HUMA Committee binder: Minister of Seniors – May 25, 2021

Official title: Minister of Seniors Appearance - Impact of COVID-19 on Seniors- May 25, 2021- Appearance of Minister of Seniors - Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA) - May 25, 2021

On this Page

Opening Statement

1. Opening remarks

Top Issues

Seniors

2. Issues facing seniors and mitigating measures
3. Measures to address seniors poverty
4. Measures for seniors and seniors financial security
5. Strengthening Canada’s approach to senior abuse
6. Fraud and scams targeting seniors
7. Seniors focussed advertising campaigns
8. Ageism and older workers
9. Caregivers
10. New Horizons for Seniors Program
11. Uyghurs - New Horizons for Seniors Program funding
12. Mercer Pension Index 2020
13. CPP enhancement
14. CPP sustainability
15. CPP and QPP Survivor’s Benefit
16. OAS Indexation of Program Benefits
17. OAS Actuarial Report
18. OAS service improvements
19. OAS service standards
20. OAS benefits delivery modernization
21. OAS and GIS eligibility
22. Impact of CERB on GIS
23. Registered Retirement Income Funds Reduction
24. Participants by Age Groups under the Labour Market Transfers
25. National Seniors Strategy
26. FPT ministers responsible for seniors forum
27. National Seniors Council
28. United Nations engagement

Budget Announcements

29. Increasing OAS by 10% for seniors aged 75 and over
30. Age Well at Home
31. Personal support workers
32. Mental health tools

Additional information on Personal Support Workers and Long-Term Care

33. Long-term care

Other Topics

34. Basic Income
35. UK public pension rules
36. Vaccine roll out and dose interchangeability
37. NACI recommendations

Committee and Parliamentary Information

38. Parliamentary background and analysis
39. Committee membership and biographies

1. Opening Remarks to follow

NA

2. Issues facing seniors and mitigating measures

New announcements are highlighted

Issue

Addressing the Needs of Older Persons in Federal Custody- Correctional Service Canada (CSC)

Mitigating measures

Policy Framework and Geriatric Assessment tool

In May 2018, CSC approved a policy framework, Promoting Wellness and Independence - Older Persons in Custody. As outlined in the framework, a comprehensive needs assessment of older persons in custody, age 50 and older was completed in 2020. CSC is currently drafting a Progress Report that will provide a summary of the results and an update on related initiatives that help facilitate healthy aging.

CSC has developed a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) tool that has recently been piloted in 4 Regions. CSC is currently gathering feedback from front line staff and making revisions, as needed to the CGA. This work is going. In addition, CSC, in collaboration with the University of Waterloo, will be developing an assessment tool designed specifically for a Correctional environment. It will be the first of its kind and is expected to garner global attention in the field of Correctional Health. The MOU with the University of Waterloo is currently in the approval process with work expected to commence later this Spring 2021

Specific to COVID19, CSC has been monitoring the health of those at risk for severe outcomes of COVID 19 including those over the age of 60. In keeping with the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) Guidelines Phase 1 CSC, prioritized over the age of 70 or those at high risk for a severe outcome as eligible for the COVID 19 vaccine and administered the vaccine in Q1.

Dep’t /Branch

CSC, Health Services

Issue

Aging-in-Place

Mitigating measures

Commitment to help seniors age in place and stay in their homes longer (Mentioned in both Minister Schulte and Minister Hajdu’s Supplementary Mandate Letters).

The Public Health Agency of Canada monitors and reports on the health of older Canadians, and promotes their health and wellbeing. Key areas of work include:

• promoting Age-friendly communities (AFC), where older adults and community leaders work to create supportive physical and social environments
• promoting injury prevention approaches by increasing public awareness, and improving the availability of data to inform public health decision-making
• funding community-based interventions aimed at optimizing the wellbeing of people living with dementia and family/friend caregivers and increase knowledge about dementia and related risk and protective factors through the Dementia Community Investment
• the Healthy Seniors Pilot Project (HSPP) - Launched in 2018, the Government of Canada provided a 1-time payment of $75M to the Province of New Brunswick to fund applied research initiatives aimed at helping governments and stakeholders across the country understand how to better support seniors in their homes, communities and care facilities

New Horizons for Seniors Program

Through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP), the government invests $70M annually to support the diverse needs of seniors in hundreds of communities across the country, to help increase seniors’ social inclusion and support healthy aging where seniors live. NHSP funding thus supports seniors to age in place.

The Government has committed to taking additional action to help seniors age in place and stay in their homes longer. Federal measures that can complement existing federal investments in support of aging in place are under consideration for Budget 2021.

Dep’t /Branch

ESDC/ISSD/SICCD/PHAC

Issue

Aging-in-Place

Mitigating measures

Home and Community Care bilateral agreements

Budget 2017 committed:

• $11B over 10 years targeted to improve home and community care ($6B) and mental health and addictions ($5B)
• $544M over 5 years for federal and pan-Canadian health organizations to support health innovation and pharmaceutical initiatives

In August 2017, FPT Health Ministers agreed to the Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities (CSoP), in which they committed to:

• priority areas of action in home and community care, and mental health and addiction services
• review progress on the objectives and commitments within the CSoP annually
• develop and report on common indicators (with CIHI and stakeholders)
• engagement with Indigenous leadership to improve health outcomes for Indigenous people
• continue working together in health innovation and pharmaceuticals

for home and community care, PTs committed to the following menu of actions in the CSoP:

• spreading and scaling evidenced-based models for home care and community care that are more integrated and connected with primary health care
• enhancing access to palliative care and end of life care at home and in hospices
• increasing support for caregivers
• enhancing home care infrastructure, such as digital connectivity, remote monitoring technology and facilities for community-based service delivery

Implementation of the Action Plan on Palliative Care

The Action Plan on Palliative Care lays out Health Canada's 5-year plan (2019 to 2020 and 2023 to 2024) to tackle issues uncovered through the development of the Framework on Palliative Care in Canada. It includes specific activities to enhance access for underserved populations, including older seniors who are less likely to receive palliative care in their last year of life (CIHI, 2018), quality of care, and health care system performance, within the federal government's mandate and levers for action. To date, Health Canada has invested over $13M in various Action Plan projects, with more to come. The Action Plan on Palliative Care continues to be implemented, with various funding proposals under review and development.

In April 2021, Budget 2021 proposed to provide $29.8 million over 6 years, starting in 2021 to 2022, to Health Canada to advance the government’s palliative care strategy and lay a better foundation for coordinated action on long-term and supportive care needs, improving access to quality palliative care.

Dep’t /Branch

HC/PHAC

Mitigating measures

FPT Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum

The FPT Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum identified aging in community as a key priority for the Forum’s 2018 to 2021 work cycle.

In 2019, the Forum published the report Housing Needs of Seniors in Canada and the report on Core Community Supports for Aging in Community. In July 2020, FPT Seniors Forum Ministers identified social isolation and aging in place as key, emerging concerns during the pandemic. As a result, the third deliverable was re-scoped to learn from pandemic experience as it relates to social isolation in the context of aging in community. It is anticipated that the third deliverable Enabling Seniors to Age in Community will be finalized in Fall 2021.

Dep’t /Branch

ESDC/ISSD/SPPS

Mitigating measures

Home Accessibility Tax Credit

The Home Accessibility Tax Credit provides a non-refundable tax credit of 15% on up to $10,000 of eligible home renovation or alteration expenses per calendar year for seniors (or eligible family members who are supporting the qualifying senior).

Dep’t /Branch

Finance

Mitigating measures

Age Well at Home Initiative

Budget 2021 proposed to provide $90 million over 3 years, starting in 2021 to 2022, to Employment and Social Development Canada to launch the Age Well at Home initiative.

Dep’t /Branch

ESDC

Issue

Ageism

Mitigating measures

FPT Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum

The FPT Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum identified ageism and its social and economic impacts as a key priority for the Forum’s 2018 to 2021 work cycle. In Fall 2018, the FPT Seniors Forum undertook the development of an Environmental Scan of the Social and Economic Impacts of Ageism. In Fall 2020, the Forum Officials asked to update the environmental scan to incorporate a component on the manifestation of ageism during the pandemic in research, in the media, among older adults and in FPT government communications. This additional component to the scan consist of A Case Study on Ageism during the COVID-19 Pandemic and will be conducted from April to June 2021.

National Seniors Council

The National Seniors Council’s work plan (2018 to 2021) includes a priority to identify measures to counteract ageism and identify ways to shift the public discourse by reducing stereotypes regarding older adults and promoting a strengths-based perspective on aging. As a first step, the NSC has commissioned a review and analysis of the public discourse on aging and older adults in Canada, in the academic, media, and grey literature. The report will also include a case study highlighting the public discourse on aging and older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

NHSP

The NHSP’s objectives include supporting the social participation and inclusion of seniors, including by combating ageism. The community-based stream of the NHSP annually funds 1-year grants of up to $25,000 for projects led or inspired by seniors. Some of these projects include a focus on ageism. In 2020 to 2021, a total of $61M was available for these grants.

For the 2020 to 2021 CFP, one of the priorities of the NHSP community-bases stream was to combat ageism, celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion.

Dep’t /Branch

ESDC/ISSD/SPPS

ESDC/ISSD/SICCD

Issue

Caregiving

Mitigating measures

EI Caregiver Benefits

The EI family caregiver benefit and EI compassionate care benefit play an important role in assisting Canadians to balance work and caregiving responsibilities. They provide temporary income support to eligible workers and self-employed individuals participating in the program. Employees must have accumulated a minimum of 600 hours of insurable employment during their qualifying period. Self-employed persons may qualify if they opted into the EI program and meet the minimum self-employment eligibility.

Family Caregiver Benefit for Adults (Critical Illness)

Available since December 3, 2017, the Family Caregiver Benefit for adults provides temporary income support for up to 15 weeks to EI eligible persons who take time away from work to provide care or support to a critically ill or injured person aged 18 and older. This benefit can be shared among eligible claimants either concurrently or separately. In 2018 to 2019, there were 10,106 claims for the benefit for adults (69% of which were made by women).

Compassionate Care Benefit (End-of-life Care)

The Compassionate Care Benefit currently provides temporary income support for up to 26 weeks to EI eligible persons who leave work to provide end-of-life care or support to a family member who has a serious medical condition with a significant risk of death within 26 weeks. The benefit can be shared among eligible claimants either concurrently or separately. In 2018 to 2019, there were 8,385 claims for the benefit (71% of which were made by women).

