Dignity for Canada’s Seniors

Problem:

A quarter million seniors in Canada are struggling in poverty. Millions more are worried about real retirement security. The average family’s saving rate has collapsed and only a privileged few can count on employer pensions.

The New Democratic Party has a plan that will honour the contributions seniors have made to our country. The NDP will succeed where Ottawa has failed in expanding long term and home care choices to decrease the devastating wait times in acute-care hospital beds. The NDP has currently been leading the way in Parliament

NDP Solution:

Led a national campaign for Fair repayment of $1 billion withheld from CPP/OAS
Mr. Layton asked for $700 million dollars in the federal budget to improve the Guaranteed Living Supplement (GIS). These funds would life all seniors over the poverty line.
Secured Parliament majority to end unfair rules preventing veterans and their widows from receiving hard earned pensions.
Promoted strategies to expand long-term care spaces and home care coverage
Repay the $1 billion withheld from the CPP and OAS under the Conservative regime.
Increase the number of home care spaces and expand long-term care availability.
End unfair rules preventing veterans and their widows from collecting hard earned pensions.
“They raised us all. They fed us all. They built our communities. They shouldn’t be living in poverty and going to food banks when they’re in their 70s or 80s” – Jack Layton.

The NDP is here for you long-term… We recognize your contributions to our country

Conservatives on seniors:

Proposed GIS top-up funding at $300 million annually. This is less than half of the required funding, and would allow for a maximum increase of $50 a month for single seniors, and $70 monthly for couples.
Refused to increase veterans’ funeral allowances in spite of departmental advice to do so. Since 2001, the government has allowed $3,600 for funeral services, while the average cost has increased to $5,800.

Liberals on seniors:

Michael Ignatieff has said that seniors “will be a priority” if elected, but has not had an opinion on the issue until now. Does he genuinely care, or is this another empty Liberal promise?