"In the face of uncertainty, our sector rallied together to support our community." In my latest op-ed, I reflect on the unprecedented year 2020 has been & the profound impact of non-profits in such challenging times. #locallove https://t.co/W7YBCrwybS
This week, the NIA had a unique opportunity to listen firsthand, build relationships, and better understand the local context of the "community based seniors serving" (CBSS) sector in the Yukon. @G_Gallant, Director of Policy at the NIA, joined @KLalji CEO of @HelpAgeCA on a trip to the territory, where they visited with older adults in Haines Junction and Whitehorse. The residents shared powerful stories about resilience and connection, but also about challenges like housing, transportation and access to care.
The NIA’s priority is ensuring that the diverse voices we are hearing, particularly those from remote or underrepresented communities like in Haines Junction, are reflected in national conversations about ageing and elder care. The CBSS sector often operates behind the scenes, but it plays a vital role — filling gaps that government systems can’t always reach.
Our thanks to the Saint Elias Seniors Society, the Golden Age Society and the Yukon Council on Aging for their time, and a special thank you to former Whitehorse mayor Bev Buckway for hosting us.
This week, the NIA had the privilege of connecting with the Community-Based Seniors’ Serving (CBSS) sector in Winnipeg. It was an opportunity to listen, learn, and deepen our understanding of how local organizations are supporting older adults to age in place, stay out of the health care system, and remain active in their communities.
The CBSS sector in Manitoba stands out for its foundation of trust, relationships, and deep community knowledge. These organizations often work quietly behind the scenes, but the impact they have on the lives of older adults is profound.
Thank you to Connie Newman and the Manitoba Association of Senior Communities for generously hosting us, and to Felicity Watson and the HelpAge Canada team for organizing such a meaningful event. We’re also grateful to @KLalji, CEO of @HelpAge, for sharing his empowering, capacity-building approach—one that could serve as a model across the nonprofit sector.
@G_Gallant, Director of Policy at the NIA, shared regional findings from our 2024 Ageing in Canada survey and gathered valuable feedback from those working directly with older adults. These insights are critical as we continue to ensure that research and policy reflect the real experiences of older Canadians.
📢 Canada Needs a Minister for Older Persons. Now.
Ahead of the 2025 federal election, we’ve joined forces with @HelpAgeCA@CanAgeSeniors@rto_ero@CdnCaregiving@cnpea to issue a clear call to action to all political parties: Commit to creating a dedicated federal Minister for Older Persons.
With nearly 1 in 4 Canadians soon to be 65+, it's time for focused leadership to champion the rights, needs, and voices of older adults in Canada.
A Minister for Older Persons would:
✅ Coordinate aging-related policies across departments
✅ Ensure older Canadians are included in decisions that impact them
✅ Prepare Canada for the coming demographic shift
Older Canadians vote at the highest rates—it's time their issues were at the top of the national agenda.
📄 Read our open letter: https://t.co/0pJhXaV4q7
📣 @Liberal_Party@CPC_HQ@NDP@BlocQuebecois@CanadianGreens
#CDNPoli #AgingInCanada #Election2025 #OlderCanadians
Kahir of @ILCCanada draws attention to the particular challenges facing older persons from minority groups and issues another strong call for the @UN_HRC to start drafting an international legally binding instrument for older persons! #AgeWithRights#HRC58
@KLalji, CEO; Connie Newman, E.D., of Manitoba Association of Senior Communities; & Hon. Uzoma Asagwara, Manitoba Deputy Premier & Minister of Health, Seniors, & Long-Term Care, met to discuss bolstering community-based seniors' services across Manitoba. https://t.co/I3d2uqcryR
SAVE THE DATE: "Ensuring Healthy Ageing for All: Challenges and Opportunities in an Ageing World" Monday, April 7 1:15PM - 2:30PM ET Conference Room 9, UNHQ @CanadaUN@UN4Ageing@BobRae48
Watch Live: https://t.co/z8CqjiKrGv
At a special Homage ceremony in Lisbon on Tuesday 11 February, Mawlana Hazar Imam will grant an audience to senior leaders of the Jamat, who will pledge their allegiance to the 50th Imam of the Ismailis on behalf of the global Jamat.
Arrangements have been made to screen the ceremony live at Jamatkhanas only for members of the Jamat to participate in this landmark moment in each of our lives. The event is expected to start at 11:00 GMT and coverage will begin from 10:00 GMT.
It is anticipated that Hazar Imam will ordain an update to the Ismaili constitution and bless the Jamat with Irshad Mubarak.
While 54% of Canadians are familiar with the concept of ageism, 87% fail to grasp its widespread prevalence. A new @Ipsos survey commissioned by @CCAAgeism reveals a critical need to #StopAgeism, and improve understanding about this topic in Canada.
https://t.co/TJ6iwDShoX
ILC Canada’s Vice President @KLalji calls for a human rights based approach to care including a UN Convention on the rights of older persons. @CanadaUN @melaniejoly @stevenmackinnon