DATE
Thursday, May 21
From 10 AM Pacific to 11 AM Pacific /
From 1 PM Eastern to 2 PM Eastern
Register today
ABOUT
This webinar will be in English. ASL interpretation will be provided.
Financial fraud affecting older adults is recognized as a significant and growing issue, yet it is often understood and addressed primarily through financial or legal lenses. This session will discuss mental health impacts of financial fraud and scams in later life.
Fraud often exploits normal human processes such as trust, attachment, hope, and decision-making under stress. Its impacts can include shame, anxiety, depression, loss of confidence, and social withdrawal. Fear of scams and fraud may also affect mental wellbeing, contributing to anxiety, hypervigilance, and withdrawal from social or financial activities.
This webinar will introduce two new practical resources developed by the Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health, one designed to support older adults affected by fraud, and another to help service providers respond in compassionate, non-stigmatizing, and supportive ways.
Participants will explore approaches that reduce stigma, victim blaming, and self-blame, while supporting recovery in ways that preserve dignity, autonomy, confidence, and hope.
PRESENTER
Claire Checkland, Executive Director, CCSMH
Claire is a passionate, results-oriented health advocate with 20 years of experience in government and stakeholder relations and policy analysis for national not-for-profit health organizations including the Canadian AIDS Society, Canadian Cancer Society and the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
She is currently the Executive Director of the Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health where she has helped the organization achieve sustainability and grow their membership to more than 2,000 individuals and organizations. Claire has a successful track record engaging varied stakeholders in progress towards common health and social goals and has an ability to identify and implement new, innovative approaches to organizational priority issues. She is adept at facilitating the establishment of sustained, meaningful relationships with community, stakeholders and government officials. Claire has an undergraduate-honours degree in Psychology as well as a Diploma of Social Sciences. She lives in Stittsville, Ontario with her husband and two sons.
Date:
May 12, 2026
10 AM to 1 PM Pacific /
1 PM to 4 PM Eastern
Register today
About
For Victims and Survivors of Crime Week 2026, CNPEA, in partnership with Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario and Dementia Justice Canada will be hosting a free online symposium focused on coercive control of older people on May 12, 2026 between 1pm and 4 pm Eastern time.
This event will examine how older people experience coercive control, a pattern of abusive behaviour that uses intimidation, isolation and control to strip victims of their autonomy, psychological well-being and sense of safety.
The dual aim is to educate and enrich the justice community’s and the public’s understanding of how coercive control of seniors manifests in intimate, family and social relationships, and enhance how lawmakers, justice professionals and senior-serving organizations think about the scope of coercive control, beyond intimate partner relationships.
In an effort to fill knowledge gaps about coercive control of older people, CNPEA will convene experts in elder abuse prevention, justice professionals, community-based seniors’ services, and other experts to bring an informed pan-Canadian perspective, share knowledge, highlight opportunities to collaborate and increase our capacity for collective impact.
The symposium aims to:
- mobilize knowledge and reflection about an issue that is still insufficiently understood and inadequately addressed.
- highlight key recommendations for policy makers and justice system professionals to better address coercive control of older people in developing laws, policies and practice.
- better serve older victims/survivors of family violence and gender-based violence, who are too often underserved and left with increased vulnerabilities.
- Help us collectively address the pressing and growing issue of mistreatment of older people in all its complexities.
This event is open to all. ASL interpretation will be provided.
Register today
Presenters
Margaret Isabel Hall, Professor, (School of Criminology, Simon Fraser University)
Margaret Isabel Hall LLB, LLM, PhD holds the Professorship in Applied Legal Studies in the School of Criminology at Simon Fraser University. Margaret is also an Adjunct Professor at the Thompson Rivers University Faculty of Law and the Australian Centre for Health Law Research (Queensland University of Technology). Margaret's current research combines qualitative methodologies with doctrinal analysis in the areas of health law (including medical assistance in dying), legal theories of decision-making and states of mind, and vulnerability as a concept in law. Margaret is also active in the area of tort law, and is a co-author of Canadian Tort Law and The Law of Nuisance in Canada.
Heather Campbell Pope, Dementia Justice Canada
Heather Campbell Pope is a lawyer called to the bar in British Columbia. Over the past 15 years, she has worked, studied and volunteered in the fields of elder law and aged care policy, with a particular interest in the intersection of criminal law and dementia. She is the founder of Dementia Justice Canada. Heather completed her undergraduate studies at Queen’s University. She holds a law degree and Master of Laws from the University of Saskatchewan.
