October 1, 2011 will mark Canada’s first annual National Seniors Day. We are proud of Canada’s seniors. We value what they have done for our country, and they deserve our thanks.  National Seniors Day is our time to join together as a nation to honour Canadian seniors.

Seniors are vibrant, powerful and influential mentors, and leaders. They have contributed generously, building our families, our communities, our workplaces and our country.

Seniors play an important role in communities across Canada. They have shaped our country, raised a generation and fought for our rights and freedoms. Today they continue to share their knowledge, time and expertise.

Our government understands the importance of supporting seniors and seniors’ issues, and we are working hard to ensure that our policies, programs and services are meeting—and will continue to meet—seniors’ needs.

I encourage you to find your own unique way to celebrate the seniors in your life. Perhaps send a simple thank-you note to a senior, whom you know.  Or put up a National Seniors Day poster in your workplace.  To all the seniors who continue to help build this country, thank you.