441-02730 Social affairs and equality
Petition to the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Finance
WHEREAS:
The rising cost of living, coupled with insufficient government retirement incomes are adding to poverty and homelessness among seniors across Canada;
At present, according to the Government of Canada, the average monthly amount for at new retirement pension (at age 65) is OAS $713.34 and CPP $758.32 or $17,659.92 annually. This amount may pay for rent only, however, many seniors aren't making that much. The Canadian Government states at present, the senior's poverty line in our country is $23,513.00 per year while the poverty line for under age 65 is $25,252.00 per year;
Using the average pension amounts paid and deducting that from the poverty amount, a senior in Canada is currently below the poverty level by $5,853.08 annually. The seniors receiving less have an even larger gap; and
Increasing senior's pensions to a livable amount would enable them to: afford everyday essentials including housing, food, medical needs, utilities and other necessities, improve their safety and health, which, could reduce the high unhoused numbers in every city, reduce demands on food banks, and reduce the number of doctor and/or hospital visits.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Honorable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Finance, to provide Canadian seniors, age 65 and older, a livable pension above the poverty line of $25,252.00 per year.
We request your assistance in passing legislation as soon as possible, as many Canadian seniors, (our "most vulnerable", as referred to by our Prime Minister) are suffering, and are having to make very difficult choices, some of which affect their health and their lives.
WHEREAS:
The rising cost of living, coupled with insufficient government retirement incomes are adding to poverty and homelessness among seniors across Canada;
At present, according to the Government of Canada, the average monthly amount for at new retirement pension (at age 65) is OAS $713.34 and CPP $758.32 or $17,659.92 annually. This amount may pay for rent only, however, many seniors aren't making that much. The Canadian Government states at present, the senior's poverty line in our country is $23,513.00 per year while the poverty line for under age 65 is $25,252.00 per year;
Using the average pension amounts paid and deducting that from the poverty amount, a senior in Canada is currently below the poverty level by $5,853.08 annually. The seniors receiving less have an even larger gap; and
Increasing senior's pensions to a livable amount would enable them to: afford everyday essentials including housing, food, medical needs, utilities and other necessities, improve their safety and health, which, could reduce the high unhoused numbers in every city, reduce demands on food banks, and reduce the number of doctor and/or hospital visits.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Honorable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Finance, to provide Canadian seniors, age 65 and older, a livable pension above the poverty line of $25,252.00 per year.
We request your assistance in passing legislation as soon as possible, as many Canadian seniors, (our "most vulnerable", as referred to by our Prime Minister) are suffering, and are having to make very difficult choices, some of which affect their health and their lives.