– The calculations of the CPI must include fluctuating items (food, fuel etc.) to ensure realistic increases to pensions and supplements.
– The taxable income threshold should be increased from $15,000 to $25,000
– The CPP (Canada Pension Plan) drop out provision should be changed to include family caregivers who leave work or reduce their hours of work to provide elder care.
– Workers over 65 must be able to continue contributing to CPP, and employers should be required to continue pension contributions for older workers .
– EI (Employment Insurance) eligibility should be extended beyond the current six-week end of life period for family caregivers who leave work or reduce their hours to provide for elder family members.
– All CPP payments unpaid due to late application should be retroactively paid and not limited to the current eleven months, with interest.
Rights–Mandatory retirement must be eliminated. All the provinces but one have recognized the right to work by eliminating mandatory retirement but it still applies to federally regulated industries.
Labour codes must be changed to protect workers of all ages, rather than the current age bracket of 18-64.
Training, retraining, upgrading and phased retirement should be provided for older workers.
Affordable housing must be defined according to real annual low income, rather than a provincial average. This should make it more available and accessible for those who need it.
PARTICULAR ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED:
Women
• Unpaid work
• Violence against women
• Access to CPP and EI for part-time low-income employees
• Safe affordable housing
• Gender discrimination
Racialized Seniors
• Systemic Racism
• Awareness of income support
• Eligibility for full OAS and GIS when they become citizens, regardless of the actual number of years of residence in Canada.
• Access to CPP and EI for part-time low-income employees
• Culturally and linguistically appropriate services
• Affordable and culturally appropriate long term care
Urbanization
• Revise the LICO to a more realistic level in high cost areas
• Affordable housing
Cross-country effort
The March 17 Roundtable was one of a series held across Canada. In February discussions took place in Quebec City, Quebec; St. John’s, Newfoundland; and Woodstock, New Brunswick. CARP was represented by our local chapters in St. Johns and Woodstock as well as Peterborough. By April 24, discussions will have taken place in Winnipeg, Manitoba; Nanaimo, Maple Ridge and Vernon, British Columbia; and Whitehorse, Yukon.
About the National Seniors Council
The National Seniors Council was established to advise the Canadian government on all matters related to the health, well-being and quality of life of all seniors. Currently, Canada’s seniors’ population is at 4.2 million and is expected to double within the next 25 years. The National Seniors Council advises the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, the Minister of Health and the Secretary of State (Seniors).
