Champion environmental stewardship

We need government action to cut waste and create climate adaptation programs that protect seniors—keeping them safe, supported, and resilient.

Quick facts

• Seniors are disproportionately impacted by heatwaves, and vulnerable seniors face greater risks during wildfires and smoke exposure.
• Between 2000 and 2020, Statistics Canada found that on days of extreme heat, Canadians aged 65 and older are the most likely to experience heat-related deaths—especially in the country’s 12 largest cities.
• Only 7% of the 5 million tonnes of plastic waste that Canadians discard every year is recycled.

Our asks

Develop targeted climate adaptation programs that protect older adults during climate-related disasters. 

• Aging Canadians are disproportionately affected by extreme weather events such as heatwaves, wildfires, and floods due to health vulnerabilities, mobility challenges, and social isolation. 
• Government leadership is needed to ensure emergency planning, response systems, and community resilience programs are designed with the needs of older adults in mind.

Expand environmentally sustainable transportation options

• Transportation accounts for about 25% of Canada’s carbon emissions. As the population and economy grow, so do the vehicles on our roads. 
• We urge the government to accelerate programs and incentives for greener transportation (private vehicles and public transit).

Reduce plastic pollution and improve recycling standards

• Only 7% of the 5 million tonnes of plastic waste that Canadians discard every year is recycled. Most ends up in landfills or our natural environment. 
• Plastic bans and updated recycling collection systems make a difference, though inconsistent practices remain a challenge. One hurdle is the lack of a harmonized approach across jurisdictions. We need to take a comprehensive approach to manage the entire life cycle of plastics.

Protect our water supply and ensure safe drinking water

• Our freshwater resources are a national treasure. Pollution and misuse threaten that. Changes in legislation and business practices both have a role in protecting our freshwater. 
• While urban centres enjoy access to clean water, First Nations often face drinking water advisories. We call on the federal government to fulfill its responsibility to our First Nations communities.