Family caregiver benefits for adults or children can be combined with compassionate care benefits with respect to the same family member if all eligibility criteria are met.

Rules for caregivers in terms of caring for seniors in and out of long-term care facilities: there are no restrictions to claiming the EI Caregiver Benefits based on where care is taking place.

Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit

The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) responds to situations in which workers are unable to work because they must care for a child under the age of 12 or a family member who requires supervision because schools, day-cares or care facilities are closed or unavailable to them due to COVID-19, or because the child or family member is sick and/or required to quarantine or self-isolate, or is at high risk of serious health complications due to COVID-19. It is effective from September 27, 2020 for 1 year, and provides $500 per week, for up to 26 weeks per household to eligible Canadians.

Dementia Community Investment

One of the core objectives is to optimize the wellbeing of family/friend caregivers of people living with dementia.

Dep’t /Branch

ESDC/SEB

PHAC

Mitigating measures

Canada Caregiver Credit

The Canada Caregiver Credit provides tax relief to those caring for an infirm dependent family member (including a parent, grandparent, or aunt/uncle). The dependant is not required to live with the caregiver in order for the caregiver to claim the credit.

Dep’t /Branch

Finance

Mitigating measures

Canada Labour Code

Part III of the Canada Labour Code provides unpaid job-protected leaves (compassionate care leave, leave related to critical illness and leave related to COVID-19) for employees in the federally regulated private sector so that they are not at risk of losing their job while accessing EI Caregiving Benefits or the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit.

Dep’t /Branch

Labour

Issue

Connecting Seniors to Benefits

Mitigating measures

OAS Auto-Enrolment

OAS Auto-enrolment measures to ensure eligible Canadians receive the benefits to which they are entitled. Some mitigation strategies include:

• the introduction of online, self-service options in order to meet the expectations of seniors and to deliver a modern service experience for Canadians
• development of an OAS toolkit that ensures Canadians have access to accurate and up-to-date program and benefits information. As of January 31, 2021, the OAS toolkit has been viewed over 248,000 times and the interactive toolkit has been downloaded over 57,000 times
• development of an integrated OAS/GIS paper-based application to support seniors not eligible for automatic enrolment, eliminating the need to complete 2 separate applications. As of January 31, 2021, over 267,000 integrated applications have been received

Initiative to increase GIS take-up.

Dep’t /Branch

SC

Mitigating measures

Review of CRA services to seniors
Promote the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program to make sure senior complete their tax returns to gain access to the benefits and credits established to support them.
Raise awareness and provide education about the benefits and credits seniors are entitled to receive via benefits outreach.
Develop benefits information materials and webinars for seniors.
Increase scam and fraud awareness with advertising on television and digital platforms, promoting videos on CRA social media channels and a national direct mail campaign.

Dep’t /Branch

CRA

Mitigating measures

NHSP
During the 2020 to 2021 CFP of the NHSP community-based stream, one of the priorities consisted of improving seniors' access to government services and benefits including helping seniors navigate access to government benefits, and providing support to file their taxes.
The program supported projects for which activities consisted of, but not limited to, providing virtual sessions on how to navigate and access government services and benefits.

Dep’t /Branch

ESDC/ISSD/SSPS

Issue

Financial Security
[One sentence redacted]

Mitigating measures

Increasing OAS for seniors aged 75 or over.
In April 2021, Budget 2021 proposed to meet the immediate needs of this group of seniors by providing a 1-time payment of $500 in August 2021 to OAS pensioners who will be 75 or over as of June 2022.
Budget 2021 proposes to then introduce legislation to increase regular OAS payments for pensioners 75 and over by 10% on an ongoing basis as of July 2022.

Dep’t /Branch

ESDC/ISSD/SPPS

Issue

Financial Security [One sentence redacted]

Mitigating measures

A 1-time tax-free payment of $300 for seniors eligible for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension, with an additional tax-free payment of $200 for seniors eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).

Dep’t /Branch

ESDC/ISSD/SPPS

Mitigating measures

Special top-up payment under the Goods and Service Tax Credit

Dep’t /Branch

Finance

CRA

Mitigating measures

The National Seniors Council presented advice to Ministers on the health and well-being of Canadian seniors in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dep’t /Branch

ESDC/ISSD/NSC Secretariat

Mitigating measures

Contact with provincial and territorial ministers responsible for seniors

Dep’t /Branch

ESDC/ISSD/SPPS/FPT Secretariat

Mitigating measures

Reduction of the minimum withdrawals required from Registered Retirement Income Funds by 25 % for 2020.

Dep’t /Branch

Finance

CRA

Mitigating measures

Extension of the deadline for filing federal tax returns until June 1, 2020 and the deadline for paying any 2019 income tax amounts until September 1, 2020.

Dep’t /Branch

Finance

CRA

Mitigating measures

Measures to ensure that GIS payments continued to be paid without interruption when a person's 2019 income information had not been received, ensuring GIS payments to low-income seniors were not affected by the deferral of the 2019 tax filing deadline.

Dep’t /Branch

Finance

CRA

Issue

Financial Security, Community Support and Mental Health

Seniors feeling isolated and vulnerable due to health, social and economic impacts of the pandemic.

Mitigating measures

Community Organizations serving seniors

On March 29, 2020, the Government announced $9 million in funds for community organizations serving seniors. The NHSP worked with United Way Centraide Canada to deliver those funds to community organizations

Dep’t /Branch

ESDC/ISSD/SICCD

Mitigating measures

NHSP – Support seniors impacted by COVID-19

In the spring of 2020, the Government permitted organizations funded under the NHSP to adapt their current project activities to support seniors impacted by COVID 19. These flexibilities allowed projects to use already-approved funding to address issues related to the pandemic, rather than being limited to their original objectives.

Dep’t /Branch

ESDC/ISSD/SICCD

Mitigating measures

NHSP – Additional investment

On May 12, 2020, the Government announced an additional investment of $20 million for the NHSP to support organizations that offer community-based projects that reduce isolation, improve seniors’ quality of life, and help seniors maintain social support networks. This investment funded more than 1,000 projects.

Dep’t /Branch

ESDC/ISSD/SICCD

Mitigating measures

NHSP – Reallocation of funds

The Department has internally reallocated an additional $10.8M in funding for an overall investment of $60.8M for 2020 to 2021 in the NHSP community-based stream

Dep’t /Branch

ESDC/ISSD/SICCD

Mitigating measures

Emergency Community Support Fund and Community Services Recovery Fund

In March 2020, the Government implemented the $350 million Emergency Community Support Fund to support vulnerable Canadians through charities and non-profit organizations that deliver essential services to those in need, including seniors. To date, all funding has been allocated and over 11,500 projects have been supported in diverse communities across the country. Of these projects, 28.3% identified seniors not in care as one of their top 3 target groups, and 8.3% identified seniors living in care as one of their top 3 target groups.

In April 2021, Budget 2021 proposed to provide $400 million in 2021 to 2022 to Employment and Social Development Canada to create a temporary Community Services Recovery Fund to help charities and non-profits adapt and modernize so they can better support the economic recovery in our communities.

Dep’t /Branch

ESDC/ISSD/SICCD

Mitigating measures

Wellness Together Canada – Psycho-social supports

In April 2020, the Government has launched a new online portal that provides access to a virtual network of psycho-social supports ranging from self-assessment and peer support, to confidential sessions with social workers, psychologists and other professionals.

Dep’t /Branch

HC

Mitigating measures

Safe Restart Agreement – Mental health funding

As part of the Safe Restart Agreement, $500M was provided directly to provinces and territories to address immediate needs and gaps in the support and protection of people experiencing challenges related to mental health, substance use and homelessness.

Dep’t /Branch

HC

Mitigating measures

Wellness Together Canada – Mental health and substance use portal

In response to the global public health challenge of COVID-19, the Government of Canada invested $89M to launch an online mental health and substance use support portal, Wellness Together Canada. The portal contains information, resources and supports for Canadians, including older adults, on grief, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, financial stress, substance use.

Over 16% of registered users of the portal are older adults, representing over 18,000 people age 50 and above.

Dep’t /Branch

HC

Mitigating measures

National standards - Access to mental health

Commitment to setting national standards for access to mental health services (Ministers Hajdu and Schulte’s Mandate Letter) and further increase access to mental health resources (Ministers Hajdu and Schulte’s Supplementary Mandate Letter).

Dep’t /Branch

HC

Mitigating measures

Supporting the mental health of those most affected by COVID-19

In April 2021, Budget 2021 proposed to provide $45 million over 2 years, starting in 2021 to 2022, to Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to help develop national mental health service standards, in collaboration with provinces and territories, health organizations, and key stakeholders.

Budget 2021 also proposed to provide $100 million over 3 years, starting in 2021 to 2022, to the Public Health Agency of Canada to support projects for innovative mental health interventions for populations disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, including health care workers, front-line workers, youth, seniors, Indigenous people, and racialized and Black Canadians.

Further, Budget 2021 proposed to provide $62 million, in 2021 to 2022, to Health Canada for the Wellness Together Canada portal so that it can continue to provide Canadians with tools and services to support mental health and well-being.

Dep’t /Branch

HC/PHAC/CIHR

Issue

Financial Security

Mitigating measures

Simplified EI program

The Government has transitioned from the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) to a simplified Employment Insurance (EI) program, effective September 27, 2020.

