Dear friends,

As summer begins to wind down, our work at the NIA remains in full swing—driven by our mission to ensure that all Canadians can age with health, dignity and financial security. This month’s edition of our newsletter brings together important policy updates, new research and sector news that reflect both the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Here’s what you’ll find inside:

• Remembering Two Titans - Marking the passing of Bob Baldwin and Susan Eng.

• Policy Priorities for Budget 2025 – Our six key recommendations, from strengthening financial security to ensuring universal access to vaccines for older adults.

• Team Updates – Welcoming three new staff members and a new Associate Fellow. 

• Pension Centre of Excellence – The PCE continues to grow as it welcomes Vestcor and Retraite Québec as its newest members. 

• Upcoming Webinar September 25 – Join Dr. Samir Sinha and expert panel Dr. Jane Rylett, Claire Webster and Adam Morrison as we launch Addressing Dementia in Canada: Raising Awareness, Challenging Stigma and Reducing Risk—the first in our new three-part series advancing dementia policy, practice and research nationwide. 

Stay tuned in late September for the launch of our new dementia awareness campaign.  

Warm regards,

Mark Hazelden
Executive Director (Interim)
National Institute on Ageing

Remembering Bob Baldwin and Susan Eng

We were deeply saddened by the recent passing of two remarkable leaders whose vision, expertise and advocacy have shaped the lives of older Canadians for generations.

Bob Baldwin was a pioneering force in pension policy and retirement security. Earlier this year, he received the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award from the NIA’s Pension Centre of Excellence, recognizing his decades-long dedication to strengthening Canada’s retirement income system.

His insight and leadership ensured that countless Canadians could look forward to retiring with dignity and stability.

Susan Eng, one of our original Senior Fellows, was a tireless champion for older adults and a trailblazer for equity and justice. She led CARP’s advocacy arm for eight years, advancing reforms in pensions, age discrimination, home care and elder poverty. As the first Chinese Canadian to chair the Toronto Police Services Board, she championed accountability, anti-racism and reform. Born in Toronto as the daughter of a Head Taxpayer, Susan saw firsthand the impact of discriminatory government policies on minority groups. Her work in co-founding the Chinese Canadian National Council for Social Justice helped secure redress for the Chinese Head Tax.

Both Bob and Susan’s unwavering commitment to Canadians leaves a profound and lasting legacy. We extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends and colleagues.

Pre-Budget Consultations in Advance of the Upcoming Federal Budget

Last month, the NIA participated in the Standing Committee on Finance's written Consultations in Advance of the 2025 Budget. As Canada’s population ages, there is an urgent need for policies that promote financial security, equitable access to care and the right to age with dignity. The NIA has identified six key priorities to support older adults in Budget 2025:

1. Modernize the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) to include a lump-sum Pension-back Death Benefit to support better claiming decisions.

2. Increase the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) earnings exemption to $10,000 per year and index it to inflation.

3. Ensure universal access to NACI-recommended vaccines for older adults, including COVID-19, influenza, pneumococcal disease, RSV and shingles.

4. Provide comprehensive federal support for the Community-Based Seniors Serving (CBSS) sector to strengthen non-medical supports that enable ageing in place.

5. Fully fund the National Caregiving Strategy, including transforming the Canada Caregiver Credit into a refundable benefit.

6. Combat ageism by supporting a United Nations Convention on the Rights of Older Adults (UNCROP).

These recommendations reflect practical, people-centred solutions to ensure that older Canadians can age with greater health, financial security and respect.

New Webinar: Addressing Dementia in Canada: Raising Awareness, Challenging Stigma and Reducing Our Risk

Dementia is one of Canada’s most pressing public health challenges and more must be done to improve awareness, prevention and support. Join the NIA on September 25, 2025 (12–1 p.m. EST) for the launch of the first report in our new three-part series, Addressing Dementia in Canada.

