OSPN is a founding member of the Senior Pride Network Canada. Here is their December 2024 newsletter for you to read and share.

SPNC is excited to share updates, projects, and features highlighting their vibrant community. They aim to keep everyone connected and inspired, fostering a sense of togetherness and collaboration. So please contribute ideas, news items, or any other information of interest.

A Warm Welcome to SPNC New Board Members!
Many of you participated in our inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) on November 1st. SPNC was thrilled with the turnout and excited to introduce the six newly elected board members (in alphabetical order):

• Cheryl Loadman (Queer Seniors of Saskatchewan, SK)
• Daniel MacKay (Elderberries, Halifax, NS)
• Rita O’Link (SQUAD, Sudbury, ON)
• Carmen Paquette (Ottawa Senior Pride Network, ON)
• Victoria Stuart (Dignity Seniors Society, Vancouver, BC)
• Nicole Tanguay (The 519 Community Centre – The older 2slgbtqi + adults/seniors program, ON)

SPNC extends their deepest gratitude to this new team and eagerly anticipates working together to enhance the visibility of older 2SLGBTQI+ individuals in Canada and create more welcoming and affirming spaces.

Crucial Petition for GIS Reform – Please review
SPNC wants to bring to your attention a vital petition (e-4708) submitted to the House of Commons this year. This petition addresses the significant challenges low-income seniors face, particularly within the 2SLGBTQI+ community, concerning the adequacy of Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) payments. The petition highlights the need for crucial reforms to ensure that GIS payments provide a livable income for vulnerable seniors.

SPNC strongly encourages you to review the petition and the government’s response. You can find the details here: https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-4708

A special thank you to Shoshana Pellman, a Senior Pride Network Toronto member, for her tireless efforts and dedication in bringing this critical issue to the forefront. Shoshana’s advocacy is a testament to the power of our collective voice.

Researching Poverty in the 2SLGBTQI+ Community
In connection with the petition and the broader issue of financial security for 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, SPNC encourages you to explore the following research project focusing on poverty within the 2SLGBTQI+ community: https://www.yorku.ca/laps/research/lgbtq2s-poverty/. This research provides valuable insights into the systemic factors contributing to economic disparities and informs our ongoing advocacy efforts. Please share this information with your networks.

Meet SPNC’s Members
In this section, the Network wants to feature members of our community who are making a difference. If you want to be featured or know someone or an organization who deserves recognition, please contact SPNC at info@spnc-rfac.ca. They would love to share your stories and celebrate your contributions.

This Month’s Spotlight on Sudbury, ON
SPNC is thrilled to share what people in Sudbury, ON, are doing for our community. SQUAD Sudbury https://www.squadinc.ca/ is leading an inspiring initiative to create a safe and accessible space for a Queer Community Centre in Sudbury. This community centre aims to be a welcoming space where all 2SLGBTQI+ people, including seniors and organizations, can connect, exchange experiences, collaborate on initiatives, and offer support.

Check out their petition and show your support: Create a Safe, Accessible Space for a Queer Community Centre in Our City.

What Should SPNC Call Their Newsletter?
SPNC wants help to name their newsletter, looking for a name that reflects our community’s vibrancy, resilience, and inclusivity. What name do you think best represents the spirit of Senior Pride Network Canada/Réseau de la fierté des aîné·e·s du Canada (SPNC/RFAC)?

Please email info@spnc-rfac.ca with your ideas by December 31st. 

Let’s Work Together
SPNC believes in the power of collaboration. If you have ideas for projects or ways they can collaborate to support our community, they would love to hear from you. Your input is invaluable, whether organizing events, advocating for policy changes, or creating new initiatives.

Stay Connected
SPNC looks forward to continuing this journey with you, thanking you for your support and dedication to our community.

Wishing you all everything queerly, merrily, and festively wonderful this December!

See you next time 🙂