• The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact Canada’s economy. An increasing number of Canadians are left jobless and elderly populations, including low-income seniors, are facing higher costs for essentials like food and medical services
• Due to the nature of the pandemic, quick and decisive action was taken to provide income support to Canadians through emergency benefits such as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). ESDC collaborated with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to deliver the CERB to eligible Canadians who lost their job or were unable to work due to COVID-19, providing a simplified, flat-rate payment of $500 per week for up to 28 weeks
• On April 1, 2020, Service Canada introduced changes that dramatically reduced the business rules related to the establishment of new CERB claims and as a result, was able to fully automate the vast majority of applications, enabling clients such as working seniors to apply through a simplified online portal, and processing payments to everyone eligible within days of their application
• As of October 4, 2020, out of a total of 8.9 M CERB applicants, 488K of applicants were older than 65 years old
• To simplify access for Canadians to the CERB, within a week Service Canada set up a dedicated Call Centre to provide basic information on CERB eligibility and the application process. Between April 6 and September 25, 2020, agents answered 1,181,931 calls from Canadians, with an average speed of answer of 24 seconds. To facilitate access for Canadians outside of core hours, the CERB Call Centre also included an automated service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which was 100% accessible
• The Government has transitioned from CERB to a simplified EI program, effective September 27, 2020
• As of April 18, 2021, out of a total of 2.3M beneficiaries, 145K beneficiaries were over the age of 65 who are in receipt of EI
• Recognizing that many workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic will have lost their jobs or worked reduced hours, temporary measures have been introduced to facilitate access to EI benefits, as part of a simplified EI program. These measures result in a 1-time EI eligibility requirement of as little as 120 insurable hours across Canada, with a minimum regular benefit rate of $500 per week for at least 50 weeks
• ESDC made other important simplifications to Employment Insurance (EI) to respond to the socio-economic conditions of the pandemic, such as waiving the EI waiting period to allow clients to access income supports as soon as they needed them, and continuing to increase automation of processing
• The majority of Canadians who received CERB through Service Canada were automatically transitioned to EI regular benefits following receipt of 28 weeks of CERB or the end of the CERB payment period on October 3rd, whichever came first
• Of particular note, of the 4.03 million EI applications received between September 27, 2020, and April21, 2021, 94.6% of applications were processed within 28 days. This means that Service Canada significantly surpassed the official 80% service standard
• Service Canada has nearly tripled the number of specialized EI call centre agents, from 1,100 to over 3,000 in response to the unprecedented number of EI claims. While some Canadians have experienced long wait times due to record call volumes during the pandemic, average wait times have decreased significantly over the last few weeks because of these investments
• On Tuesday April 21th, EI Call Centre agents answered 28,019 calls, which is 8,462 (43.3%) more than the 19,557 calls answered per day from June 1 through September 25, 2020. This increase is a direct result of the significant investments in EI Call Centres. As a result, Canadians can expect shorter wait times to speak to an agent and quicker access to the information they need on the benefits to which they are entitled

Dep’t /Branch

ESDC/Service Canada

Issue

Support for working seniors

Mitigating measures

Additional Weeks of Recovery Benefits

In April 2021, Budget 2021 proposed to provide an additional 4 weeks, up to a maximum of 42 weeks, for the Canada Recovery Caregiver Benefit. The government will also seek legislative authorities to make further extensions, as necessary, past September 25, 2021 and until no later than November 20, 2021, to both the Canada Recovery Benefit suite of supports, including caregiving and sickness benefits, as well as Employment Insurance regular benefits.

Dep’t /Branch

ESDC

Issue

Financial Security and Homeless Seniors

Individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness are at heightened risk of contracting and transmitting COVID-19 due to underlying health conditions, increased transience, and reduced opportunities to self-isolate

Mitigating measures

Reaching home

Reaching Home: Canada's Homelessness Strategy is a community-based program that provides direct financial support to Designated Communities (urban centres), as well as Indigenous and rural and remote communities across Canada to support their efforts in addressing homelessness.

Reaching Home provides communities with flexibility in how they can use funding which enables each community to invest in the types of activities that will best reduce future inflows into homelessness at the local level. Communities can tailor these broad activity areas allowing them to design and deliver a range of services appropriate for different homelessness experiences and population groups (for example, seniors).

Seniors have been a target population for a variety of projects supported through Reaching Home, including:

• providing mental health supports (for example, for seniors experiencing isolation, including regular follow-ups)
• providing food supports (for example, hamper baskets)
• housing services (for example, transitional housing for those experiencing homelessness or providing isolation units at a motel for those with COVID-19 symptoms), and
• homelessness prevention and shelter diversion (for example rent supplements)

Dep’t /Branch

ESDC/ISSD/HPD

Issue

Health Transfers for Seniors

Mitigating measures

Health transfers to PTs

Tax-free payments and enhanced community supports; billions to provinces and territories to help with public health at this time of crisis.

Dep’t /Branch

Finance

Issue

Healthy Aging

Mitigating measures

Healthy Aging / Age-friendly Policy Lens

As part of their 3-year workplan (2018 to 2021), the National Seniors Council is providing advice to the government on existing initatives using an age-friendly/healthy aging perspective.

Dep’t /Branch

ESDC/ISSD/SPPS

Mitigating measures

A Dementia Strategy for Canada: Together We Aspire - sets out 3 national objectives: prevent dementia; advance therapies and find a cure; and improve the quality of life of people living with dementia and caregivers.

The Dementia Strategic Fund (DSF) will help support the implementation of key elements of Canada’s first national dementia strategy. The DSF activities will both directly and indirectly improve the quality of life for people living with dementia through increasing awareness of dementia, including the sharing of information related to reducing stigma, and improving access to and use of dementia guidance.

The Dementia Community Investment supports community-based projects that aim to optimize the wellbeing of people living with dementia and family/friend caregivers and increase knowledge about dementia and related risk factors and protective factors.

Dep’t /Branch

PHAC

Mitigating measures

Home care, palliative care, and community care initiatives

• Safe Restart Agreement funding to protect those in long-term care, home care and palliative care - Funding of $740M to provinces and territories to support vulnerable populations, including infection prevention and control measures to protect those in long-term care, and those receiving home care and palliative care
• Expand supply and support for personal support workers (underway) –Through the Fall Economic Statement, funding of $38.5 million over 2 years was provided to Employment and Social Development Canada to support training up to 4,000 personal support worker interns through an accelerated 6-week online training program combined with a 4-month work placement, to address acute labour shortages in long-term care and home care
• Budget 2021 proposed to provide funding of $27.6 million over 3 years for my65+, a Group Tax-Free Savings Account offered by the Service Employees International Union Healthcare to support personal support workers. This funding will support incentives for worker participation. The Service Employees International Union Healthcare will work with other unions and employers across the country to make this portable savings tool available to other workers in the elder care sector. The government also remains open to engaging with other interested unions and employer sponsors who wish to come forward with other targeted, kick-start options to strengthen retirement security for those involved in senior care who do not currently have workplace retirement security coverage

Implementation of the Action Plan on Palliative Care

The Action Plan on Palliative Care lays out Health Canada's 5-year plan (2019 to 2020 and 2023 to 2024) to tackle issues uncovered through the development of the Framework on Palliative Care in Canada. It includes specific activities to enhance access for underserved populations, including older seniors who are less likely to receive palliative care in their last year of life (CIHI, 2018), quality of care, and health care system performance, within the federal government's mandate and levers for action. To date, Health Canada has invested over $13M in various Action Plan projects, with more to come. The Action Plan on Palliative Care continues to be implemented, with various funding proposals under review and development.

Dep’t /Branch

HC/ESDC

Mitigating measures

Participation in the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing

• The UN Decade of Healthy Ageing is a coordinated global effort led by the WHO. The Decade will bring together governments, civil society, international agencies, professionals, academia, the media, and the private sector for 10 years of concerted, catalytic and collaborative action to improve the lives of older people, their families, and the communities in which they live
• The Decade presents an opportunity to improve the quality of life of older adults, families and communities, with a particular emphasis on at risk and marginalized sub-groups
• PHAC is developing a plan of action for the Government of Canada to support this initiative

Dep’t /Branch

PHAC

Mitigating measures

Ensuring access to a family doctor or a primary health care team

The federal government has committed to improve access to primary health care, particularly for vulnerable populations, including Canada’s seniors:

• Minister of Health’s mandate letter (2019): Renew health agreements with the provinces and territories (PTS)in 4 priority areas, including primary care to ensure that every Canadian has access to a family doctor or primary health care team
• September 2020 Speech from the Throne: Confirmed Government’s commitment to move forward with support for primary care
• supplementary mandate letter (2021): Work with PTs to ensure all Canadians, including vulnerable populations and those living in rural and remote areas, have access to a family doctor or primary health care team…and expand capacity to deliver virtual health care.

On May 3rd, 2020, the Prime Minister announced an investment of $240.5M, of which $200M is helping provinces and territories accelerate their efforts to meet health care needs through virtual tools and approaches.

This investment will enable Canadians, including seniors, to safely engage with their regular health providers through telephone, text or video-conferencing, to have their health needs met. It also means they can continue to access primary care services throughout this time of uncertainty.

Dep’t /Branch

HC

Mitigating measures

Public Health Agency of Canada – Various healthy aging initiatives

Healthy Seniors Pilot Project

• On February 12th, the Governments of Canada and New Brunswick announced 39 applied research projects under the Healthy Seniors Pilot Project. The Government of Canada invested $75 million in 2018 to fund projects in New Brunswick that aim to better support seniors in their homes, communities and care facilities. Findings from these projects will be shared across Canada

COVID-19 resources for seniors and caregivers

• During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Public Health Agency of Canada developed an online resource page for seniors and caregivers. The page links its users to over 60 practical resources and provides information on how older persons can take care of their physical and mental health and help prevent COVID-19. The page can be accessed directly at the following link: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/resources-older-adults-caregivers.html

Dep’t /Branch

PHAC

Mitigating measures

New Horizons for Seniors Program – Healthy aging priority

For the 2020 to 2021 CFP for NHSP community-based stream, the department introduced a priority that specifically supported healthy aging including addressing social isolation, mental health and dementia and also supported accessible intergenerational housing.

Dep’t /Branch

ESDC/ISSD/SICCD

Issue

Housing

Mitigating measures

Canada’s senior population is growing, and more seniors now find it difficult to afford acceptable housing, or housing that allows them to easily stay in their homes or community as long as possible. According to figures released from Statistics Canada’s Census 2016, over 1.3 million seniors lived in unacceptable housing, with their dwellings falling below at least 1 of the adequacy, affordability or suitability standards. More than half of seniors living in unacceptable housing lived alone (598,000). 

