TOP Issues where CARP MEMBERS are making a DIFFERENCE 10
1 FINANCIAL SECURITY: Are you worried about outliving your savings? You’ve worked hard all your life and should be able to access your retirement income when you need it. CARP continues to lead the charge to eliminate mandatory RRIF withdrawals, so seniors can withdraw their retirement savings when they need it -- not when the government says they must.
2 PROTECTING
PENSIONS: Last year, Sears pensioners lost up to 30% of their pensions. Were you or someone you know impacted? CARP is a member of a national coalition, 4 million strong, fighting to protect defined benefit pensioners. Pressure from the coalition resulted in the introduction of some changes to insolvency legislation in 2019, but it doesn’t go far enough. Together, we will continue to fight for real protection for pensioners.
3 REDUCING POVERTY: Food bank use by seniors rose a staggering 10% last year. CARP is making progress in the fight to help lowincome seniors stay above the poverty line and live with dignity. 2019 changes to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) -advocated for by CARP -- mean seniors will keep more of their benefits while earning some income. Our seniors should never have to choose between eating or heating their home.
4 PREVENTING ABUSE: One in 10 older adults reports being abused or neglected. These people are our neighbours and friends. The federal government has ignored this silent problem for too long. Join CARP in our call for national action to support and protect vulnerable seniors who experience or are at risk of physical, financial, emotional or sexual abuse. We must protect the most vulnerable among us.
5 SUPPORTING CAREGIVERS: Almost half of all CARP members are caregivers. Yet, they are rarely compensated for the physical, emotional and financial toll of caregiving. CARP is fighting to make the Canada Caregiver Tax Credit a refundable tax credit, so caregivers without income are treated equally. CARP is also calling for extended protections for working caregivers, who often face the risk of losing their job when a loved one is ill. Join CARP’s call to extend eligibility for the Compassionate Care Benefit for people caring for BOTH critically and terminally ill people.
6 AGING AT HOME: Most of us want to age safely and independently at home. But we need the right supports. CARP is asking the federal government to amend the Home Accessibility Tax Credit from $10,000 per dwelling to $10,000 per person, so that a couple living together can afford the modifications they both need to stay in their home. CARP is also calling on all provincial governments to increase the hours, flexibility and funding for home and respite care to ensure seniors can access the services they need at home.
7 UNIVERSAL PHARMACARE & ADULT VACCINATION: Staying healthy as we age includes access to best-in-class medications and adult vaccines. CARP is leading a national campaign to ensure seniors have access to the most effective preventive vaccines for shingles, pneumococcal disease and flu, regardless of where they live. Inconsistencies in vaccine funding and drug policy are putting the health of older Canadians at risk. Join CARP as we advocate for access to preventive health care and a national, single-payer, comprehensive, evidence-based pharmacare system.
8 END-OF-LIFE CARE: The Supreme Court of Canada’s landmark decision in 2015 paved the way for the Medical Assistance in Dying Act. But access to quality palliative and end-of-life care remains uneven across the country. CARP continues to fight to ensure medical assistance in dying is provided at ALL publicly funded institutions and available to Canadians regardless of where they live.
9 NATIONAL DEMENTIA STRATEGY: CARP has been a strong, consistent voice for better dementia diagnosis and care. And our work is starting to pay off. In 2019, the federal government committed $50 million over 5 years to fund the implementation of Canada’s national dementia strategy. This is a win for people living with dementia and their families and is long overdue. Add your voice to CARP’s call for investments in dementia diagnosis, research and care.
10 FIGHTING AGISM: Agism has no place in Canadian society. Older Canadians are vital to Canada’s cultural, social and economic prosperity. We work, volunteer and contribute to our communities. CARP continues to fight against workplace age discrimination, negative depictions of older adults in the media, and any barriers to full civic participation for all older Canadians.