Laura Tamblyn Watts

Laura Tamblyn Watts is the CEO of CanAge, Canada’s national seniors’ advocacy organization and a frequently sought-after keynote speaker and media commentator.

She has previously served as Chief Public Policy Officer at the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (2018-2019) and in a number of positions at the Canadian Centre for Elder Law including as their long-time National Director (2004-2018).

She is an Assistant Professor (status) at the University of Toronto’s Factor Inwentash Faculty of Social Work where she teaches Law and Aging. A lawyer, she was called to the Bar in 1999.

Recognized for her leadership with a Community Leadership in Justice Fellowship by the Law Foundation of Ontario, Ms. Tamblyn Watts’ governance experience includes positions as a Board Director with the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO), and past roles with the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC). Her compassionate service is evident through her board memberships with Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario, PACE Independent Living, and the Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO). Her consumer advocacy is further demonstrated in her role as Chair of the Consumer Advisory Panel of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) and membership on the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA) Consumer Advisory Panel.

Ms. Tamblyn Watts’ instrumental role in the Canadian Standards Association’s development of National Standards for Long-Term Care, and ongoing work for Home and Community Care standards, showcases her commitment to systemic improvement.

Her new book “Let’s Talk About Aging: A Real-Life Guide to Solving Problems with 27 Essential Conversations” is an international #1 bestseller.