Federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for seniors meet to discuss working together to support Canada’s aging population

March 5, 2025              Moncton, New Brunswick              Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum

Over the last two days, Canada’s Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum held productive discussions on key priorities to support current and future generations of older Canadians. The meeting was co-chaired by Canada’s Minister of Seniors, the Honourable Joanne Thompson, and New Brunswick’s Minister responsible for Women’s Equality and Seniors, the Honourable Lyne Chantal Boudreau.

As seniors represent the fastest-growing demographic in Canada, the Forum creates an opportunity for all governments to discuss new solutions that support older Canadians in living dignified and affordable lives at home and in their communities. Governments across Canada are taking action and making significant investments within their jurisdictions to support the healthy aging of Canadians. Recognizing the diverse needs of seniors, ministers reaffirmed their commitment to prioritize working together to create tailored policies and programs that address the broad issues facing seniors across the country.

During the Forum, the ministers discussed shared priorities of addressing senior abuse, ageism, supportive housing, and the role of technology in the lives of seniors, based on the principle of mutual respect for each government’s jurisdiction.

The ministers emphasized the significant collaboration achieved thus far and reached a consensus on the future plan. Over the next few years, the ministers committed to continue their collaboration on addressing ongoing priorities, including:

• Affordability and financial security/literacy for seniors by understanding gaps in access to affordability programs and examining programs and services that are in place to support older adults with issues of affordability and aging in place. This also includes creating awareness and education tools to help people, including younger people, to better prepare and understand personal finance management and provide information about financial services relevant to seniors.
• Aging in place, healthy aging and wellness through improved awareness of leading practices in community-based seniors’ services, especially those targeting equity-deserving groups and those in rural or remote communities, to better support seniors’ independence and ability to remain living at home as long as possible.
• Service navigation support for seniors by examining access to clear, easy-to-understand information on support services for older adults, and identifying best practices and mechanisms by which seniors learn and access information, services and benefits.

The federal government will co-chair the next session of the Forum with Nunavut, continuing the important work of collaboration and progress.

After a lifetime of hard work, Canadians deserve a secure and dignified retirement. Ministers share the goal of ensuring that Canadian seniors and future retirees achieve greater security and a better quality of life.

Note: All governments contribute to the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum by sharing information and innovative practices. Quebec intends to continue to fully assume its responsibilities toward seniors within its territory. While Quebec does not subscribe to a Pan-Canadian approach, it will continue to collaborate with the Forum and share best practices, experiences, and expertise in the field.