CARP Responds to Elimination of Federal Minister for Seniors

Posted on by Anthony Quinn

Calls for Restoration of Full Cabinet Role for Seniors Advocacy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 2025

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Association of Retired Persons – CARP, offers congratulations to the Honourable Stephanie McLean, newly elected MP for Esquimalt–Saanich–Sooke, on her appointment as Secretary of State (Seniors) in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new government. CARP looks forward to working with her in this new role to advance the needs of older Canadians.

However, CARP expresses deep disappointment with the federal government’s decision to eliminate the standalone Minister for Seniors portfolio — a role for which CARP and its members fought for years, and which was established to ensure that seniors’ issues had a dedicated voice at the cabinet table.

Instead, the Secretary of State for Seniors is a junior role, reporting to the Minister of Jobs and Families, without independent statutory authority, decision-making power, or guaranteed access to Cabinet deliberations. This represents a downgrading of the previous government’s commitment to seniors at a time when Canada is facing an unprecedented demographic shift.

This demotion from the Cabinet table is a shabby reward for overwhelming elder loyalty in the recent election and is an inauspicious start for a ‘new’ government in dealing with the seniors file.
With the names of their newly elected MP still fresh in their minds, CARP members are encourged to contact their Member of Parliament and the PM’s office and ask why seniors issues are no longer important enough to warrant a ministerial portfolio.   https://www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en/search

“There are now over 7.6 million Canadians aged 65 and older. That’s 20% of our population and growing every year,” said Anthony Quinn, CARP Chief Operating Officer. “Reducing the role of seniors’ representation in government is not just disappointing — it’s a step backward when leadership on aging is needed most.”

CARP members have made their priorities clear: better access to home and community care, protection of retirement income like Old Age Security, elimination of mandatory RRIF withdrawals, expanded support for caregivers, robust healthcare access including free vaccines, and action against fraud and elder abuse. These are not peripheral concerns — they are central to the future of Canada’s health and economic planning.

CARP urges the federal government to restore a full Minister for Seniors, properly resourced and empowered to champion the needs of our aging population. Without a strong voice in the Cabinet, too many seniors risk falling through the cracks of policy and bureaucracy.

CARP stands ready to work with Secretary McLean and all parliamentarians to ensure that aging in Canada is met with dignity, respect, and action — not political downgrade.

Watch Video: CARP AGM 2024, Seniors Minister Hon. Seamus O’Regan on the importance of a Seniors Minister at the Cabinet table.

About CARP
CARP is Canada’s largest advocacy association for older adults, with more than 250,000 members across the country. We advocate for financial security, improved healthcare access, and freedom from ageism as we age.

Media Contact:
Anthony Quinn
Chief Operating Officer CARP
media@carp.ca
www.carp.ca