Issue 104 – 26, May 31, 2026
Rights of Older Persons
Older people deserve respect, fairness, and the same rights as everyone else. But around the world, many older adults face unfair treatment, discrimination, or even violence just because of their age. To fix this, the Congress of Union Retirees of Canada (CURC) are working with other groups and other countries to create stronger laws to protect older people's rights.
A UN Convention is like a big agreement made by many countries to follow certain rules. The aim of this new convention is to make sure that the rights of older people are protected everywhere. It would help stop ageism, when people are unfairly judged or treated badly just because they are older. The convention will make sure older people can live with dignity, independence, and full participation in society.
Since 2020, COVID-19 exposed terrible conditions in some long-term care homes in Canada. The army had to step in to help residents, and the public was shocked. In response, some provinces tried to limit health care for older people during the pandemic, based on age.
These actions are unfair and go against the values of health care that everyone should have access to. That’s why many believe we need a strong international law, a UN Convention that protects older people from discrimination and unfair treatment.
The journey toward this convention began in late 2022. CURC joined an NGO group of organizations at the United Nations (UN) in New York. They were working on a plan to create a new international law that would protect the rights of older adults.
In spring 2023, CURC presented a resolution at the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) Convention, and many unions showed their support by passing this resolution. This showed that workers and union retirees across Canada agree that older people need better rights.
By June 2025, CURC also passed its own resolution at its national convention, calling for an action campaign to move forward with this plan.
In February 2026, CURC took part in the first official UN meeting to discuss how to write the convention. We supported GAROP (Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People), which is made up of over 400 NGO groups working to protect older people's rights. Another UN meeting is planned for July 2026, where CURC will share their ideas again.
Many countries and groups believe that older people should be recognized as full human beings who have the right to live without discrimination. The convention will include principles like equality, respect, and participation. It will also aim to eliminate ageism, unfair stereotypes, and unfair practices built into laws and society.
Many groups like the Canadian Labour Congress have passed resolutions backing this effort.
GAROP, which CURC is a member, has prepared important reports to guide the process, emphasizing the importance of listening to older people's voices.
Without strong international laws, many older persons remain vulnerable to abuse, neglect, and discrimination. National laws often lack clear protections, and societal attitudes can be dismissive or stigmatizing. A legally binding treaty would create a universal standard that all countries must follow, making sure that older persons everywhere are treated with respect, fairness, and dignity.
This effort shows that the global community recognizes how important it is to protect the rights and dignity of older adults.
The Congress of Union Retirees of Canada campaign going forward will be to urge the UN and governments around the world including our own, to adopt this treaty. It is a vital step toward building a society that values and protects everyone, regardless of age. Every older person deserves to live with dignity, respect, and the full enjoyment of their human rights.
Read more - Why do we need a convention for older people? – The Global Alliance
Tim Hortons Faces Criticism
Tim Hortons, recently announced plans to hire 10,000 new local workers. They also said that they no longer need to lobby for more access to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). This program allows companies to hire workers from other countries to fill jobs in Canada. Tim Hortons also plans to open 80 new stores across the country this year.
However, many advocates who fight for the rights of migrant workers are upset with this announcement. They say the company's message can cause problems and make people think wrongly about migrant workers.
Syed Hussan, who is a leader in the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, explained that the way Tim Hortons is talking about local workers and migrant workers is unfair. He said, “Pitting local workers against temporary foreign workers is not right. All workers deserve fair rights and protections, no matter where they are from.”
Hussan also criticized Tim Hortons’ record on wages. He said the company has fought against raising the minimum wage, which many experts believe is necessary to help people afford basic needs. Hussan thinks that Tim Hortons’ low wages and their stance against wage increases are part of what makes it hard for many Canadians to pay for things like housing and food.
Some people also worry that the company’s focus on hiring local youth might be misleading. Rena Namago, who works for Citizens for Public Justice, said that blaming migrant workers for youth unemployment is wrong. She explained, “Migrant workers were brought here because there weren’t enough local workers. The real problem is that young people and others don’t have enough good jobs.”
She added that migrant workers face a big risk, If they lose their jobs, they might lose their immigration status and be deported from Canada.
The unemployment rate for young people in Canada is over 14 percent, which is quite high. Some experts think this is because of many factors, including increased competition in jobs, especially in food and coffee places like Tim Hortons.
Rosemary Quinsey, from the United Food and Commercial Workers Union said the program that allows temporary foreign workers needs to be changed. She believes that many of these jobs are not truly temporary and that migrant workers should have a clear path to become permanent residents if they want.
While Tim Hortons says it wants to hire more local workers and help with youth unemployment, many advocates say everyone should be treated fairly and have the same rights, no matter where they come from.
National Indigenous History Month
June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, an opportunity to learn about the unique cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis who have lived on this land since time immemorial and whose presence continues to shape Canada today. It is also a moment for reflection and to recognize the ongoing impacts of colonization and to reflect on how we can all contribute to reconciliation.
The campaign dates to 2009, when the House of Commons designated June as National Aboriginal History Month. The name was changed to National Indigenous History Month in 2017.
Read more - About National Indigenous History Month
National AccessAbility Week 2026
National Accessibility Week takes place every year, starting on the last Sunday in May, from May 31 to June 6.
This year's theme is "Building a Strong, Accessible Canada."
It invites all of us, including governments, businesses, organizations, and individuals, to take action to advance a barrier-free country. Significant progress has been made to eliminate and prevent barriers, and by continuing to work together, we can build a truly accessible, inclusive and equitable Canada.
Our country is stronger when persons with disabilities can participate fully in all aspects of society.
Together, we can empower each other and make a meaningful impact.
Read more - National AccessAbility Week: May 31 to June 6, 2026 - Canada.ca