Mitigation:

The National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a $70+* billion 10-year plan to address housing needs across the continuum

*this includes more than $13.29B proposed through the 2020 Fall Economic Statement

• vulnerable population groups are a common element of focus and prioritization across NHS initiatives, which include women and children fleeing domestic violence, seniors, Indigenous peoples, the homeless, people with disabilities, those dealing with mental health and addiction issues, veterans, young adults, racialized groups and newcomers
• the NHS will reduce the number of seniors in housing need through the $13.2 billion National Housing Co-Investment Fund. The Fund is expected to create at least 7,000 new affordable housing units for seniors, and will support much-needed renovations, including improved accessibility, to allow seniors to age in place

Budget 2021 proposes to provide an additional $2.5 billion over 7 years, starting in 2021 to 2022, to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, including:

• an additional $1.5 billion for the Rapid Housing Initiative in 2021 to 2022 to address the urgent housing needs of vulnerable Canadians by providing them with adequate affordable housing in short order
• $600 million over 7 years, starting in 2021 to 2022, to renew and expand the Affordable Housing Innovation Fund, which encourages new funding models and innovative building techniques in the affordable housing sector. To date, this program has committed funding to support the creation of over 17,600 units, including more than 16,300 affordable housing units and units for persons with accessibility challenges. This new funding will support the creation of up to 12,700 more units, bringing the total to over 30,000 units
• $ 118.2 million over 7 years, starting in 2021 to 2022, through the Federal Community Housing Initiative, to support community housing providers that deliver long-term housing to many of our most vulnerable

In addition to these new investments, Budget 2021 proposes to advance and reallocate $1.3 billion, on a cash basis, of previously announced funding, including:

• $ 750 million in funding under the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, which is proposed to be advanced to 2021 to 2022 and 2022 to 2023. This will accelerate the creation of 3,400 new units, and the repair of 13,700 units

Dep’t /Branch

CMHC

Issue

International Convention on the Rights of Older Persons

Mitigating measures

International Convention on the Rights of Older Persons – Canada’s role

The Government is committed to the protection of human rights of all people and is deeply concerned for older persons who are disproportionately affected by COVID-19.

Nationally and internationally, promoting and protecting human rights is, and will remain, a priority for the Government.

The Government actively engages with various international mechanisms focused on strengthening the human rights of older persons including the United Nations Open-ended Working Group on Ageing and the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing.

The Government is also open to discussing the idea of a convention on the rights of older persons.

Dep’t /Branch

ESDC/ISSD/SSPB/IR

Issue

IT and Infrastructure issues

Mitigating measures

New Horizons for Seniors Program

In response to the pandemic, the Government provided flexibility to organizations funded through the NHSP, allowing them to adapt their activities to the shifting context. Some organizations used this flexibility to shift their activities to virtual formats and provide supports to help seniors access virtual events and use technology to stay connected with family and friends.

Eligible applicant under NHSP community-based stream must meet at least 1 program objective which one of them consist of providing capital assistance for new and existing community projects and programs for seniors.

Additionally, one of the priorities for 2020 to 2021 CFP was focused on adapting community-based organizations to a more virtual environment, which includes developing and delivering virtual programming, and recruiting and training volunteers to support the social inclusion of seniors. Also, applicants that submitted an application for the small grant (up to $5,000) were required to meet a specific activity which one them was focused on supporting information technology (IT) equipment upgrades (such as computers, tablets).

To ensure seniors were engage and included in the community, the program supported projects for which activities were delivered virtually and remotely such as workshops, online support networks and web-based seminars or information sessions.

Dep’t /Branch

ESDC/ISSD/SICCD

Issue

Labour Market Participation of Seniors

Mitigating measures

New Horizons for Seniors Program

The NHSP’s objectives include supporting the social participation and inclusion of seniors, including by combating ageism by encouraging seniors to participate in the labour market. The community-based stream of the NHSP annually funds 1-year grants of up to $25,000 for projects led or inspired by seniors. Some of these projects include a focus on seniors’ labour market participation. In 2020 to 2021, a total of $61M was available for these grants. One of the priorities of the NHSP community-based stream is to consisted of combatting ageism, celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion.

Dep’t /Branch

ESDC/ISSD/SICCD

Mitigating measures

Bilateral Labour Market Development Agreements and the Workforce Development Agreements with provinces and territories

The Government of Canada provides funding for a range of skills training and employment supports for individuals, including older workers, through the bilateral Labour Market Development Agreements (LMDAs) and Workforce Development Agreements (WDAs) with provinces and territories (PTs). Each year, the Government of Canada provides approximately $3.4 billion in funding for skills training and employment supports to help Canadians workers improve their skills, as well as find and keep employment through the LMDAs and the WDAs with PTs. Under the agreements, PTs have the flexibility to design and deliver employment programming that meets the needs of their local labour markets. In 2020 to 2021, an additional $1.5 billion was provided to support Canadian workers looking to re-enter the workforce, particularly those in hard-hit sectors and groups disadvantaged as a result of the pandemic.

In response to the changing economy, programs delivered under the WDAs provide skills training and employment programming with a focus on those further removed from the labour market, such as older workers, and those wishing to upskill. The WDAs can assist individuals regardless of their employment status. Those who are unemployed, underemployed, employed or self-employed can receive supports to upskill and/or reorient their careers and to ultimately find and/or maintain good jobs.

Dep’t /Branch

ESDC/SEB

Mitigating measures

Canada Labour Code amendments

In recent years, there have been several amendments to the Canada Labour Code that could positively impact older employees in federally regulated industries. For example, as of September 1, 2019, employees are entitled to:

• a right to request flexible work arrangements, which allows them to request changes to working conditions (in other words, number of hours, work schedule, location of work) in order to better serve their specific needs with regard to maintaining a healthy work-life balance
• up to 5 days (3 of them paid) of personal leave per year that can be taken for numerous reasons, including to treat an injury or illness, to carry out responsibilities related to the health or care of any of their family members and to manage any urgent situation
• access to up to 17 weeks of medical leave to attend medical appointments during working hours, regardless of the employee’s length of service with the employer
• as many unpaid breaks for medical reasons as needed and as attested to by a medical certificate, and
• new scheduling rules (for example 8-hour rest periods between shifts, 96 hours’ notice of schedule) that provide greater predictability and rest periods

Dep’t /Branch

Labour Program

Issue

Mitigating measures

FPT Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum

In 2018, the Forum published on “Promoting the Labour Force Participation of Older Canadians – Promising Initiatives” and in 2019 on “Understanding the impact of public policies and programs on the Labour market decisions of older workers”. Recently, the Forum developed a new report “Older Workers: Exploring and Addressing the Stereotypes” that will be published in early 2021. This report will synthesize and analyze the information pertaining to the beliefs surrounding older workers and propose strategies, approaches or mechanisms to explore and address those stereotypes.

Dep’t /Branch

ESDC/ISSD/SPPS/FPT Secretariat

Issue

National Pharmacare

Mitigating measures

Implement National Universal Pharmacare

The Government has committed to implementing national universal pharmacare. Budget 2019 set aside funding for pharmacare-related initiatives:

• creation of a Canadian Drug Agency Transition Office ($35M over 4 years)
• development of a national formulary
• implementation of a national strategy for high-cost drugs for rare diseases ($500M per year starting in 2022 to 2023)

The 2020 Speech from the Throne and the Fall Economic Statement pledged to accelerate the steps to achieve this goal, including working with PTs willing to move forward without delay.

The Government is making progress on foundational elements:

Canadian Drug Agency Transition Office:

• the office has been established in Health Canada and a head for the Office was appointed April 1, 2020
• the Office will provide dedicated capacity and leadership to engage with partners and stakeholders to develop a vision for the Canadian Drug Agency
• the Office will also work closely with partners to develop a national formulary—a comprehensive, evidence-based list of prescribed drugs that will support consistent patient access to treatments across the country

High-Cost Drugs for Rare Diseases:

• work is underway to develop a national strategy for high-cost drugs for rare diseases to provide consistent, evidence-informed and sustainable access for patients across Canada
• engagement with PTs was launched in November 2020
• a broad public and stakeholder engagement process was held during January to March 2021. A What We Heard report will be published in late spring 2021
• concurrent and ongoing discussions are taking place with health system partners and Indigenous organizations
• a national strategy is anticipated to be launched in 2022

Dep’t /Branch

HC

Issue

National Standards and Funding for Long-Term Care

Mitigating measures

National Standards and funding – Long-term care

The Government is taking a number of steps to help jurisdictions respond to the significant challenges faced by long-term care facilities across the country in the context of the pandemic:

• to help manage the spread of the virus, the Public Health Agency of Canada released a number of guidance documents, which was developed with the National Advisory Committee on Infection Prevention and Control and endorsed by the Pan- Canadian Special Advisory Committee:
• interim guidance: Care of Residents in Long Term Care Homes During the COVID-19 Pandemic document, which provide care guidance specific to the COVID-19 pandemic in Canadian homes/facilities where older adults require continuous supervised care, including professional health services, personal care and other services such as meals, laundry and housekeeping
• infection prevention and control for COVID-19: Interim Guidance for Home Care Settings, which provides interim guidance to home care organizations and staff, to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in home care settings
• infection prevention and control for COVID-19: Interim Guidance for Long- Term Care Homes provides recommendations that complement provincial and territorial public health efforts to prevent and control health care associated infections
• up to $3 billion in federal funding has been provided in support to provinces and territories to increase the wages of low-income essential workers, which can include front line workers in hospitals and long-term care facilities, and personal support workers
• Canada has also adopted measures to facilitate the procurement of personal protective equipment to be used across the health care system, including in long-term care facilities
• investing in Canada Infrastructure program was adapted to respond to the impacts of COVID-19 with the creation of a new temporary COVID-19 Resilience stream to provide PTs with added flexibility to use existing resources to fund quick-start, short-term projects, including health infrastructure such as long-term care homes
• Health Canada and Public Safety Canada continue to work with the Canadian Red Cross to support provinces and territories facing outbreaks in long-term care. Specifically, the Canadian Red Cross is recruiting and training paid volunteers in order to support epidemic prevention and control, basic care for long-term care residents and long-term care site administration
• procurement and distribution of vaccines and rapid tests - Support to provinces and territories through the procurement and distribution of authorized vaccines and rapid tests, which will help protect long-term care residents. Comprehensive and evidence-informed preliminary guidance on key populations for early COVID-19 immunization, including residents and staff of congregate living settings that provide care for seniors. Procurement of a specialty influenza vaccine (Fluzone® High Dose) on behalf of the provinces and territories for the 2020 influenza season to support the prevention of influenza transmission and outbreaks in long-term care homes
• the federal government, through the Safe Restart Agreement, is providing more than $19 billion to help provinces and territories safely restart their economies over the next 6 to 8 months. This investment will help address the key priorities, including:
  • increasing testing and contact tracing of the virus
  • supporting the capacity of our health care systems
  • including services for people facing mental health challenges
  • assisting with the procurement of personal protective equipment, and
  • supporting essential service delivery. The investment includes $740M specifically for actions to better support vulnerable populations, such as seniors living in long-term care facilities

In the 2020 Speech from the Throne, the Government committed to:

• work with provinces and territories to set new, national standards for long-term care so that seniors get the best support possible, and
• take additional action to help older persons stay in their homes longer, allowing jurisdictions to optimize the long-term care resources at their disposal

In the Fall Economic Statement, the Government committed to:

• fund of up to $1 billion for a Safe Long-term Care Fund, to help provinces and territories protect people from COVID- 19 in long-term care and support infection prevention and control.he Government also committing $6.4 million over 2 years, starting in 2020 to 2021, to the Canadian Foundation for Health Improvement to expand its LTC+ initiative, which supports pandemic preparedness in long-term care facilities and seniors residences with coaching and seed funding to help address gaps in infection prevention and control

The Health Standards Organization recently announced that they, along with the Standards Council of Canada, and CSA Group, are collaborating to develop 2 new complementary National Standards for Long-Term Care to address both the delivery of safe, reliable and high-quality care, and the health infrastructure and environmental design of long-term care homes. The Government of Canada is very interested in the work these organizations are undertaking.

