Janet Gray has been a member of CARP for many years and when she discovered that the Nation’s Capital did not have a CARP chapter, she started one in January 2009.

Most recently, Janet was mentioned, rightfully so, by the Ontario Legislature as part of International Women’s Day. See here for clip (0:33)

Janet’s background as a financial planner and working with her aging clients (and aging parents) was helpful in gathering wonderful board members and to reach out to the community in Ottawa. Since its inception, CARP Ottawa has had many events- both large and small and also support the efforts of other senior-oriented groups programs.

Janet and the Ottawa board often partner with local like minded older adult groups in order to collaborate and support their event such as the Council on Aging of Ottawa, the Kanata Seniors’ Expo.

In Nov 2014, their AGM and Vendor Expo attracted 400+ members–their biggest event yet. They hosted a panel of experts on aging issues including a lawyer, financial consultant and a physiotherapist.

Janet also leads her team to build partnerships with other stakeholders with a similar vision such as FSNA (federal retirees) to see if there are any mutual advantages to moving forward.

Janet also finished a 3 year term on the Age Friendly Ottawa steering committee which is a unique partnership between the City of Ottawa and the Council on Aging.

As a result of Janet’s leadership over the past 6 years, the CARP Ottawa chapter is gaining recognition among decision makers like politicians, media etc.

Janet you are the member of the month for all of these reasons and more. Thank you,

CARP National