Gerontology Association of Nova Scotia (GANS) Gerontology Association of Nova Scotia P.O. Box 952 Halifax Central Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2V9 Email: nila.ipson@dal.ca

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The Group of IX Nova Scotia Seniors' Organizations "dedicated to improving the well-being of Nova Scotia seniors" June 2004 History | Purpose | Meetings | Activities | Membership Officers | Current Members | Contact Us History In the late 1980's and early 90's, seniors' organizations met informally to discuss social policy issues of concern to seniors. Our association became formalized in 1992, when representatives of seven seniors' organizations formed an umbrella group, called the Group of VII Seniors' Organizations. Our role was to strengthen the voice and presence of seniors in government decision making. In the mid nineties, when our group expanded to nine organizations, we became known as the Group of IX. About 100,000 seniors are currently affiliated with our member organizations. Purpose The Group of IX is an independent organization dedicated to improving the well-being of Nova Scotia seniors. Our primary role is to strengthen the voice and presence of seniors in government decision making. We fulfill that role by serving as an advisory body to the Nova Scotia Senior Citizens' Secretariat – the government agency that influences and supports policy development across government on behalf of Nova Scotia seniors. We also provide advice to other government departments upon request. Currently, we are providing advice to the Minister of Health on the Seniors' Pharmacare Program and continuing care services. Seniors and seniors' groups are encouraged to make their views known to us so we can consider them in our discussions. Top Meetings Representatives from our nine member organizations meet in Halifax several times a year, at the request of the Nova Scotia Senior Citizens' Secretariat. This arrangement fosters good two-way communication between seniors and government. Agendas are developed jointly and meetings are chaired by the Executive Director of the Senior Citizens' Secretariat or designate. Experts from within and outside government are invited to share their expertise with us at meetings, depending on the topic under discussion. This information contributes greatly to our well-informed discussions. Meetings with the Chairperson of the Senior Citizens' Secretariat, other Secretariat Ministers, and their Deputies are held at least twice a year. Activities Maintaining regular contact with seniors, professionals, and other organizations to keep informed of the views and issues of seniors. Serving as a partner in research projects on aging issues. Participating in special events and discussions on relevant topics such as the Romanow Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada and the Prime Minister's Task Force on Aging. Participating on special interest committees such as the Secretariat's Seniors' Safe Driving Committee and Medication Awareness Committee. The Group of IX Safe Driving representative is Joan Lay (477-5151) and the Medication Awareness representative is Dr. Colin Powell (473-2561). Top Membership To be considered for membership on the Group of IX, organizations must: have a province-wide mandate be affiliated with a national parent organization elect its executive officers be accepted by the Group of IX Officers The Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary of the Group of IX are elected from among our members for a two year term. Current Members Canadian Pensioners' Concerned Nova Scotia Canada's Association for the Fifty-Plus (CARP) Federal Superannuates National Association Federation of Senior Citizens and Pensioners Gerontology Association of Nova Scotia Nova Scotia Government Retired Employees Association Regroupement des aînées et aînés de la Nouvelle-Écosse Retired Teachers Association of Nova Scotia Royal Canadian Legion, Nova Scotia/Nunavut Command Top Contact Us Phil Hughes, Chairperson Phone: (902) 863-6185 philhughes@ns.sympatico.ca Bernie LaRusic, Vice Chairperson Phone: (902) 562-1901 Nova Scotia Senior Citizens' Secretariat The Group of IX serves as an advisory body to the Nova Scotia Senior Citizens' Secretariat. The Secretariat facilitates the development of policies on aging and programs for seniors across government. It also provides information to seniors so they are able to benefit from government programs and services. The Secretariat may be contacted at: Phone: 1-800-670-0065 E-mail: scs@gov.ns.ca Website: www.gov.ns.ca/scs Top