Roy Goodall, president of the National Association of Federal Retirees, is calling on the federal government to extend its $250 payments for working Canadians to retirees.
Following the federal government’s announcements of a two-month GST holiday and one-time payments to working Canadians earning up to $150,000 annually, Association president Roy Goodall has written to the prime minister and several members of cabinet to express retirees’ frustration at being excluded from the one-time payments.
“On one hand, the government’s decision to provide working Canadians with a $250 cheque is welcome news,” said Goodall. “On the other hand, we all acknowledge that the rising cost of necessities such as rent, food, personal essentials are making life difficult not only for working Canadians, but also for retirees and older persons, especially those living on modest pension incomes or OAS and GIS. Yet this vulnerable group is ineligible for the government's financial relief measure.”
Goodall notes that vulnerable older persons will be left behind if they are excluded from the initiative. Given this, and older persons’ contributions through unpaid volunteer work, Goodall’s position is that retirees should receive the $250 payments.
The government announced $250 payments for working Canadians who made up to $150,000 in 2023. Individuals who are not earning an income –— such as retirees and seniors, or individuals with disabilities –— are ineligible. The payments will start flowing during spring 2025.
The GST “holiday” will be in effect from Dec. 14 through Feb. 14, 2025. The break will be applicable to some consumer goods like prepared meals, restaurant meals, toys, books, Christmas trees, jigsaw puzzles and gaming consoles, among other items.
The Association will update members on the outcome of Goodall’s work on behalf of retirees.