In a previous update, we reported that in 2018 the U.S. passed a national Caregivers Act – unanimously! 

And in the last update, we reported that the Quebec government last fall appointed a provincial “Minister for Seniors and Informal Caregivers” – a giant step further than the federal appointment last year of a “Minister of Seniors”.

In this update, we share encouraging news coming from the Canadian Association of Retired Persons.  CARP has recently launched a new advocacy initiative called FACES.  This policy platform sets the stage for the 2019 federal election by focusing public attention on five areas of action:

F – FINANCIAL SECURITY

A – ABUSE PREVENTION

C – CAREGIVING AND HOUSING SUPPORTS

E – EXCEPTIONAL HEALTH CARE

S – SOCIAL INCLUSION

FACES calls for a National Seniors Strategy to embrace the potential of older Canadians, and aims to make Canada “the best place to age.” 

We congratulate CARP for launching this campaign, because it echoes our petition's call for a plan to prepare for the 10 million baby-boomers who will reach 80 in 2025 and after that by improving support for their informal caregivers ...and let's never forget that this will ultimately benefit their loved ones, who are among our most vulnerable people!

With CARP's 300,000 members, our petition may receive more signatures. More importantly, however, FACES will bring our common cause -- preparing for an aging population -- to the attention of candidates and voters in the lead-up to the fall election. 

Supporters are encouraged to engage in this conversation and, if possible, to join CARP. 

Once again, thanks for sharing our petition with others.

Salvatore (Sal) Amenta, PhD

("Photo courtesy of CARP")