معرفی
Laura Tamblyn Watts is a Sessional Lecturer and Assistant Professor (Status Only) at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, where she has taught Law and Aging since 2012. She is also the CEO of CanAge, Canada’s national seniors’ advocacy organization, bridging academic scholarship with public policy and advocacy.
Her research and professional interests focus on:
- Elder law and policy
- Social justice for older adults
- Consumer protection for seniors
- Long-term care reform
- Guardianship and decision-making for vulnerable populations
- Financial exploitation prevention
Her recent public commentary and media appearances reflect sustained engagement with aging-related legal and systemic challenges, particularly in the context of long-term care and age-based discrimination. The themes across her work emphasize dignity, equity, and systemic reform for aging populations.
Her notable awards include:
- Distinguished International Fellow Award, Stetson University Centre for Excellence in Elder Law
- 2020-2021 Community Leadership in Justice Fellowship, Law Foundation of Ontario
Laura has advised and contributed to numerous policy initiatives through her leadership roles with organizations such as the Canadian Centre for Elder Law, the Canadian Association of Retired Persons, and regulatory bodies including the Ontario Securities Commission and OBSI. She has not held formal grants described in the text but has led initiatives such as the co-founding of SeniorsFirst BC, Canada’s second low-income seniors’ legal services center.
She is actively involved in several boards and committees, including Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario, PACE Independent Living, and the International Guardianship Network, reflecting her commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and community-based advocacy.
