As we have seen in comparator countries, having a federal seniors advocate allows a nation to plan. It can make sure that we are thinking about meeting the needs of our aging population and can hold departments to account in making sure that mechanisms and budgets are being allocated appropriately.
We see this in various provinces. In provinces that have seniors advocates, the conditions of care and the supports have improved. Older adults have a voice for well-being and governments have a resource to ensure that they're moving towards an age-inclusive Canada on a social and economic basis.
This is not an expensive proposition, and it is something Canada should have. We have long needed a seniors advocate. We have long needed a national seniors strategy. That's why CanAge wrote “Voices of Canada's Seniors: A Roadmap to an Age-Inclusive Canada”. There is broad agreement that a federal seniors advocate would be a cost-effective small move that would have a large impact.