Browse Ageing Policies

The "Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care - Recommendations on Screening for Primary Prevention of Fragility Fractures" was published by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care in 2023. Funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada and implemented at the national level, this initiative targets community-dwelling adults aged 40 and older, particularly females aged 65 and above. It aims to reduce the incidence of fragility fractures among older persons, a significant health concern that can lead to disability, hospitalization, long-term care admission, and diminished quality of life. Key measures include risk assessment-first (FRAX) screening for females aged 65 years and older to estimate fracture risk as a preventive measure. The guideline further recommends Bone Mineral Density (BMD) testing only for females aged 65 and above who are aware of their fracture risk and express interest in preventive treatment. Notably, the Canadian Task Force guidelines are independent of the Government of Canada and are not formally endorsed.

The "National Public Education Campaign on Dementia Stigma Reduction and Dementia Risk Reduction" was implemented in 2021 by the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Dementia Policy Unit and Health Canada’s Communications and Public Affairs Branch. Implemented at the national level, this campaign targets older persons aged above 40, particularly women and those with chronic health conditions, as well as service providers aged above 18, at-risk adults aged above 25, individuals engaging in unhealthy behaviours, and adults aged above 35 with a focus on women and ethnic minority groups. It aims to reduce stigma related to dementia, raise awareness of dementia, increase knowledge of risk factors, and promote healthy lifestyle behaviours to lower dementia risk. Key measures included multi-media advertising and marketing, media tours with spokespeople, and a social media influencer campaign. Survey results demonstrated positive impacts: 76% of participants felt the ads reduced negative perceptions of those with dementia, 68% felt the ads effectively conveyed ways to support people with dementia, and 63% found new information in the campaign. For risk reduction messaging, 86% of participants recognized dementia risk as an important topic, 80% felt informed about risk reduction strategies, and 40% reported increased personal consideration of dementia risks.

The "Enhancing the Age-Friendly World Web Platform and Global Database of Age-Friendly Practices" project was initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2024, with support from a grant by the Public Health Agency of Canada. Implemented at the international level, this initiative targets global communities working to support healthy ageing. It aims to expand the Age-Friendly Communities (AFC) model worldwide by modernizing the Age-friendly World web platform and broadening access to resources that promote healthy, active living for older persons. Key measures include the modernization of the Age-friendly World platform and the Global Database of Age-Friendly Practices, along with the creation of Knowledge and Action Hubs. These hubs will increase access to evidence-based tools and guidance to inform local, evidence-based actions and reduce inequities in access to age-friendly resources. In the longer term, the project seeks to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange across communities worldwide and increase the global uptake of the AFC model, leading to improved health outcomes and quality of life for older persons in communities implementing the model. The project is expected to be completed in 2027.

The "Knowledge and Action – Building Capacity on Age-Friendly Environments" project was initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2023 and is supported by a grant from the Public Health Agency of Canada. Implemented at the international level, this project aims to support the global uptake of the Age-Friendly Communities (AFC) model by improving access to capacity-building resources, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Key measures include adapting the existing MENTOR-AFE distance mentoring program into additional languages, formats, and geographic contexts, including the Americas, Africa, and Central and Eastern Europe. Additionally, the project will develop an introductory online course on age-friendly environments to make resources and successful experiences accessible to jurisdictions less advanced in AFC implementation. The immediate outcome will be improved availability and access to high-quality online and in-person mentoring and learning opportunities on age-friendly communities and environments (AFE) for both English and non-English speakers. Over the longer term, the project aims to increase the global uptake of the AFC model, resulting in positive health impacts and enhanced quality of life for older persons in communities implementing the model. The project is scheduled for completion in 2025.

The "Public Opinion Research on Canadians' Perspectives on Healthy Aging at the Start of the Decade of Healthy Ageing 2021-2030" was introduced in 2023 by the Public Health Agency of Canada as part of Canada’s contribution to the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030). Implemented at the national level and led by the Public Health Agency, this research targets Canadians aged 50 and older. It aims to understand the enablers and barriers that impact quality of life in older age. Key measures include conducting public opinion research to gather baseline data on Canadians’ views regarding healthy ageing, which will guide Canada’s efforts to enhance the well-being of older Canadians throughout the Decade and beyond. Findings show that older Canadians generally hold a positive outlook on ageing, though perspectives vary across diverse sub-groups, including gender, socio-economic status, geographic location, racialized groups, newcomers, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals.

