Aging Proactively, the Canadian affiliate for the Age Friendly Institute, and the delivery partner for TIANS Certified Age Friendly Employer Program ( CAFE), has been selected as one of four community-based finalists in the National Impact Challenge 2023 – Bold Innovations for Living, powered by AGE-WELL and SE Health. Dr. Mary Kilfoil will be pitching the CAFE certification program in Toronto on June 22nd. 

The Canadian CAFE program is based on one developed by the Age Friendly Institute using a team of analysts and professionals with specializations in human resources, compensation, and benefits. The team began establishing best practices for an age-friendly employers in 2006. 

In Canada, the CAFE program is making inroads with Canadian employers, including working with TIANS (Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia) members. Mary Kilfoil, lead for the CAFE rollout across Canada, said “employers are welcoming the opportunity to embrace older adults, apply a proven standard about what is required to be age-friendly, and learn best practices and benchmarks from like-minded employers.” Co-lead Ed Leach said “with increased longevity, older adults are a value-add to economic growth, rather than a challenge. The employers we speak with are excited to learn where they stand versus their industry peers.”

TIANS has implemented a multifaceted strategy to support tourism operators address labour shortages which are restricting capacity and growth.  Along with partnering in the CAFE pilot, a Mature Workforce commercial was developed that highlights the variety of tourism work opportunities.  “TIANS believes the mature workforce holds tremendous value and potential for the industry,” said Darlene Grant Fiander, TIANS President.  “Tourism employment can provide meaningful connections to the community, generate additional income, and provide mentoring opportunities for individuals to share experience and knowledge. TIANS is proud to be leading the inaugural designations in Canada for the CAFE program with Aging Proactively,” added Grant Fiander.

Read More: CAFE Press Release