Margaret Gillis is the founding President of the International Longevity Centre Canada, part of a global alliance of 17 Centres dedicated to the needs and rights of older people. An award winning executive and innovative leader, Margaret played a key role in establishing the Age-friendly Community program in Canada and internationally, this program is now in over 900 Canadian communities and 26 countries worldwide. Her career includes leading a joint government-NGO project to protect seniors in disasters which was recognized by Her Majesty the Queen. Margaret has strong credentials in regard to human rights, working with and speaking at the UN General Assembly and as a Canadian Delegate to the Organization of American States, Institute for Children. With a background in health promotion, protection and programming for the aged, women and children, Margaret is committed to improving the rights of older people.