On February 4, 2009, the National Seniors Council (NSC) presented its’ Report on Low Income Among Seniors.
The Honourable Marjory LeBreton, Minister of State (Seniors), had asked the National Seniors Council to examine the issue of low income among seniors as one of its first priorities.
The NSC began work on the issue of low income among seniors in the fall of 2007, reviewing national data on issues related to seniors’ income as well as available public pension plans in Canada. Following that review, the NSC met with individuals and organizations that work with seniors to discuss the experiences and challenges faced by low-income seniors in their communities.
The Report provides the Government of Canada with a description of challenges faced by low-income seniors, including housing, transportation, health and awareness and delivery of services and benefits.
In the last 25 years, the incidence of low income among seniors has declined from approximately 21 percent to just over 5 percent. Every year, public pension benefits put almost $60 billion in the hands of Canada’s seniors. The Government of Canada has implemented measures that have improved the financial security of seniors and low-income pensioners. Apart from support through public pensions, the Government of Canada has also been providing tax relief that benefits seniors and heightens their financial security, as demonstrated in the article “What’s ahead for seniors in 2009″.