The Canadian Association of Retired Persons is commending the federal government for including seniors in the Speech from the Throne. The Association says, given the devastating effects of COVID-19 on older people, it’s critical that solutions to support seniors be at the forefront of planning Canada’s economic recovery. In particular, the Association applauds the commitment to help people age safely at home and to establish national standards for long-term care in collaboration with provincial governments. However, CARP says the details around all issues of concern were frustratingly vague.

Chief Policy Officer Bill VanGorder says, “The impact of COVID-19 on our older population has been immeasurable.”   He says, “Seniors in every corner of our society are at significant risk in many ways—poor mental health from social isolation, financial insecurity and the obvious threats to their health are at the top of the list of urgent issues the government needs to act on now as we plan our path forward as a nation. We’re relieved to see some of these concerns reflected in today’s speech.”

Over the course of the pandemic, CARP says it has been lobbying for urgent action on priority issues affecting older adults, including:
• A substantive investment in home and community care to keep vulnerable seniors safe at home and promote healthy aging in place
• The promised increase to Old Age Security by 10% for people 75 and older and Canada Pension Plan Survivor Benefit by 25% for people 65 and older.
• Greater protections from insolvency for defined-benefit pension plans
• Increased financial support for unpaid family caregivers, making the Canada Caregiver Tax Credit refundable or a rebate and a drop-out provision of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) for full-time caregivers who have had to leave work
• A comprehensive Dementia Care Strategy
• A fully-funded vaccine program for all seniors, including the best, most effective vaccinations for influenza, shingles and pneumonia
• Universal, comprehensive and evidence-based pharmacare
“These are the things that matter most to our members,” says VanGorder. “Real issues affecting real people in every part of Canada. A true commitment to protecting our aging population means taking real steps to address these concerns, and it needs to start at the top with the federal government.”