RTOERO advocates for seniors strategy in meetings with Parliamentarians

OTTAWA, Ontario, October 8, 2025 – RTOERO (soon to be Entente Education Canada) representatives met with 16 Members of Parliament and policy staff on October 6 and 7 during the third annual Vibrant Voices day on the Hill, to call for a comprehensive seniors strategy and stronger protections for ageing Canadians. 
 
Discussions focused on tailored health care for older adults and strengthening protections in climate emergency preparedness plans. Meetings with the secretary of state for seniors, Stephanie McLean and CPC shadow minister for seniors, Anna Roberts underscored the bipartisan support for these priorities.  
 
“We had impressive conversations with MPs across party lines,” said John Cappelletti, chair of RTOERO’s board of directors. “It was encouraging to engage in such thoughtful, constructive discussions and hear how members of government and opposition plan to support older adults in Canada.” 
 
The Vibrant Voices campaign presented data underscoring the growing demographic of older adults and the urgent need for policies that promote their well-being, social integration and security. RTOERO urged proactive approaches in health care and emergency planning to safeguard older adults’ interests.  
 
“RTOERO is focused on practical, forward-looking solutions,” said Jim Grieve, chief executive officer of RTOERO. “We call on governments to act ahead of the curve: implement a comprehensive seniors’ strategy that ties everything together, appoint a national advocate for older adults, demonstrate Canada’s leadership in advancing the UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons, and strengthen protections in areas such as pharmacare and climate emergencies. These policies aren’t just for today, they invest in Canada’s future.” 
 
RTOERO will continue engaging MPs through follow-up communications, building momentum to ensure governments address these priorities.  

About RTOERO:  
 
We are a bilingual, trusted voice on healthy, active living in the retirement journey for the broader education community. With 87,000+ members in 51 districts across Canada, we are the largest national provider of non-profit group health benefits for education retirees. We welcome members who work in or are retired from the early years, schools and school boards, post-secondary and any other capacity in education. We believe in a better future, together!