Monsef discusses Liberal plan for seniors
Party would restore OAS, GIS eligibility to age 65
Possible changes that could put more money in the pocket of retirees are good for everyone, PeterboroughKawartha Liberal candidate Maryam Monsef told her seniors advisory committee Wednesday as she briefed them on the party’s proposed plan for seniors.
“This means the difference between being able to retire with peace of mind, or not,” she claimed after explaining how the party’s proposal shifted the vote of a senior citizen she spoke with while campaigning door-to-door.
On top of helping seniors, the proposed changes would help younger folks planning for their future and businesses, because retirees spend money, Monsef said.
Highlights of the proposed plan include:
Restoring the eligibility age for Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) back to 65 from 67.
Boosting the GIS for single lowincome seniors by 10%.
Introduce a new seniors price index to make sure that OAS and the GIS keep up with rising costs.
Begin discussions with the provinces and territories, workers, employers and others on how to enhance the Canada Pension Plan within first three months in government.
Not cutting pension income splitting for seniors.
Introduce a more flexible and accessible employment insurance compassionate care benefit.
Prioritize significant new investment in affordable housing and seniors’ facilities.
The plan would mean saving money, and as a result, healthier retirees, Monsef said after the morning meeting at her campaign office at George and Kings streets.
“There are social determinants of health ... it means a higher quality of life for seniors who live in the riding of Peterborough-Kawartha,” she said.
When speaking with senior citizens on the campaign trail, Monsef said economic security is “always at the core” of conversations. They want to be able to provide for themselves and their family when it comes time, she said.
“They are worried about being able to retire with dignity,” she said.
Meetings like Wednesday’s are important, Monsef said, because an effective MP must be deeply connected with their constituents. “This keeps me in touch with what is happening on the ground ... what our people need, now.”
Nine people were on hand, including Liberal association president Jim Patterson, campaign manager and former MP Andy Mitchell and former Peterborough GreenUp executive director Sue McGregor-Hunter.