Minister O’Regan and Minister Holland announce the appointment of National Seniors Council member as Chairperson

News release

June 19, 2024              Gatineau, Quebec               

Canadians deserve to age with dignity. That comes down to choice, to affordability, to inclusion and to community. The Government of Canada seeks the advice of experts and seniors themselves on issues concerning them to inform the government’s work, to make sure every senior in Canada can live in health and safety.

Today, Minister for Seniors, the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr, and Minister of Health, the Honourable Mark Holland announced the reappointment of Dr. Pamela Williamson to the National Seniors Council (NSC) for a three-year term and as the new Chairperson of the Council.

Originally appointed to the NSC in 2021, Dr. Williamson is an accomplished First Nations researcher and author with extensive, first-hand experience in community primary healthcare and championing initiatives that support the health and well-being of Indigenous elders.

Members are appointed based on their expertise and experience related to seniors’ issues, by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister of Seniors and the Minister of Health. The Government is committed to open, transparent, and merit-based processes for selecting appointees. Appointees play a fundamental role in Canadian democracy as they serve on commissions, boards, Crown corporations, agencies, and tribunals across the country.

Quotes

“Dr. Williamson's perspectives have been invaluable to the National Seniors Council's work over the past three years. Her leadership as Chair will only strengthen that work.”

The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr
Minister for Seniors

"Congratulations to Dr. Pamela Williamson on her renewed tenure as a member of the National Seniors Council and her appointment as Chairperson. I look forward to continuing to benefit from Dr. Williamson’s expertise and leadership on how we can further support Canadians who wish to age at home and in their communities.”

The Honourable Mark Holland
Minister of Health

Quick facts

  • The NSC engages with seniors, stakeholders, and experts to provide advice to the Government of Canada on current and emerging issues and opportunities related to the health, well-being, and quality of life of seniors.

  • Since 2007, the NSC has examined issues related to the social isolation of seniors, the participation of older workers in the labour force, positive and active aging, volunteerism, low income among seniors and elder and financial abuse.

  • The NSC is made up of experts on seniors’ issues and aging, individuals with experience working for organizations that represent the interests of seniors and seniors themselves.

  • In October 2022, it was announced that the NSC would serve as an expert panel to examine measures, including a potential aging at home benefit, to further support Canadians who wish to age in the comfort of their own homes.

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Contacts

For media enquiries, please contact:

Hartley Witten
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Labour and Minister for Seniors
343-575-1065
hartley.witten@labour-travail.gc.ca

Christopher Aoun
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Mark Holland
Minister of Health
613-291-4176

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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