Open Message to the Seniors of Newfoundland and Labrador

After 35 years of having the honour and privilege of serving the public of this great province, today I write to you to share that I will retire from my position as Seniors’ Advocate for Newfoundland and Labrador on May 19, 2026.

The privilege of serving the seniors of Newfoundland and Labrador has truly been the high point of my career. I am profoundly grateful for the trust you placed in me, so I have worked hard to represent you well and advocate for the programs and services you deserve. I have met with thousands of seniors in over 70 communities to understand your unique issues. I have strengthened the operations of the Office of the Seniors’ Advocate to enhance transparency and accountability. We now publish annual status reports outlining government’s response to our recommendations, a yearly report on the wellbeing of seniors in the province so we can identify gaps, many more recommendations reports, submissions, and increased communication through quarterly newsletters, email groups and public community sessions.

With my small but mighty team, and strong evidence informed research, we have raised the voices of seniors and delivered impactful recommendations for change. We revealed seniors’ poverty rates, highlighted the crisis in the personal care home and long term care systems and helped drive meaningful improvements, including indexing the Seniors’ Benefit, increased gerontology expertise in health care, free drivers’ medical exams for seniors, free access to improved influenza and shingles vaccines, enhancements to the Medical Transportation Assistance Program and the creation of a dedicated Department of Seniors.

Much has been achieved but more remains to ensure seniors in our province are respected, supported, and live with dignity. I am committed to supporting a smooth transition to a new Seniors’ Advocate so strong advocacy services continue seamlessly.

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“The past three and a half decades have meant more to me than a career – they reflect a long-standing commitment to do my part to better the well-being of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. As I prepare to step away from my role, I do so with pride in what has been accomplished and with the deepest respect for the people of this beautiful province. It has been the honour of my lifetime to serve you, thank you for all your support!”
Susan Walsh
Seniors’ Advocate

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Media contact
Arlene Mullins
Office of the Seniors’ Advocate
709- 729-6603, 1-833-729-6603 (toll-free)
seniorsadvocate@seniorsadvocatenl.ca