August 01, 2011

680,000 of Canada's lowest-income seniors will now benefit from the most significant increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) in 25 years. The GIS increase is the latest measure our government has taken to support Canada’s seniors.

Canada’s seniors built our country, and they deserve our thanks. That’s why our government is taking strong action to support our seniors:

• The largest Guaranteed Income Supplement increase in a quarter century, delivered through The Next Phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
• Since 2006 our government has provided over $2.3 billion in annual tax relief for seniors and pensioners, removed 380 000 seniors from the tax rolls completely, introduced pension income splitting, ushered in an automatic renewal of the GIS, made significant investments in affordable housing for low-income seniors and doubling the pension income credit.
• As pledged in the Speech from the Throne, our government will also combat elder abuse in all its forms and raise awareness of this serious issue.
• We have also extended the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers, and eliminated the mandatory retirement age for federally-regulated employees, giving seniors who want to remain active in the workforce the freedom to make that choice.
• We're also working to introduce the new Pooled Registered Pension Plan to better help older workers save and build their retirement income.

Our government received a strong mandate from Canadians to improve seniors' quality of life. That’s why our government is working hard to ensure that our policies, programs and services continue to provide opportunities for seniors to improve their well-being and quality of life.