FREDERICTON (GNB) – A provincial working group has been established by the departments of Public Safety and Social Development to collaborate with other partners in addressing the issue of senior abuse in the province.

“The creation of this working group is in response to our government commitment to bring together stakeholders to address all aspects of abuse against seniors,” said Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General Bruce Northrup. “This group’s mandate is to work collaboratively to prevent financial crimes and other abuses against seniors.”

The group includes representatives from the New Brunswick Association of Chiefs of Police, the Office of the Attorney General, the departments of Health and Healthy and Inclusive Communities, the Financial and Consumer Services Commission, and the Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick.

“As a caring society with an increasing senior population, elder abuse is an issue we need to address,” said Social Development Minister Madeleine Dubé. “In observance of June 15 being World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we should make every effort to ensure New Brunswick seniors live in an environment free of abuse.”

The public can contact the Department of Social Development if they suspect a case of elder abuse. Suspicion or reason to believe that an individual is being abused or neglected is the only requirement for reporting. Suspected cases can be reported 24 hours per day, seven days per week by calling any regional office.


13-06-14