Parliament has begun its new mandate — and we’re making sure older Canadians are not left behind.
As Canada’s 45th Parliament begins its work, the National Association of Federal Retirees is urging the new government to prioritize the well-being of our members, veterans and all older Canadians in its fall agenda and beyond.
“During this time of uncertainty, including threats to international trade and increasing costs of essentials like health care, housing, transportation and groceries, there is more pressure than before on the savings and purchasing power of seniors and people on fixed incomes,” says Anthony Pizzino, CEO of Federal Retirees. “The government’s agenda must ensure that older Canadians are not left behind.”
Pizzino has already met with Secretary of State Stephanie McLean to congratulate her on her new role and reiterate that it is vital for older persons to have a dedicated voice in decision-making processes, including in cabinet.
Pizzino also called for concrete action on the issues that matter most to Federal Retirees and to older Canadians, including:
- Standing up for pensions and recognizing their value to all Canadians — including a strong Canada Pension Plan from coast to coast.
- Keeping federal public sector pensions strong, fixing Phoenix and updating the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan fairly.
- Ensuring improved veteran well-being by addressing long-standing issues in the military and veteran communities — and ensuring equitable outcomes for all veterans by implementing the recommendations from the House Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (ACVA) report on the experiences of women veterans.
- Developing a positive and healthy aging agenda that prioritizes social inclusion and safety of seniors and better access to supportive care and services — as well as moving quickly to implement, fund and enforce national standards for long-term care.
Add your voice and ensure older Canadians aren’t left behind.
Following the speech from the throne, Federal Retirees is concerned by the lack of focus on aging Canadians and the urgent challenges they face. It is imperative that the federal government future-proofs policies for aging. By 2040, a quarter of Canada’s population will be over 65, making older Canadians the fastest-growing segment of the population. A long-term plan to ensure quality of life in retirement and a positive and healthy aging experience for all Canadians is needed. This includes addressing retirement income security, access to affordable and appropriate housing and transportation, age-friendly communities and quality health care that includes improved long-term, home and community care.
Members can join in calling for a commitment from the government to improve the quality and security of retirement for our members and all Canadians by using this online tool to write to your representative.
Individual voices create collective power — and the more we have, the more change we can achieve.
Join our campaign for positive and healthy aging today.