Issue – 25, September 28th, 2025
Supporting Truth and Reconciliation
The Congress of Union Retirees is a large group of union retirees who have worked hard all their lives. Now that we are retired, we continue to help make Canada a better, fairer place for everyone. One way we do this is by supporting the ideas of Truth and Reconciliation. But what do these words mean, and why do union retirees support them?
Truth and Reconciliation are important steps to fix the wrongs of the past, especially the terrible treatment of Indigenous children in Indian Residential Schools. These schools were places where Indigenous children were taken from their families and made to forget their languages and cultures. Many suffered and some never returned home.
The Truth part means sharing and learning about what really happened. It is about telling the stories of Survivors, people who went to these schools, and understanding the pain caused. Reconciliation means working together to heal wounds, rebuild trust, and create a respectful relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
Union retirees support Truth and Reconciliation because they believe in fairness and justice. We want to remember the children who were lost and honor the Survivors. Knowing and understanding history helps us avoid repeating mistakes. Supporting truth and reconciliation helps build a kinder, more inclusive Canada where everyone’s culture and history are respected.
Many Canadians, including union retirees, wear orange shirts on September 30, which is called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The orange shirt symbolizes the children who lost their culture and self-esteem in residential schools. Wearing orange is a way to show respect and to remember that “Every Child Matters.”
Take part in events, like community gatherings, educational programs, and art projects. These activities teach about the history of residential schools and encourage everyone to work towards healing and understanding.
Supporting truth and reconciliation involves listening to Survivors’ stories, learning about history, and showing respect. Union retirees and all Canadians can also help by sharing information on social media and advocating for fairness and justice.
The Congress of Union Retirees supports Truth and Reconciliation because we want to see a future where all people are treated with respect and kindness. Remembering the past and working together for healing is important for building a better Canada, one where every child, Indigenous or not, is valued and cared for. Supporting these efforts shows that we care about justice, history, and the future of all Canadians.
Read more - Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf
CURC Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being, Our Rights
The Congress of Union Retirees of Canada supports the UN Older Persons Day (October 1st) because we understand the serious challenges that older adults face today. The UN Theme this year “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being, Our Rights” speaks to the need to be vigilant with our advocacy, we cannot afford to be complacent. As our society ages, the challenges will only grow. We need to speak out for the rights of older persons, and work together to build a future where everyone, regardless of age, can enjoy good health, respect, and meaningful participation in society.
On October 1, Canada celebrates National Seniors Day. It is a special day to thank older people for everything they have done for our families, communities, and country. Celebrating seniors helps, like calling or visiting an older person we know, sharing a meal, or saying thank you.
As people live longer, many experience more health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and other chronic conditions. Managing these conditions often requires careful coordination of health care, social support, and access to services. Many older adults struggle to get the care they need, especially if they live in rural areas or cannot afford expensive treatments.
In addition to health challenges, older persons often face social issues like loneliness and isolation. These feelings can lead to mental health problems like depression and anxiety. Many older adults also face age discrimination, where they are unfairly treated or overlooked because of their age. This discrimination can happen in employment, healthcare, and even within families or communities. When people's rights are ignored or dismissed, they lose their dignity and independence.
Another challenge is that social programs and policies often do not keep up with the rapidly changing needs of an aging population. Governments may lack enough political will to improve services for older persons, we are seeing many countries raising the age of retirement and reducing programs and services to older persons. Without strong advocacy, these issues can worsen, leading to greater gaps in care and support.
Because the global population of older adults is growing faster than ever, expected to reach over 2 billion people by 2050, we must stay vigilant and active in advocating for their rights and needs. We need to push for policies that ensure affordable, quality health and social care, and that protect the rights of older persons to live with dignity and respect. We must also promote age-friendly communities that support active aging, independence, and social inclusion.
Advocacy also involves raising awareness among the public and policymakers about the value and contributions of older adults. Older persons are not just recipients of care; they are leaders, mentors, volunteers, and vital parts of our society. Recognizing this will help us create a more inclusive and equitable world, we help build our society and make it better.
As our society ages, the challenges will only grow. We will remain vigilant, speaking out for the rights of older persons. Our commitment to advocacy today ensures that older adults are valued and supported now and for generations to come.
Read more - UNIDOP CN 2025.pdf
Judy Lederer receives Daughters Day Award
Congratulations to one of our own, Judy Lederer, President, Edmonton CURC Area Council for receiving the Daughters Day Award. Well deserved!
Daughters Day is an activity of Canadians for a Civil Society to provide a community event to highlight the importance of daughters in all our lives. Every girl and woman is a daughter, and everyone will gain as we support the flourishing of communities committed to an end to all discrimination, to stopping human rights abuses against women, and to providing full opportunity for each woman to make her own choices.
The Daughters Day event highlights this purpose by honouring Alberta women who have overcome challenges or are making significant achievements, by having a keynote presentation that has a focus on the value of gender equity, and by creating a place for people to learn and interact.
CCS works to advance a culture of respect for human rights as well as gender equality through community events that celebrate women and foster an inclusive society. With education and advocacy as tools to effect change in society, they seek to cultivate an environment of dialogues and deliberations that strengthen our resolve on freedom from fear and promote the five pillars of civil society – respect, literacy, human rights, the rule of law and meaningful economic opportunity.
Read more - Canadians for a Civil Society