September 2026
At a time when trade tensions with the United States and tariff concerns are dominating the headlines and political conversations, Canada cannot afford to lose sight of the financial struggles and security for older Canadians on Canadian soil.
CARP is calling on the federal government to take immediate bold action to protect the financial stability, dignity, and independence of Canadian seniors. On September 8, 20206, CARP submitted its recommendation to the Department of Finance as part of the 2026 federal pre-budget submission consultation process. This year’s submission comes at a time when government deficits spike and new public commentary emerges every week to attack and scapegoat Canadian seniors for the poor policy choices of governments.
CARP is drawing a firm line in the sand: Canada cannot balance its books on the backs of seniors.
CARP’s submission outlines nine urgent policy recommendations that reflect real challenges facing older Canadians and the growing pressures on their financial security.
Key recommendations include:
- Extending the 10% Increase to Canadians Aged 65-74
- Ending the Exploitation of Retail Investors by Holding Banks and Regulators Accountable, Enforcing Fiduciary Standards and Ensuring Fair Competition and Investment Choice
- Strengthening the Criminal Code and Enforcement Against Frauds and Scams Targeting Seniors
- Investing in Home Care so Older Canadians can Age with Dignity
- Accelerating the Approval and Timely Public Access to New Medicines and Treatments
- Funding All Expert-Recommended Vaccines for Seniors
- Eliminating Mandatory Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) Withdrawals
- Protecting the Integrity of Old Age Security (OAS)
- Unequivocally Denouncing the Implementation of a Home Equity Tax
These recommendations are grounded in what CARP has heard from our members and older Canadians nationwide: seniors are worried about affordability, living beyond their financial savings, healthcare access, retirement income, fraud, and their ability to age safely and independently.
CARP will continue to advocate for policies that protect older Canadians and ensure seniors are not left behind in federal decision-making.
If you have any other advocacy concerns, please feel free to email community@carp.ca.
