There are a number of issues that CARP advocates for related to ensuring adequate financial support for older Canadians.

Consumer Price Index used for seniors doesn’t reflect reality.

The Government of Canada uses what is called a Consumer Price Index (CPI) to measure inflation. The CPI measures price change by comparing, through time, the cost of a fixed basket of goods and services. The CPI is based on a fixed basket of goods and services, which represents the average Canadian household’s spending habits.  From here, governments use the data to adjust income taxes and social benefits such as the Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security.

CARP argues that seniors average household spending is distinct from other groups, and that therefore the basket of goods and services does not adequately reflect the spending realities of seniors. CARP is actively advocating in government on this topic.   

Boost Old Age Security, or OAS, by 10% for people 65 to 75, not just those over 75.

The Old Age Security (OAS) pension is a monthly payment you can get if you are 65 and older.  In July of 2022, OAS was increased by 10% for seniors aged 75 and older.  CARP is concerned that this measure discriminates on the basis of age and risks setting a dangerous precedent by creating two classes of seniors.

People who began to plan for retirement 20 or 30 years ago didn’t expect to have inflation at what it is now and didn’t expect to be fearful of outliving their money.

OAS is evaluated every three months and is based on the consumer price index. However, the costs of food, health care and accommodation for seniors have been rising — not only during the inflationary period – and CARP holds these changes are not accurately reflected in the OAS indexation.

Increase the Canada Pension Plan survivor’s pension by 25% for those over 65

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) survivor’s pension is a monthly payment paid to the legal spouse or common-law partner of the deceased contributor. CARP believes the government’s survivor’s pension is based on the faulty premise that one person could survive at half the cost of another.

Make GIS more robust

Make the guaranteed income support more robust by instituting a system like the one that in the UK where individuals are not required to fill out their own income tax return. At a minimum, this should apply to low-income wage earners and pensioners.