There have been no updates in the last few months because we have been waiting to hear back from the minister for seniors, The Hon.  Filomena Tassi. 

Meanwhile, we have been meeting with candidates for the coming election – Dr. Jane Philpott and Dr. Helena Jaczek.  We have told the former health ministers for Canada and Ontario that preparing for our aging population needs to be a high priority in the 2019 election campaign.  They agree that a national plan and strategy are urgently needed, since an aging population will put overwhelming strains on our social fabric – just as we struggle with the challenge of climate change.

In previous updates, we have already reported that many high-profile institutions like CARP and CMA – including The Conference Board of Canada and The Fraser Institute – have joined us in calling on Ottawa to develop a national plan and strategy to prepare for the baby-boomer crunch of 2025. 

We also noted that both Quebec and Ontario now have ministers for seniors.  In the meantime, under The Hon. Christine Elliot (Minister of Health), the Ontario government has been supporting the Ontario Caregiver Organization in its efforts to establish a website and “toolkit” to help new Canadian caregivers.  We are working diligently with OCO to support caregivers in their vital and invaluable work – more about this in future updates.

Meanwhile, we are anxiously waiting to see whether the party platforms include plans to address our rapidly aging population.  You are urged to attend all-party forums to ask candidates where they stand on the need for a national plan and strategy – and to continue spreading the word so that more Canadians will sign this petition.

As always, thanks for your continuing support.