Today’s federal budget offers some progress, but not enough to address the challenges facing Canada’s aging population.
The National Association of Federal Retirees is concerned that today’s federal budget does not include meaningful action on our key advocacy priorities.
With more than 170,000 members across the country, including over 60,000 veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP and their families, Federal Retirees advocates for policies that ensure all Canadians can age with dignity, security and respect.
“This is a pivotal moment for older Canadians, who are feeling the impacts of rising costs of living,” said Anthony Pizzino, CEO of the National Association of Federal Retirees. “Federal Retirees will be delving into the details in the coming days, but what’s clear already is that Canada needs a stronger, strategic plan to ensure every older adult can age well and retire with financial security.”
The budget also announced cuts to the federal public service. In this time of fiscal uncertainty, Canadians depend on a well-resourced, effective public service to deliver the programs and supports they count on.
The Association was pleased to see movement on some measures that it has advocated for. “We welcome the government’s commitment to strengthen front-line workers’ retirement and improve the timeliness of services for veterans,” said Pizzino.
The budget includes proposals to consult on changes to public-sector retirement benefits that will affect future retirees. We expect to be meaningfully engaged throughout this process.
Federal Retirees remains committed to working with government and parliamentarians to ensure that future decisions reflect the realities facing the aging Canadian population.