Who We Are
International Longevity Centre of Canada (ILC-C) is a registered, independent, non-profit nongovernmental organization, which uses a human rights lens to approach all its work, including knowledge development and exchange, recommending evidence-based polices, social mobilization, and networking. Our mission is to propose ideas and guidance for policies addressing population aging based on international and domestic research and practice with a view to bettering the lives of Canadians.
Created in 2015, ILC-C is situated in Ottawa, Ontario, and is part of a 16 country Global Alliance, serving as a resource for policy makers, governments, industry, academic institutions, and other stakeholders.
Since its inception, ILC-C has engaged with multiple stakeholders to advocate for the rights of older Canadians including
the right to good physical and mental health,
inclusive living options including long-term care,
employment and income support, and
the special needs of older women, older immigrants, older indigenous persons, and older persons being abused.
ILC-C has driven this agenda successfully through extensive partner networks, strong coalitions, and innovative knowledge translation tools to promote social, civic, and political engagement influencing a wide range of policy and programs. As part of this agenda ILC-C captures public attention and promotes the significant contributions of Canadian seniors toward encouraging healthy, fulfilling, and active lives across the life course.
ILC-C’s modus operandi
is to create a climate of creativity and continuous improvement, targeting system change, while challenging the status quo. As leaders, we constantly test our assumptions, listen well, engage others toward a common goal, exchange information and ideas, and communicate strategically. History shows that ILC-C is thoughtfully present, politically astute with its action, and negotiates effectively to build trust and strengthen connections.
ILC-C’s impact
is well documented in multiple national and international interventions and presentations made to Canadian and foreign governments, parliamentary committees, and scientific and policy-based organizations. ILC-C has annually hosted the premier side event at the United Nations (UN) Open Ended working Group (OWEGA) to advocate for a UN convention on the rights of older persons. Recently, ILC-C has made impactful interventions at the UNECE Ministerial Conference on Ageing held in Rome in June 15-17, 2022, and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights multi-stakeholder meeting held in Geneva on 29-30 August 2022 focused on normative standards and obligations under international law in relation to the promotion and protection of the human rights of older persons. ILC-C has made significant scientific contributions including a special thematic issue of the AJGP dedicated combating ageism, mentalism, and ableism in older persons. In November 2023, ILC-C has launched and is currently leading a Canadian Coalition Against Ageism (CCAA.). These are a few examples of the successful work history and solid partnerships that attest to ILC-C’s credentials in helping to positively influence stakeholders across sectors and disciplines.
