Ottawa Journal (July 13 – July 17, 2009)
David Tilson, M.P.

Our Federal Government is looking out for the interests of all Canadians, including seniors.  Since 2006, the Government has consistently delivered for older Canadians and taken actions that respond to a wide range of issues. 
 
In Budget 2009, our Government laid out a multi-year economic action plan that builds on a solid record of support for Canada’s seniors. For example, the increase in the age credit amount in Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on the significant tax relief provided since 2006 for seniors and pensioners, including doubling the amount of the pension income credit from $1,000 to $2,000.
 
Low-income seniors will benefit from the $400 million that our Government is investing over two years, to fund the construction of new housing units for low-income seniors. In addition, as the Canadian Association of Retired People (CARP) has noted, our Home Renovation Tax Credit will be helpful for those needing to retrofit their homes to make them safer and more age-friendly. 
 
Canada’s Economic Action Plan is a plan for all Canadians, including seniors. Indeed, a poll conducted by CARP, shows that 81.4 per cent of those who gave their feedback support or strongly support our 2009 federal budget. 
 
The New Horizons for Seniors Program is another of the many ways this Government is working with older Canadians. This program, by funding a wide variety of projects across the country, is about seniors and their right to continue to be an integral part of the communities they have built.
 
Our Government is proud to support seniors in strengthening our communities and building our country and we will continue to do so.