Here is a sample of the issues concerning CARP members and all Canadians.

CARP is taking action and here are the recent results:

At issue:

Income and Retirement Security

Achieving income security in working life and retirement is increasingly difficult for Canadians of all ages.

• Nearly 5 million Canadians live in poverty.
• 12% of seniors still live in poverty, amounting to more 600,000 people.
• 17% of single seniors live in poverty, most of whom are women.
• Twelve million working Canadians do not have workplace pension plans and significant numbers of Canadians
  will face a substantial drop in their standard of living upon retirement.
• Younger working Canadians will have especially limited access to workplace pensions.

CARP Action:

CARP calls on the Federal Government to:

• Work with provincial governments to enhance the Canada Pension Plan.
• Strengthen income support by:
  a) Restoring the OAS eligibility age to 65 from 67.
  b) Increase the exempt earnings threshold for GIS.
  c) Increase the amount of OAS and GIS for low income seniors.
• Increase income supports for low-income single older Canadians not yet eligible for OAS by creating an equivalent to the OAS spousal allowance.
• Prohibit retroactive erosion of earned pension benefits.

At issue:

Federal Leadership On Healthcare Transformation

Healthcare remains the highest priority for Canadians.

• Older Canadians and their families find the system very difficult to navigate, and inadequate in meeting their post-acute and chronic-care needs.
• Over 8 million caregivers provide invaluable support to family members, without adequate support from employers and government.
• Poverty, social isolation, a poor physical environment and inadequate housing leads to poor health outcomes. Investments in prevention and in the social determinants of health could save money and produce better health outcomes for Canadians.
• Transforming the healthcare system to better work for all Canadians requires federal leadership.

CARP Action:

CARP calls on the federal government to:

• Work with the provinces to create a national pharmacare plan, with an ultimate goal of first dollar coverage for all Canadians.
• Work with the provinces to fund and set standards to improve access, affordability, and quality of post-acute and chronic care, in the home and in the community, with particular focus on dementia care.
• Increase financial support and provide workplace protection for caregivers.
• Work with the provinces to ensure every Canadian has access to housing appropriate to need, including affordable and supportive housing, and assisted living services.

Results:

CARP called for action and got what we demanded for you.

The recent Federal Budget includes:

• Tax Free Saving Accounts nearly doubled from $5,500 to $10,000 allowing you to put away more of your own money, tax-free, for your retirement.
• Reduced mandatory Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) withdrawal rates.
• Extended Employment Insurance Compassionate Care Benefits for those who are caring for a terminally ill family member. This is a significant advancement for caregivers as they go through one of the most difficult times.
• A New Home Accessibility Tax Credit for seniors and persons with disabilities to help improve the safety, accessibility and functionality of their homes.

These are positive results but there’s more to be done:

• CARP wants more help for low-income seniors, particularly single seniors.
• CARP wants federal leadership to bring about healthcare reform.

CARP is working with other like-minded groups throughout Canada to make these initiatives a reality. But each and every member strengthens our collective voice.  It is the size and quality of our membership that bring power to our advocacy. And that means results with politicians and policy-makers.

Your membership matters.  Together we can make your community and all of Canada the most age-friendly country in the world.

Click here to become a member or click here to renew your membership today.