The "Working Together to Improve Health Care in Canada: Aging with Dignity Bilateral Agreements" was introduced by the Government of Canada in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments in 2023-24. Implemented at the national level and led by the Minister of Health, this initiative targets older persons across Canada and aims to enhance the quality, accessibility, and dignity of home and long-term care services. Key measures include $3 billion over five years to improve the availability and quality of long-term care, ensuring that national standards are applied and permanent improvements are made. Additionally, $2.4 billion over four years is dedicated to expanding home care services, allowing individuals to age at home as long as possible, in line with the Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities. To support these services, $1.7 billion over five years is allocated to improve working conditions and wages for personal support workers, who play a critical role in home and long-term care. These priorities are supported by federal investments totaling $200 billion over ten years through the "Working Together to Improve Health Care for Canadians Plan" announced in February 2023, with funding adjustments planned in 2024-25 to further strengthen support workers’ conditions.

The "Safe Long-Term Care Act" is being developed by the Government of Canada, led by the Minister of Health and the Minister of Seniors, with a planned introduction in 2024-25. Implemented at the national level and informed by extensive consultations and engagements during summer and fall 2023, the Act targets long-term care recipients across Canada, with particular focus on the needs of older persons. It aims to enhance the safety and quality of long-term care while respecting provincial and territorial jurisdiction. Key measures include consultations with experts, stakeholders, individuals with lived experience, provinces, and territories to shape the Act’s provisions. Additionally, the government has collaborated with First Nations and Inuit partners and conducted a public online consultation on safe long-term care, gathering diverse feedback to inform the Act. The feedback received from these consultations has been wide-ranging and very informative. The legislation will respect provincial and territorial jurisdiction; it will not mandate standards or regulate long-term care delivery.

The "Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)" was introduced by the Government of Canada in 2023 as a national initiative to improve access to dental and oral health care for uninsured Canadians with annual family incomes under $90,000, with no required co-pay for families earning below $70,000. Implemented at the national level and led by the federal government, this plan targets vulnerable populations, including older persons, especially those in remote communities or requiring specialized care. Key measures include the Oral Health Access Fund, which provides targeted investments to address oral health gaps among underserved populations and reduce barriers to care in rural and remote areas. For older persons, the plan covers essential services such as preventive (cleaning), diagnostic (exams, x-rays), restorative (fillings), endodontic (root canals), periodontal care, and dentures, including repairs. Many older individuals are now receiving dentures for the first time. As of August 2024, over 2,228,000 older persons have enrolled, representing over 60% of Canada’s eligible older population. It is anticipated that the CDCP will lead to better health outcomes for all beneficiaries, including older persons, with fewer visits to the emergency room and reduced pressure on the health care system.

The "Bill C-64, An Act Respecting Pharmacare (Pharmacare Act)" was introduced by the Government of Canada on February 29, 2024 to establish the foundational principles for national universal pharmacare. Implemented at the national level and led by the Minister of Health, this proposed legislation targets all Canadians, aiming to ensure universal, single-payer, first-dollar coverage for key medications, initially focusing on contraception and diabetes medications. Key measures include a commitment to collaborate with provinces and territories to provide comprehensive coverage and the establishment of a fund supporting access to diabetic devices and supplies. The Act mandates the Canadian Drug Agency to develop a national formulary and a bulk purchasing strategy for cost-effective drug procurement. It also calls for a pan-Canadian strategy on appropriate prescription drug use. Additionally, the Minister of Health is tasked with forming a committee of experts to make recommendations on the operation and financing of a single-payer pharmacare model. By reducing financial barriers to essential medications, the Act addresses the healthcare needs of older persons, who often face higher medication costs due to age-related health conditions.

The "Improving Affordable Access to Prescription Drugs (IAAPD) Initiative in Prince Edward Island (PEI)" was introduced by the Government of Canada in partnership with the Government of PEI on August 11, 2021. Implemented at the provincial level in PEI, this initiative targets Island residents who experience high prescription costs, particularly uninsured individuals, older persons, and families with significant drug expenses. It aims to enhance access to affordable prescription drugs and contribute to the groundwork for a national universal pharmacare program. Key measures include $35 million in federal funding from 2021-22 to 2025-26, which supports the addition of new drugs to PEI’s formulary and lowers out-of-pocket costs for medications covered under provincial plans. Effective June 1, 2023, PEI reduced copays to $5 for nearly 60% of regularly used medications and expanded access to its High-Cost Drug Program. Additionally, as of July 1, 2023, the Catastrophic Drug Program was adjusted to lower the annual out-of-pocket cap on eligible medication costs for households. This partnership between the Government of Canada and PEI continues to improve affordability and access to prescription drugs for those who experience the most vulnerability, including uninsured Island residents, older persons, and families with high drug costs.

