“What a typical senior looks like is different nowadays. Many are choosing to stay in their homes, or continuing working, so we have to adapt to the diverse range of issues facing aging Canadians.”
After a lifetime of meaningful contributions to our communities, our government is committed to supporting seniors who have helped shape Canada into the country that it is today. Older Canadians deserve a dignified retirement and our government continues to make seniors’ financial and overall well-being a priority
Building on our commitment to old age security, increase the Guaranteed Income Supplement by $500 for single seniors and $750 for couples starting at age 65.
Ensure seniors’ eligibility for the Guaranteed Income Supplement is not negatively impacted by receipt of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB).
Establish an expert panel to provide recommendations for establishing an Aging at Home Benefit. You will be supported by the Minister of Health in this work.
Assist community-based organizations in providing practical support that helps low-income and otherwise vulnerable seniors age in place, and support regional and national projects that help expand services that have already demonstrated results in helping seniors stay in their homes.
Work with the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development to provide seniors with a single point of access to a wide range of government services and benefits.
Continue to work with the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to strengthen Canada’s approach to elder abuse by finalizing the national definition of elder abuse, investing in better data collection and establishing new offences and penalties in the Criminal Code related to elder abuse.
Represent the Government of Canada at the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum.
Continue leading work within Employment and Social Development Canada on seniors’ programming including the New Horizons for Seniors Program.
Support the Minister of Health in their work to improve the quality and availability of long-term care homes and beds. This includes working with provinces and territories to improve infection prevention and control measures, identify shared principles, and develop national standards to ensure seniors get the care they deserve.