As we reach toward our fifty second year of development, we can look with pride on both the growth of the United Senior Citizens of Ontario (USCO) and the improvement in the quality of life of retired persons in our province and country.

During this period, we have seen amazing improvements. Old Age Security pensions have quadrupled and are further supplemented by Federal and Provincial Government programs. We have an outstanding health insurance plan and many other benefits.

A great deal of credit for the advancement of the senior citizens' movement and the improvements in living conditions achieved over this period are due to many dedicated seniors who have laboured ceaselessly to make retirement satisfying and useful. We pay tribute to them and their achievements.

We acknowledge also that the Canadian public has strongly supported our efforts. Businesses and governments have listened to our requests and taken action to make the necessary changes possible.

The USCO has been blessed with an abundance of qualified and responsible leaders who have carried out the responsibilities of building the USCO and working for the welfare and best interests of retired persons.

We have come a long way, but there is still a long way to go to maintain our standard of living and to continue to share in the prosperity of our country. We must be a strong and viable organization and we must continue to make known to the government and the public the problems and needs of seniors.