NIA Visits Western Canada to Forge Vital Partnerships for Ageing Support
This month, NIA’s Executive Director, Alyssa Brierley, continued visiting Western Canada with Kahir Lalji from United Way BC. Together, they met with leaders in Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary to strengthen partnerships and explore community-driven initiatives supporting healthy ageing.
The Ismaili Centre
The visit began in Vancouver at The Ismaili Centre, which provides a wide range of healthy ageing programs. They had the opportunity to learn more about the Centre’s impactful work on healthy ageing and the many different ways it helps support older adults in the community.
Healthy Ageing Alberta
The visit continued in Edmonton, where the NIA connected with Healthy Ageing Alberta and gained valuable insights into their robust community programs. Healthy Aging Alberta is a vital network. By uniting organizations that serve older adults, they're actively working to make Alberta one of the best places in the world to grow older. Alyssa Brierley met with the team there and Jas Channa to talk about the important community-connected interventions they’re driving forward.
Alzheimer's Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories
Next was a meeting with the Alzheimer's Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories to discuss their extensive work raising awareness about Alzheimer’s and other dementias, supporting those affected, and driving research. As dementia affects one in three Canadians, partnerships with organizations like the Alzheimer ‘s Society are essential in building a future with better care, understanding, and support.
United Way Calgary
United Way Calgary brings together community-based seniors-serving organizations to create a united voice for older adults, building collaboration across the health, housing, and social sectors. Together, they’re working to advance solutions that empower older Albertans to age on their own terms, with support from a strong, connected community.
Generations Calgary
The visit continued in Calgary with a tour of the Generations Calgary initiative, a groundbreaking project launched by His Highness the Aga Khan. Generations Calgary fosters intergenerational connections through a multi-dimensional campus that includes a supportive and long-term care complex. This innovative housing model brings older adults and younger generations together in a home-like setting, allowing them to build supportive relationships under one roof.
By connecting with organizations across Canada, we continue to foster collaboration across provinces with policy professionals, industry experts, and community stakeholders. The NIA is dedicated to serving as a collaborative partner and providing valuable resources to support and enhance BC’s CBSS sector. By working together, we aim to address the diverse needs of Canada’s aging population and build a future where older adults feel valued, included, and supported to age with confidence.