Friends and colleagues,

This issue kicks off with a commentary on an alternative fate for one of Canada’s key institutions, Canada Post. The embattled crown corporation is losing $10 million per day and the Government of Canada has responded with some “tough choices” that will impact service and fundamentally change the operations of the Post. 

But what if this wasn’t only a story of cost savings and decline? What if Canada Post could be reimagined as an organization that is leveraged to contribute to strengthened social connections and supports older adults, better enabling them to age in their own homes and communities?

A couple of years ago, in anticipation of this crisis, we investigated exactly that. There are some truly inspiring models from around the world that are worth considering here in Canada. 

Don’t let a good crisis go to waste, as they say. 

Also in this issue:

• An upcoming Webinar on Vaccines for Older Canadians, hosted in recognition of World Pneumonia Day.

• A commentary in Canadian Affairs on how the clawback timing should be changed to stop discouraging older adults from working and volunteering after age 65 

• Highlights from our 2025 Health Partnership Summit in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Many thanks,

Mark Hazelden
Executive Director (Interim)
National Institute on Ageing

Reimagining Canada Post: Leveraging this National Asset to Better Strengthen Social Connection and Support Ageing in the Right Place

As policymakers debate the future of Canada Post, one crucial perspective risks being overlooked: its potential to strengthen social connections and better support older adults to age in the right place.

For many Canadians, especially those living alone or in rural and remote areas, the postal service is more than a mail and parcel delivery network. It is a trusted presence in the community or a source of regular human connection that links people to one another and to essential services.

Upcoming Webinar: Vaccines for Older Canadians

As colder weather sets in, staying protected against vaccine-preventable illnesses is one of the best ways to support healthy, independent living.

In recognition of World Pneumonia Day and the upcoming 2025–26 cold and flu season, this session will explore:

• The most important vaccines for older adults include influenza, RSV, COVID-19 and pneumococcal disease.

• How vaccine access and coverage differ across provinces and territories.

• Practical advice to stay protected and healthy this winter.

Op-Ed: Good Policy Shouldn’t Retire at 65

In May 2025, Ontario did something sensible. It announced that the new Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) would not be clawed back from Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) payments. Most provinces followed suit. Only Alberta did not.

For once, new money really is new money. People on ODSP who qualify for the CDB actually keep both.

This is especially welcome for people with disabilities who keep working or volunteering despite health challenges. For once, their modest wages aren’t punished. Imagine: getting paid a little and actually keeping it.

But here’s the problem: all this progress retires at 65 — whether someone retires or not.

Thank You for an Inspiring 2025 Health Partnership Summit

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us in Niagara-on-the-Lake for this year’s Health Partnership Summit: Solving Canada’s Longstanding Primary Care Challenges Together.

This year’s Summit brought together senior executives, thought leaders, practitioners and policymakers from across Canada and beyond — leaders whose expertise, vision and collaboration are helping shape the future of our health system. Over three days, participants worked side by side to explore practical solutions to some of Canada’s most pressing primary care challenges, sharing strategies to improve access, equity, innovation and quality of care.

We’re deeply grateful to our generous sponsors, whose support made this important gathering possible: Teladoc Health Canada, Canada Health Infoway, Deloitte, Manulife, PwC, Shoppers Drug Mart and Extendicare.

NIA at the United Nations

Earlier this month, on the International Day of Older Persons, the NIA joined the global community at the United Nations to reaffirm the importance of policies that uphold the dignity, rights and wellbeing of older adults.

As populations around the world continue to age, governments and organizations were called upon to:

• Strengthen international cooperation on significant health challenges, including dementia, arthritis, osteoporosis and cancer.

• Examine the social, political and economic impacts of demographic change to advance equity and sustainability for all generations.

• Recognize and respond to the unique challenges faced by older women through targeted, inclusive interventions.

Ageing is not just a personal journey—it is a shared societal responsibility. Building communities that respect, protect and empower older adults strengthens us all.

Please Join us in Welcoming Alyssa Hodder as our New Senior Researcher with the NIA!

Alyssa is no stranger to the NIA, having previously served as a Fellow. With more than 20 years of experience in pensions and benefits, Alyssa has held senior roles with the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, Eckler Ltd. and Benefits Canada magazine, among others.

Welcome aboard, Alyssa—we’re so excited to have you on the team in this new role!

Sector Events:

• November 3 - 4: Canadian Caregiving Summit

  • Attended by Dr. Samir Sinha, Mark Hazelden and Talia Bronstein

• November 3: Digital Skills Training and Older Adults - A Town Hall Event

  • Attended by Arushan Arulnamby and Suzy Wilcox

• November 27: Home Care Ontario Symposium
  • Mark Hazelden will be speaking about the Ageing in Canada Survey

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TMU National Institute on Ageing Fund

Help create a Canada where older adults feel valued, included, supported and better prepared to age with confidence by making a charitable gift to the TMU National Institute on Ageing Fund today. Gifts to the TMU National Institute on Ageing Fund make a tangible impact on the future of ageing in Canada. You choose the amount. You make the difference. Donate now!