National Association of Federal Retirees’ President Jean-Guy Soulière met Member of Parliament and Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance, the Honourable Wayne Easter (Malpeque) on September 25, 2017 to discuss the National Association of Federal Retirees’ priorities for the 2018 federal budget – focusing on advancing a National Seniors’ Strategy, the importance of retirement income security, and scrapping Bill C-27.
“Seniors are a growing demographic with a lot to contribute to national and local economies,” noted Soulière. “With the investments made to date in home care and some of the income security programs for seniors, the 2018 federal budget is the time for renewed focus and action on seniors’ health care and retirement security priorities.”
Federal Retirees has also recommended a dedicated voice for seniors in cabinet, much as we have a Minister for Youth. Canadians understand the need for a Minister Responsible for Youth: youth, after all, are Canada’s future. But seniors, the largest growing demographic in Canada with more than ever before to contribute, should have a dedicated voice advocating for their unique needs within government, ensuring we always view public policy decisions through a seniors’ lens.
“There are a lot of pieces moving together on seniors’ issues, from the Senate Finance Committee’s recommendation on advancing a Seniors Strategy, to the work underway on M-106,” says Souliere. “It’s essential for seniors and organizations that represent seniors, like the National Association of Federal Retirees, to speak to our Members of Parliament about the policy decisions that need to be made today that can and will improve economies and communities for generations to come.”
Want to let your Member of Parliament what key items need to be tackled in the 2018 federal budget? Check out our key points for use at public consultations on the 2018 federal budget.
Read more about Federal Retirees’ budget recommendations for 2018, and our brief on why Bill C-27 will set a dangerous precedent for retirement security in Canada.