In April 2021, Budget 2021 proposed to provide $3 billion over 5 years, starting in 2022 to 2023, to Health Canada to support provinces and territories in ensuring standards for long-term care are applied and permanent changes are made.

In addition, Budget 2021 also proposed to provide $41.3 million over 6 years, and $7.7 million ongoing, starting in 2021 to 2022, for Statistics Canada to improve data infrastructure and data collection on supportive care, primary care, and pharmaceuticals.

Dep’t /Branch

HC/PHAC

Mitigating measures

Personal support worker training

The Government has accelerated training for personal support workers interns to address critical labour shortages in long-term care facilities.

Dep’t /Branch

ESDC/SEB

Issue

Seniors with Disabilities

Mitigating measures

One-time payment and COVID-19 Disability Advisory Group

The Government introduced a 1-time non-taxable and non-reportable payment of up to $600 to support Canadians with disabilities to help with additional expenses incurred during the pandemic. Seniors with disabilities, who were eligible for the 1-time seniors payment* announced on May 12, 2020, and who are also eligible for the 1-time disability payment, will receive a total of $600 broken into 2 payments. Seniors received a cumulative amount of up to $600, broken into 2 payments:

• if they received the $300 1-time seniors payment for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension, they received an additional $300
• if they received the $500 1-time seniors payment for both the OAS pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or the Allowance, they received an additional $100

*See financial security section of this document.

The Government established the COVID-19 Disability Advisory Group to provide advice on the lived experiences of persons with disabilities during this public health crisis; the issues, challenges and systemic gaps that exists; as well as the best strategies and measures to be taken. In December 2020, the Advisory Group’s mandate was renewed and expanded mandate to provide expert advice on disability inclusion. The Advisory Group’s main focus will be to:

• provide advice to Minister Qualtrough on promoting disability inclusion and targeting barriers to the full participation of Canadians with disabilities in specific areas based on Government of Canada priorities and the Minister’s mandate
• provide advice on the implementation of Government of Canada programs and initiatives related to the Minister’s disability inclusion and accessibility mandate

Dep’t /Branch

ESDC/ISSD/ODI

Mitigating measures

Social Development Partnership Program – Disability Component funding

The importance of accessible communications and the need for engagement with persons with disabilities during the pandemic was raised as a key issue by the disability community and the COVID-19 Disability Advisory Group. To enhance and support communications and engagement activities related to the COVID-19 pandemic, in June 2020, the Government announced $1.1M in funding to support national disability organizations through ESDC’s Social Development Partnership Program - Disability Component. This program provides $13.7 million annually to not-for-profit organizations for project and operating funding to improve the participation and social inclusion of persons with disabilities, including seniors with disabilities, in all aspects of Canadian society.

Dep’t /Branch

ESDC/ISSD/ODI

Mitigating measures

Funding to support Canadians with print disabilities

To support Canadians with print disabilities, a high share of whom are seniors, the Government of Canada announced $22.8 M over 5 years through Budget 2019 for the transition towards industry-based production and distribution of accessible reading materials. Also through Budget 2019, the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) received $3M and the National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS) received $1M in 2019 to 2020 for the production of alternative format materials during this transition. The 2020 Fall Economic Statement announced an additional $10M over 4 years for CELA and NNELS. On March 16, 2021, Minister Qualtrough announced an additional $1M for CELA and NNELS, in recognition of the challenges faced by the non-profit and publishing sectors due to the pandemic.

Dep’t /Branch

ESDC/ISSD/ODI

Mitigating measures

Accessibility renovation funding

With an aging population, the number of persons with disabilities, including seniors with disabilities, is increasing, which creates a growing demand for accessible infrastructure across Canada.

Through Budget 2017, the Government of Canada announced and additional $77 million ($70 million in grants and contributions; and $7 million in operating funding) in funding over 10 years, starting in 2018 to 2019 to 2027 to 2028, to support the capital costs of construction and renovation projects aimed at improving physical accessibility and safety for persons with disabilities in communities and workplaces across Canada.

Dep’t /Branch

ESDC/ISSD/ODI/Finance

Mitigating measures

Enabling Accessibility Fund

Budget 2021 proposed to provide additional funding of $100 million over 2 years, starting in 2021 to 2022, to Employment and Social Development Canada to triple funding for the Enabling Accessibility Fund.

Dep’t /Branch

ESDC/ISSD/ODI/Finance

Issue

Senior Abuse

Mitigating measures

Senior Abuse – Creation of a national definition, creation of new offences for neglect, and various senior abuse-related initiatives

The Government committed to:

• establishing new offences and penalties in the Criminal Code related to seniors abuse and neglect - including to explicitly penalize those who neglect seniors under their care, putting them in danger
• create a national definition of seniors abuse, and invest in better data collection and law enforcement. (ESDC and JUS)

Work already underway includes:

• the New Horizons for Seniors Program’s objectives include expanding awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse. The community-based stream of the NHSP annually funds 1-year grants of up to $25,000 for projects led or inspired by seniors. Some of these projects include a focus on elder abuse awareness. In 2020 to 2021, a total of $61M was available for these grants
• the National Seniors Council’s examination of the issue of fraud, scams and other financial harms against seniors. (ESDC)
• the Federal Victims Strategy, through which Justice Canada hosts knowledge building events, including symposiums and publically available online workshops, to raise awareness about the issue of seniors abuse and the supports available to senior victims. (JUS)
• the Justice Canada component of the federal Family Violence Initiative which can address seniors abuse by providing information and resources for professionals and the public. (JUS)
• the Justice Canada Victims Fund which is available to provincial and territorial governments and non-governmental organizations to support projects that address the needs of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system. In 2021, the Victims Fund made $1M available for the development and dissemination of public education and information (PLEI) materials about elder abuse that are specifically designed to reach seniors, and those responsible for their care can support projects that meet the needs of senior victims. (JUS)
• building on the foundation laid by the federal Gender-Based Violence Strategy, Women and Gender Equality Canada is currently developing a National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence; which will ensure that anyone facing gender-based violence has reliable and timely access to protection and services
• PHAC’s Preventing and Addressing Family Violence funding program supports projects that build the evidence-base related to preventing and addressing family violence (including elder abuse) and its health impacts, by delivering, testing and supporting diverse health promotion programs and interventions that are tailored to the needs of those who have experienced, are experiencing, or are at-risk of experiencing family violence
• in April 2021, Budget 2021 proposed to provide $50 million over 5 years, starting in 2021 to 2022, for the Public Health Agency of Canada to design and deliver interventions that promote safe relationships and prevent family violence, including intimate partner violence, child maltreatment, and elder abuse

Dep’t /Branch

ESDC/ISSD/SPPS/JUS/ESDC/ISSD/SICCD/WAGE/PHAC

Issue

Seniors Code and access to banking services

Mitigating measures

Code of conduct for banks

In July 2019, the banking industry adopted a Code of Conduct for the Delivery of Banking Services to Seniors. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) monitors banks to ensure they comply with the code. The code is an important first step in guiding banks in their delivery of services to meet the needs of seniors. Banks who have signed on to the code must abide by its principles.

Dep’t /Branch

FCAC

Issue

Social Inclusion

Mitigating measures

New Horizons for Seniors Program – Social Inclusion

Through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP), the Government supports projects that encourage the social participation and inclusion of seniors. Through the community-based stream of the NHSP, the Government annually provides 1-year grants of less than $25,000 to thousands of community-based organizations for projects that help seniors benefit from and contribute to the quality of life in their communities. In addition, through the pan-Canadian stream of the NHSP, the Government currently supports 22 projects that use collaborative approaches to address the social inclusion of vulnerable seniors across a broader community. These projects have been allocated an average of $2.6M over 5 years.

The Community-based stream of the NHSP supports projects that are volunteer-based and are designed by seniors for seniors in communities across Canada. Eligible organizations can apply for and receive up to $25,000 in grant funding for 1 year, or apply for the small grant and receive up to $5,000 for 1 year.

More specifically, for the 2020 to 2021 CFP, a priority was established to ensure funded projects would support seniors social inclusion though labour market participation, mentoring and engagement of seniors.

Dep’t /Branch

ESDC

Issue

Tax Relief for Seniors

Mitigating measures

Various tax relief for seniors

Seniors benefit from significant, broad-based, tax-relief measures, such that around half of all seniors do not pay any federal income tax. These include:

• Age Credit provides a non-refundable tax credit to individuals aged 65 and over with income below $90,313 in 2021. Any unused portion of the credit can be transferred to a spouse or common-law partner
• Pension Income Credit provides a non-refundable tax credit of 15% on the first $2,000 of eligible pension income. Any unused portion of the credit can be transferred to a spouse or common-law partner
• Pension Income Splitting allows any Canadian resident receiving income that qualifies for the Pension Income Credit to allocate up to 1-half of that income to their resident spouse or common-law partner for tax purposes

Dep’t /Branch

Finance

Prepared by

Name: Aria Adel
Title: Junior Policy Analyst, Seniors Policy and Analysis Unit

Name: Manon Therriault
Title: Manager, Seniors Policy and Analysis Unit
Phone number: 819-360-0209

Key contact

Name: Jackie Holden
Title: Senior Director, Seniors Policy, Partnerships and Engagement Division
Phone number: 819-210-5671

Name: Kristen Underwood
Title: Director General, Seniors and Pensions Policy Secretariat
Phone number: 613-614-2706

Approved by

Name: Alexis Jonathan Conrad
Title: Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Income Security and Social Development Branch
Phone number: 613-868-7004

Date approved in SADMO: May 18, 2021

3. Measures to address Seniors Poverty

Issue

Measures the government is taking to address seniors poverty.

