MEDIA RELEASE

CARP and CFUW Join Forces to Strengthen Advocacy for Women, Seniors and Social Justice Across Canada

Ottawa, ON — January 8, 2026 — The Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) is proud to announce a new partnership with the CFUW (formerly the Canadian Federation of University Women), bringing together two of Canada’s most respected national advocacy organizations in a bold initiative to expand our collective voice for gender equity, social justice, and age-friendly public policy.

As part of this collaboration:

• All current CFUW members are now eligible for a free one-year CARP membership — providing immediate access to CARP’s national network, advocacy efforts, member benefits, and discounts.
• In turn, CARP will actively promote and support CFUW across CARP’s national membership base (over 230,000 Canadians), helping CFUW broaden its reach, grow its clubs, and engage more Canadians in CFUW’s mission.

“By joining CARP, CFUW members gain a stronger platform to influence national policy on aging, retirement security, and healthcare — issues that resonate deeply with many in our network,” said Anthony Quinn, President of CARP. “At the same time, CFUW’s commitment to women’s education, human rights and social justice strengthens CARP’s ability to advocate for inclusive, equitable policies across age groups.”

Why This Partnership Matters

• A Shared Commitment to Advocacy and Justice: CFUW — founded in 1919 — is a voluntary, non-partisan, self-funded organization with approximately 6,800 members in 90 clubs across Canada. Since its founding, CFUW has dedicated itself to improving the status of women, promoting public education, human rights, social justice, and peace. Their programs include awarding over $1 million annually in fellowships and scholarships to support women pursuing post-secondary and graduate studies. 
• Complementary Strengths: CARP brings decades of national advocacy on behalf of older Canadians — focusing on retirement security, healthcare accessibility, long-term care standards, age-friendly communities, and fighting ageism. By joining forces, we can build intergenerational solidarity, amplifying calls for equitable social policies that benefit women, seniors, families, and communities alike.
• Broader Reach and Impact: Through this partnership, CFUW’s mission will gain exposure across CARP’s national membership — offering new opportunities for growth, collaboration, and engagement. Meanwhile, CFUW members will benefit from CARP’s advocacy infrastructure, national campaigns, and member resources.

What CFUW Members Gain

• Access to CARP’s national advocacy campaigns on aging, long-term care, healthcare reform, retirement security, and public-policy issues affecting older Canadians.
• Membership benefits and discounts — including travel, insurance, health, and other value-added offers.
• A platform to influence public debate — combining CFUW’s legacy of women’s rights and social justice with CARP’s focus on aging, pension fairness, and age-friendly public policy.
• Connection to a nationwide network of advocates spanning decades of collective experience and tens of thousands of members.

What the Partnership Means for CFUW

• Expansion of CFUW’s reach to a broader national audience through CARP’s 230,000-plus members.
• Opportunity for joint campaigns and cross-generational advocacy on key social issues — including women’s rights, aging, social justice, and community health.
• Strengthened voice in public policy, leveraging the combined membership and influence of both organizations to drive meaningful change.

CARP and CFUW believe that by standing together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive Canada — one where education, human rights, lifelong learning, respect for older adults, and social equity go hand in hand.

For more information about the partnership or media inquiries, please contact:

Anthony Quinn
President of CARP
media@carp.ca