Maree Bernoth, Adjunct Associate Professor, Three Rivers, Department of Rural Health, Charles Sturt University (Australia)
Associate Professor Maree Bernoth is a researcher, educator, and long‑standing advocate for older people, particularly those living in rural and remote communities. From her home in Wagga Wagga, she examines what “community” means in later life and how place, connection, and local identity shape the ageing experience. Her work spans residential aged‑care practice development, rural nursing mentorship, and elder‑abuse prevention, and she has guided research teams committed to improving the lives of older Australians. Maree is a vocal champion for aged‑care reform, contributing to numerous State and Federal inquiries and engaging widely with media to amplify the voices and needs of older people.
Dr Helen Hickson
Dr Helen Hickson is a Social Worker and Senior Lecturer in the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Science at Central Queensland University (CQU), in Australia. She has over 25 years’ experience in research and teaching in higher education. Helen is a qualitative researcher who specialises in community engagement, stakeholder participation and systems disruption. She applies critical theories and systems thinking to challenge social and gender inequities and is passionate about her work to improve safety for older women, particularly those who live in rural and regional communities. Her research focuses on the intersectionality of rural and regional communities, women’s safety and violence prevention and she is passionate about amplifying the voices of women who experience family violence through storytelling and policy change.
Bonnie Brayton, Chief Executive Officer, DisAbled Women’s Network of Canada (DAWN Canada)
Bonnie Brayton is a recognized thought leader in both the feminist and disability movements in Canada and internationally. Her longstanding commitment to these intersecting causes has driven her active involvement in global feminist organizing for many years. She is the Partner Liaison for the seven-year initiative “Engendering Disability-Inclusive Development” based at the University of Guelph.
Bonnie is also an active member of the Gender & Trade Advisory Group at Global Affairs Canada. She has served as a member of the Federal Minister’s Advisory Council on Gender-Based Violence (WAGE) from 2016 to 2021 and, from 2020 - 2025, Bonnie has been a member of the Minister’s Disability Advisory Group (MDAG).
As a founding member of the Ending Violence Association of Canada, Bonnie has long championed collaborative efforts to end gender-based violence. She also served on the Steering Committee of La Maison Parent-Roback from 2008 to 2015. She is also a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Joanne Blinco, Executive Director of the Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council (AEAAC)
Joanne Blinco has dedicated 40 years to the field of abuse prevention and response, including 30 years in children’s services and the past 10 years focused on elder abuse. Joanne spent four years working directly on the front lines as an elder abuse case manager, giving her strong practical insight into the realities faced by older adults. In her current role, she leads a provincial team of seven and is committed to strengthening community-based responses across Alberta, with a strong belief that communities are best positioned to understand and address their community work. She is also actively involved with the Elder Justice Coalition, working to advance legislation that better recognizes and protects older adults.
Amy Coupal, CEO, Ontario Caregiver Organization
Amy Coupal is the CEO of the Ontario Caregiver Organization, a charitable organization that exists to support Ontario’s 4.2 million caregivers who provide physical and/or emotional support to family members, partners, friends and neighbours. Amy has led both healthcare and education-based not for profits with a focus on mobilizing change through knowledge exchange and collaborations that positively impact the lives of individuals and communities. Amy serves as a board Director and committee member on many healthcare initiatives focused on issues relevant to caregivers. Amy has a Master of Education from the University of Calgary, is a holder of the Institute of Corporate Directors Director designation and recently completed the National Health Fellowship through the Health Leadership Academy at McMaster University. As a caregiver for most of her life, Amy helped to support her brother who had Cerebral Palsy. She was also a caregiver to her mother throughout her cancer journey and now supports her father through older adulthood.
Kurt Goddard, Executive Director, Legal and Public Affairs, Inclusion Canada
Kurt (he/him) is based in Fredericton, New Brunswick, on the ancestral lands of the Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) and Mi'kmaq peoples. As the Executive Director of Legal & Public Affairs at Inclusion Canada, Kurt combines his formidable expertise as a practicing lawyer, dedicated disability rights advocate, and former political staffer. His in-depth knowledge of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities underpins his work in legal advocacy, public affairs, and community engagement. A career highlight for Kurt was contributing to the advocacy efforts that laid the groundwork for Canada's Disability Inclusion Action Plan.
This event is funded with the support of
Join our upcoming CYBER SAFETY WORKSHOP SERIES, organized in partnership between CNPEA, Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario and Connected Canadians for Fraud Prevention Month.
- The following sessions will be held in English as well a in French (separate events).
- ASL Interpretation will be available.
- These webinars will not be recorded.
Register for the session(s) of your choice below.
Workshops in English:
Wednesday, February 18 at 10 AM Pacific / 1 PM Eastern
Cyber Safety: Understanding the Digital Landscape
Explore the digital landscape, learn to recognize common online risks, and gain practical strategies to protect personal information.