Key facts

• There was a decrease in the overall poverty rate in 2019. Based on Canada’s Official Poverty Line – the Market Basket Measure – the poverty rate fell from 14.5% in 2015 to 10.1% in 2019. About 3,730,000 people were living in poverty in 2019, which is 1,344,000 fewer people than in 2015, including 435,000 children and 45,000 seniors. The poverty rate in Canada in 2019 decreased by 30% since 2015. This means that the Government of Canada is making significant progress towards meeting its Poverty Reduction Strategy goal of reducing poverty by 50% by 2030
  • Market Basket Measure (2019): 10.1%
  • Low Income Measure After-Tax (2019): 12.1%
  • Low-Income Cut-Offs After-Tax (2019): 6.5%
• There was a decrease in the poverty rate for seniors in 2019. A total of 349,000 seniors lived below Canada’s Official Poverty Line in 2019 (5.4%), a decrease of 1.6 percentage points from 2015, meaning that approximately 45,000 fewer seniors were in poverty in 2019
  • Market Basket Measure (2019): 5.4%
  • Low Income Measure After-Tax (2019): 15.2%
  • Low-Income Cut-Offs After-Tax(2019): 3.9%
• Single seniors continue to have higher poverty rates than those living in families. Among seniors living in families, the poverty rate fell from 3.3% in 2015 to 2.8% in 2019, while among single and unattached seniors, the poverty rate fell from 17% in 2015 to 11.7% in 2019
• Single female seniors living in poverty continue to outnumber single senior men. In 2015, 66% of all single seniors in poverty were women and this proportion increased by 2 percentage points in 2019 (68%)

Response

• Canada has one of the lowest rates of seniors’ poverty in the developed world. But we know that some seniors still struggle to make ends meet. This is why our Government has taken further actions to reduce poverty
• In August 2018, the Government introduced Opportunity for All – Canada’s First Poverty Reduction Strategy. The Strategy lays out a bold vision of a Canada without poverty and puts in place targets to reduce poverty amongst all Canadians, including seniors: by 20% by 2020; and by 50% by 2030
• The Government’s poverty reduction efforts are already showing results. Canada has reached its 2020 target ahead of schedule. In 2019, over 1.3 million fewer individuals are living in poverty than in 2015, while more are expected to be lifted out of poverty as the impacts of investments are realized
• The Government has also taken concrete steps to improve Canadians’ retirement security. We have restored the age of eligibility from 67 to 65 for the Old Age Security pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement
• In July 2016, the Guaranteed Income Supplement was increased by up to $947 per year for the lowest-income single seniors, benefiting close to 900,000 vulnerable seniors across Canada
• To assist seniors facing hardship as a result of COVID-19, in June 2020, the Government of Canada provided a 1-time tax-free payment of $300 for seniors eligible for the Old Age Security pension, with an additional $200 for seniors eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement
• Budget 2021 proposes to meet the immediate needs of older seniors by improving OAS through a 1-time payment of $500 in August 2021 to pensioners who will be 75 or over as of June 2022 and by introducing legislation to increase regular OAS payments for these same pensioners by 10% as of July 2022. This will increase benefits for approximately 3.3 million seniors
• Our Government remains committed to improving the quality of life for seniors now and for generations to come

Background

• The Government has made significant investments to reduce poverty among seniors, including improvements to the Old Age Security (OAS) pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), as well as restoring the age of eligibility from 67 to 65 for both programs, which helped 100,000 future seniors aged 65 and 66 avoid plunging into poverty
• To help seniors who are living in poverty or are most at risk of living in poverty, the Government enhanced the GIS in 2016 by increasing the amount received by up to $947 annually for the most vulnerable single seniors and helping improve the financial security of 900,000 seniors. Between 2015 and 2019, there was a decrease of 41,000 single seniors living below Canada’s Official Poverty Line
• The Government’s poverty reduction efforts are already showing results. Based on data from the 2019 Canadian Income Survey released in March 2021, Canada continues to meet its 2020 target to reduce poverty by 20% based on 2015 levels. Between 2015 and 2019, the poverty rate fell by 30%: from 14.5% to 10.1%. Compared with 2015, there are about 1,344,000 fewer people living in poverty in 2019
• The number of seniors living in poverty slightly decreased between 2018 and 2019. In total, 349,000 seniors were living below the poverty line in 2019, down from 352,000 seniors living below the poverty line the previous year
• Some subgroups of seniors remain at higher risk of poverty, such as single seniors living in big cities. In 2019, the poverty rate for single seniors living in Toronto was 12.9% compared to 6% for seniors living in economic families in Toronto and a higher poverty rate for single non-seniors living in Toronto (32.3%)
• In 2019, the poverty rate for senior women (5.9%) was higher than for senior men (4.7%) and single female seniors living in poverty continued to outnumber single male seniors in poverty. In 2019 there were 146,000 single senior women living in poverty, compared to 70,000 single senior men
• According to the 2017 Canadian Survey on Disability, senior women with severe disabilities have median income of $19,520, greater than the median income of their working-age counterparts ($17,520). This increase is partly due to increased eligibility for various income support programs once they turn 65
• The Government of Canada continues to make improvements in the delivery of OAS and the GIS so that more seniors get the benefits to which they are entitled. This includes automatically enrolling many new beneficiaries, simplifying the application form and actively reaching out to ensure that qualified seniors receive their benefits
• Budget 2019 enhanced the GIS earnings exemption for recipients and their spouses, beginning with the July 2020 to 2021 benefit year. The earnings exemption extends to self-employment income and provides a full or partial exemption on up to $15,000 of annual employment and self-employment income. The enhancement also increases the full exemption from $3,500 to $5,000 per year and introduces a partial exemption of 50%, to apply on up to $10,000 of annual employment and self-employment income beyond the new $5,000 threshold
• Budget 2019 introduced legislative amendments that proactively enroll Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributors who are 70 years old or older in 2020, but who have not applied to receive their retirement pension. In addition, the opt-out period was extended from 6 months to a year to ensure that Canadians who choose not to receive a CPP retirement pension are not disadvantaged by proactive enrollment
• Budget 2021 is increasing OAS benefits for seniors age 75 and older. The government plans to implement this commitment in 2 steps. Budget 2021 proposes to meet the immediate needs of this group of seniors by providing a 1-time payment of $500 in August 2021 to OAS pensioners who will be 75 or over as of June 2022. Budget 2021 then proposes to introduce legislation to increase regular OAS payments for pensioners 75 and over by 10 per cent on an ongoing basis as of July 2022. This would increase the benefits for approximately 3.3 million seniors, providing additional benefits of $766 to full pensioners in the first year, and indexed to inflation going forward. This would give seniors more financial security later in life, particularly at the time when they face increased care expenses and greater risk of running out of savings
• In total, these 2 measures represent $12 billion over 5 years in additional financial support, beginning in 2021 to 2022, and at least $3 billion per year ongoing, to be delivered by Employment and Social Development Canada. Statutory funding authority would be sought to make the 1-time payment. Changes to the Old Age Security Act would be made to implement the benefit increase as of July 2022, and to exempt the 1-time payment from the definition of income for the Guaranteed Income Supplement.

Updated by

Mathieu Blais

Senior Policy Analyst, Social Policy Directorate

819-654-1445

Key Contact

Marie-Rose Nyandwi

Manager, Social Policy Directorate

819-664-2508

Approved by

Hugues Vaillancourt

Senior Director, Social Policy Directorate

873-396-1267

Date

April 20, 2021

Date approved by ADM: May 4, 2021

4. Measures for Seniors and Seniors Financial Security

Issue

What measures has the Government put in place to assist Canadian seniors facing the current COVID-19 pandemic?

Key facts

• As of April 29, 2021, 1,211,083 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Canada, including 24,169 deaths
• Of the total number of cases reported as of April 23, 2021, 13.6% were individuals between 60 and 79 years of age and 6.1% were aged 80 and older
• As of April 23, 2021, those aged 60 years and over represent 68.1% of all reported hospitalizations, 63.7% of all reported Intensive Care Unit admissions and 95.5% of deaths
• As of April 17, 2021, 86.63% of adults aged 80 and older have received at least 1 dose of a COVID-19 vaccine

Response

• Seniors across the country have been hit especially hard by the COVID-19 pandemic
• Since the pandemic was declared I have been in contact with my provincial and territorial counterparts and have heard from a number of stakeholders, as well as the National Seniors Council
• With Budget 2021, the Government announced new investments that are aimed at keeping seniors safe and improving their quality of life
• We will continue taking any action we can to address challenges in long-term care institutions and support seniors, while working alongside the provinces and territories. We are committed to introducing Criminal Code amendments to explicitly penalize those who neglect seniors
• As stated in Budget 2021, we are proposing to increase the Old Age Security pension for seniors 75 years of age and over, and taking additional action to help seniors stay in their homes longer
• As a member of the Ad Hoc Cabinet Committee on COVID-19, I am committed to ensure that seniors’ needs across Canada are carefully considered and addressed
• All provinces and territories vaccinated residents of long-term care facilities and other collective dwellings for seniors as one of their first priority populations

Background

Support for seniors in the community

On March 29th, 2020, the Prime Minister announced $9M in funding through the New Horizons for Seniors Program to the United Way Centraide Canada to fund projects in each province and territory to support isolated, vulnerable seniors cope with the health, social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These investments helped to provide essential services to seniors such as the delivery of groceries and medications, meal preparation, transportation to necessary medical appointments or personal outreach to assess individuals’ needs and connect them to community supports. More than 900 projects were supported through this funding.

