While in Ottawa last month, Men’s Sheds Canada President Dr. Robert Goluch and Executive Director Barbara McMillan were honoured to participate in a national discussion on human rights and ageing.
Held on May 26, Discussion on Human Rights and the Role of the United Nations in Old Age brought together political leaders, advocates, and international experts to explore how Canada can help advance the rights, dignity, and inclusion of older persons, at home and around the world.
Hosted by Senators working in partnership with the International Longevity Centre Canada and HelpAge Canada, the event highlighted the growing need for coordinated action to address the challenges facing older people in an aging world.
From the Senate floor, the Honourable Margo Greenwood welcomed keynote speaker the Honourable Bob Rae, along with a distinguished panel that included Margaret Gillis, Founder and President Emeritus of the International Longevity Centre Canada; Kahir Lalji, CEO of HelpAge Canada; Marta Hajek, CEO of Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario; and Amal Abou Rafeh, Head of the United Nations Programme on Ageing.
The event fostered collaboration and helped sustain momentum toward the development of a United Nations Convention on the Rights of Older Persons – an international framework that would strengthen protections against ageism, discrimination, neglect, and abuse, while promoting the full participation of older people in society.
As Senator Greenwood noted, “This convention aims to advance the rights of older persons locally—in the hearts of our communities—in our country and globally.”
For Men’s Sheds Canada, the conversation reinforced the importance of creating communities where older men feel connected, valued, and included. As Canada’s population continues to age, initiatives that support wellbeing, social participation, and healthy aging are becoming increasingly important.
We thank the organizers for the invitation and look forward to continuing the conversation as momentum grows toward this important global initiative.
