GANS belongs to the Group of IX, which is an advisory group to the Nova Scotia Department of Seniors.

The Department of Seniors consults regularly with the Group of IX Seniors’ Advisory Council of Nova Scotia. The “Group of IX” is independent of government and may consult with other organizations and special interest groups in an effort to be fully informed and representative of the senior population of the province. The Group Of IX has recently had significant input into such seniors-related government programs as Seniors’ Pharmacare and the Continuing Care Strategy. Organizations participating in the Group of IX must be affiliated with national bodies that meet with the Government of Canada through the Congress of National Seniors Organizations, a national forum for seniors’ issues.

The stated purpoose of the Group of IX is as follows:

• Identifying issues of importance to the health and social well-being of senior Nova Scotians;
• investigating and assessing information relating to these issues;
• drafting methods to improve same;
• recommending, to the appropriate Ministers of the Seniors’ Secretariat, methods to improve the health and social well-being of senior Nova Scotians;
• consulting and dialogging with the appropriate Ministers of the Seniors’ Secretariat and other Ministers, as requested.

The current member organizations who make up the Group of IX are:

• CARP – The Canadian Association for the 50+
• Community Links
• Federal Superannuates National Association
• Federation of Senior Citizens and Pensioners of Nova Scotia
• Gerontology Association of Nova Scotia
• Nova Scotia Government Retired Employees Association
• Royal Canadian Legion, Nova Scotia/Nunavut Command
• Regroupement des aînées et aînés de la Nouvelle-Écosse
• Retired Teachers’ Organization of Nova Scotia

The Group of IX typically meets monthly with the department of Seniors to discuss priority areas, receive information from presenters or guest speakers who help inform the Group on a wide variety of topics concerning Seniors, and to plan any upcoming activities for the Group.

Why is it important that GANS is part of the Group of IX? Being part of this Group allows up to present the concerns of our membership directly to the government of Nova Scotia. And we welcome input from any of out members. If you have areas or issues of concern that you feel GANS might bring to the Group of IX, or have an idea for a guest presenter or topic, please let us know!  Email us any time at info@cakens.com