Dean Del Mastro Hosts National Seniors Council Roundtable Discussion With The Honourable Marjory Lebreton

March 13, 2008

Peterborough, ON - Dean Del Mastro, Member of Parliament for Peterborough Riding is pleased to announce that Peterborough will host a roundtable discussion of the National Seniors Council with the Honourable Marjory LeBreton, Leader of the Government in the Senate and Secretary of State (Seniors).

The National Seniors Council was created in 2007 to advise the federal government on all matters related to the health, well-being and quality of life of seniors. Canada has a diverse and growing seniors' population with approximately 4.2 million people who are 65 or older. In the next 25 years, that number will double to almost nine million people, representing one quarter of the population. Seniors helped to build this country and make it what it is today. In creating the National Seniors Council, the federal government provided Canadian seniors with the chance to have a say in the issues that matter to them.

Peterborough was selected by the Government because of its vibrant and growing seniors population. To date, the Council has held roundtables in Quebec City, QC, St. Johns, NFLD, and Woodstock, NB. This is the first roundtable discussion of its kind in Ontario, which will focus on ways in which the federal government can help to support seniors living on low incomes.

The National Seniors Council roundtable will take place on Monday, March 17, 2008 at the Activity Haven Seniors Centre located at 180 Barnardo Avenue in Peterborough.The general public and media are invited to attend a reception immediately following the formal discussion for an opportunity to meet Minister LeBreton, MP Del Mastro, and the National Seniors Council.Minister LeBreton will also formally announce funding for four projects in the Peterborough Riding under the New Horizons for Seniors Program.Representatives from Service Canada will also be on hand to provide information with regard to government benefits and services relating to seniors. Snacks and light refreshments will be served.

The reception will take place starting at 2:00 pm all media and the general public are invited to attend.