‘Making International Day of Older Persons Count’: An Open Letter to the Prime Minister

To mark the United Nations’ celebration of the International Day of Older Persons 2006, CARP wrote this open letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper:

Dear Prime Minister,

“Improving the Quality of Life for Older Persons” is the theme of this year’s United Nations’ celebration of the International Day of Older Persons on October 1st. Secretary-General Kofi Annan is calling on all communities to work for policies and programs that will enable older persons to live in an environment that enhances their capabilities, fosters their independence, and provides them with adequate support and care as they age.

CARP endorses this objective. Therefore, we turn to you and your government to make this special day count by setting up the promised Council to work with the Seniors Secretariat towards a senior friendly society. By involving seniors so directly in policy making, Canada “stands to gain from an empowered older generation, with the potential to make tremendous contributions to the development process and to the work of building more productive, peaceful and sustainable societies,” in the words of Mr. Anan.

The establishment of a Council will recognize and nuture the potential that
exists among Canada’s 4 million seniors.

It was a promise, Mr. Prime Minister. It is time to put it into action.

CARP is Canada’s Association for the Fifty-Plus. A non-profit organization
with 400,000 members across the country, its mandate is to promote and protect
the rights and quality of life of older Canadians. It mission is provide practical
recommendations for the issues raised.

Sincerely,

Judy Cutler and Bill Gleberzon

Co- Directors of Government Relations

Cc. Federal Opposition Leaders