SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — Aging and Human Rights

Honourable senators, I begin by recognizing the traditional and unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin peoples and expressing my gratitude for the opportunity to work on their land.

Today, I invite my honourable colleagues to join an event I am co-hosting with seven other senators entitled “Leadership in Uncertainty: A Discussion on Human Rights and the Role of the United Nations in Old Age.” I think this topic may be of great interest to many of us in this room, not to say that we’re old.

Previously, I have urged the government to support the proposed Convention on the Rights of Older Persons currently being drafted by the United Nations Human Rights Council. This convention aims to advance the rights of older persons locally — in the hearts of our communities — in our country and globally.

At this event, we will explore the topic of human rights in later life. It is a fitting occasion to honour the speakers and contributors who have dedicated themselves to this important cause.

Our keynote speaker is the Honourable Bob Rae. He is renowned for his service as Canada’s former ambassador to the United Nations, former interim leader of the Liberal Party and the twenty-first premier of Ontario. Bob Rae has consistently championed human rights, including his work as Special Envoy to Myanmar during the Rohingya refugee crisis and as Canada’s former special envoy on humanitarian and refugee issues. His lifelong commitment to human rights is widely recognized.

As ambassador, Bob Rae earned the respect of organizations focused on aging for his advocacy of the rights of older persons and the proposed convention.

I also wish to acknowledge the other distinguished speakers: Margaret Gillis, founder and President Emeritus of the International Longevity Centre Canada, has a long and distinguished career in the field of aging. I am not saying you are old either, Margaret.

Kahir Lalji, social gerontologist and CEO of HelpAge Canada, has worked tirelessly to advance older persons’ rights at the UN and in Canada. Marta Hajek is the CEO of Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario, an organization that supports older persons and combats ageism and elder abuse. Lastly, I want to recognize Amal Abou Rafeh, who heads the United Nations Programme on Ageing, coordinating efforts across 32 UN entities worldwide.

I look forward to seeing you at our event today, colleagues. Thank you. Hiy hiy.