Making our voices heard: RTOERO’s letter to Ontario’s election candidates

As part of the Vibrant Voices campaign for the Ontario election, RTOERO has sent letters to the leaders of the four major political parties and electoral candidates across the province. We advocate for key issues and invite you to read the letter sent to the candidates.

Feb. 20, 2025

Dear Candidate,

As the Ontario election unfolds, we recognize the dedication and hard work you and your team are putting into the campaign. At RTOERO, we are a trusted voice on seniors’ issues, representing over 80,000+ across the province, including 46 districts in Ontario. Our members, who have worked in diverse roles across the education sector, are deeply committed to advocating for policies that support healthy aging, retirement security, and the overall well-being of aging adults.

We are reaching out to encourage you, as a candidate, to consider the pressing needs of Ontario’s growing aging population. Beyond providing support services, RTOERO is committed to advocacy that fosters an active and healthy future, not just for retirees in the education community, but for all aging adults in the province. Our efforts focus on three key priorities:

• Develop a comprehensive seniors’ strategy that addresses key challenges such as income security, social isolation, caregiver support, aging at home, and the rights of older adults, bringing these elements together in a coordinated, partnership-driven approach.
• Ensure access to appropriate health care for older adults, including enhanced geriatric training for health professionals, strategies to manage complex health needs, and initiatives to prevent elder abuse.
• Promote environmental stewardship through responsible resource use, conservation, and the protection of air, land and water.

As you campaign, we encourage you to consider how these priorities can enhance the quality of life for Ontario’s seniors. For more information visit: https://rtoero.ca/vibrant-voices/provincial/ .

Regardless of the election outcome, RTOERO remains committed to being a resource on policies and programs that reflect the needs of older adults. Our members are engaged voters who care deeply about these issues. We look forward to continuing the conversation, both during the election and beyond February 27, to drive meaningful progress.

Wishing you all the best on the campaign trail.

Warm regards,

John Cappelletti, Chair of the Board
Jim Grieve, Chief Executive Officer (CEO)