It’s Time to Unleash the Power of Canada’s Community-Based Seniors Services Sector to Better Enable Healthy Ageing and Ageing in the Right Place

As per p. 11 of report:

"Canada’s CBSS sector has largely evolved from grassroots, community led responses to address unmet local needs. Programs such as Meals on Wheels, community transportation services and friendly visiting initiatives were developed long before governments formally recognized the importance of ageing in place. Over time, thousands of organizations across the country have arisen that have built trusted, innovative and cost effective ways to support older adults within their communities. Despite its reach and impact, however, Canada’s CBSS sector remains structurally fragile. It is not formally recognized under the Canada Health Act or other legislation at the national or provincial and territorial levels, lacks a consistent policy framework and relies heavily on short term funding, charitable donations, user fees and volunteer supports. As a result, access to these services varies widely depending on where people live, creating what many experience as a “postal code lottery” of support."

Report