Hello,
I’m truly honoured to take on the role of Canada’s new Secretary of State (Seniors). It’s a privilege to work alongside—and for—older Canadians to help build the future they deserve.
Our government is focused on making life more affordable and strengthening the services people rely on to live with dignity, independence and security. I’m also proud to support Patty Hadju in her work as Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario.
Older Canadians play a vital role in our communities, and National Seniors Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their contributions. It’s also a chance to honour older Canadians and reaffirm our commitment to helping everyone age with dignity in their own communities and on their own terms.
In this edition of the newsletter, you’ll find helpful tips to stay safe online, tips to protect yourself from respiratory illnesses, and the latest updates to the New Horizons for Seniors Program.
Thank you for taking the time to read this update. I’m looking forward to working together to advance our shared goals for Canada’s aging population.
If you know someone who might find this newsletter useful, feel free to forward it along—they can sign up to receive future updates too!
Thank you,
Stephanie McLean
Secretary of State (Seniors)
Cyber Security Awareness Month: Practical tips to stay safe online
Cyber threats are a reality for everyone, but a few smart habits can go a long way in reducing risks. Every day, Canadians of all ages are targeted by scams or attempts to steal personal information.
October is Cyber Security Awareness Month—the perfect opportunity to refresh our knowledge and share tips with friends and family on how to navigate the online world with confidence.
Here are some straightforward steps you can take to help protect your personal information, reduce your risk of being a victim of fraud and feel more secure online:
- Strengthen your accounts: Use unique passwords, keep them organized with a password manager and always enable multi-factor authentication.
- Protect your devices: Enable automatic updates and be careful of what you share online.
- Secure your connections: Avoid doing sensitive activities over public Wi-Fi whenever possible.
Want to see how your current habits measure up? Take the Get Cyber Safe Checkup—it’s quick and can highlight areas to strengthen for greater peace of mind.
Want to learn more? Get Cyber Safe, in partnership with Media Smarts, is hosting free online workshops on cyber security throughout Cyber Month. More information about the topics and how to register is on their website: GetCyberSafe.ca.
Visit the site regularly to find clear, up-to-date guidance to help you—and the people you care about—stay secure online.
Being cyber safe isn’t just about protecting yourself right now. Learning the practical benefits of good cyber security can make things easier for you in the future when you least expect it!
Help protect your family, your community and yourself this respiratory illness season
Many respiratory illnesses, like the flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) usually increase in the fall and winter months. COVID-19 may also circulate, although this can be at any time of the year.
Older adults, especially those over 65 years of age, are at a greater risk of serious complications from respiratory infections.
Take action to reduce the risk of getting or spreading a respiratory illness:
- Stay home when you’re sick
- Wear a well-fitting mask or respirator in crowded settings
- Improve indoor ventilation
- Wash your hands often
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow
- Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces and objects
Learn more: Canada.ca/respiratory-viruses
Become a CVITP volunteer this tax season
Every year thousands of Canadians face challenges doing their taxes, which means they might be missing out on important benefit and credit payments. By volunteering with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), or the Income Tax Assistance – Volunteer Program in the province of Quebec, you can play a crucial role in helping those in your community receive the financial support they deserve.
Join over 19,000 volunteers across Canada to assist people with modest incomes and simple tax situations. It’s a rewarding way to stay involved, meet new people and support others.
Flexible volunteering
Volunteering with the CVITP is designed to fit your lifestyle. Whether you want to lend a hand a few hours a week or help occasionally, you decide the schedule that suits you best.
No tax experience needed
You don’t need to be a tax expert to volunteer. We provide full training, easy-to-follow materials, and access to a dedicated help line for you to confidently assist others. If you’re comfortable with basic computer use and enjoy helping others, you already have what it takes.
How to get started
Volunteering is not only meaningful, it’s also a great way to keep your mind sharp, learn new things and stay connected. Whether you’re retired, semi-retired or simply looking for a new way to give back, your time and experience can make a difference this tax season.
