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Feb.13,2005 -Feb.20,2005 |
Fighting for seniors and the disabled
Ianno determined to promote their needs in the government
By Angelo Persichilli
Originally Published: 2005-01-30
Tony Ianno, the new Minister for Families and Caregivers, has one goal: "I want to provide seniors with the tools necessary for a better quality of life."
In an interview with Tandem, Ianno explained in very simple terms his ambitious program, which is to make sure that seniors and the disabled are taken care of.
"Yes, this is my goal, and I'm working hard to make it happen," Ianno contined. "Low-income seniors, first and foremost, must have the resources to maintain their dignity."
This ministry didn't exist until a few months ago. But Ianno is working hard to make his voice heard in the Paul Martin government, and he has no shortage of supporters. Seniors in Canada number over 5.5 million. Many don't have much buying power, 1.5 million live below the poverty line, but together they have one element of strength that will attract the attention of every government now and even more so in the future: All of them have reached the voting age!
They represent almost one third of the voters in this country and, along with the disabled and caregivers, total over 11 million Canadians. This is a very significant number for politicians to consider.
Ianno's interest in senior care precedes his appointment to the cabinet. In fact, he had been chairing a special Task Force created to tackle this problem.
"I was trying to draw attention to the situation and to create opportunities for seniors who have given to this country for so many years and helped us to become the nation we are today," the minister stated. So, following the consulting process, he made17 recommendations. "The prime minister," Ianno said, "included some of these proposals in the election platform."
One of the recommendations, the Guaranteed Supplement Increase, was also mentioned in the Speech from the Throne.
Ianno hopes to provide some relief not only to seniors, but to the caregivers as well:
"What we had in the election platform was a billion dollars over five years for informal caregivers. There are many people who care for elderly parents, neighbors and friends. What we want to do is to make life better for them...also tax credit and opportunities like transportation. Money is not the only issue. If someone is taking care of an elderly parent, he or she needs a break. So we have to help make a better life for the parent and the caregiver."
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