Issue 82 – 25, December 21st, 2025
UN convention on the rights of older perso
Two Senators, Senator Margo Greenwood and Senator Mohamad-Iqbal Ravalia, are working hard to protect the rights of older adults. They believe everyone should be treated with respect and dignity, no matter their age. Their efforts are helping to make sure that older people are supported, and their voices are heard both in Canada and around the world.
Recently, they asked the Canadian government about the "UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons." This international agreement which is in the development stage is about making sure older adults are treated fairly, with respect, and without discrimination.
Senator Greenwood shared some serious facts. She said that in Canada, about 430,000 seniors live in poverty, which means they don’t have enough money for basic needs. Many older adults face food insecurity, meaning they don’t get enough to eat. During extreme weather events, like the heatwave in British Columbia in 2021, older people are most at risk.
These Senators are not just asking questions, they are acting. They sent a letter to the Secretary of State for Seniors, Stephanie McLean, asking to meet and discuss how they can help support this international treaty. They want older people’s voices to be heard in the process.
Thanks to Senators Greenwood and Ravalia, we see hope for a future where older persons are treated with the dignity they deserve.
Recently CURC met with the Secretary of State with the same questions, we were told that the government will be monitoring and they encouraged by the UN on moving forward.
In February 2026, the UN will hold its first meeting in Geneva to start working on this new convention. This is a big step because it’s the first-time countries are coming together to create laws that protect older adults everywhere.
Organizations worldwide are planning the "Age With Rights Global Rally" from February 1 to 7, 2026. During this week, people will remind governments that older adults deserve respect, fairness, and equal rights. As Rose Gahire, a leader in this movement, says, “2026 is a turning point. We must ensure this treaty is strong and based on the real lives of older people everywhere.”
Read more - Letter to Sec of State Mclean (Elders).pdf
Read more - Statement on Human Rights Day 2025 – The Global Alliance
Why We Must Stop It
Recently, Alberta’s government passed a new law called Bill 11, the Health Statutes Amendment Act. Alberta’s new law is a dangerous step toward privatizing health care in Canada. It threatens the fairness and quality of care that Canadians value, it threatens the public health care system in Canada. Led by Premier Danielle Smith and the United Conservative Party, the government is creating a system that allows private, for-profit health insurance and health care. This is very different from what Canadians have had for many years.
Right now, Canada has a system called “single-tier” health care. This means everyone, no matter how rich or poor, can get medical care based on their health needs, not their money. The government pays for hospital visits, doctor visits, and necessary treatments so that no one must pay a lot of money out of their pocket. This system is fair and helps keep everyone healthy.
Alberta’s new law changes all of that. It makes it possible for private insurance companies to sell health plans that cover things not included in public health care. It also allows doctors to charge patients directly for some services, even if they are supposed to be covered by the public system. This creates a “two-tier” system, where wealthy people can buy private insurance and get faster or better care, while others are left waiting or unable to afford care.
If private insurance becomes common, it could take away the fairness and equality that Canadians believe in. Instead of everyone getting care based on need, the ability to pay might decide who gets treated and how quickly. This could lead to longer wait times for everyone, especially those who cannot afford private insurance.
Private health care is usually more expensive, and it can make health services cost more for everyone.
Wealthier people will get better and faster care, while others may have to wait longer or go without.
The government’s ability to plan and provide health care fairly will be weakened.
Public health care is a core value in Canada. It’s based on fairness, compassion, and the idea that we should take care of one another. Allowing private, for-profit health care goes against these values. It could make health care a privilege for the rich and leave everyone else behind.
We need to speak out against this law. We must protect our public health care system from being destroyed or turned into a profit-making industry. By standing together, we can make sure health care remains fair and accessible for all Canadians.
Read more – Alberta’s two-tier health care law threatens us all – Canadian Health Coalition
Happy Holidays!!