For immediate release
July 5, 2005

Mario Sergio, M.P.P.'s 5th Conference on Seniors Rights

Toronto - To mark the end of Seniors Month, The Columbus Centre hosted the 5 th Forum addressing issues of interest to seniors, including government programs and the rights of seniors in Ontario. MPP Mario Sergio, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister Responsible for Seniors, fresh from the last forum in Kitchener, expressed the importance of making our seniors aware of what is available to them and how they can access their benefits.

Sergio stated, " It is of the utmost importance that seniors not only be provided with the needed information, but also how and where they can go to for help."

Amongst the attendees were the sponsors of the March 30th Forum; The Glen Long Seniors Club. Sergio reminded the audience that help is now available in 28 languages including Italian through a new service called "Info Line"

Sergio said, "Appropriately the forum occurred on the last day of June, the month dedicated to seniors in Ontario. We justly recognize the contribution made by all our seniors in helping to build the province we all enjoy today. Our seniors have given our best and now it is up to us, the government to provide our best in terms of assistance and programs so they can live with dignity and as independently as possible."

Federal programs such as the Canada Pension Plan and the Old Age Security pension where dominant in the discussions. Other topics of interest addressed, however, were elder abuse, consumer fraud, identity theft, drug benefits, and a number of provincial programs promoting healthy active living.

For more information on senior's provincial benefits, call toll free 1-800-910-1999. For assistance with federal programs call: 1-800-255-4786. A caller may obtain assistance in over twenty-seven languages, including Italian and Chinese.

Contact:
Mario Sergio, M.P.P.
York West