The organization representing retired educators in Ontario has issued a powerful call for a comprehensive strategy to support the province's rapidly growing senior population. RTOERO, soon to be known as Entente Education Canada, hosted its annual advocacy day at Queen's Park, pressing the provincial government for long-term, coordinated planning.
High-Level Meetings Drive Advocacy Agenda
During the November 26 event, RTOERO representatives conducted nearly 40 meetings with Members of Provincial Parliament and key policy staff. The delegation held crucial discussions with advisors in the Premier's Office and the Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility, along with opposition critics responsible for seniors and healthcare portfolios.
John Cappelletti, Chair of the RTOERO Board, emphasized the urgent need for systemic change. "Independent seniors advocates are needed in Ontario to identify systemic gaps and address the broader challenges facing older adults," Cappelletti stated. He pointed to successful models in other provinces, noting that Newfoundland and Labrador's Seniors' Advocate helped secure no-cost high-dose flu vaccines for all older adults.
Addressing Ontario's Demographic Reality
The advocacy push comes as Ontario faces significant demographic shifts. By 2030, seniors will outnumber those 20 years younger in the province, creating unprecedented pressure on healthcare systems and social services. This demographic reality underscores the critical need for proactive planning rather than reactive measures.
RTOERO highlighted several key priorities during their Queen's Park meetings:
- Establishing independent seniors advocates to identify systemic gaps
- Strengthening naturally occurring retirement communities (NORCs) with embedded clinics
- Increasing healthcare professionals trained specifically in seniors' care
- Improving coordination across healthcare providers for seniors with multiple chronic conditions
Building a More Responsive Healthcare System
The organization stressed that better planned and coordinated care would benefit everyone while relieving pressure on what Cappelletti described as "an already exhausted health system." By reducing unnecessary emergency room visits through improved community-based care models, Ontario can create a more efficient and effective healthcare system for all residents.
During introductory statements, Ontario's Minister for Seniors, Raymond Cho, acknowledged RTOERO's significant contributions, recognizing the efforts of all 87,000+ members in helping create a more age-friendly province. Minister Cho noted that the organization's advocacy has identified many important areas where the government is currently partnering to find solutions.
As a trusted, non-partisan voice grounded in evidence, RTOERO continues to advance practical policy solutions for aging Ontarians. The organization's broader commitment includes substantial community investments, having provided $700,000 in scholarships for students pursuing careers in seniors' health over the past two decades, donated over $2.2 million in grants to local communities, and established a Research Chair in geriatric medicine at the University of Toronto.