The "National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence" was introduced in 2022 by Women and Gender Equality Canada in partnership with provincial and territorial governments to coordinate investments across Canada aimed at addressing gender-based violence. Implemented at the national level and guided by these coordinated efforts, this action plan targets victims, survivors, and their families across Canada, regardless of location. It aims to create a Canada free of gender-based violence. The action plan comprises five pillars and a foundational framework: support for survivors and their families; prevention; a responsive justice system; Indigenous-led approaches; social infrastructure and enabling environments; along with a foundation for cross-sector coordination, research, data collection, knowledge mobilization, reporting, and monitoring. Each province and territory has established bilateral agreements with Women and Gender Equality Canada, allowing flexibility to address local priorities and challenges. Recognizing that older women and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals are particularly vulnerable to gender-based violence, the plan includes targeted investments in housing, shelters, and transitional homes to provide safe options. Notably, all three territories have increased funding for shelters and transitional homes through the National Action Plan, while several provinces have enhanced shelter capacity to support individuals seeking safe refuge.

The "Long-Term and Continuing Care Framework" was initiated in 2023 by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), following a commitment in the 2021 mandate letter of the Minister of Indigenous Services. Implemented at the national level and led by ISC, this framework targets Indigenous populations, particularly those in need of long-term care, aiming to ensure Indigenous people have equitable access to high-quality, culturally safe long-term care services in or near their communities and to strengthen First Nations and Inuit control and autonomy over these services. Key measures include ISC’s funding of two existing LTCC-like programs: the Assisted Living (AL) program, which provides non-medical and social support services for older persons, adults with chronic illness, and those with disabilities on reserves or in Yukon, and the First Nations and Inuit Home and Community Care (FNIHCC) program, which funds medical in-home and community care for First Nations people on reserves and Inuit people north of the 60th parallel. ISC also initiated community engagements across First Nations and Inuit communities, collecting insights from stakeholders of the AL and FNIHCC programs. In May 2023, the Ontario Native Welfare Administrators’ Association (ONWAA) released the final First Nation’s engagement report, “National Community Engagement in First Nation Long-Term and Continuing Care (LTCC)”.

The "Promoting Wellness and Independence Older Persons in Custody - A Policy Framework" was introduced in 2018 by Correctional Service Canada (CSC) to address the unique needs of older persons in federal custody. Implemented at the national level and guided by CSC, this policy framework targets the ageing prison population, which is growing due to population ageing, late-life sentencing, and longer sentences. It aims to promote wellness and independence for older persons in custody by building on existing programs and services. Key measures include a holistic, person-centred approach that is age, gender, and culturally appropriate. This framework emphasizes health and well-being, tailored programming, suitable living accommodations, and community engagement. Developed in consultation with experts in geriatrics, gerontology, law, Indigenous health, and correctional health, the framework is informed by both domestic and international research. Ongoing discussions with stakeholders in gerontology, correctional health, ethics, and community contribute to this framework, which is intended as a living document that evolves with emerging data and needs.

The "RCMP Seniors Guidebook to Safety and Security" was introduced in 2022 by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) as a public resource to support older persons and those around them in addressing common safety and security concerns. While not a policy, this guidebook is available nationally and is intended for older persons, their family members, caregivers, friends, and any others who may benefit from understanding issues related to safety and security. It aims to provide accessible information that encourages discussions about safety, helps recognize potential crime situations, and outlines ways to reduce or remove associated risks. Key measures include guidance on recognizing crime risks specific to older persons and strategies to mitigate these risks, encouraging proactive safety discussions. The guidebook was updated on September 28, 2022, to include information related to the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting recent developments and emerging safety concerns. This resource serves as a preventive tool to enhance community awareness and support safe, independent living for older Canadians by empowering individuals and their networks with essential safety information.

The "Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit" was introduced by the Department of Finance Canada in Budget 2022 and implemented by the Canada Revenue Agency. This policy, effective from January 1, 2023, operates at the national level and targets adults with disabilities who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit (18 years and older) and individuals aged 65 and over. It aims to support multigenerational living by providing financial assistance for home renovations that establish a secondary dwelling unit for eligible persons to live with a qualifying relation. Key measures include a refundable 15% tax credit on up to $50,000 of eligible renovation expenses, which can be claimed once per eligible person over their lifetime. Eligible renovations must be made to the principal residence of the qualifying individual and can be claimed by the eligible person, their spouse or common-law partner, and a qualifying relation who owns the dwelling. Qualifying relations include family members such as parents, grandparents, children, siblings, aunts, uncles, nephews, and nieces. Although data is not yet available due to the measure’s recent implementation, it is projected to cost approximately $25 million CAD for the 2023 tax year.