• Further, in the spring of 2020, the Government provided both community-based and pan-Canadian funded organizations with flexibilities to adapt their current project activities to support seniors impacted by COVID-19. Projects were provided with the flexibility to used already-approved funding to address issues related to the pandemic, rather than being limited to their original objectives. On May 12, 2020, the Government also announced an additional investment of $20 million in the New Horizons for Seniors Program to support organizations that offer community-based projects that reduce isolation, improve the quality of life of seniors, and help them maintain a social support network. More than 1,000 projects were funded through this investment.
• In addition, the Government invested $350 million to support vulnerable Canadians through charities and non-profit organizations that deliver essential services to those in need, including seniors. The Emergency Community Support Fund provided funding to national intermediaries with networks across the country, which included United Way Centraide Canada, the Canadian Red Cross, and Community Foundations of Canada. These intermediaries channeled funds through their regional and local partners to local community organizations who support a wide range of vulnerable populations. All funding has been allocated and over 11,500 projects were supported in diverse communities across the country.

In April 2021, Budget 2021 proposed to provide $90 million over 3 years, starting in 2021 to 22, to Employment and Social Development Canada to launch the Age Well at Home initiative.

Support for NGOs

To assist not-for-profit organizations and charities that are under stress because of the pandemic, the Government of Canada introduced the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. This subsidy helps not-for-profit organizations and charities keep or re-hire the workers that are necessary to continue to serve seniors and other Canadians throughout our communities.

In April 2021, Budget 2021 proposed to provide $400 million in 2021 to 2022 to Employment and Social Development Canada to create a temporary Community Services Recovery Fund to help charities and non-profits adapt and modernize so they can better support the economic recovery in our communities.

Seniors' Financial Security

Seniors’ financial security is an ongoing priority. This Government introduced a 1-time tax-free payment of $300 for seniors eligible for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension, with an additional tax-free payment of $200 for seniors eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). This measure provided a total of $500 to low-income seniors who receive both benefits. Allowance recipients also received $500. The Government has also introduced measures to ensure that the OAS and Canada Pension Plan benefits seniors rely on will continue to be paid without delay, and that new applications for these benefits are processed in a timely fashion. As well, a special top-up payment under the Goods and Service Tax Credit provided an average of $375 for single seniors with low- and modest-income, and $510 for senior couples with low- and modest-income.

To help protect seniors’ assets during a volatile market, we reduced the minimum withdrawals required from Registered Retirement Income Funds by 25 % for 2020.

We also extended the deadline for filing federal tax returns until June 1, 2020 and the deadline for paying any 2019 income tax amounts until September 1, 2020.

To ensure GIS payments to low-income seniors were not affected by the deferral of the 2019 tax filing deadline, we put measures in place to ensure that these payments continued to be paid without interruption when a person's 2019 income information had not been received. This measure guaranteed that the most vulnerable seniors continued to receive their benefits when they need them the most. Allowance payment to 60 to 64 year olds were similarly continued without interruption. Once a client’s 2019 income is available, their benefits are retroactively adjusted to July 2020. Seniors are therefore being encouraged to submit their 2019 income information as soon as possible.

The Government is also committed to moving forward with investments that give Canadian seniors a better quality of life, including stronger financial security. As part of Budget 2021, the Government proposes to increase the OAS pension by 10% for seniors aged 75 and over, starting in July 2022. The increase will provide up to $766 more for eligible seniors in the first year, and improve the financial security of seniors later in life. In order to help address the immediate needs of this group of seniors, the Government has also proposed to provide a 1-time payment of $500 in August 2021 to OAS pensioners who will be aged 75 and over as of June 30, 2022.

Support for Working Seniors

As part of the Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, the Government has transitioned from the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) to a simplified Employment Insurance (EI) program, effective September 27, 2020, to provide income support to eligible workers who remain unable to work. Recognizing that many workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic will have lost their jobs or worked reduced hours, a set of temporary measures have been introduced to facilitate access to EI benefits. These measures result in a 1-time EI eligibility requirement of as little as 120 insurable hours across Canada, with a minimum regular benefit rate of $500 per week for at least 26 weeks. The Government introduced 3 temporary Recovery Benefits to provide income support to those Canadian workers who are not eligible for EI and those who require tailored support when their employment is affected by COVID-19. These benefits include the Canada Recovery Benefit, the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit and the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit.

In 2021, Budget 2021 proposed to provide an additional 4 weeks, up to a maximum of 42 weeks, for the Canada Recovery Caregiver Benefit. The government will also seek legislative authorities to make further extensions, as necessary, past September 25, 2021 and until no later than November 20, 2021, to both the Canada Recovery Benefit suite of supports, including caregiving and sickness benefits, as well as Employment Insurance regular benefits.

Support for vulnerable seniors:

Mental health

In addition to investments under the New Horizons for Seniors Program to address seniors’ mental health, the Government has implemented many measures to help Canadians facing mental health challenges due to COVID-19, including seniors.

In April 2020, the Government has launched a new online portal that provides access to a virtual network of psycho-social supports. Wellness Together Canada is the first national program of its kind, providing 24/7 access to free evidence-based tools and resources. Canadians across the country can access supports ranging from self-assessment and peer support, to confidential sessions with social workers, psychologists and other professionals.

Wellness Together Canada supports existing provincial and territorial services, and does not replace them. All services are available in both official languages, and phone counselling sessions are supported by instantaneous interpretation in 200 languages and dialects. The Government of Canada has invested $68M in Wellness Together Canada. Budget 2021 proposed to provide $62 million, in 2021 to 2022, to Health Canada for the Wellness Together Canada portal so that it can continue to provide Canadians with tools and services to support mental health and well-being.

As part of the Safe Restart Agreement, $500M was provided directly to provinces and territories for immediate mental health and substance use service needs.

In September 2020, the Minister of Health announced $11.5 million in mental health funding for organizations across the country to promote mental health and wellbeing for Black Canadians and children and youth. This funding, which supports community-based organizations across the country, is being distributed through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Promoting Health Equity: Mental Health of Black Canadians Fund ($4.9 million) and the Mental Health Promotion Innovation Fund ($6.6 million).

In April 2021, Budget 2021 proposed to provide $45 million over 2 years, starting in 2021 to 2022, to Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to help develop national mental health service standards, in collaboration with provinces and territories, health organizations, and key stakeholders.

In addition, Budget 2021 also proposed to provide $100 million over 3 years, starting in 2021 to 2022, to the Public Health Agency of Canada to support projects for innovative mental health interventions for populations disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, including health care workers, front-line workers, youth, seniors, Indigenous people, and racialized and Black Canadians.

Seniors with disabilities

The prevalence of disabilities among Canadians tends to increase with age from 13% among individuals aged 15 to 24, to 20% of working age adults (25 to 64 years), to 38% among individuals aged 65 or older. (Canadian Survey on Disability, 2017).

From the onset, the Government has taken steps to ensure that the interests and needs of persons with disabilities, including seniors, are being taken into consideration in the decisions and measures adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, in the spirit of “nothing without us” from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Government established the COVID-19 Disability Advisory Group to provide advice on the lived experiences of persons with disabilities during this public health crisis; the issues, challenges and systemic gaps that exists; as well as the best strategies and measures to be taken. In December 2020, the Advisory Group was renewed with an expanded mandate to provide expert advice on disability inclusion.

The Government also introduced a 1-time non-taxable and non-reportable payment of up to $600 to support Canadians with disabilities to help with additional expenses incurred during the pandemic. Seniors with disabilities who received the 1-time payment for seniors may be eligible for a total of $600 in special payments, through a top-up of $300 for Canadians who received the 1-time seniors payment of $300, or a top-up of $100 for Canadians who received the 1-time seniors payment of $500. The first round of 1-time payments to persons with disabilities was issued automatically to over 1.6 million recipients starting October 30, 2020. Among those recipients were about 650,000 seniors.

Homeless seniors

Individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness are at heightened risk of contracting and transmitting COVID-19 due to underlying health conditions, increased transience, and reduced opportunities to self-isolate. This higher risk impacts not only those individuals, but also those serving them, and the broader community at large. The COVID-19 outbreak has placed significant pressures on an already-stretched homeless-serving sector, which has been forced to overhaul service delivery to reduce the risk of potential outbreaks. To address homelessness needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada invested $394.2 million through the Reaching Home program.

Seniors have been a target population for a variety of projects supported through Reaching Home, including:

• providing mental health supports (for example, for seniors experiencing isolation, including regular follow-ups)
• providing food supports (for example hamper baskets)
• housing services (for example transitional housing for those experiencing homelessness or providing isolation units at a motel for those with COVID-19 symptoms), and
• homelessness prevention and shelter diversion (for example rent supplements)

Budget 2021 announced an additional $567 million over 2 years, beginning in 2022 to 2023 through Reaching Home in response to the pressures of COVID-19. The Budget reiterated the Government's commitment to entirely eliminating chronic homelessness.

Food security

An investment of $200 million was made to improve access to food through national, regional, and local organizations – including but not limited to Food Banks Canada, Salvation Army, Second Harvest, Community Food Centres Canada, and Breakfast Club of Canada. This will help these organizations find new, creative ways to reach people in need so they can continue to carry out their important work while respecting physical distancing guidelines.

In April 2021, Budget 2021 proposed to provide $140 million in 2021 to 2022 to top up the Emergency Food Security Fund and Local Food Infrastructure Fund, which would prevent hunger, strengthen food security in our communities, and provide nutritious food to more Canadians.

Elder Abuse

An investment of up to $100 million delivered through Women and Gender Equality Canada and Indigenous Services Canada to support women and children suffering from domestic abuse or violence.

The Government recognizes that elder abuse is a serious issue affecting many seniors in Canada, and even more so in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic which contributed to further isolating seniors.

In the Speech from the Throne delivered on September 23, 2020, the Government committed to working with Parliament on Criminal Code amendments to explicitly penalize those who neglect seniors under their care, putting them in danger.

In April 2021, Budget 2021 proposed to provide $50 million over 5 years, starting in 2021 to 2022, for the Public Health Agency of Canada to design and deliver interventions that promote safe relationships and prevent family violence, including intimate partner violence, child maltreatment, and elder abuse.

Key quotes

N/A

Prepared by

Name: Aria Adel
Title: Junior Policy Analyst, Seniors Policy and Analysis Unit

Name: Manon Therriault
Title: Manager, Seniors Policy and Analysis Unit
Phone number: 819-360-0209

Key contact

Name: Jackie Holden
Title: Senior Director, Seniors Policy, Partnerships and Engagement Division
Phone number: 819-210-5671

Name: Kristen Underwood
Title: Director General, Seniors and Pensions Policy Secretariat
Phone number: 613-614-2706

Approved by

Name: Alexis Jonathan Conrad
Title: Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Income Security and Social Development Branch
Phone number: 613-868-7004

Date approved in SADMO / COO: May 7, 2021

5. Strengthening Canada's Approach to Senior Abuse

Issue

What is the government doing to protect Canada's seniors from elder abuse?

