Seniors are not just increasing in number; they are becoming an immensely influential political force.
This article was originally published on Dec. 23, 2024, by the Ottawa Citizen.
The year 2025 will be pivotal for seniors.
Like many other countries, Canada is at a crossroads when it comes to our aging population. The challenges are significant, but so are the opportunities. This isn’t just another policy issue — it’s a transformation that will reshape our priorities as a city and a country at large.
The numbers tell a story. In Ottawa alone, residents 65 and older made up nearly 17 per cent of the city’s population in the last census. Nationwide, there are 7.8 million seniors, according to the most recent Statistics Canada data, a number expected to hit 11 million in the next 20 years.
Seniors are not just increasing in number; they are becoming an immensely influential political force — as they just showed in Ottawa when city council tried to raise bus fares sharply for this population and was forced to retreat. The issues that matter most to them are ones that we should all be taking seriously.
Why? Well first, because they vote. While voter turnout is on the decline in many democracies, Canadian seniors show up on election day as a matter of principle. In the 65-to-74 age group, voter turnout has consistently been around 80 per cent for the last two general elections. That level of engagement means seniors aren’t just participating — they’re driving the conversation and shaping policy.
We’ve seen this influence in action this fall. Take the government’s recent proposal to send $250 cheques to working Canadians. What started as a simple economic measure quickly became a broader conversation about fairness, especially for those on fixed incomes — many of the Canadians who are most in need of financial support during a cost-of-living crisis. The backlash to the proposal was so strong that the legislation has been put on hold — proof of the power of senior advocacy groups and their allies.
Then there’s the pension debate. When the Treasury Board transferred a $1.9 billion surplus from the Public Service Pension Fund — a sum that could jump to $9.3 billion — to federal coffers, seniors were quick to respond. Their swift and vocal opposition showed just how organized and influential they can be, especially when it comes to issues that impact their financial security.
As we navigate these changes, one principle must guide us: “Nothing about us without us.” Seniors need to be at the heart of decision-making and research. Their lived experiences offer insights that no study or statistic can replicate. Policies designed without their input risk being out of touch, while those shaped by their voices can drive real, meaningful change.
It’s also important to remember that aging is a shared experience. If we’re lucky, we’ll all become seniors one day, or we’ll care deeply about someone who is. Creating age-friendly communities, ensuring sustainable pensions and strengthening health-care systems benefits all of us, now and for generations to come.
Beyond policy, this demographic shift offers a unique opportunity to reimagine what it means to age in our communities. Aging isn’t just a challenge to address but a stage of life that can be full of vibrancy, contribution and innovation. Unfortunately, not all Canadians view aging this way .
A recent survey conducted by Ipsos for the Canadian Coalition Against Ageism reveals a significant gap in understanding the implications of ageism: while 54 per cent of Canadians are familiar with the concept, 87 per cent fail to grasp its widespread prevalence. This lack of awareness highlights a critical barrier to fostering a society that embraces aging as an opportunity rather than a limitation. By recognizing the value of older Canadians and including them in all aspects of our national dialogue, we can build a society that not only respects but celebrates aging.
The political takeaway is clear: ignoring seniors and what it means to age isn’t an option. Their growing influence means their concerns will be front and center in the national conversation.
As we approach 2025, we need to think big. This means creating policies that address today’s challenges while setting us up for long-term success. It’s not just about seniors — it’s about building a Canada that works for everyone, now and in the future.
Anthony Pizzino is the CEO of the National Association of Federal Retirees.