Newmarket-Aurora MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy writes a regular column for NewmarketToday about provincial initiatives and issues impacting our community.
March has been an incredibly exciting month as my Private Member’s Bill Seniors’ Month Act (Bill 70), an act to officially proclaim June Seniors’ Month in Ontario, passed second reading with unanimous consent last Wednesday, March 22. If passed, Ontario will be the first jurisdiction in Canada to formalize the recognition of seniors in the month of June.
I had the privilege of introducing this piece of legislation that will serve to enhance the community life of seniors in Newmarket-Aurora and across all communities in this great province. The goal of this bill is to celebrate the people who built our communities and recognize opportunities to raise awareness of government programs geared to improving mental health and well-being for older adults.
In preparation for second reading of this bill, I was fortunate enough to meet with seniors groups in our community and across southern Ontario: Newmarket Seniors’ Meeting Place, Aurora Seniors’ Association, Hillsview Active Living Centre in Acton, and the Club d’Or of Hawkesbury. Members of these groups graciously gave me insight into the unique challenges of seniors and opportunities to create better-connected, age-friendly communities.
I am looking at planning various initiatives throughout the month of June to focus on four themes based on this insight: mental health, awareness building, inclusion and diversity, and age-friendly communities. Seniors experienced a high degree of isolation during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. This prompted me to explore how we can ensure older adults stay socially connected to lessen chances of loneliness, anxiety, and depression.
I am also looking at how we can create simplified pathways to government programs for seniors, municipalities, and organizations. By raising awareness of these grant programs, we can ensure no one is left behind.
Given that Ontario is incredibly diverse, inclusion of all backgrounds and the needs of all community members are essential. As June is also Pride Month, I believe there are opportunities to serve seniors in the LGBTQ+ community. Working with York Pride, it would be great to see the York Pride parade in June be accessible and see people of all ages celebrate and volunteer. I am confident that Seniors’ Month will be a catalyst for volunteer initiatives, especially those that help connect young people to our older adults.
I would like to thank everyone who encouraged me to look at how we can celebrate seniors. Please stay tuned as I will keep you abreast of what is to come!
SPECIAL INVITATION – as you are aware, the coronation of King Charles III will take place on Saturday, May 6. I will be holding a community viewing reception for the residents of Newmarket-Aurora at the Aurora Royal Canadian Legion (105 Industrial Parkway North, Aurora) starting at 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. Come enjoy a community gathering to celebrate our new monarch with light refreshments being served.
