Issue 83 – 25, December 28th, 2025
2025 Looking Ahead to 2026: Congress of Union Retirees of Canada
The Congress of Union Retirees of Canada (CURC) is an organization created to give retirees a voice and keep them involved in social and political issues. In 2025, CURC worked hard to support retired union members and affiliates across the country. These achievements show how they are making a difference for retirees and seniors.
Over the past year, CURC has grown, many new members and affiliates have joined. Now, many more retirees are active in leadership roles at the national, provincial, and local levels. Over 130 delegates from all parts of Canada gathered for an in-person convention last June. They discussed important issues, shared ideas, debated resolutions, and planned future activities. Experts gave presentations on topics like the economy, healthcare, and affordability.
A Review Committee made up of affiliates reported to the convention on how CURC could work better. They suggested changing the rules to include more union retiree groups on the Executive. The delegates also approved creating a new position for a Representative of Indigenous Peoples. Another important focus was improving the promotion of CURC’s health benefits for retirees. The health benefits program run by Canadian Benefits saw an increase in participation of more than 5% over last year.
Union retirees understand how important politics are for protecting their rights and benefits. CURC works closely with the New Democratic Party (NDP). Many retirees participate in campaigns and volunteer during elections. They help get out the vote, make phone calls, put up campaign signs, run for office, and donate money. Since retirees are often the most active voters with high turnout, they help make sure their issues are on the ballot.
Retirees continue to push the NDP to create a special committee focused on issues for seniors and retirees.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, many retirees faced serious health problems, and sadly, many lost their lives. CURC joined a global effort to protect the rights of older persons. They partnered with the Global Alliance on the Rights of Older Persons to advocate for a new international convention, a UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons.
This campaign aims to get the United Nations to adopt a treaty that guarantees the rights of older adults worldwide. The goal is for many countries to agree on standards that improve healthcare, social support, and protection against discrimination for seniors. Barb Byers, a leader in this campaign, coordinates the work both nationally and internationally. The target is to complete a draft of this convention by 2027, with meaningful input from seniors and civil society groups.
CURC is also organizing new local Area Councils. These councils have been created in Thunder Bay (Northwestern Ontario), Lethbridge, and North Simcoe. It’s encouraging to see more national unions creating retiree sections to help retirees stay involved and active.
Retirees have also been active in community events like Labour Day celebrations, affiliate conventions, picket lines, campaigns, and events for the International Day of Older Persons.
Through activities organized by the Manitoba Federation of Union Retirees (MFUR), we are pleased to see the opening of a Seniors Advocate Office in Manitoba. This office will help seniors with individual issues and work to fix systemic problems affecting older adults. It will serve as a voice to support policies that improve the quality of life for seniors.
CURC members participated in the CUPE National Convention, OPSEU Convention, AFL Convention, OFL Convention, QFL Convention, and MFL Mid-Term Convention. They spoke with union members about retiree issues, benefits, and support programs available to union retirees.
CURC wants to thank all the unions, organizations, and supporters who help them in their work. Their mission is to keep fighting for better healthcare, benefits, pensions, and rights for all retirees and seniors across Canada.
Looking Ahead to 2026:
Over the next few years, a big change is coming to Canada. Many people called "baby boomers" are getting older and retiring. Baby boomers are people born between 1946 and 1964. Starting in 2026, most of these older adults will be retiring, which will bring big changes for everyone.
By 2030, almost all baby boomers will be retired. This means fewer people will be working, and more older people will need support like healthcare and social services. The population in Canada won’t grow much or might stay the same. There will be fewer young workers and more retirees.
This large wave of retirements will cause some problems. Healthcare costs will go up because older people usually need more medical care. The government will have to spend more money on things like pensions and health services. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we know we need more healthcare workers and caregivers.
Groups like the Congress of Union Retirees of Canada (CURC) are working on plans to help. They want the government to create a "National Seniors Strategy," which is a plan to make sure older people get the support they need. Many retirees are staying in the workforce longer because they need the money, and housing is now one of their biggest worries.
In 2026, it’s important for everyone to work together to support seniors and workers. Canada needs to plan now so the economy stays strong even with fewer workers. CURC leaders will continue talking to government officials about a new international convention the "UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons."
In early February 2026, CURC and others will take part in the "Age with Rights Global Rally." It’s a week to remind governments that older people deserve respect and fairness. Rose Gahire, a leader in this movement, says 2026 is a turning point, and we need to make sure this new convention is strong and helps older people everywhere.
In 2026, CURC will focus on supporting the campaigns on National Seniors Strategy and the UN convention on the Rights of Older Persons.
CURC will also work to keep healthcare public and stop private companies from making money off health services. The government will be asked to follow the Canada Health Act, which protects healthcare for everyone.
CURC members will visit Parliament Hill in Ottawa to talk about keeping healthcare public and making sure healthcare workers are treated fairly. They will also support better drug coverage through programs like Pharmacare. CURC is working with other groups to improve healthcare and keep it fair and public.
Many CURC members are also leaders in their communities and support the New Democratic Party (NDP). They understand that the last election was very challenging. Even so, our members are hopeful and determined to work for a better future. We are encouraging the NDP to include union retirees and seniors in decision-making. CURC will take part as an affiliate in the NDP Convention in Winnipeg at the end of March.
This year, many local elections will happen in parts of Canada like Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia. Local governments need to create safe, friendly communities for people of all ages, especially seniors. They should provide services like long-term care homes, affordable housing, healthcare, and community support. CURC wants to work with local leaders to improve these services.
Because so many people will be retiring soon, now is the time to strengthen CURC and support the services that help seniors. We want our members to stay active and involved. An important part of the plans is restarting the Pre-Retirement Course. This course helps workers plan for retirement by teaching about finances, benefits, and emotional preparation. They want to offer this course through existing union programs so more workers can get ready for life after work.
Many retirees worry about losing their health insurance benefits when they stop working or turn 65. CURC can help with that, through Canadian Benefits, a non-profit company, to offer plans that help cover healthcare costs. If you know someone who is retiring, tell them about these benefits so they can stay protected.
CURC will keep standing up for workers, union retirees and seniors in the community and continue to be part of the active union movement.
Happy New Year 2026!!