RTOERO calls for seniors strategy and care tailored to aging Ontarians at Queen\u2019s Park<\/p>\n
Photo of RTOERO Board of Directors at Queen’s Park <\/p>\n
TORONTO, Ontario, Nov. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RTOERO (soon to be Entente Education Canada) hosted its annual Queen\u2019s Park advocacy event, meeting with nearly 40 Members of Provincial Parliament and policy staff to call for coordinated, long-term planning to support Ontario\u2019s rapidly growing senior population. Key meetings were held with advisors in the Premier\u2019s Office and the Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility, as well as with opposition critics for seniors and health care. By 2030, seniors will outnumber those 20 years younger in the province, underscoring the need for a clear seniors strategy that can get ahead of everyday challenges, including mounting pressure on the healthcare system.<\/p>\n
\u201cIndependent seniors advocates are needed in Ontario to identify systemic gaps and address the broader challenges facing older adults,\u201d said John Cappelletti, Chair of the RTOERO Board. \u201cWe\u2019ve seen the impact such an advocate can have. In Newfoundland and Labrador, for example, the Seniors\u2019 Advocate helped ensure all older adults now have access to high-dose flu vaccines at no cost.\u201d<\/p>\n
RTOERO highlighted the importance of building a responsive and efficient health-care system that reduces unnecessary emergency room visits. Strengthening models such as naturally occurring retirement communities (NORCs), where clinics are embedded in senior populated residences and neighbourhoods, can help older adults better manage their health. With many seniors living with multiple chronic conditions, RTOERO emphasized the need for more healthcare professionals trained in seniors\u2019 care, as well as improved coordination across providers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen care is planned, coordinated and accessible, everyone benefits and we relieve pressure on an already exhausted health system,\u201d Cappelletti added.<\/p>\n
RTOERO\u2019s meetings with MPPs focused not only on sharing key issues but on strengthening relationships with members across all parties. As a trusted, non-partisan voice grounded in evidence, RTOERO continues to advance policy solutions for aging Ontarians.<\/p>\n
During introductory statements, Ontario\u2019s Minister for Seniors, Raymond Cho, acknowledged RTOERO\u2019s contributions, recognizing \u201cthe effort of all 87,000+ members of this organization for their dedication to helping create a more age-friendly province.\u201d He added that the organization\u2019s \u201cadvocacy has raised many important areas where we are currently partnering.\u201d<\/p>\n
RTOERO\u2019s advocacy at Queen\u2019s Park is part of a broader commitment to supporting older adults across Ontario. The organization will continue to engage with policymakers, share evidence-based solutions, and strengthen relationships across parties to advance coordinated planning, improved access to care, and long-term strategies for Ontario\u2019s growing senior population. As a non-profit representing over 87,000 retired educators, RTOERO has, over the past 20+ years, provided $700,000 in scholarships<\/a> for students pursuing careers in seniors\u2019 health and well-being, donated over $2.2 million in grants<\/a> to local communities, and established a Research Chair<\/a> in geriatric medicine at the University of Toronto.<\/p>\n