Understanding the Digital Landscape Handout
Wednesday, March 11 at 10 AM Pacific / 1 PM Eastern
Social Engineering Awareness
Learn how scammers use impersonation, manipulation, and urgent requests to trick people online, with practical tips to recognize and respond safely.
Social Engineering Awareness Handout
Wednesday, March 18 at 10 AM Pacific / 1 PM Eastern
What to Do if Something Goes Wrong
Learn how to recognize warning signs of a cyber incident and practice simple response strategies to feel prepared and confident if problems arise.
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong Handout
Wednesday, March 25 at 10 AM Pacific / 1 PM Eastern
Supporting People After Cyber Incidents & Strengthening Communities
Learn how to support peers who have experienced scams or cyber incidents by offering reassurance, sharing trusted resources, and fostering community resilience.
Supporting People After Cyber Incidents & Strengthening Communities Handout
Tuesday, March 31 at 10 AM Pacific / 1 PM Eastern
Financial Scam Prevention & Identity Theft Protection
Build knowledge and confidence to protect themselves from common online scams and fraud.
Register here
Wednesday, April 8 at 10 AM Pacific / 1 PM Eastern
Digital Safety Tools: Building Your Personal Cyber Security Toolkit
Learn how to protect their devices and online accounts using simple, effective digital safety tools.
Register here
Ateliers en français
Le 18 février à Midi heure de l'Ouest / 15 h de l'Est
Comprendre le paysage numérique
Explorez l’environnement numérique, apprenez à reconnaître les risques courants en ligne et découvrez des stratégies pratiques pour protéger vos renseignements personnels.
Comprendre le paysage numérique - Document de résumé
Le 11 mars à Midi heure de l'Ouest / 15 h de l'Est
Sensibilisation au piratage psychologique
Découvrez comment les fraudeurs utilisent l’usurpation d’identité, la manipulation et des demandes urgentes pour piéger les gens en ligne, ainsi que des conseils pratiques pour reconnaître ces stratagèmes et réagir de façon sécuritaire.
Cybersécurité : sensibilisation au piratage psychologique - Document de résumé
18 mars à Midi heure de l'Ouest / 15 h de l'Est
Que faire si quelque chose tourne mal ?
Apprenez à reconnaître les signes avant-coureurs d’un incident de cybersécurité et à pratiquer des stratégies simples pour réagir, afin de vous sentir prêt(e) et en confiance si un problème survient.
Cybersécurité : que faire si quelque chose tourne mal? - Document de résumé
25 mars à Midi heure de l'Ouest / 15 h de l'Est
Soutenir les personnes après des incidents cybernétiques et renforcer les communautés
Apprenez à soutenir des pairs ayant vécu des fraudes ou des incidents de cybersécurité en offrant du réconfort, en partageant des ressources fiables et en favorisant la résilience communautaire.
Soutenir les personnes après des incidents cybernétiques et renforcer les communautés - Document de résumé
31 mars à Midi heure de l'Ouest / 15 h de l'Est
Prévention des arnaques financières et protection contre le vol d'identité
Développez vos connaissances et votre confiance pour vous protéger contre les fraudes et escroqueries courantes en ligne.
Inscription
8 avril à Midi heure de l'Ouest / 15 h de l'Est
Outils de sécurité numérique : créer votre boîte à outils personnelle pour la cybersécurité
Apprenez à protéger vos appareils et vos comptes en ligne à l’aide d’outils de sécurité numérique simples et efficaces.
Inscription
WATCH THE RECORDING
Links and Resources:
Organizations featured on this panel
Resources
- Code of Conduct for the Delivery of Banking Services to Seniors (CBA) – View here
- CCFWE’s work on a Code of Conduct on Economic Abuse: https://ccfwe.org/code-of-conduct
- What is economic abuse? https://ccfwe.org/what-is-economic-abuse
- Report: State of Economic Abuse in Canada
- Fact sheets: https://ccfwe.org/fact-sheets-and-posters
- STEAR App: https://ccfwe.org/stear-app
- Financial Empowerment program: https://ccfwe.org/immigrants-and-refugees
Financial Abuse Information
Learn how to identify the signs of financial abuse and take steps to protect yourself and those you care about:
https://cba.ca/for-canadians/financial-abuse?type=financial-abuse
Financial Literacy for Seniors
- CBA’s Older Adult Fraud Prevention Toolkit: https://cba.ca/article/fraud-prevention-toolkit-older-adults
- Request a free, non-commercial financial abuse prevention seminar: https://cba.ca/for-canadians/financial-literacy/your-money-seniors
- Information on banking services for seniors: https://cba.ca/article/information-for-seniors
- Sign up for the CBA’s free fraud prevention newsletter: https://cba.ca/forms/newsletter-subscription
- Interac opt-out feature: https://www.interac.ca/en/content/life/interac-e-transfer-opt-out-notification-feature
- Anti-Fraud and Anti-Scam Information: How to report scams in Canada – A Simple Guide https://cba.ca/article/how-to-report-scams-in-canada
- Canadian Anti-Scam Coalition: Stand Against Scams: https://standagainstscams.ca
Other Online Resources
How to Report Fraud
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre If you suspect or are experiencing a fraud/scam, report it.
