Today, Canada received a new federal Minister of Seniors. Newly appointed Minister Kamal Khera, a Registered Nurse by trade and MP for Brampton West, is stepping into this crucial post at a pivotal time for older Canadians. CanAge, Canada’s National Seniors’ Advocacy Organization, looks forward to working closely with Minister Khera to take urgent action on the 3 Top Priorities the advocacy organization laid out during the recent federal election:
- Fix seniors’ care by creating a new Seniors’ Care Transfer.
- Prioritize vaccinations to keep older Canadians healthy.
- Protect older adults’ financial well-being, including protecting pensioners from unfair bankruptcy laws.
“CanAge is delighted to welcome Minister Khera,” says Laura Tamblyn Watts, CEO of CanAge, noting that her “background as a Registered Nurse, community activism and experience in marginalized communities make her a great choice”.
However, Tamblyn Watts is quick to point out that the federal Ministry of Seniors has historically lacked dedicated funding or a true seat at the table in forming public policy, thereby relegating it to a “Ministry in name only, without any real power”.
“The pandemic has spotlighted just how much work the Ministry of Seniors has to do to support and protect older Canadians and caregivers,” she concludes. “This government made significant promises to older voters—whether Minister Khera will have the budget and power she needs to follow through on those promises remains to be seen.”