As a result of their deliberations committees may make recommendations which they include in their reports for the consideration of the House of Commons or the Government. Recommendations related to this study are listed below.

Recommendation 1: Raise awareness about ageism

That Employment and Social Development Canada carry out awareness campaigns to address ageism in various segments of the Canadian population.

Recommendation 2: Develop an immigration strategy for health care professionals

That the Government of Canada, in consultation with the provinces and territories, develop and implement a global immigration strategy to attract health care professionals in order to meet the long-term need for workers in this area caused by the aging of the Canadian population. This strategy should include improvements to the recognition of foreign credentials as well as training incentives and other professional development opportunities to address the precarious work conditions that too many immigrant health care workers are already experiencing here in Canada. A path to permanent residency for immigrant workers and their families is also needed.

Recommendation 3: Ensure accountability and transparency as regards national standards for long-term care

That the Government of Canada support provinces and territories in implementing the national standards for long-term care, which are currently being developed by the Health Standards Organization and Canadian Standards Association, and ensuring permanent changes are made. The mechanisms to support implementation could be included in the Safe Long-Term Care Act to be developed by the Minister of Health, and should apply to the long-term care standards for “enabling a healthy and competent workforce”, among others.

Recommendation 4: Increase the number of accessible affordable housing units

That the Government of Canada increase the proportion of housing units that must meet accessibility and universal design standards in National Housing Strategy programs, in order to create more adaptable and accessible housing units for the aging Canadian population, making it easier for seniors to age at home.

Recommendation 5: Increase home care and support services

That the federal government, in collaboration with the provinces and territories, develop a national strategy for home and community care and support, and that it provide recurring funding to the provinces and territories specifically to develop and provide home care and support services for seniors. The strategy should include essential safeguards to protect seniors—especially low income and otherwise vulnerable seniors—from possible elder abuse.

Recommendation 6: Adjust the Canada Health Transfer to account for population aging

That the Government of Canada consult with provinces and territories on how to ensure that the Canada Health Transfer meets the needs of Canada’s aging population in regards to health care, including long-term care and home care, and that it make the necessary adjustments as soon as possible.

Recommendation 7: Provide funding for programs that promote seniors’ social connections

That Employment and Social Development Canada ensure that a portion of the funding provided to contribution programs, such as the New Horizons for Seniors Program, be dedicated to initiatives that seek to break social isolation and encourage social relationships for seniors, as a program priority. Libraries should be looked at as potential community hubs or focal points for seniors in their communities and considered for new funding program streams in the future.

Recommendation 8: Develop broadband Internet across the country

That the Government of Canada continue to prioritize investment in the development of broadband Internet across the country.

Recommendation 9: Develop programs to help low-income seniors get Internet service and the equipment they need to access it

That the Government of Canada develop programs to help financially vulnerable seniors get Internet service and the equipment they need to access it.

Recommendation 10: Support digital literacy for seniors

That Employment and Social Development Canada continue to fund contribution programs, such as the New Horizons for Seniors Program, and ensure that these programs prioritize the development of digital literacy for seniors, information technology support services, and locations where seniors can go to access the Internet, in private if needed, with technological support services. Some libraries, seniors centers and seniors support groups also have the capacity to offer home visits that could be expanded to deliver these digital services to seniors in their own homes. With the addition of federal funding to accessible sites for seniors, digital literacy can be achieved in locations where seniors are already comfortable.

Recommendation 11: Provide funding to fight elder abuse

That the Government of Canada work with provincial and territorial governments to provide funding to fight elder abuse, including prevention and support for seniors who have been victims of this abuse.

Recommendation 12: Raise awareness of elder abuse

That Employment and Social Development Canada grant recurring funding to programs such as the New Horizons for Seniors Program that seek to raise awareness of elder abuse and ensure that elder abuse is clearly identified as a priority by these programs.

Recommendation 13: Set up a national toll-free number for seniors

That the Government of Canada set up a national toll-free number to direct seniors to appropriate resources in various areas and to allow for the report of elder abuse.

Recommendation 14: Increase the Guaranteed Income Supplement

That the Government of Canada increase as soon as possible and on a permanent basis the Guaranteed Income Supplement by at least $500 per year for seniors living alone and $750 per couple, beginning at age 65.

Recommendation 15: Increase Old Age Security for those aged 65 and over

That the Government of Canada increase the Old Age Security pension for those aged 65 to 74.

Recommendation 16: Make it easier to use the New Horizons for Seniors Program for medium‑term projects

That Employment and Social Development Canada assess the possibility of increasing the current $25,000 cap for funding as part of the New Horizons for Seniors Program for community projects and that it make this funding more predictable over the medium term by making it easier to renew for more than one year.

Recommendation 17: Create an office of the seniors advocate and a national seniors strategy

That the Government of Canada create a federal office of the seniors advocate that would have a mandate to develop a national seniors strategy, provide advice to the Government of Canada as regards seniors and their needs, and address elder abuse.