In replying to our letters and updates, Minister Duclos recently echoed the previous response from the Social Policy Directorate in listing the many programs and supports provided to grateful family caregivers across Canada. But he did much more than that -- Dr. Duclos also agreed with us regarding: (1) the federal government having a key role to play in leading national efforts (even when they are provincial/territorial responsibilities), (2) his commitment to helping family caregivers who are integral to the continuum of care, and (3) his belief that further progress on these issues will benefit from our input. Indeed, in the spirit of providing such input, we have responded by suggesting his ministry convene a think-tank with wide stakeholder participation. It would be given the task of preparing for the senior tsunami that will hit Canada's shores by 2026 when baby-boomers turn 80. Thus in only eight years a total of 20 million Canadians will be giving or receiving care, 2/3 of the population. Will we be ready for this? Clearly, Canada urgently needs a national plan to ensure ten million boomers don't overwhelm our health-care system and overload the family caregivers who provide the home care upon which our system increasingly relies. Since a think-tank would quickly recommend a strategy and formulate a plan, it would be the crucial first step in preparing for our aging population, and ultimately having a plan ready for implementation by 2026. We look to Dr. Duclos for leadership on an issue that falls within his social development portfolio. Urging him to champion our cause and avert a national crisis, we eagerly await his response to our suggestion. Salvatore (Sal) Amenta, PhD PS: Have you seen our video promoting this petition? It is posted here and also available on Youtube using this link: https://youtu.be/6-sn1qzLMYU Please share this video and continue sharing the petition widely! PPS: In the next update, we will post a press release that will soon be distributed to media requesting coverage of this important issue.