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Across Canada, many older adults who want or need to keep working are being overlooked, not because they lack ability but because of ageism. Ageism shapes how society views and values older people, and over time, negative stereotypes and exclusionary practices can lead to isolation, loss of independence, and vulnerability, increasing the risk of elder abuse. By addressing ageism early, especially in workplaces, we can help prevent these harms and ensure older adults remain respected, engaged, and valued.
After stepping away from her full-time role, Carolynne Mahood, a seasoned HR leader with decades of experience, wasn’t ready to stop contributing.
“I wasn’t done. I still wanted to learn and work in some capacity — just not the 9-to-5 grind,” she recalls.
In conversations with friends and former colleagues, she kept hearing the same story: experienced professionals were struggling to find meaningful, flexible opportunities. To help, Carolynne created On Your Own Time, a job-matching service for experienced workers. But she soon realized the issue ran deeper — it wasn’t just about matching people with jobs, it was about tackling systemic ageism. She recognized that real progress required changing the system that allowed ageism to persist.
Turning frustration into a framework
That realization led Carolynne to launch W.I.S.E. (Wisdom, Inclusivity, Synergy, and Equity) — Canada’s first workplace certification program focused on age inclusion. Developed through On Your Own Time, W.I.S.E. was built to be both impactful and accessible.
Rather than offering an overly complex certification that can discourage participation, or a pledge that doesn’t lead to action, W.I.S.E. provides a simple, practical, and encouraging process that organizations of all sizes can join. It’s supportive, free, and designed to help employers take tangible steps toward inclusion while meeting them where they are.
How W.I.S.E. Works
W.I.S.E. is not just about improving optics — it’s about creating meaningful, lasting change. The program guides employers through a supportive review of their hiring language, benefits, training opportunities, and workplace culture.
Employers who complete the W.I.S.E. process receive:
- Tailored recommendations to close gaps, along with expert consulting to guide implementation
- Inclusive hiring resources to attract and retain experienced talent
- A public certification badge signalling to older job seekers: you are welcome here
With three certification tiers, organizations can start at their current level and work toward higher recognition with ongoing support from the W.I.S.E. team.
Leading the Way
The urgency is clear: 700,000 skilled tradespeople are expected to retire by 2028. Without action, this loss of institutional knowledge and technical skill will leave critical gaps in the labour market.
One company already making progress is Voltech Fire Protection Services, a BC-based business specializing in fire prevention and safety systems. In a male-dominated, aging industry, Voltech recognized the need to keep experienced workers engaged. They partnered with W.I.S.E. to review their hiring practices, adjust benefit flexibility, and strengthen their workplace culture.
Currently, W.I.S.E. is collaborating with Voltech to help them advance from Silver to Gold certification, ensuring they continue to lead in age inclusion and set an example for others in their sector.
“Participating in the W.I.S.E. Certification process was a valuable experience for Voltech. It gave us the opportunity to reflect on our current practices and highlight the ways we already support inclusivity across different ages and experiences in our workplace. We are proud to have achieved the certification, and this recognition reinforces our ongoing commitment to building a supportive and inclusive culture. The feedback and recommendations provided will help guide us as we continue to grow and strive for higher levels of certification in the future.”
— Ashleigh Stokes, Operations Manager at Voltech Fire Protection
By helping employers rethink how they hire, train, and retain talent, W.I.S.E. is tackling ageism head-on, and proving that when every generation has a seat at the table, everyone benefits.
- Learn more or get certified: www.onyourowntime.ca/w-i-s-e
- Follow and support us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/on-your-own-time
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NOTICE
CNPEA Annual General Meeting
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
10 AM to 11:30 AM (Pacific Time)/
1 PM to 2:30 PM (Eastern time)
All members of the Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse are invited to join us and entitled to vote
during our Annual General Meeting.
REGISTER HERE
Please join us on September 23, 2025 to
- Set the board size and elect a new slate of Board members;
- Adopt the Special Resolution of members (requiring approval by at least two-thirds of voting members) to confirm the adoption of the updated general By-laws of the Network, approved by the board of directors in June 2025, to better reflects the operation and growth of the Network.
- Resolve to permit the Board to set the annual number in the future (number of directors within the minimum of 3 and maximum of 20)
- Hear about our successes and activities of the past year and future perspectives.
The meeting will be held online via Zoom. Registration is required to participate.
The 2025 annual report, financial statements, and the list of candidates for the Board will be circulatedto CNPEA members by email in September.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How will I join the meeting?
Once you have registered, you will receive an automated email containing the Zoom link that will allow you to join the virtual meeting on September 23.
How do I know if I'm a member?
If you receive our monthly newsletters and have received thisAGM Notice by email directly from us, you are a member and are entitled to vote.
Why a special resolution?
Pursuant to a question from our corporate agents, we decided to ensure and clarify that CNPEA has fully complied with the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act requirement that the By-laws were approved by a special resolution (two-thirds) vote of the membres.
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The Age Collective (TAC) is a non-profit, community initiative dedicated to shifting how we think and talk about aging. Through creative storytelling and the arts, TAC aims to challenge ageist stereotypes, build intergenerational connections, and create space for older adults to feel seen, heard, and celebrated. 
