Author: Canadian Medical Association

Publication Date: August 15, 2015

Description: Canada’s population is in the middle of a demographic shift. In 2011 the first of the baby boomer generation turned 65 and Canada’s senior population reached 5 million. Seniors are Canada’s fastest growing demographic — the proportion of seniors is expected to reach up to 25% of the population by 2036. It is projected that between 2015 and 2021, seniors will outnumber children under 14 for the first time.

The aging of Canada’s population is one of the most pressing policy imperatives of our time, as concern grows the country is ill-prepared for the impact an aging population will have on the health care system, social services and the economy. 

Recognizing the demands this demographic shift will present, the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is calling on governments to make the development of a national seniors strategy a priority. To support that work, the CMA invited a 

broad cross-section of stakeholders to outline a policy framework to guide governments in developing that strategy. This report presents that framework.

Access: Free

Keywords: long-term care, primary care, home care, acute care, palliative care, prevention, strategy