A step forward, but not far enough: Canada still needs a minister for older persons

With older adults soon to make up a quarter of our population, Canada needs focused and empowered leadership to prepare for the realities of a super-aged society.

Stephanie McLean, centre with Prime Minister Mark Carney and Governor General Mary Simon, was sworn in as secretary of state for seniors on May 13. That’s a good first step, but there still needs to be a full ministerial portfolio for older persons, write Gabrielle Gallant and Kahir Lalji. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Opinion

BY GABRIELLE GALLANT, KAHIR LALJI

May 19, 2025

Against the odds, Prime Minister Mark Carney has secured a fourth term for the Liberal Party with an ambitious agenda in hand. Among the appointments in his newly appointed cabinet is Stephanie McLean, named secretary of state for seniors. The appointment of McLean—a forme...

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