Their newest project, the GOLD (Growing Older, Living Deeply) Poetry Project invites older adults aged 55+ from across Canada to share original poems that explore the rich, complex, and often overlooked realities of aging.
Every few months, the project launches a new theme exploring a different aspect of aging. The current theme is Self & Identity. TAC is looking for poems that explore how identity evolves in later life—through personal growth, life transitions, shifting roles, or how you’re seen by others.
Whether it’s your first time writing or your hundredth, your voice matters! Selected poems will be featured on the TAC website and social media to highlight the depth and power of poetry in capturing the realities of aging.
For more information and to submit a poem, click here.
Stay in touch with The Age Collective:
- Instagram: @theagecollective
- LinkedIn: The Age Collective
- Website: www.theagecollective.com
- Email:
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Are you a committed, passionate person?
Are you looking for an opportunity to make a difference, educate, and help prevent elder abuse across Canada?
The Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (CNPEA) is looking to fill positions on its Board of Directors!
ABOUT CNPEA
CNPEA is a registered charity committed to improving the well-being of Canada’s aging population. CNPEA builds awareness, support and capacity for a coordinated pan-Canadian approach to the prevention of elder abuse and neglect. We promote the rights of older adults through knowledge mobilization, collaboration, policy reform and education.
Please note: CNPEA is not an advocacy group or a direct service provider.
ABOUT OUR BOARD
Our board is pan Canadian, and our board members bring a wide array of backgrounds and expertise, ranging from health care, to social work, academia, non-profit, and finance. The board of directors oversees the governance, strategic planning and operations of the organization, in accordance with our mission, vision and strategic plan.
CALL FOR NEW BOARD MEMBERS
We are seeking candidates who are eager to provide leadership for a growing network and who are committed to enhancing awareness and prevention of elder abuse in Canada.
This year we are particularly interested in candidates living in the Atlantic Provinces, Northern Canada, Quebec, British Columbia and Saskatchewan. Knowledge or experience relating to elder abuse prevention is welcome but not required.
Commitment
Board members are expected to:
- Attend monthly board meetings. There are usually 10 board meetings per year (1.5 hr each).
They take place on the second Thursday of the month at 10 AM Pacific/12pm Central/ 1PM Eastern/2.30 Newfoundland time. There is also an Annual General Meeting each September.
Please note: All meetings are held via a web-based conferencing tool (Zoom). Familiarity with these types of tools and an internet connection are required to participate.
- Serve on at least one committee of their choice.
- Provide guidance regarding the Network’s mission, programs, policies, operations, strategic plan, and finances.
- Actively support the sustainability and growth of the CNPEA through charitable giving and fundraising activities.
- Actively support the development of partnerships and strategic alliances with other organizations and agencies.
- Represent CNPEA in their community and raise awareness among their contacts.
Average Time Commitment
- 5-7 hours/month: Zoom meetings and emails. Committee and board meetings are currently scheduled during the day.
- Board members will typically be elected for two-year terms (for a maximum of 6 consecutive years), so a two-year commitment to the organization is recommended. The CNPEA membership by regular motion may agree to some Board terms to be less than 2 years.
What we are looking for
- Committed and reliable individuals with a passion for elder abuse prevention, interest in issues affecting older Canadians, and a willingness to commit to 5-7 hours a month.
- A positive attitude and willingness to contribute are important to us. As stated before, experience in the field of elder abuse prevention is not mandatory.
- Individuals from jurisdictions across Canada. We strive to have board members from each jurisdiction, in order to be representative of our membership. Due to current or upcoming gaps in representation, we are particularly interested in candidates living in the Atlantic Provinces, Northern Canada, Quebec, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.
- Applicants with a background in (but not limited to) the health care sector, community support, law, victim services, the financial sector, etc.
- We are particularly interested in candidates with the following skills:
- Policy
- Fund development (including, but not limited to, grant writing, sponsorships and giving programs)
- Strategic planning
- Communications and marketing
- Government relations
- Individuals who are affiliated with other relevant national, P/T, or local networks that provide information, services or are otherwise connected to seniors.
- We wish to welcome and include diverse voices to sustain intersectionality in our work and reflect Canada’s diversity. Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour, immigrant, francophone, and 2SLGBTQ+ identifying candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and of all ages.
What’s in it for you?
- Collaborate with stakeholders from across Canada, and network with a growing number of professionals involved in the prevention of elder abuse.
- Learn about meaningful programs, services and research taking place to help prevent and address elder abuse.
- Gain experience in governance, leadership, planning, and community engagement.
- Participate in shaping a society free of elder abuse.
HOW TO APPLY
Please apply by completing this form by Friday, July 25, 2025, 7 PM Eastern.
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Are you an adult living in Canada and over the age of 65?
You are invited to participate in a meaningful research study focused on improving police interviews conducted with older adults. Participants are not required to have experience being interviewed by the police.
Share your thoughts and preferences through a 30-minute online survey. Participants will have the chance to win a $50 gift card. Your input can make a difference!
How to participate:
Please click on this link to complete the survey: https://uoitsocialscience.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_56GI04OJcBUunvE
For more information:
Contact Cassandre Dion Larivière by email at
Principal Investigator : Dr. Joseph Eastwood,
Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, Ontario Tech University
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