Be the trusted voice
A better future, together
Our voice is clear and impactful to effect social change.
We are lifelong learners and game-changing advocates. We sustain strong relationships and networks of influence across Canada. We fund research and drive advocacy to advance the interests of seniors and increase their contribution to society at every age.
RTOERO's Canada-wide advocacy and outreach with government officials
Members of RTOERO's Board of Directors and senior staff met with government officials across Canada to share information about RTOERO and discuss critical issues affecting our members and older adults across the country.
In these meetings, we made connections with government ministers, legislative assistants and senior staff from the following ministries across Canada:
- Nunavut – education, seniors
- Saskatchewan – health
- Manitoba – health, seniors and long-term care
- Ontario – seniors and accessibility, long-term care
- New Brunswick – seniors and healthy aging, social development
- Newfoundland and Labrador – health
RTOERO promotes the power of 'one voice' during 2024 provincial elections
In 2024, RTOERO used its digital platform to encourage voters to speak with one voice on issues of dignity and survival during four provincial elections (British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan). RTOERO continues to share a strong message to support the three key advocacy issues:
- the need for all levels of government to have a comprehensive seniors strategy
- healthcare for older adults
- environmental stewardship
Our advocacy campaigns during election periods helps to drive home to political candidates the importance of compassionate leadership and real action.
Future focus
Where we’ll be in 2025:
70% of stakeholders view RTOERO as a national authority on retirement and seniors issues.
Our key advocacy issues
Geriatric health care
Canada’s population is aging. In 2012, almost one in seven Canadians was a senior. Now the number is more than one in six. By 2030, that will jump to nearly one in four. Our health care system needs to re-think how to address the rising needs of this huge demographic.
Seniors strategy
Older Canadians are the fastest-growing segment of our population, but gaps in health care and social policies are creating barriers to seniors’ independence and inclusion. A coordinated seniors strategy at every level of government, with dedicated funding and accountable goals, will ensure we meet the evolving needs of seniors.
Environmental stewardship
Responsible use of resources, conservation, protecting our air, land and water — improving in all areas is critical to a sustainable future. In the face of irrefutable evidence, some powerful people and industry leaders dismiss and confound the situation. Yet there is reason to celebrate. We can make a difference and motivate others to make a difference.
Future of Aging Summit 2024
With nearly 25 per cent of Canadians becoming seniors by 2030 and a global demographic shift towards an aging population, the need for innovative solutions to improve later life is critical. As the trusted voice on healthy, active aging, RTOERO addressed this need by bringing together global leaders to discuss, share and create strategies to improve later life. 2024 was the inaugural edition of the Future of Aging Summit, which took place from May 15 to 17 in Toronto.
The Future of Aging Summit brought together experts and thinkers from various sectors, but all with a common focus: improving later life.
The summit in numbers
- 14 countries represented
- 13 speakers on the program
- 10 presenters and panellists
- 175 in-person registrants
- 392 virtual seats filled
Three keynote speakers
- Ritu Sadana
- DY Suharya
- Tomson Highway
Event goals
Empower to learn
Attendees understood global trends, gained promising practices from around the world and learned in a supportive, solutions-focused environment.
Nurture relationships
The network of interested stakeholders related to RTOERO’s priorities remain connected following the event with a shared commitment to carry learning forward.