An expert panel will explore what Canadians know—and don’t know—about dementia, why prevention and risk reduction matter at every age, how stigma shapes experiences and how governments can strengthen strategies nationwide.

It’s Never Too Early—or Too Late—to Protect Your Brain Health

Big news is coming. On September 18^th, the NIA will launch a new public education campaign—supported by the Slaight Family Foundation Dementia Initiative—to share the powerful message that dementia isn’t inevitable.

Stay tuned for practical tips, inspiring stories and expert-backed resources that show how small steps today can protect your memory, thinking and quality of life tomorrow.

Watch for the launch and be part of the movement to change how Canada thinks about dementia.

Welcome Vestcor and Retraite Québec to the Pension Centre of Excellence!

The NIA is pleased to welcome Vestcor and Retraite Québec as the newest members of Canada’s Pension Centre of Excellence (PCE).

Vestcor provides innovative investment management and pension administration services to more than 100,000 New Brunswick public sector employees, retirees and other plan members. With its unique joint governance model and focus on client service, Vestcor brings valuable on-the-ground expertise in delivering sustainable and cost-effective pension solutions.

Retraite Québec plays a central role in supporting the financial security of millions of Quebecers by administering public pension and family benefit programs, including the Québec Pension Plan (QPP). With deep expertise in pension design, policy and administration, Retraite Québec is committed to ensuring a sustainable and equitable retirement income system.

Their membership further strengthens the PCE’s pan-Canadian collaboration and collective mission to advance research, policy innovation and public education on pensions and retirement income security. We are excited to work together in shaping a stronger future for Canadians.

We look forward to welcoming Vestcor and Retraite Québec to the PCE member community at our fall PCE Symposium on December 2^nd in Toronto. 

Welcome to Our New Team Members

We’re excited to welcome three talented professionals to the NIA team this month:

• Dr. Tara Kuhn, Health Policy Researcher – Joining us from the University of Waterloo, where she recently completed her Ph.D. in Kinesiology and Health Sciences, Tara brings over eight years of research funding experience, five years in stakeholder engagement and an extensive portfolio of ageing-focused research projects.

• Dr. Hoda Herati, Health Policy Researcher – Currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at McMaster University, Hoda’s expertise spans equity, ageing and the social determinants of health. She brings a strong track record in qualitative research, program evaluation and multi-site project management.

• Rachel Tenn, Articling Student – A Juris Doctor candidate at Osgoode Hall Law School, Rachel offers experience in intellectual property law, governance, stakeholder engagement and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

We’re thrilled to have Tara, Hoda and Rachel on board and look forward to the expertise, passion and fresh perspectives they will bring to our work.

New Associate Fellow: Dr. Madison Brydges

We’re happy to welcome Dr. Madison Brydges back to the NIA as an Associate Fellow. Madison is a qualitative health studies researcher with a Ph.D. in Health & Society from McMaster University and brings ten years of experience as a paramedic in Ontario. Her research explores the sociology of health and ageing, community health and health care professions. At the National Institute on Ageing, Madison’s work focuses on supporting Canadians to age in place and advancing our understanding of the social determinants of health. Her research aims to inform policies and initiatives that promote healthier, more equitable ageing experiences in communities across Canada. As a former NIA Health Policy Research and now a Home Care Scientist with VHA, Madison is no stranger to our work. 

What the Tech is Going On?

The NIA’s Director of Health Policy Research, Dr. Samir Sinha, was in St. Louis two weeks ago to participate in the 2025 Center for Innovation Conference. Dr. Sinha joined the What the Tech panel alongside Dr. Vipan Nikore, Sarah Thomas and Joe Velderman for a thought-provoking discussion that took the mystery—and the fear—out of emerging technologies in ageing services.

The panel explored how innovations like AI can enhance the quality of care and support truly person-directed living and ageing in the right place. Panelists unpacked both the promise and pitfalls of new technologies, offering a glimpse into what the next five years could hold in the world of innovative eldercare.

