December 2007
Volume 3 No. 9

Social Action News

Visit to CJCS by Minister for Seniors, Margeurite Blais
           On November 19th, the Provincial Minister for Seniors, Ms. Margeurite Blais,  spoke at the Social Action Committee meeting.
The Minister reflected on some of the issues raised during the recent consultations on the Living Condition of Seniors. Over 200 briefs were received, including one from the CJCS Social Action Committee. She thanked our committee for participating in the Consultations and congratulated us on a comprehensive and insightful submission and presentation. She shared that one reoccurring theme was that seniors feel invisible. The Minister stated, “I dream that we will have a change in the way society looks at seniors. They have to be our treasure. Seniors are tired of being invisible; they need and deserve to have an honoured place in society.” She also mentioned that “seniors need to feel useful; otherwise, what is the point of living?  One of the pleasures of being older is that you can transmit what you know to the younger generations. “ 
While there are no easy solutions to the myriad of problems facing seniors, she assured those present that a final report will be issued in January and that it would form the basis of the long-term planning of the government in regard to seniors.
The Minister also responded to many questions from those present. These ranged from the needs of seniors caring for adult children, including those that are handicapped; the need for preventative health services; and the need for action now. She indicated the government plans to make information about services more readily available within their local communities. 
The Minister was given an honorary membership in CJCS. Following the meeting she was given a tour of the Centre. She remarked, “I am very impressed with this place—I know that there is a lot of love in this building.”

 HELP US ADVOCATE
The Provincial Drug Plan changed its rates as of July 1, 2007. To date, many of us are unable to secure an English copy of the brochure outlining the changes and the new rates, either from our neighbourhood pharmacy or from the Government themselves. One pharmacy had been told that this year they will only be provided with English copies if they write to the government requesting them. They have done so and are still waiting.
If you feel it is important to have an English brochure of the Provincial Drug Plan, please contact:
Premier Jean Charest          Minister Marguerite Blais,          Dr. Phillipe Couillard,
Premier                                  Minister for Seniors,                    Minister of Health,
835 Rene-Levesque Blvd    425 Rue Sainte-Amable,            Edifice Catherine de Lonpre,
3rd Floor,                               4th floor,                                        1075 Chemain Sainte-Foy,
Quebec, Quebec,                 Quebec, Quebec,                        15th etage,
G1A 1B4                               G1R 4Z1                                       Quebec, Quebec,
                                                                                                      G1S 2M1
(418) 643-5321                    (418) 646-7757                            (418) 266-7171
www.premier.gouv.qc.ca     m.blais@aines.gouv.qc.ca         minister@msss.gouvqc.ca    

Keep Your Eyes Open
Be on the Watch for pickpockets; don’t be an easy target
- Hold your purse tightly,
- Don’t put your wallet in the back pocket of your pants,
- Keep only the minimum amount of money on you,
- Only carry necessary documents with you, and
- Be attentive to your surroundings, especially in a crowd or if shoved

In case of emergency, dial 911.

 ATTORNEY'S ADVICE
- The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of your first name) and last name put on them. If someone takes your checkbook they will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name. Your bank will know.
- Do not sign the back of your credit cards.  Instead, put "PHOTO ID REQUIRED".
- When you are writing checks to pay your bills, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "Memo" line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through the check processing channels won't have access to it.
- Never have your Social Insurance number printed on your checks. You can add it if it is necessary.  Once you have it printed, anyone can get it.
- Photocopy the contents of your wallet.  Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc.  You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers plus the phone numbers to call if they need to be cancelled. Keep the copy in a safe place. 

Be an Informed Donor
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) regulates registered charities under the Income Tax Act. CRA recommends you follow the tips to protect yourself from fraud:
- Consult the CRA Charities Listings at 1-800-267-2384 (cra.gc.ca/donors) to confirm that a charity is registered with the CRA.
- Confirm you will receive an official donation receipt if you want to claim a tax credit.
- Beware of schemes that promise you tax savings greater than your cost, thus allowing you to ‘profit’ from donating to a registered charity.
- Write checks payable to the charity, not an individual.
- Make sure your online payments are secure.
- Refuse to donate if there is inappropriate pressure to give immediately or if you are offered a receipt for more than you actually donate.
Report all cases of fraud to the Canadian Anti-fraud Call Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

Fire Prevention
It is one thing to detect a fire, but do you know what to do after the fire has been discovered? It is very important to make a plan of action in case of fire so you will know how to escape quickly from your home or apartment. Also, keep a package of important papers next to your bed to take with you for emergency use.
Considering that Hanukah is around the corner, here are some tips on the use of candles which can be very dangerous. Candle fires are a serious part of the fire problem; they can flare, candle containers can get too hot and melt or crack and hot wax can set objects on fire.
Leaving candles unattended, falling asleep while candles are lit and using candles for light are the most common causes of candle fires. Other common candle fire causes include the candle being located too close to other burnable objects, candles falling or being knocked over by children, pets or drafts, and the release of hot embers from the flame.
What safety tips should you follow?
- Extinguish candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.
- Keep lit candles away from items that can catch fire.
- Place candles in sturdy, burn-resistant containers that won't tip over and are big enough to collect dripping wax. Placing the Menorah in a sink is a good option.
- Don't place lit candles in windows where blinds or curtains may be close by, and don't use them in places where children or pets could knock them over.
- During power outages exercise caution when using candles as a light source. Many fires start during such times since potential fire hazards can go unnoticed in the dark.
- Keep candle wicks short at all times. Trim the wick to one-quarter inch (6.4 mm).
- Finally, install at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home. Test them monthly to ensure they are working and replace batteries once a year.  For more information log, on to http://www.fiprecan.ca/