The Right Honourable Mark Carney
Prime Minister of Canada
Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington Street Ottawa, ON K1P 5K9
Dear Prime Minister Carney
On behalf of the Congress of Union Retirees of Canada, I would like to extend our sincere congratulations on your party’s recent success in forming the government. We commend your leadership and look forward to working with your administration to advance policies that benefit all Canadians, especially our aging population.
As advocates representing over 500,000 union retirees across the country, we wish to express our strong support for the establishment of a dedicated Minister for Seniors within your Cabinet. Such a position would provide a crucial leadership role in addressing the unique needs and concerns of older Canadians, ensuring that their voices are heard and their interests prioritized in federal policymaking.
Canada’s rapidly aging demographic—projected to reach nearly a quarter of the population over 65 by 2040—necessitates focused and coordinated action. Currently, responsibilities affecting seniors are dispersed across various departments, which hampers the development of comprehensive strategies to support health, housing, income security, and social inclusion. A dedicated Minister for Seniors would serve as a central advocate, championing policies that promote healthy aging, aging in place, and social participation, while also ensuring that issues such as healthcare access, affordable housing, transportation, and poverty reduction are addressed holistically.
We believe that establishing this portfolio would demonstrate Canada’s commitment to its senior citizens and recognize their vital contributions to our communities and economy. Furthermore, a Minister for Seniors would help ensure that aging Canadians are active participants in shaping the policies that affect their lives, reaffirming their dignity and security.
Doing so would not only reflect Canada’s values of inclusivity and respect for all generations but also position the country as a leader in senior care and support.
We look forward to your positive response and to collaborating with your government to build a future where all Canadians, regardless of age, can live with dignity, purpose, and security.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Sincerely,
Michael MacIsaac
President Congress of Union Retirees of Canada