The "Home Accessibility Tax Credit" was introduced in 2015 by the Department of Finance Canada. Implemented at the national level by the Canada Revenue Agency, this policy targets persons with disabilities who are eligible for the Disability Tax Credit and adults aged 65 and older, aiming to support home modifications that improve accessibility and safety. The tax credit provides a non-refundable 15% credit on up to $20,000 of eligible renovation or alteration expenses per calendar year, allowing qualifying individuals and their eligible family members to claim these expenses on their tax return. Eligible expenses include home renovations or alterations that help qualifying individuals access their home, increase mobility and functionality within it, or reduce the risk of harm within or around the dwelling. The eligible dwelling must be the principal residence of the qualifying individual and can be owned by the individual, their spouse or common-law partner, or an eligible family member. In 2020, approximately 32,000 individuals claimed this credit, with a total program cost of roughly $15 million CAD, helping to enable ageing in place and enhance the quality of life for qualifying Canadians.

The "Age Well at Home (AWAH)" initiative was introduced in2021 by the Government of Canada in 202 as a $90 million federal grants and contributions program aimed at helping older Canadians to age in place, scheduled to run until 2025-26. Implemented at the national level and led by Employment and Social Development Canada, this initiative targets low-income and vulnerable older persons. It aims to provide practical in-home supports and expand successful ageing-in-place programs to improve quality of life for those wishing to remain at home. Key measures include two streams of activity: the In-Home Practical Supports Pilot Projects stream and the Scaling Up for Seniors stream. Under the In-Home Practical Supports Pilot Projects stream, eligible organizations deliver volunteer-based support services such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, transportation, and assistance with navigating local services to vulnerable older persons. Meanwhile, the Scaling Up for Seniors stream allows organizations to expand regional and national projects that have shown success in helping older persons to age at home, fostering innovation and identifying effective new approaches.

The "Mistreatment of Older Persons: Federal Policy Definition - Explanatory Document" was introduced by the Government of Canada on October 11, 2023. Implemented at the national level and prepared by Employment and Social Development Canada, this policy targets older persons, aiming to raise awareness of their mistreatment and to establish a common understanding for informing government programs and policies. The federal policy definition is not a legal definition; rather, it serves as a tool for cultural change and public awareness to support the prevention of mistreatment and guide related federal efforts. The explanatory document outlines various components of the definition, detailing types and forms of mistreatment, their significance, and the nuances associated with their inclusion. This document was authored by Marie Beaulieu, Ph.D., and Kevin St-Martin, M.S.S./M.S.W., and is intended to enhance understanding and support initiatives aimed at countering the mistreatment of older persons in Canada.

The "Supporting Canadians Aging at Home: Ensuring Quality of Life as We Age" report was developed in 2024 by the National Seniors Council (NSC) in Canada. Implemented at the national level and guided by the NSC, this initiative targets older persons, aiming to examine measures that could further support Canadians to age at home or in their community. As part of this examination, the NSC reviewed literature, examined existing measures, conducted engagement activities, and gathered evidence on gaps and areas of greatest needs. The outcome is a report containing 20 recommendations and advice for the federal government. These recommendations align with the five domains of the Quality of Life Framework for Canada—Prosperity, Health, Society, Environment, and Good Governance—and the NSC’s four priority policy pillars: Affordability, Accessibility, Availability, and Accountability (4As). The findings and recommendations provide insights into measures that can support aging at home in Canada while improving or maintaining quality of life as people age. The NSC’s work was supported by officials from Employment and Social Development Canada, Health Canada, and the Public Health Agency of Canada, ensuring a coordinated approach to address the needs of Canada’s ageing population.

The Government of Canada allocated $6.4 million in funding over two years (2020–2021) to Healthcare Excellence Canada to expand its LTC+ initiative. The primary objective of this initiative is to enhance pandemic preparedness in over 1500 long-term care facilities and seniors' residences across Canada. It achieves this by providing coaching and seed funding to address gaps in infection prevention and control measures. The initiative is facilitated by Healthcare Excellence Canada, with support and funding from the Government of Canada. The initiative targets over 1500 long-term care facilities and seniors' residences nationwide. Its beneficiaries include residents, staff, and administrators of these facilities who require support in enhancing their pandemic preparedness and infection prevention and control measures. The LTC+ initiative provides coaching and seed funding to support long-term care facilities and seniors' residences in improving their infection prevention and control practices. Through tailored coaching and financial assistance, the initiative aims to address specific gaps identified in pandemic preparedness.