WHEN
October 7, 2026
from 10 AM to 11:30 AM Pacific /
From 1 PM to 2:30 PM Eastern
REGISTER HERE
ABOUT
In recognition of Ageism Awareness Day, join us on October 7, for this lively exchange exploring how community organizations are challenging ageism in different ways and different contexts across Canada.
You will hear from four HelpAge Canada grantees who, through the Aging Boldly grant, have tackled ageism from different angles: from challenging stereotypes and internalized ageism, to strengthening age-friendly communities, amplifying diverse perspectives on aging, and supporting the digital literacy and safety of older adults experiencing precarity.Together, we’ll share what we learned, what worked, and what others can take forward, creating space for knowledge exchange, new ideas and promising practices across Canada’s Community-Based Seniors’ Services sector.
Webinar co-organized by CNPEA, EAPO and HelpAge Canada. ASL interpretation will be available.
SPEAKERS
Opening Remarks by Kahir Lalji, Chief Executive Officer of HelpAge Canada, President of the International Longevity Centre Canada
Facilitator: Margaret Gillis, Founder and President Emerita International Lead,International Longevity Centre (ILC) Canada, Ambassador for Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario
Margaret MacPherson, M.A., Research Associate, Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children Western University
Margaret is a feminist educator, community developer and gender-based violence specialist. Since 2009, she has worked at the intersection of gender-based violence, elder abuse and prevention. She leads local, regional and national projects focused on system change that is grounded in local relationships, practical strategies and equity-oriented principles. Margaret also convenes Building a Bigger Wave, a provincial network of Violence Against Women Coordinating Committees across Ontario.
Olive Bryanton
Dr. Olive Bryanton is an advocate for older persons, a lifelong learner, and an action orientated agent of change. As an agent of change, Olive was instrumental in the establishment of the University of Prince Edward Island’s Mature and Part-time University Students Association (MAPUS) (1982); the Seniors Active Living Centre Seniors (1993); the Seniors College of Prince Edward Island (1997); and the PEI Seniors’ Safety Program in (1999).
As an OPSIMATH or lifelong learner Olive obtained her bachelor’s degree in Sociology 1984, master’s in education in 2009 and doctorate in philosophy in education in 2019 all from the University of Prince Edward Island. Her 2019 PhD dissertation, titled, Pioneers in Aging: Voices of women 85 years and older aging in place in rural communities, and 2009 Masters thesis titled, Driving cessation: Older women’s experiences shows her passion for defending the best interests of older people. During the last year and a half of her PhD journey, Olive was the subject of a CBC Documentary called “Never Too Old”.
Dr. Bryanton received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Prince Edward Island in 2000; the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013; the Order of Prince Edward Island in 2020; and the Queen’s Platinum Medal in 2022. Olive Bryanton has been appointed as a member of the National Seniors Council for a term of three years, beginning December 15, 2022, and is actively involved with Canada’s technology and aging AGE-WELL Older Adults and Caregivers Advisory Committee (OACAC) since 2018.
Dr. Bryanton is currently working with Dr. William Montelpare engaging in a Post Doctoral Fellowship doing research for two non-profit organizations who are developing a veterans success centre with a focus on women and diverse gendered veterans.
Raeann Rideout, Director Strategic Partnershisps, Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario
Raeann Rideout, has been with EAPO since its inception (2002) and continues to play a pivotal role in developing strong, sustainable community partnerships that advance the organization’s mission-, to support and protect the rights of older adults while implementing Ontario’s Strategy to Combat Elder Abuse.
With over 29 years of experience in the non-profit sector, rooted in a deep understanding of the field of aging, Raeann cultivates innovative collaborations with diverse stakeholders including government to leverage all available resources to drive positive social change.Having worked in both government and with NGOs, fine-tuning her skills in community – public relations and advocacy, Raeann as a researcher and academic taught about the social and psychological aspects of aging. She holds a Master’s Degree from The University of Waterloo and Bachelor Degrees in Physical Education from Brock and a BA from McMaster. She has Co-Chaired the Board of the Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and was a member of the Asphodel-Norwood Police Services Board.
