Mr. Speaker, today there are at least four million Canadians over the age of 65 and the number continues to grow. In my riding of Carleton—Mississippi Mills, about 4,000 residents are seniors.
Those over the age of 65 are becoming a dominant segment of our society. Currently one in eight in our population is a senior. As the baby boomers become seniors, those over 65 will become one in four in our population. I support strong and focused policies for seniors in the areas of health care, tax relief and benefits to help improve the quality of life for seniors.
Every year in June, Seniors Month is celebrated across Ontario. Seniors Month is an excellent opportunity to pay tribute to all seniors. They are the ones who built our society and it is only fitting that their contributions to our way of life be acknowledged.
I extend my best wishes for health and happiness to all senior citizens in Carleton—Mississippi Mills.