Leadership in Uncertainty: A Discussion on Human Rights and the Role for the United Nations in Old Age
On May 26, 2026 HelpAge Canada and International Longevity Centre Canada hosted an event Leadership in Uncertainty: A Discussion on Human Rights and the Role for the United Nations in Old Age championed by Senator Margo Greenwood in collaboration with Senators Peter M. Boehm, Bev Busson, Marty Deacon, Peter Harder, Joan Kingston, Jane MacAdam, Iris Petten, and Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia.
The event brought together Senators, Parliamentarians and Civil Society Leaders in the Ageing space to discuss the need for a United Nations Convention on the Rights of Older Persons.
Speakers included the Honourable Bob Rae, the Honorable Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State for Seniors, UN Chief of the Programme on Ageing Section Amal Abou Rafeh, ILCC President Emeritus Margaret Gillis, HelpAge Canada CEO Kahir Lalji and Marta Hajek EAPO/GAROP with a land acknowledgement by Claudette Commanda.
The speakers were acknowledged in the Senate Chambers prior to the event and also in a Senate Speech by Senator Greenwood: https://sencanada.ca/en/content/sen/chamber/451/debates/074db_2026-05-26-e#11
The data is clear and the need is critical:
14,000 older Canadians lost their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
90% of victims during the 2021 BC heat dome were over age 60.
These aren't just statistics; they are a direct call to action. From the housing crisis to systemic ageism, we are failing our most vulnerable.
The convention on the rights of older persons is being drafted at the UN Human Rights Council Geneva as we speak.
Canada must be an active participant in this work. We must reclaim our legacy as human rights leaders.
HelpAge Canada and the International Longevity Centre for Canada and all our partners are committed to advancing human rights for all, regardless of age. We offer a huge thank you to all our speakers and the Senators who made this pivotal event such a success.
