Today on NOW and NEXT:

In the wake of Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie accusing Nate Erskine-Smith of ageism, (https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/2023/07/17/bonnie-crombie-let-me-be-perfectly-clear-im-a-63-year-old-woman-and-i-am-in-it-for-the-long-haul.html) we connect with Lisa Taylor, President of Challenge Factory and our go-to voice on the future of work.

Lisa says Crombie's accusation of ageism has merit. But, Erskine-Smith can't take all the blame. The question posed by Bob Hepburn at the Toronto Star made Crombie's age an issue in her run for the leadership of the Ontario Liberal Party.

Ageism isn't simply an HR issue, it's baked into our culture because each of us internalizes ageism. We are all conscious that our age, whether you're 25, 45 or 65, somehow diminishes you in the eyes of others. To make the point, Lisa says ageism is on full display in the birthday card aisle.

"Read the cards and replace the age for any other characteristic, for having red hair, for being a certain race, for having a certain gender identity. You would never give that card to someone you care about and love."