Liberal Party Leader Justin Trudeau chose an audience of CARP members assembled for a Town Hall meeting at the ZoomerPlex in Toronto to lay out his platform on seniors issues during a campaign stop on September 14, 2015.

The campaign brought along a phalanx of national media broadcasting live from CARP H.Q.

Trudeau laid out six policy promises that included:

• Reverse the eligibility age of Old Age Security (OAS) to 65
• Boost the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) by 10% to provide almost $1000/year more per GIS recipient – aimed especially at helping low-income seniors who live alone;
• Set a new seniors’ price index to ensure that OAS and GIS benefits keep up with rising costs;
• Enhance the CPP;
• Extend the flexibility of compassionate care leave for caregivers.

 

Watch full video of the Town Hall:   https://youtu.be/fUE6qlogN7s

Watch abridged video of the policy announcement here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNltRmrVQEA&feature=youtu.be

CARP has long called for a comprehensive approach to ending poverty in old age, including an increase to the CPP, restoring the OAS eligibility age to 65, increases to the GIS, and an equivalent to OAS spousal allowance for single older Canadians, 1 in 4 of whom live in poverty.

Each of the campaign promises respond to longstanding CARP advocacy issues. CARP members will welcome the comprehensive set of promises aimed at reducing poverty in old age and bringing greater financial security to the most vulnerable seniors.

“This is a comprehensive strategy for lifting seniors out of poverty and ensuring that they are able to save for an adequate pension. It addresses all aspects that CARP has demanded plus the seniors index, which will ensure that the relative changes are permanent, keeping pace with rising costs. It addresses their most consequential needs for income security and looking after loved ones at the most difficult times are met. Trudeau has clearly listened carefully to advocates for older Canadians.” Susan Eng, Executive VP of CARP.

At the start of the election campaign, CARP invited all federal leaders to our national headquarters in Toronto to introduce policy proposals that align with CARP’s advocacy. Justin Trudeau is the first leader on the campaign trail to accept the invitation to address directly an audience of CARP members.

CARP and its members will continue to closely monitor each of the federal parties as Election Day draws near.