Federal Budget 2008

CARP is pleased that investors will play a greater role in the investment choices made for them and, therefore, the amount of fraudulent advice and actions will be reduced.

• Campaign to combat elder abuse The objective of this campaign is to raise public awareness about the existence of elder abuse as well as to empower vulnerable seniors to protect themselves against it. CARP believes that this initiative will put elder abuse on the social and political landscape and, hopefully, increase broader and effective pro-action to eradicate it.

However, CARP’s recommendations included greater resources for consultation for victims to seek advice on how to deal with their abusive situation; a 1-800 number with the option for anonymity for reporting; and, mediation out side the criminal justice system, when appropriate.

Health

• Expansion of the Veterans Independence Program

For those survivors of veterans who are in need of services to remain independent in their own homes and is either in financial need or is eligible for the Disability Tax Credit. The Veterans Independence Program will provide a housekeeping and grounds maintenance benefit of up to $2,400 per year if the veteran qualified for the Program.

CARP would like to see a similar program for non-veterans survivors and a companion program for single seniors in a similar financial situation.

• Funding For Mental Health Projects

In order to develop best practices in areas such as mental health and substance abuse as well as mental health and homelessness, communities have been selected by the Mental Health Commission of Canada for demonstration projects. CARP believes that it is important to include seniors in these projects.

• Eligible expenses under the Medical Expenses Tax Credit Expanded The list of expenses eligible now includes items prescribed by a medical practitioner such as altered auditory feedback devices for the treatment of a speech disorder and electrotherapy devices for the treatment of a medical condition or a severe mobility impairment. Non-prescription medications remain ineligible for tax credits. CARP recommends subsidies for low income Canadians to purchase such devices. As well, regulated non-prescription drugs, such as vitamins and supplements, should be eligible for tax credits. • GST/HST exemption to purchase medical devices.

Although this policy will ease the financial burden on those who are disabled and have high medical costs, it will only help those who can afford to spend the money on these items.

As with the previous item, these items should be subsidized for those with low incomes.

• Funding for the reduction of greenhouse gases

This is the beginning of a process to set up key features for the greenhouse gas regulatory regime that will take effect in 2010, including an electronic tracking system for units traded in the carbon market and a single-window reporting system for industry.

CARP urges Canada to take a comprehensive approach to clean air and water and play a leading role in a global environmental strategy.

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