CanAge worries that, in spite of some momentum, newly announced investments fall short of what’s needed to get older Canadians back on their feet.
TORONTO ON, April 7—CanAge, Canada’s National Seniors’ Advocacy Organization, is applauding the federal government today for making important investments for older Canadians in its new federal budget for 2022-23, while cautioning that vital gaps in spending persist. Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland announced investments in key areas including housing, health transfers and reduction of wait times for lagging surgeries and treatments —all major priorities CanAge identified in its pre-budget consultations with the government last fall. However, dollars allocated to elder abuse and neglect, long-term care and pension reform were noticeably absent—an oversight that is cause for concern.”
“This is a watershed moment for Canadian seniors,” says Laura Tamblyn Watts, CEO of CanAge. “A new budget is a golden opportunity for the federal government to show that it’s committed to helping older Canadians get back on their feet as our economy starts on the road to recovery after a terrible two years. Targeted investments in affordable housing, home accessibility renovation tax credits, dental care and dementia research are welcome investments. However, with costs rising dramatically, it’s a surprise that seniors’ affordability and pension protection is noticeably missing.”
CanAge identified a shortlist of urgent priorities in its pre-budget consultation with Trudeau’s minority government last September, requesting immediate investments in areas including elder abuse prevention, seniors’ care, housing, retirement security and combating age-based prejudice.
Other key announcements for seniors in the budget include:
- Broadband for low income seniors
- Prioritization of health care workers in immigation and credentialing
- Career-Extension tax credit providing support for seniors in the workplace, including re-entry into the workforce
- Tax credit of $7500 for housing intergenerational families
- Tax credit for Home renovations for accessibility doubled to $20,000
- Caregiving tax credit now a refundable credit, not earned
- Support for legal aid clinics to help vulnerable populations
- Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments confirmed as sole dispute resolution body for the banking sector
“The federal government has said that it understands the dire straits that older people have found themselves in during the pandemic,” notes Tamblyn Watts “While this budget falls short of its full potential in addressing the issues, we look forward to continuing our work with the Ministers to make the most of the dollars spent on behalf of Canadian seniors.”
As part of its federal budget coverage, CanAge is analyzing and commenting on all announced investments concerning older adults and caregivers. Find out more.