Feds to table elder abuse bill

TOBI COHEN
Postmedia News

OTTAWA — The Conservatives are making good on an election promise to crack down on elder abuse.

Justice Minister Rob Nicholson is expected to announce new legislation Thursday that will amend the Criminal Code to add “vulnerability due to age” as an aggravating factor during sentencing.

“Canadian seniors have spent their lifetime building our families, our communities and our country. This Conservative government will continue to protect and honour their sacrifice by ensuring greater protection and tougher sentencing for those who victimize Canadian seniors,” a government source told Postmedia News on the eve of the announcement.

“Our Government has made it clear that any form of elder abuse is despicable and deplorable and will not be tolerated.”

The legislation follows a series of Conservative initiatives aimed at tackling elder abuse.

The National Seniors Council was created in 2007 to give elderly Canadians a stronger voice in government. Its seven members advise the ministers of seniors, health and human resources and skills development on all matters related to the well-being and quality of life of seniors.

The 2008 budget allocated $13 million over three years to assist seniors in recognizing the signs and symptoms of abuse and the Federal Elder Abuse Initiative was started in 2009 to raise public awareness about the issue. The government has produced several pamphlets for seniors about fraud and a powerful video about elder abuse that can still be seen on television and the Internet.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper indicated in his party’s 2011 election platform that he would move forward with legislation to toughen sentences for elder abuse if re-elected.

“That means those who prey on vulnerable seniors will receive sentences that reflect society’s condemnation of these crimes,” he said during the campaign.

“It means our justice system will better take into account the vulnerability of elderly Canadians and we hope it will mean criminals will be deterred from victimizing seniors.”