This week we convened community conversations and leadership meetings to advance and amplify the impact of the Community-Based Seniors’ Services (CBSS) sector across Canada, a strategic priority at HelpAge Canada.
Canada-Wide CBSS Exchange
On June 23, 200 members of community organizations and sector allies across Canada joined our CEO Kahir Lalji MA, CPG, for a CBSS Sector Virtual Check-In. Panelists included Karen McDonald and Marta C. Hajek, Co-Chairs of the CBSS Leadership Council, Gabrielle Gallant of National Institute on Ageing, and Bev Buckway, CBSS representative from the Yukon.
Participants discussed current risks and realities facing older adults and the local organizations that support them. Panelists highlighted sector progress, marking one year since the inaugural June 2024 CBSS summit, focusing on strategies and government engagement to drive policy and systems change.
Access the recording here: https://lnkd.in/gsX7FNsX
Shared Vision For Connected, Coordinated CBSS Landscape
On June 17 in Dartmouth, NS, we joined over 75 participants for an in-person consultation focused on shaping the future of ageing and community-based supports for older adults in Nova Scotia. A follow-up virtual session on June 19 gathered local insights across the province.
Discussions explored ways to amplify local leadership and voices, and a shared vision for a connected and coordinated CBSS landscape across the province.
Our partner was Aging Well Nova Scotia led by Shirley Ann Burdock, whose commitment to healthy ageing and inclusive community design continues to inspire. Gabrielle Gallant, Natalie Iciaszczyk, and Liz McGuire, PMP, presented regional findings from NIA’s Survey on Ageing, and HelpAge Canada participants included Felicity Watson, Lead, Canadian Programs, and Kahir Lalji, CEO.
Since spring, we’ve convened consultations in the Yukon, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and now Nova Scotia.
Regional Leadership & Board of Directors Engagement
While in Atlantic Canada, Kahir also met with community and government leaders in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island – to listen, learn, and elevate local priorities and build momentum around community-led supports for older adults. Then, HelpAge Canada Board of Directors convened in Ottawa June 21-22, to reinforce our alignment and priority to advance and amplify the CBSS sector across Canada.
Collectively, these gatherings reflect HelpAge Canada’s backbone convening role. By supporting locally led solutions and connecting them across the country, together we can build a more cohesive, equitable system of Canada-wide support for older adults. Please join us!
