Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced the new team of Parliamentary Secretaries.
Among the changes, local Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, Terry Sheehan, will be taking on the Seniors portfolio in addition to his existing duties with the Labour file.
“I am looking forward to continuing to advance the labour file with Minister Seamus O’Regan, and am eager to take on the important Seniors portfolio,” said Sheehan.
"Since 2015, we have been there for seniors every step of the way, and our plan is working. The poverty rate for seniors has significantly decreased since we took office. We helped 3.3 million seniors with an increase to the OAS. We enhanced the GIS, helping 900,000 seniors and lifting 45,000 seniors out of poverty. We put forward a new dental care plan and a grocery rebate, and we stopped the increase in the retirement age. Through the New Horizons for Seniors Program, we have supported many projects to engage seniors, locally and across Canada. Poverty amongst seniors is at record lows – in fact, one of the lowest in the world."
Bringing a wealth of experience, skills, and perspectives to their roles, Parliamentary Secretaries act as an important link between ministers and Parliament to make progress on some of the most important issues facing Canada and Canadians today. This includes putting more money back in the pockets of families, building more homes and driving down the cost of housing, creating good middle-class jobs, strengthening health care, fighting climate change, and building an economy that works for everyone.