Phone: 1-888-495-8501
www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca - Competition Bureau File a complaint about false or misleading advertising
1-800-348-5358
www.competitionbureau.gc.ca - Credit Checks: Equifax and TransUnion – Request a copy of your credit report and then review it carefully to see if anyone opened any accounts or incurred debt in your name. You can also ask to put an alert on your credit report in case future scam attempts are made under your name.
- Equifax : 1-800-465-7166 or www.equifax.ca
- TransUnion : 1-800-663-9980 or www.transunion.ca
WHEN
February 11, 2026
10 AM to 11:30 AM Pacific Time / 1:00 – 2:30 PM Eastern Time
ABOUT
CNPEA, along with partners Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario and the Canadian Centre for Women Empowerment, are planning to host a virtual panel on February 11 entitled “Shaping Canada’s New Code of Conduct on Economic Abuse: Protecting Seniors and Survivors”
This panel will feature a variety of speakers. Representatives from financial institutions, from the Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments (OBSI), as well as survivors with lived expertise of economic violence. Together, we will explore the newly announced Code of Conduct on the Prevention of Economic Abuse and its implications for survivors, as well as how it will shape the way financial institutions recognize and respond to economic abuse. We will also assess the impact of the seniors’ code, highlight best practices, and identify lessons that can guide the development of the new Code of Conduct on the Prevention of Economic Abuse.
This session aims to provide participants with :
- A clear sense of the current Code of Conduct for the Delivery of Banking Services to Seniors and its impact in real life.
- A better understanding of economic abuse, including what survivors experience and how banks can enhance support.
- A look at what the new economic abuse code of conduct could change for survivors and for the way financial institutions work going forward.
PRESENTERS
Watch the recording
Download the slides
Additional Resources:
- Research Chair on Mistreatment of Older Adults
https://maltraitancedesaines.com/en/team/ - Grey Targets – Official podcast of the Research Chair on Mistreatment of Older Adults: https://maltraitancedesaines.com/en/podcasts/
- Mistreatment of Older Persons: Federal Policy Definition - Explanatory Document - Canada.ca
- Elder abuse prevalence and risk factors: findings from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
- https://alzheimer.ca/en
- Alzheimer society online hug: This online learning space provides helpful resources and information for health-care providers, people expecting a diagnosis of dementia, people living with dementia, and care partners related to dementia. https://alzheimer.ca/en/help-information/online-learning
- Quebec: Mistreatment Helpline:1-888-489-2287, lignemaltraitance.ca
- Ontario Caregiver Organization: https://ontariocaregiver.ca/
- Behavioural Supports Ontario (BSO) This site will provide you and your loved ones with information about behaviour change in older adults and the Behavioural Supports Ontario program initiative: www.behaviouralsupportsontario.ca/
WHEN
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
10 AM Pacific / 1 PM Eastern
ASL Interpretation available
ABOUT
This webinar presented by the Research Chair on Mistreatment of Older Adults will address the confusion created by neurocognitive disorders when it comes to understanding mistreatment in the context of caregiving.
Based on recent scientific data, this presentation aims to demystify the particularities of mistreatment in this context, including factors complicating relationships, such as how illness is understood, the presence of mental health problems and the use of inappropriate strategies. Mistreatment can not only affect the older adult, but also the informal caregiver. Good intentions are not always enough to make sure everyone is safe.
Hosted by : The Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario
PRESENTER
Mélanie Couture, PhD, Chairholder of the Research Chair on Mistreatment of Older adults,
Associate Professor, School of Social Work, Université de Sherbrooke
Mélanie Couture, PhD, is the current chairholder of the Research Chair on Older Adult Mistreatment and associate professor at the School of Social Work – Université de Sherbrooke. She has worked as a researcher in social gerontology for more than a decade. Her research promotes the co-construction and integration of clinical and organizational innovations for the prevention and management of mistreatment situations in the context of caregiving, common living environments and in the use of technologies for aging in place.
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