On the Ground: A Small House Summit

Following the 2025 Center for Innovation Conference in St. Louis, this summit set the tone for a powerful day of dialogue around one of the most promising innovations in long-term care: the small house model.

Dr. Samir Sinha was invited to bring an international perspective on the value of small care homes.  Presenting the NIA’s 2025 report There's No Place Like Home: Why Canada Must Prioritize Small Care Home Models in its Provision of Long-Term Care he highlighted how smaller, well-staffed care homes that implement universal care provider models of care can improve working conditions, put resident-centered care at the forefront and deliver better quality of life for older adults—reducing loneliness and improving health outcomes. He also emphasized the need for collaboration among policymakers, operators and communities to make this vision a reality across Canada and beyond.

Defy Dementia

Diana De Faveri is a sole caregiver who saw her life turn “upside down, real fast” when her mother was diagnosed with corticobasal syndrome, a rare form of dementia. Dr. Nicole Didyk, Clinical Assistant Professor at McMaster University, is a geriatrician, internist, patient and family education advocate and creator of The Wrinkle — a YouTube channel and website for older adults and their families. Together, they share strategies, insights and the lessons they’ve learned on how to navigate challenging behaviours in the face of dementia. Tune in at defydementia.org, or anywhere you get your podcasts.

Mind the Gap. Closing the Care Divide for Canadians with Dementia.

Released in summer 2025, “Mind the Gap” is a comprehensive study by the Brainwell Institute. It examines the fragmented state of dementia care in Canada, identifies systemic gaps and highlights the urgent need for a coordinated national strategy, better data collection and equitable access to support services. Read more.

From Loneliness to Social Connection: Charting a Path to Healthier Societies

Loneliness and social isolation are growing public health concerns with serious consequences. In this landmark report, the WHO Commission on Social Connection calls for urgent action to strengthen social bonds. It offers practical solutions to improve well-being, reduce preventable deaths and build healthier, more connected societies. Read more.

Transforming Health Care, Social Care and Community Landscapes to Optimize the Mental Health of Older Adults in Canada

A new report from the Mental Health Commission of Canada explores how health care, social supports and community environments shape the mental health of older adults. Based on input from older Canadians, caregivers and providers, the study identifies key challenges, inequalities and strategies to support mental well-being in later life—and calls for collaborative action across sectors. Read more.

Older Adults’ Voices on the Air

Funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program, this podcast is produced and hosted by older adults themselves. With 20 episodes already released—and more on the way—it offers warm, honest conversations about ageing in place, community engagement and the many dimensions of growing older. Give it a listen.

Digital Literacy Training and Older Adults - Working Paper Now Available

This working paper is now available as a PDF on MacSphere. Digital skills training and older adults: A Scoping Review was published as part of the MDTRC (McMaster Digital Transformation Research Centre) Working Paper Series.

Sector Events:

• September 4: PAHO/WHO’s Long-Term Care for Older People: Set of Interventions for Universal Health Coverage (Webinar)

• September 9-11: 2025 ACPM National Conference. Harbouring Strength. Navigating the Future of Retirement Strategy

• September 9-12: IFA’s 17ᵗʰ Global Conference on Ageing, Cape Town, South Africa

• September 10, 2025: Healthy Aging as a Daily Practice (Webinar)

• September 17: Roadmaps to Retirement 2025: Global Lessons and Paths Ahead

• September 25: Addressing Dementia in Canada: Raising Awareness, Challenging Stigma, Reducing Risk

• October 6-9, 2025: 2025 Healthy Aging Alberta Summit

• October 20, 2025: CIMVHR Forum 2025

• October 22-23, 2025: AGE-WELL 10^th Annual Conference

• October 23-25, 2025: Canadian Association on Gerontology (CAG) 2025

• October 27-31: Canadian Patient Safety Week

• November 3-4, 2025: Canadian Caregiving Summit

• January 24, 2026: Forgotten Daughters & Lost Sons. A Caregiver’s Conference. Reclaim your Identity. Reframe Your Journey.

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