Get Ready for the Federal CARP Debate: Conservatives, Liberals and the NDP will Attempt to Woo the Senior Vote Wednesday April 13th from 11am to 12noon.

“Three parties, one strategy: capture the senior vote” – The Globe and Mail

“Conservatives signal senior vote will be key target” – Canadian Press

“Ignatieff pledges to expand CPP benefits, seeks senior vote” – Van. Sun

“NDP’s Jack Layton looks out for seniors on BC trip?” – Van. Province

The CARP Debate to be held on April 13th will focus on seniors’ issues – increases in GIS, caregiver support, pensions and elder abuse.

CARP welcomes the extensive focus in this federal election campaign on issues that will resonate with CARP members and older Canadians. All the major parties have promised changes to address retirement security and help with caregiving challenges.

It is not surprising that politicians of all stripes are courting the seniors’ vote – 70% of Canadians over 65 vote regularly. There are 4.6 million Canadians 65 –plus or 14% of the population but when the Boomer generation is added, there are 14.5 million Canadians 45-plus or 42% of the population. While the entire group is not homogenous, the concerns for retirement security and especially caregiver support resonate with them.

CARP members will appreciate the unprecedented attention paid to their issues in this election campaign. CARP has been advocating for these changes on their behalf and on behalf all Canadians who care deeply about our quality of life as we age. There are clear options to compare and serious choices that can be made. And every one of the promises would, if implemented, make a significant improvement to the status quo. The key challenge is to make sure the promises become a reality after the election!

The Promises to Seniors:
Some or all three parties have addressed:

• The Guaranteed Income Supplement for the poorest seniors;
• A supplementary retirement savings vehicle;
• Support for family caregivers;
• Response to elder abuse;
• Support for the health care system especially access to doctors and home care;

To help voters decide on these critical issues, CARP will hosting another CARP Debate on Wednesday, April 13th at 11 AM.

The debaters will be:
• The Honourable Bob Rae, Liberal Candidate – Toronto Centre
• Wayne Marston, NDP Candidate – Hamilton – Stoney Creek, NDP Critic for Seniors and Pensions and
• Bernard Trottier, Conservative Candidate – Etobicoke – Lakeshore

How can I Watch the Debate?

As part of the Studio Audience – see details above. And the debate will also be broadcast live on AM 740 and simulcast on the following websites:

www.carp.ca

50 Plus.com

Zoomermag.com

The event will be available at www.carp.ca
as video on demand Thursday April 14th 2011 after 6pm.

THERE WILL ALSO BE A FUTURE BROADCAST: THE CARP DEBATE will be broadcast on VisionTV Thursday, April 14 at 6pm ET and Friday, April 15 at 4pm ET Rogers 60 (GTA); BellTV 261; Shaw Direct 394 or check local listings

CARP Debate Studio Audience, RSVP Required:If you would like to be part of the studio audience in Toronto this Wednesday you need to RSVP by 6pm this evening.

Please contact [email protected] with your name, number of guests and contact information by Monday April 11 at 6pm.
Please also note that seating is limited; some audience guests may be required to stand.

The debate will take place at ZoomerMedia Limited headquarters in Toronto: 550 Queen St E – only street parking available, Suite 205

Please arrive by 10:30am, the debate will start at 11am and a Complimentary lunch reception will follow from 12pm to 1pm