No Minister, No Voice: The Quiet Erasure of Seniors in Canadian Politics

Something concerning has happened recently in Canadian politics. The new government has quietly removed—or "demoted"—the position responsible for seniors to Secretary of State. At a time when our senior population is growing faster than ever, the dedicated voice we had in the cabinet has been sidelined.

It’s hard not to feel overlooked. We’ve spent decades contributing to this country, by building families, communities and careers, and launching businesses. We volunteer; we consistently show up to vote; we care for our grandchildren, and many of us are still working or supporting others. In fact, more older adults are returning to the workforce—not necessarily by choice, but because of rising living costs,or just wanting to stay engaged.

Yet the leadership that should be advocating for our needs—from healthcare access and affordable housing to retirement security and fighting ageism—has been weakened.

We need representation now more than ever. By 2030, nearly one in four Canadians will be over 65. That’s a powerful community that deserves a dedicated voice in the federal cabinet.

We’re not asking for special treatment. We’re asking for fair attention. A dedicated minister for seniors ensures someone is consistently advocating for the policies and services that directly affect us. Without that voice, there's a risk our needs will get lost in the noise of other priorities.

So, what can we do?

We speak up. We write our Members of Parliament. We talk and listen to our friends and neighbours. And most importantly, we remind the government that seniors are watching, paying attention, and expecting better.

Older people need to be represented by our government.

We’ve earned the right to be heard. Let’s make sure they’re listening.