Ready to get started? Learn how you can volunteer at a free tax clinic this tax season.
SimpleFile: Life isn’t simple, but taxes can be
At the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), we know that most people don’t get as excited about taxes as we do. But filing your tax return is the only way we can help you get the money you’re entitled to.
If you have a lower income and a simple tax situation but haven’t filed your income and benefit tax return lately, or have never filed, you might get a SimpleFile invitation package this September.
We created SimpleFile because we know that people can find the tax system hard to navigate. With SimpleFile, all you need to do is confirm your personal information and answer a few short questions.
That’s it. In 20 minutes or less, you can file your taxes, and we’ll figure out what benefit and credit payments you can get from the Government, like the GST/HST credit.
National Seniors Day: Thank you for all that you do!
October 1 is National Seniors Day, an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the many ways older adults enrich lives. Whether as caregivers, mentors, professionals, volunteers, or cherished family members, your contributions continue to shape our communities and inspire those around you.
This day is a reminder of the wisdom, strength and kindness that older adults bring to the world every day. It’s also an opportunity for everyone to say thank you—to express appreciation for the guidance, support and love you offer.
Celebrating can be simple and heartfelt. A phone call, a video chat, a shared meal or even a thoughtful note can go a long way. Whether you’re spending time with loved ones or receiving a message of thanks, know that you are valued and appreciated.
If you are part of an organization and are planning a larger-scale event, a National Seniors Day Guidebook is available on the Government of Canada’s National Seniors Day website to help you organize and promote your activity. You will also find portraits of inspiring older Canadians, like Simon Brascoupé, who carries wisdom, identity and beauty into everything he shares.
Stay tuned and follow Seniors in Canada to be the first to know!
Happy National Seniors Day! Thank you for all that you do!
November is Fall Prevention Month
Fall Prevention Month is an annual call to action across Canada to raise awareness about the risks of falls, especially among older adults, and to promote strategies for prevention.
Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations and deaths among older adults. Falls and their resulting injuries can also diminish quality of life, increase caregiver stress and often lead to long-term care admissions.
The good news is that many falls are predictable and preventable. This Fall Prevention Month and all year long, let’s raise awareness and learn how to prevent falls and injuries among older adults! Additional information can be found on the Fall Prevention Month website and from Parachute, a national charity dedicated to injury prevention.
Building connections through the Sudanese Association of the Maritimes
Meet the Sudanese Association of the Maritimes. It provides a vital support network for newcomers and refugees from Sudan. Funding through the New Horizons for Seniors Program facilitated transportation for seniors, ensuring they could participate in planned social gatherings and activities. This is especially important for those who have limited mobility or face challenges in accessing resources on their own. Seniors participated in art, yoga and story-sharing activities. The project also offered traditional Sudanese meals, connecting members to their cultural roots and providing a comforting taste of home.
By bringing together people from diverse backgrounds, they created a supportive space where seniors find friendship, belonging and renewed purpose.
“The ripple effects are just amazing!”
Watch this inspiring story here.
New Horizons for Seniors Program: Recent news!
Communities are stronger when every Canadian feels connected, supported and included.
On August 6, 2025, the Honourable Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State (Seniors), launched the 2025–26 call for proposals for community-based projects through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP). The 2025–26 call for proposals is open until September 17, 2025.
The Secretary of State made the announcement while visiting the Power To Be head office in Victoria. The organization received funding through the 2024–25 NHSP community-based stream, which invested $60.3 million for 2,905 projects supporting seniors in more than 400 communities across Canada. Power To Be’s new project, Pathways for Seniors, will allow volunteers to create events where seniors can mentor youth and others in their community, and share their knowledge.
The NHSP supports projects that make a difference in the lives of seniors and their communities, and creates opportunities where seniors can share their knowledge, skills and experience.
Every year organizations across Canada are encouraged to apply for NHSP community-based project funding through a call for proposals.
Follow the Seniors in Canada Facebook page to stay updated!