When asked about whether there is a need to develop and implement a “national seniors strategy”, 53 of the 58 witnesses agreed.[332] Numerous witnesses stressed that the situation requires a comprehensive and integrated approach.[333] In particular Wanda Morris of CARP noted that, “The issues are complex, they are interrelated, and we've seen where we get by taking ad hoc pieces and trying to address them.”[334]

Laurent Marcoux of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) explained that a national strategy would lead the way by establishing a vision for quality of life, health care inclusion, income security and accessible environments in which Canadians can thrive as they age.[335] The CMA indicated that the strategy must address the need to support vulnerable seniors today while preparing for the diverse and growing aging population of tomorrow.[336] According to another witness, the objective of such a strategy would be to ensure that all Canadians age with dignity.[337]

What follows is a brief overview of the main elements of a national seniors strategy as described by various witnesses and organizations, grouped according to the different federal government roles: convenor, coordinator as well as legislator and policy maker.

A. Convening role

Several witnesses emphasized the federal responsibility to lead important public policy discussions, using its resources and convening power to bring together different levels of government and stakeholder groups to provide tangible, real-life solutions.[338] It is noted that the federal, provincial and territorial officials responsible for seniors’ issues meet during the year to share information and discuss issues. The most recent Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum was held on 14 September 2017 in St. John’s Newfoundland. The meeting was co-chaired by the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos and the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development for Newfoundland and Labrador. In the recent past, the Seniors Forum was co-chaired by a federal Minister for Seniors.[339] Jean-Guy Soulière, president of the National Association of Federal Retirees and a former chair of the National Seniors Council, supported having regular meetings between the federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for seniors issues, noting that provincial and territorial input is absolutely essential.[340] Mr. Soulière also supported re-establishing a minister specifically responsible for seniors.[341]

In addition, the Committee heard testimony about the gaps between policy knowledge as it relates to aging and concerted action.[342] In its role as convenor, the federal government could address these gaps by establishing advisory committees with action plans that not only incorporate a shared vision, but also establish a shared framework for policy development and implementation.[343] Requirements to report on results would also contribute to successful implementation.[344]

1. Research and data collection

Testimony called for continued vigilance with respect to supporting research into gerontology and geriatrics as well as data collection.[345] Several witnesses referenced the World Health Organization’s World report on aging and health, that calls for focussed research and standardized metrics for healthy aging. Healthy aging metric requires that data be collected through vital statistics, administrative data from health and social care services and population surveys.[346] The Canadian Association for Long-Term Care called for improved and standardized data collection related to long-term care.[347] The Committee also received a written submission from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Institute of Aging explaining its role in promoting research related to aging in place, healthy and productive work and improving health and wellness.[348]

Bonnie-Jeanne MacDonald, an actuary and fellow with the Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University, stressed the need for good statistical modelling that allows researchers to test new policy designs and create forecasts using different sets of assumptions. Ms. MacDonald highlighted the LifePathsPlus model that was developed by Statistics Canada but is no longer supported by the agency as a valuable resource for this type of modelling.[349]

2. Sharing information and promoting partnerships

Numerous witnesses spoke of the federal role to foster collaboration across the country and disseminate information about promising and innovative practices.[350] Ms. Leviten-Reid, associate professor at Cape Breton University, for example, stated:

With respect to the role of the federal government in particular…[p]erhaps it's modelling what partnerships look like and presenting best practices for provincial level or community level organizations.[351]

Witnesses emphasized the importance of sharing stories about the challenges but also the joys of ensuring that seniors care needs are met. They shared with the Committee stories of innovative and sensible programs. For example, they spoke about how paramedic and ambulance teams are conducting wellness visits and in turn flag any emerging concerns that are affecting seniors within a community.[352] It was also noted that the Veterans Independence Program (described in Chapter 4 in more detail) that support veterans is very effective and that this model could be replicated to non-veteran populations.[353]

Testimony also stressed that Canadians need to be more aware of what exists in other countries, as Canada is not alone in facing the challenges and opportunities of an aging population. It was proposed that this information could be brought together under some coordinated umbrella or through federal leadership in order to inform all levels of government.[354]

B. Coordinating role

There was general consensus that the different levels of government needed to be on the same wavelength on a range of issues and services and that the federal government could be doing more to make this happen.[355]

There's duplication of work, programs, and costs.… The key element, which we've not achieved in Canada in many instances, is to have the provinces and territories and the federal government working together.[356]

The Committee heard of several ways a national coordinated approach to the development and delivery of programs and services for seniors could help improve the overall quality of life of seniors in Canada.[357]

With respect to the range of health care services, the Committee heard how better coordination could ensure that seniors have access to health care providers trained in providing primary care, home care, palliative care, as well as the necessary community supports that allow for seamless transitions between these different types and levels of care.[358] It was noted that for a home-based shared care model to function well, it must be coordinated, comprehensive and effectively administered.[359]

The Committee also heard that the federal government needs to play an important coordination role to address the need for affordable and accessible housing. Effective design and implementation of housing policy requires multiple levels of government as well as numerous stakeholders to work together.[360] This requires a shared vision as well as good information about community needs and appropriate housing solutions. It also requires that the different stakeholders know and understand each other’s roles, incentives and competencies.[361] Witnesses noted and supported CMHC’s investments in housing and renovation as well as its role in financing and research, but stressed that its role in providing coordination should not be overlooked.[362]

C. Legislative and policy role

Testimony also identified the importance of the federal government’s role to provide leadership in modernizing and reviewing legislation through a “seniors lens”.[363] For example, the Canada Labour Code is vital to ensuring decent working conditions and that older workers receive the accommodations and health and safety protections to which they are entitled.[364] The Code also needs to be continuously reviewed and modernized to ensure that workers in federal workplaces with caregiving responsibilities are supported and remain active and productive in the workforce.[365]

Several witnesses also spoke about how pan-Canadian standards for home health services could be useful in supporting seniors to remain independent and age in their own homes.[366] The Seniors Advocate of British Columbia noted that home care supports for activities of independent living are very different across provinces. She told the Committee that if the goal is to support seniors to live independently, having some kind of standard “entitlement” or “expectation” is one way to deal with provincial variation and provide the equal opportunities for independent living.[367] Other testimony noted that pan-Canadian standards related to home care support and the certification of home care providers may help to attract the type of trained workers that are desperately needed to the labour force .[368]

With respect to built environments, the Committee heard that pan-Canadian standards relating to accessibility would support seniors in their homes for longer, and that the federal government plays an important leadership role.

The building code is a complex issue … but in reality, the provinces adopt the Canadian national building code. They do modify it in a couple of instances, but they adopt the standards almost carte blanche across the way.[369]

Finally, the Committee heard that it was important to differentiate between standards and regulation: standards are an important first step, but should not require more documentation and filling out forms.[370]