advise the public that they welcome communication from Islanders.
For more information on the Seniors Advisory Council, contact a representative in your region, or call Pat Malone, Seniors Liaison, Department of Health and Social Services, 368 6190.