Paulina Abarca-Cantin, the Executive Director of Seniors Action Quebec (SAQ), leads a provincial non-profit dedicated to supporting the needs of English-speaking seniors across Quebec. With the senior population expected to reach 25% by 2030, SAQ works to improve access to essential services, foster local leadership, and strengthen policy collaboration at all levels of government. Under Paulina’s leadership since May 2025, the organization has expanded its operations, launched a new strategic plan, and is preparing for a series of public conferences to re-engage the community post-pandemic.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
Seniors Action Quebec (SAQ) is a not-for-profit provincial organization whose mission is to identify, advance, and address the needs of English-speaking seniors and to support organizations that work with and on behalf of English-speaking seniors throughout the province of Québec.
What problem does it aim to solve?
By promoting solutions and the improvement to the access of services, SAQ provides a strong voice to champion the needs of English-speaking seniors and contributes to the development of local leadership and collaborative policy initiation at all levels of government.
Across Quebec, SAQ will be a strong voice to champion the needs of English-speaking seniors, will work to promote solutions and improve access to services and will support local initiatives and collaborative policy development at all levels of government.
When did you start/join it?
May 2025
What made you want to get involved?
By 2030, 25% of Quebecers will be seniors. Vital mandate.
What was the situation like when you started?
Post-pandemic was tricky. I am leading our first public conference since then.
How has it changed since?
Found a new office. Strengthened operational capacity. Strategic Plan in process.
What more needs to be done?
More advocacy for health services in English for seniors. More support across the province.
How can our readers help?
Become members. Volunteer. Attend events online or in person. Get the word out to others in their families about our amazing organization. Seniors face high isolation. Societal solutions can only be intergenerational.
Do you have any events coming up?
November 5, 2025
December 2, 2025
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
Face a Face.
