Canadian Centre for Elder Law

Thompson Rivers University (TRU) Faculty of Law is now home to the Canadian Centre for Elder Law (CCEL). Established in 2003, the CCEL is recognized as a leading voice in research and law reform on issues affecting older adults. Its work has supported government, community organizations, academics and legal professionals across the country seeking clear, accessible resources on aging and the law.

With its move to TRU Law, the centre’s full collection of publications will soon be available through the TRU Law Library. The CCEL’s extensive body of work, including The Practical Guide to Elder Abuse and Neglect Law in Canada, reflects more than twenty years of research on elder abuse, decision-making, health law, capacity and access to justice for older adults.

TRU Law is committed to supporting and expanding the centre’s mandate. The faculty’s focus on community engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration and applied research provides a strong foundation for advancing elder law scholarship and developing new initiatives that address the needs of Canada’s aging population.

The Law and Aging Research Group

To help guide the next stage of the centre’s development, TRU Law has created the Law and Aging Research Group (LARG). LARG serves as a hub for research, knowledge sharing and academic collaboration in the field of elder law.

Led by TRU adjunct professor Margaret Hall, the group supports and coordinates the work of the CCEL and promotes opportunities for faculty, students and community partners to engage in research related to aging, vulnerability and the law.

LARG’s activities include:

• Hosting and maintaining The Practical Guide to Elder Abuse and Neglect Law in Canada, an online resource outlining federal and provincial laws related to elder abuse
• Supporting the development of conferences, workshops and public events
• Hosting visiting scholars to contribute to TRU Law’s academic community and enhance research in this area