Canada Needs A Minister for Older Persons: A Call to Action for the 2025 Election
An Open Letter to Political Parties Contesting the 2025 Canadian Federal Election
As organizations that support older adults in Canada, we call on the political parties contesting the 2025 general election to commit to establishing a dedicated federal Minister for Older Persons (Seniors). This portfolio would champion the rights of older Canadians across departments and promote their inclusion in the many decisions that directly impact them. The Minister would be supported by a dedicated staff and a discrete funding envelope.
As Canada rapidly approaches “super-aged” nation status, with Canadians aged 65+ soon comprising nearly a quarter of the population, it is critical that our government be prepared to meet the needs of older Canadians.
While various departments touch on issues that affect older Canadians — including health, housing, employment and skills development, finance — there is no single office ensuring that Canada’s policies are coordinated and responsive to the coming demographic shift.
A Minister for Older Persons would provide focused leadership in addressing these pressing issues, ensuring that the voices of older Canadians are not just heard but leveraged to actively shape critical policy decisions.
Older Canadians consistently turn out to vote at the highest rates and deserve to know where each party stands. Will you commit to establishing a Minister for Older Persons?
The sector eagerly awaits a response.
Sincerely,
Alyssa Brierley, Executive Director
The National Institute on Ageing
Margaret Gillis, Founding President
International Longevity Centres (ILC) Canada
Jim Grieve, Chief Executive Officer
Retired Teachers of Ontario (RTOERO)
Kahir Lalji, Chief Executive Officer
HelpAge Canada
Liv Mendelsohn, Executive Director
Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence
Bénédicte Schoepflin, Executive Director
Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse
Laura Tamblyn-Watts, Chief Executive Officer
CanAge