19th General Meeting

Seniors in Canada living below the poverty line across this country are currently set at $25,252, which is really not sufficient for the high price of food and accommodations. Many go without required medications or skip so they can eat. Some freeze in winter because they cannot afford heating bills. Some live in dilapidated housing because they need a roof over their head. Some get half of their CPP because they were forced to apply at age 60 because of the provincial governments, not by choice.

We need to increase the benefits of the social program to ensure Seniors get their full CPP when they turn 65, Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and Old Age Security (OAS) need to be increased to ensure the income for seniors meets the poverty line threshold in Canada or exceeds it by $1000. Drug plans to cover all costs for seniors, including co-pay fees charged by the pharmacy. Other Medical coverage and expenses such as eyeglasses need more comprehensive coverage for seniors.

Submitter: Emerald Gibson

Sponsors: Donna Mendelsohn, James M Ker, Ryan Carr, Gaétan Houle, Derek Thompson, John Willson, Jeff Desjardins, Dugald, Marinus Eterman, Johanne Cantin, Evan Bonnar, Marianna Padolsky, Walter Wawruck, Glenn Murray, Tyler Beaulac, Jonathan Bussières, Lorraine Rekmans, Gail Stevens, Bruce Gunn, Colin Creasey, Shelagh Levey, Miranda Woodland, Evelyn Tanaka, Marion Markham, Heather Ramsay, Erika Warnes

Note from staff: This proposal is for consideration at the 19th Annual General Meeting. A second copy, with additional background information, is available in the Workshop to allow you to collaborate on amendments. You can access the workshop version here, which the submitter can still edit.