WHITBY, ON, July 29, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) accompanied by Pat Perkins, Member of Parliament for Whitby–Oshawa, highlighted the Government of Canada's work to tackle issues facing seniors in Canada at the Seniors Information Forum today in Whitby.
In her remarks, Minister Wong spoke of a number of programs and activities designed to raise awareness and address the social isolation of seniors. She outlined supports and initiatives to help caregivers and how the Government of Canada has made information sharing a priority through Canada.ca/Seniors. She also highlighted the new application process for the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) available since June 1, 2015, which allows retirees to complete and submit their CPP retirement pension application entirely online in just a few clicks.
Minister Wong underscored the over $2.8 billion in annual tax relief to seniors, implementing pension income splitting and introducing a new Home Accessibility Tax Credit for seniors and persons with disabilities to help with the costs of ensuring their homes remain safe, secure and accessible. These changes to income security programs have given older Canadians more choice and flexibility in regard to life, work and retirement.
Quick Facts
- The Government of Canada is committed to supporting and promoting seniors' health, well-being and contributions by encouraging them to stay active, engaged and informed.
- In 2014, the Government of Canada – Action for Seniors report was released, a comprehensive information resource highlighting federal programs and services, which can be accessed by seniors, their families and caregivers at Canada.ca/Seniors.
- The My CPP Retirement online application, available through My Service Canada Account, is a complete and secure end-to-end self-serve online process that allows clients to quickly and easily apply for their CPP retirement pension.
- Both the Canadian Retirement Income Calculator and the CPP Statement of Contributions are tools that can help claimants determine the best time to start their retirement pension and get an estimate of how much they might receive.
- The Government of Canada recognizes the important role of unpaid family caregivers and offers them a variety of supports, including the Family Caregiver Tax Credit, Employment Insurance compassionate care benefits, the Canadian Employers for Caregivers Plan and an Information for Caregivers portal on Canada.ca/Seniors.
Quotes
"Canadian seniors are contributing to this country's prosperity. They have earned our respect and admiration, and they deserve our support to help them enjoy the best quality of life possible. That is why our Government is committed to providing seniors with modern, accessible and convenient online services while generating administrative efficiencies through process automation. Now, more than ever, Canadians can access benefits online in a timely and secure manner."
– The Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors)
"I'm proud of our Government's accomplishments in supporting Canadian seniors. We recognize the need for innovation when it comes to improving their health and well‑being. We will continue to work with organizations across Canada to improve the lives of seniors and make independence a reality for them. Together, we can promote seniors' health and well-being by encouraging them to stay active, engaged and informed."
– Pat Perkins, Member of Parliament for Whitby–Oshawa.
Associated Links
Canada.ca/Seniors
Canada Pension Plan Retirement Pension
My Service Canada Account
Canadian Retirement Income Calculator
Personal Access Code
Tax Measures
Backgrounder on new measures: Helping Families Prosper
SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada
Justin Wood, Office of the Minister of State (Seniors), 613-852-3761; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]
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