Thursday, November 26, 2015
Ontario Seniors' Secretariat
Honouring Ontario's Outstanding Seniors
Province Celebrates Recipients of the Senior Achievement Awards
Today, Ontario recognized 21 outstanding seniors for their significant contributions to their communities and to the province.
This year's Ontario Senior Achievement Award recipients include:
- A passionate environmentalist and conservationist who is helping to restore a population of water fowl around Southwestern Ontario that was nearing extinction.
- A writer and translator who has dedicated much of her time since retirement to bringing the unique voices of Ukrainian authors to Canadian readers.
- A long-time leader and advocate for the growing community of seniors identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and transsexual.
The Ontario Senior Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their community after the age of 65. It is the highest provincial honour for seniors.
The awards were presented at a Queen's Park ceremony today by the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and the Honourable Mario Sergio, Minister Responsible for Seniors Affairs.
Quick Facts:
- Since 1986, the Ontario Senior Achievement Awards have recognized outstanding seniors who have made significant contributions to their communities after the age of 65.
- In 2015, for the first time, there are more seniors 65 and over than children under age 15 both in Ontario and across Canada.
- In Ontario, there are currently more than 2 million seniors, and this number is expected to double in the next 25 years.
Background Information:
Additional Resources:
Quotes:
"I am sure Ontarians will take inspiration from these 21 seniors who have made such varied contributions to their communities. They remind us that life is long and that no matter one’s age, the potential to bring about positive change is great. I applaud them for having dedicated themselves to improving our quality of life, and am privileged to take part in this much deserved public tribute to their service."
— The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
"I congratulate the recipients of this year’s Ontario Senior Achievement Awards who are fine examples of modern, active seniors, working to keep others active and engaged as well. They represent a generation of people whose wisdom and compassion for others have helped build the province we love and enjoy."
— Mario Sergio, Minister Responsible for Seniors Affairs
Media Contacts:
John Gross
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
416-325-7786
Celeste Bottero
Minister’s Office
Manuel Alas-Sevillano
Communications Branch
416-314-7011
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