Toronto, ON (Oct. 26, 2015) – Friday, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) and the Honourable Leo Glavine, Minister of Health and Wellness and Minister of Seniors, announced $14,000 to support community groups that promote seniors’ safety initiatives across Nova Scotia.
“IBC is proud to support safety initiatives for Nova Scotians of all ages, especially seniors as they have done so much for us,” said Amanda Dean, Vice-President, Atlantic, IBC. “Feeling safe on the road, at home and out in the community are all vital to a happy, long life. We are pleased to work with Minister Glavine to help make seniors feel safer in their daily lives.”
The funding will go to support safety initiatives through 14 different community groups for seniors, including driving courses, identity theft prevention workshops and injury prevention promotion.
“Today’s seniors are more active and they’re using technology more than ever, all of which increases their ability to stay well in their communities, but may also increase their vulnerability to injury, illness and fraud,” said Minister Leo Glavine, Minister of Seniors. “Programs like those being funded today will help seniors stay safer and more secure in their communities and homes.”
The sad fact is that scam artists often prey on unsuspecting seniors leaving them vulnerable to identity theft and fraud. In fact, according to the RCMP, fraud is the number one crime committed against older Canadians. With the help of the funding announced today, these community groups will provide workshops to help seniors avoid, detect and report scams.
As a road safety supporter, IBC is also pleased to help seniors adapt to new driving conditions such as newly implemented roundabouts, changes in peak driving times and the unfortunate increase in distracted drivers.
“It excites me to learn that the services we provide through our Program Coordinator, Michelle Parker, focusing on the safety and security needs of our seniors in Kings County is recognized, supported and valued and will continue to expand and be strengthened in future planning”, said Daisy J. Dwyer, President KCSSS.
The community groups involved include:
- Annapolis County Seniors’ Safety Program Association, Bridgetown
- Antigonish Town and County Seniors’ Safety Program, Antigonish
- Cape Breton Regional Municipality Seniors’ Safety Program, North Sydney
- Cumberland County Seniors’ Safety Program, Amherst
- Digby Town and Municipality Seniors’ Safety Program Association, Digby
- Halifax Regional Municipality Seniors’ Safety Program, Halifax
- Hants County Seniors’ Safety Program, Windsor
- Kings County Seniors’ Safety Program Association, Berwick
- Lunenburg Seniors’ Safety Program / South Shore Safer Communities, Bridgewater
- Queens County Seniors’ Safety Program, Liverpool
- Pictou County Seniors’ Safety Program, Pictou
- Security for Seniors Association/Association des seniors en sécurité, Meteghan
- Shelburne County Seniors’ Safety Society, Barrington
- Yarmouth County Seniors’ Safety Program, Yarmouth
Amanda Dean, Vice-President, Atlantic, IBC gives a cheque to support seniors’ programs (Insurance Bureau of Canada)
About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada’s private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. For more than 50 years, IBC has worked with governments across the country to help make affordable home, auto and business insurance available for all Canadians. IBC supports the vision of consumers and governments trusting, valuing and supporting the private P&C insurance industry. It champions key issues and helps educate consumers on how best to protect their homes, cars, businesses and properties.
P&C insurance touches the lives of nearly every Canadian and plays a critical role in keeping businesses safe and the Canadian economy strong. It employs more than 118,000 Canadians, pays $6.7 billion in taxes and has a total premium base of $48 billion.
To view media releases and information, visit the media section of IBC’s website at www.ibc.ca.
