Seniors and Human Rights

International | Legal Protection | FPT Initiatives | Non-governmental

In Canada, seniors - individuals 65 years or older - make up 12 percent of the total population. "Ageism" describes negative attitudes and stereotypes towards older people. It also refers to the tendency of constructing a society based on the assumption that everyone is young, thus failing to accommodate the needs of seniors. Seniors often face social and systemic barriers that prevent their full enjoyment of human rights, in particular economic and social rights related to health, employment and housing.

International Initiatives

Even though the rights of seniors are not explicitly referenced in international treaties, all individuals are entitled to the rights included in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights has developed a General Comment on the economic, social and cultural rights of older persons, describing how their rights are protected under international law.

On April 8-12, 2002, the Second United Nations World Assembly on Ageing was held in Madrid, Spain, to review the outcome of the first World Assembly on Ageing (1982). The Second Assembly concluded with the adoption of an International Plan of Action on Ageing and a Political Declaration . Containing 35 objectives and 239 recommendations, the Plan of Action is based upon three priorities : older persons and development, advancing health and well-being into old age, and ensuring enabling and supportive environments. It builds upon the 1991 United Nations Principles for Older Persons that address the independence, participation, care, self-fulfillment and dignity of older persons.

The UN Programme on Ageing is the focal point on ageing within the United Nations and part of its mandate is "to facilitate and promote the International Plan of Action on Ageing, 2002, including: designing guidelines for policy development and implementation; advocating means to mainstream ageing issues into development agendas; engaging in dialogue with civil society and the private sector; and information exchange." The Programme also maintains a Database on Policies and Programmes on Ageing.

Other inter-governmental organizations, such as the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization , also have programs related to ageing.

Legal Protection

Section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, enacted in 1982, makes it illegal for governments in Canada to discriminate against persons on the basis of age in their laws and policies. Age is also a prohibited ground of discrimination under the Canadian Human Rights Act , which covers employers and providers of service within federal jurisdiction. In addition, most provinces and territories have provisions in their human rights legislation that prohibit discrimination on the basis of age.

Federal, Provincial and Territorial Initiatives

Federal, provincial and territorial governments in Canada offer a range of programs and services for seniors. The following is information on some of these programs and where to find more details.

Governments working together...

Federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for seniors meet at 18-24 month intervals to examine and discuss key seniors issues, to share experience of their jurisdictions and consider opportunities for collaboration. In 1994, the Ministers proposed the development of a National Framework on Aging (NFA), which was implemented in 1998. The NFA' Vision Statement is: Canada, a society for all ages, promotes the well-being and contributions of older people in all aspects of life. It is based upon the following core principles: Dignity, Independence, Participation, Fairness and Security. A Policy Guide and the Seniors Policies and Programs Database are available to help policy makers understand and respond to seniors' needs and values.

At the national level...

The federal government provides a number of services and programs for Canada's large senior population. Health Canada's Division of Aging and Seniors provides information about health issues and updates on current events of concern to seniors, financial support programs and projects for older people, and support to the National Advisory Council on Aging (NACA). The NACA was created in 1980 to help the Minister of Health on issues related to seniors. The council of 18 members advocates for seniors to receive the same rights as all Canadian citizens, and for older people to be autonomous and make their own decisions.

For additional information, you can consult the Government of Canada's Web site, which includes information such as the online edition of Services for Seniors: Guide to Government of Canada Services for Seniors and their Families, whose purpose is to help seniors plan for retirement, stay healthy, live in safety and security, and be as active as possible.

In your province or territory...

For information on relevant programs and services in your province or territory, you can consult the following Web sites.

British Columbia

Alberta

Saskatchewan

Manitoba

Ontario

Québec

New Brunswick

Nova Scotia

Prince Edward Island

Newfoundland and Labrador

Yukon

Northwest Territories

Nunavut

Non-governmental Initiatives

Canadian Organizations...

  • Help the Aged Canada promotes the well-being and inclusion of elderly adults. It works with other organizations in community programs to help meet basic needs of older people and provide information on how ageing is changing Canadian society.

  • Canadian Association on Gerontology is a vehicle for improving the quality of life for the elderly. It encourages studies in gerontology, and provides information on issues for older people.

International Organizations

  • The International Federation on Ageing (IFA) is a non-profit, private organization that works on behalf of older people to present their interests and protect their rights. The IFA has drawn up its own Declaration of the Rights and Responsibilities of Older Persons, to bring attention to the needs of older people all over the world.

  • Help Age International is a development agency that works with other organizations to improve the lives of disadvantaged older people. It provides supports for older people, health and social care training, emergency relief, and a voice for older people to express their needs.

An Innovative Approach...

  • The South Asian Family Support Services (SAFSS)has developed a project focused on the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms that provides human rights education to seniors and other members of the community to empower South Asian seniors at a local level and ultimately prevent elder abuse. Funded by the Human Rights Program at the Department of Canadian Heritage, the SAFSS is providing training and clinics in five languages in Toronto. Volunteers are being trained by SAFSS about using the Charter, and legal and community resources to protect against abuse. These volunteers will reach out to other seniors who are isolated by language or cultural barriers, and who are often at risk of abuse. SAFSS also plans to train a group of non-seniors with the same human rights tools so that they may educate potential abusers in the community. The training will emphasize the importance of seniors rights, and the consequences of abusing older persons.

For more information on this project, please contact SAFSS's head office:

1200 Markham Road, Suite 214
Scarborough, Ontario
M1H 3C3
Telephone: (416) 431-4847
Fax: (416) 431-7283
Email: office@safss.org
  1. The National Advisory Council on Aging - - www.hc-sc.gc.ca/seniors-aines/seniors/english/naca/naca.htm

  2. Quebec indicated that it supports the Vision and Principles put forth by the other governments, but that it intends to assume full responsibility for the entire range of activities pertaining to health and social services.

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