HelpAge Canada and the International Longevity Centre Canada (ILC Canada) are proud to announce a strategic partnership between our two organizations, effective immediately. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing the well-being and rights of older people by combining community-based action with policy and systems change to drive lasting, meaningful impact.
HelpAge Canada focuses on community-led approaches that enhance the social and economic well-being of older people across Canada and globally. ILC Canada contributes deep expertise in research, policy, and advocacy to promote and protect the human rights of older adults. Together, our organizations are aligning efforts to amplify impact and respond most effectively to ageism, isolation, neglect, and abuse, especially as these issues affect older women, Indigenous and remote communities, and other under-represented and equity-deserving populations in the ageing space.
“By combining ILC Canada’s strengths in research and advocacy, with HelpAge Canada’s expertise in amplifying the work and support of community-based program delivery, we’re better positioned to ensure older adults are heard, respected, supported, and empowered locally and globally,” says Kahir Lalji MA, CPG, CEO, HelpAge Canada, and Vice-President, ILC Canada.
“We are excited to deepen our collaboration with HelpAge Canada. Together, we can drive greater change by aligning the systems that protect rights with the programs that meet daily needs. This partnership advances a shared vision of ageing rooted in dignity, purpose, and inclusion,” says Margaret Gillis, Founding President, ILC Canada, and Co-President, ILC Global Alliance.
While each organization will continue to operate independently, this partnership opens the door for more coordinated strategic planning, shared initiatives and resources, and joint leadership.
To date, ILC Canada and HelpAge Canada have been working together to advocate, engage, and co-host events to enhance the inclusion of older persons in the international system. This includes being active at the United Nations advocating for older persons with a focus on the creation of a UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons. This partnership helps to formalize and enhance this work.
