Calgary-based non-profit Top 7 Over 70 held an awards ceremony in Halifax last week which celebrated the recent successes of adults over 70. It was the first time the awards were held outside Alberta and organizers said the program is expanding rapidly.
The movement began nine years ago when senior Jim Gray, a businessman and philanthropist, established a program to challenge stereotypes about seniors. Other award programs often celebrate lifetime achievements, but Gray aimed to highlight new ventures started by seniors.
In Halifax, last week, the fight against agism was front and centre.
Dr. Ed Leach, co-chair of the Atlantic gala, said everyone has a responsibility to fight prejudice against older people.
He said that in the past he had allowed himself to be groomed to believe negative things about aging. Last week, he exhorted attendees to “Get it done. Find something that matters to yourself and the community you live in.”
Nominee Dr. Olive Bryanton told host Steve Murphy that: “Agism stops us from doing the things we really want to do because we’re all so indoctrinated.”
John Hamblin was nominated for his work in teaching older people about technology. He also endorsed rebelling against the idea that seniors “sit in a chair and do nothing’. He drove his message home with a T-shirt emblazoned with the words ‘Grey, Grey Matter Matters’, a slogan he first heard in a speech given by well-known New Brunswick entrepreneur and investor Gerry Pond.
According to Statistics Canada, the country now has more people aged 65 and older than children under 15. The aging of the population is particularly evident in Atlantic Canada. Ed Leach said that if 25 percent of the 65+ population continued to participate in the workforce through 2035 it would add another 70,000 people to the regional workforce and reduce the pressure on inward migration. Further, the older workers could be targeted for jobs in tourism and other sectors that do not require year-round employment.
The Atlantic 2026 nominees were:
Dr. Olive Bryanton: A champion for dignity, voice, and possibility in aging whose advocacy demonstrates that later life can be a time of leadership, discovery, and lasting impact.
Dr. Ken Lee: An internationally respected marine scientist advancing global ocean research while mentoring the next generation of environmental innovators.
John Hamblin: A leader in senior innovation and entrepreneurship championing technology solutions that help older adults remain engaged and connected.
Alan Syliboy: A Mi’kmaw artist, musician, and storyteller whose work preserves and celebrates Indigenous culture through contemporary creativity.
Carol Smith: A dedicated advocate working to build safer communities for women and families through leadership, courage, and community action.
Karen North: A champion for financial literacy helping individuals and families gain confidence and independence through education and mentorship.
Dr. Leslie Cake: A respected researcher advancing understanding of aging in Atlantic Canada and helping communities prepare for longer, healthier lives.
The gala was organized in partnership with Aging Well Nova Scotia.
