Recirculated by BC FORUM from Congress of Canadian Retirees

December, 2015

Liberals can act quickly to address seniors’ issues in upcoming throne speech, says the Congress of Union Retirees of Canada

OTTAWA – Seniors will be looking to Friday’s speech from the throne for immediate steps that the Liberal government will take to address income inequality and pressing health needs, says the Congress of Union Retirees of Canada (CURC).

“Increasing the Guaranteed Income Supplement and returning eligibility for Old Age Security to age 65 are two immediate steps the new government can take to help seniors move toward a more secure retirement,” said CURC President Pat Kerwin.

The organization will also be listening for how the government plans to move forward with improving and expanding the Canada Pension Plan.

At its executive meeting in Ottawa this week, CURC decided to join in the Canadian Medical Association’s “Demand a Plan” campaign, calling for a national seniors’ strategy.

“This is not a developing issue,” Kerwin said. “It’s happening here and now, with seniors struggling with the costs of prescription medications and trying to live out their lives at home instead of hospital or long-term care.” CURC will continue to press for a national pharmacare program covering all Canadians to lower drug costs for individuals and employee benefit plans.

“We heard the commitments during the election campaign and now we’re looking for the actions,” he said. “Acting immediately to increase the GIS for Canada’s low-income seniors and returning the OAS eligibility age to 65 are two steps the government can take now.”

The Congress of Union Retirees of Canada speaks for more than half a million retired individuals and members of unions affiliated to the Canadian Labour Congress.