RTOERO advocates at the federal level to improve the future of seniors

This spring, RTOERO board members and Political Advocacy Committee members met with federal ministers and members of Parliament to speak about critical issues that matter to seniors across Canada. RTOERO offered its expertise and insight to help policy makers on any questions in which a seniors’ perspective would be useful. 

During this first federal advocacy event, RTOERO met virtually with the office of the Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Seniors; the office of the Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario; the office of the Honourable the Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions; and with eight members of Parliament: M.P. Yvan Baker, M.P. Michael D. Chong, M.P. Francis Drouin, M.P. Darren Fisher, M.P. Majid Jowhari, M.P. Shelby Kramp-Neuman, M.P. Ya’ara Saks and M.P. Karen Vecchio.

After a short introduction to RTOERO and its vision to offer a healthy and active future for every member of the education retiree community in Canada, RTOERO presented its three main priorities: the need for a comprehensive seniors strategy, the improvement of geriatric health care and the conservation of our environment. This led to very interesting conversations ranging from the need for seniors to be able to live independently in their own homes, to the creation of universal drug coverage or to the disastrous effect of ageism in Canada. Every minister and member of Parliament RTOERO met with valued the voices and perspective of the RTOERO’s members and many suggested to continue the conversation at a future date.

After the disastrous effect the pandemic had on older adults, it’s more necessary than ever to help policy makers understand how to address the rising needs of seniors. Through its Vibrant Voices program, RTOERO continues to expand its influence as the trusted bilingual voice for seniors across Canada.