Ottawa Journal (June 01 – June 05, 2021)
David Tilson, M.P. (Dufferin-Caledon)

Canada’s seniors have given a great deal to our country and have made it a wonderful place to call home. We owe them a debt of gratitude. Our Government recognizes the many contributions this group has made and encourages every Canadian to pause and say thanks during Seniors’ Month.

Seniors’ Month is an annual celebration which occurs in June of each year all throughout Canada. It is often marked by recognition events, award ceremonies, socials, and senior fairs. Here in Ontario, seniors account for approximately 13 per cent of Ontario’s current population.

Ontario’s population aged 65 and over is projected to more than double from 1.7 million or 13.2 per cent of the population to 3.6 million, or 21.9 per cent in 2031. It is expected that the growth in seniors’ share of the population will accelerate after 2011, as baby boomers begin to turn age 65.

Our Government has taken many measures for seniors, such as improvements to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) earnings exemptions, reductions in the minimum required withdrawal from the Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs), and the creation of the Tax-Free Savings Account. In addition to these measures, our Government has expanded the New Horizons for Seniors program, to address the increasing need for seniors outreach throughout Canadian communities and to increase awareness of elder abuse. We have also given seniors a voice through the creation of the National Seniors Council.

Seniors have worked and dedicated their lives to developing their communities and building our country. Our Government is committed to keeping them informed about the many benefits to which they are entitled and delivering on those benefits.

There are many resources available on the various programs and services offered through the Federal Government. For more information, please visit: www.seniors.gc.ca.