Key facts

• According to the National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly (2015):
  • the prevalence of elder abuse in Canada is 7.5%
  • the most frequent perpetrators are close family members
  • among the most significant risk factors for abuse are depression and having been abused at an earlier stage in life

Response

• The Government of Canada values the many contributions made by seniors to our nation. That is why we are working to implement measures to help improve the lives of seniors and their families
• We recognize that senior abuse is a serious issue affecting many older people in Canada, and even more so in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has contributed to further isolating seniors
• The Government is committed to working with Parliament on Criminal Code amendments to explicitly penalize those who neglect seniors under their care, putting them in danger
• Through Budget 2021, the Government proposed to provide $50 million over 5 years to design and deliver interventions that promote safer relationships and prevent family violence, including elder abuse
• The Government, through the National Seniors Council, examined the issue of financial crimes and harms against seniors in 2019. The Government also provides funding under the New Horizons for Seniors Program to community groups to help promote awareness of senior abuse, including financial abuse

Background

The abuse of older adults remains an often hidden but serious social problem that affects the lives of thousands of seniors in Canada. Senior abuse includes physical abuse, psychological abuse, financial abuse and sexual abuse.

In December 2018, Ministers approved the National Seniors Council’s 3-year work plan (2018 to 2021) with the following 4 work priorities:

• identifying measures to address crimes and other harms against seniors
• examining potential objectives and elements of a national seniors strategy
• providing advice on federal initiatives (such as the National Housing Strategy) using an age-friendly/healthy aging perspective, and
• Identifying measures to counteract ageism by shifting the public discourse on aging

The NSC hosted an expert round table and town hall in March 2019, to identify promising practices and discuss new measures to reduce financial crimes and harms against seniors. The NSC concluded their work on this priority with the release of a ‘what we heard report’ summarizing the discussions, which was published on the Government of Canada website in August 2019.

From 2007 to 2015, the New Horizons for Seniors Program pan-Canadian funding focused on increasing the awareness of elder abuse and invested in over 70 projects, which developed, replicated, adapted, and disseminated tools, resources and promising practices across the country.

The New Horizons for Seniors Program's community-based funding stream continues to increase elder abuse awareness through its annual funding of 1-year community-based projects for an amount of up to $25,000. From 2004 to 2019, the Government of Canada awarded close to $35 million in funding to organizations across Canada for more than 700 projects with a focus on elder abuse awareness.

The Minister of Seniors 2019 mandate letter commitments included working with the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to strengthen Canada's approach to elder abuse by: creating a national definition of elder abuse; investing in better data collection and law enforcement related to elder abuse; and establishing new offences and penalties in the Criminal Code related to elder abuse.

In the Speech from the Throne delivered on September 23, 2020, the Government committed to working with Parliament on Criminal Code amendments to explicitly penalize those who neglect seniors under their care, putting them in danger.

The Minister of Seniors 2021 supplementary mandate letter commitment included continuing to support the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to establish new offences and penalties in the Criminal Code related to elder abuse and neglect.

Budget 2021 proposes to provide $50 million over 5 years, starting in 2021 to 2022, for the Public Health Agency of Canada to design and deliver interventions that promote safe relationships and prevent family violence, including intimate partner violence, child maltreatment, and elder abuse.

Key quotes

N/A

Prepared by

Name: Racha Saad
Title: Senior Policy Analyst, Seniors Policy and Analysis Unit

Name: Manon Therriault
Title: Manager, Seniors Policy and Analysis Unit
Phone number: 819-360-0209

Key contact

Name: Jackie Holden
Title: Senior Director, Seniors Policy, Partnerships and Engagement Division
Phone number: 819-210-5671

Name: Kristen Underwood
Title: Director General, Seniors and Pensions Policy Secretariat
Phone number: 613-614-2706

Approved by

Name: Alexis Jonathan Conrad
Title: Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Income Security and Social Development Branch
Phone number: 613-868-7004

Date approved in SADMO / COO: May 7, 2021

6. Fraud and scams targeting seniors

Issue

What is the Government doing to protect Canada’s seniors from fraud?

Key facts

• Over the past 5 years, Canadians have reported a total of $442 million in losses to fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, with $172 million, or 39%, in losses reported by seniors. While it is difficult to accurately state the full extent of fraud in Canada, studies continue to suggest that actual losses can range from 10 to 20 times reported amounts

Response

• The Government has been implementing a number of activities to raise awareness among seniors to prevent financial abuse
• This Includes helping raise awareness about fraud and scam related activities through news releases, social media posts and a newsletter targeted to seniors and senior serving organizations
• My Department provides funding under the New Horizons for Seniors Program to community groups to help reduce senior abuse
• In addition, through the National Seniors Council, the Government examined the issue of financial crimes and harms against seniors

Background

Awareness-raising activities have been a key strategy for preventing financial abuse at the federal level. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), the Canadian Revenue Agency, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), the Competition Bureau, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, and the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada deliver awareness and prevention activities to help Canadians, including seniors, identify fraud, scams, and fraudulent sales practices.

Such activities include:

• New Horizons for Seniors Program: ESDC’s New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP), provides funding to community-based seniors-serving organizations across Canada for projects that must focus on at least 1 of the 5 program objectives. One of these is increasing awareness of senior abuse, which also includes raising seniors' awareness of financial abuse. The annual budget of the Program is $70M
• Fraud Prevention Forum: The Fraud Prevention Forum (co-chaired by the Competition Bureau of Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre), is comprised of approximately 60 Canadian public and private sector organizations who focus on fighting fraud aimed at consumers, including seniors. The Fraud Prevention Forum organizes Fraud Prevention Month every year.  Seniors are victimized by some of the scams featured in 2021’s 17th annual Fraud Prevention Month campaign, including romance scams, Canada Revenue Agency scams and subscription trap scams
• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), which is jointly managed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Competition Bureau, and the Ontario Provincial Police, is Canada’s central repository for data, intelligence and resource material that relates to fraud. The CAFC helps citizen and businesses to report fraud; learn about different types of fraud; recognize the warning signs of fraud; and protect themselves from fraud. The CAFC provides valuable assistance to law enforcement agencies, in close partnership with private industry. The CAFC also have a Senior Support Unit who offers guidance through follow-up calls to seniors at risk or victims of fraud. As well, the CAFC has created a toolkit to assist businesses and financial institutions with the identification of scams and frauds perpetrated on seniors
• Seniors Guidebook to Safety and Security: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police's Seniors Guidebook to Safety and Security is an educational resource directed towards the community and, more specifically, seniors and their caregivers in recognizing elder abuse, safety concerns and frauds and scams. Education and awareness of preventative techniques can help seniors and their caregivers recognize a potential crime situation and show how the risk can be reduced or removed. The Seniors Guide to Safety and Security was first launched on Seniors Day 2015 (October 1st), and since updated, with the latest version being made available on the RCMP site in 2017
• Code of conduct for banks: In July 2019, the banking industry adopted a Code of Conduct for the Delivery of Banking Services to Seniors. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) monitors banks to ensure they comply with the code. The code is an important first step in guiding banks in their delivery of services to meet the needs of seniors. Banks who have signed on to the code must abide by its principles
• strengthening Financial Literacy of seniors: Financial Consumer Agency of Canada developed a strategy to strengthen the financial literacy of seniors and help them manage their finances, protect themselves against fraud, and plan for retirement. The Agency also provide information to Canadians and issues consumer alerts on fraud, scams and sales practices
• the National Seniors Council’s (NSC) work plan (2018 to 2021) included a priority to ‘Identify Measures to Address Crimes and Harms Against Seniors'
• as a first step to inform the NSC’s advice to Ministers on financial crimes and harms against seniors, the NSC hosted a town hall and expert roundtable in March 2019. This included experts, academics, community and association leaders representing groups with a broad membership base, front-line workers who have developed or led promising initiatives, and leaders in fields relating to elder abuse and financial abuse of seniors
• the focus of the event was on financial scams and harms targeting seniors perpetrated by strangers (for example online, telephone and door-to-door scams); financial abuse and harms targeting seniors perpetrated by someone they know; and consumer protection (for example high-pressure sales tactics, overbilling, and dealings with financial and telecommunications companies, etc.)
• in summer 2019, the NSC concluded their work on this priority and released a What We Heard Report on the Government of Canada website summarizing the information gathered during these events. The Council also provided recommendations to Ministers regarding ways to address crimes and harms against seniors
• Motion M-203, A Motion on Fraud Activities against Seniors, was introduced by Member of Parliament The Hon. Alice Wong (Conservative, Richmond Centre).This motion urged the Government to: (a) recognize the disproportionate effect of fraud activities against the seniors community across Canada; (b) coordinate a national response to fraud activities to ensure that seniors and other vulnerable groups have the resources they need to understand the signs of fraud; (c) establish tangible recourses for victims of fraud; and (d) work with local law enforcement agencies and the Canada Revenue Agency to introduce legislation to combat fraudulent attacks targeting vulnerable seniors. Parliament adopted the Motion on May 14, 2019

Fraud Advertising Campaign

The Government is committed to helping raise awareness about fraud and scam related activities. It does this through a number of mechanisms, including news releases, social media posts and the Minister of Seniors’ newsletter.

In the past year alone, the newsletter, which engages with close to 10,000 seniors and stakeholders, has covered themes such as:

• Fraud Prevention Month
• beware of vaccine scams
• scams related to the 1-time payment for seniors
• fraud focused edition for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and
• fraud focused on COVID-19 related benefits and credits for seniors

Key quotes

N/A

Prepared by

Name: Racha Saad
Title: Senior Policy Analyst, Seniors Policy and Analysis Unit
Phone number: 819-360-0209

Name: Manon Therriault
Title: Manager, Seniors Policy and Analysis Unit

Key contact

Name: Jackie Holden
Title: Senior Director, Seniors Policy, Partnerships and Engagement Division
Phone number: 819-210-5671

Name: Kristen Underwood
Title: Director General, Seniors and Pensions Policy Secretariat
Phone number: 613-614-2706

Approved by

Name: Alexis Jonathan Conrad
Title: Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Income Security and Social Development Branch
Phone number: 613-868-7004

Date approved in SADMO / COO: May 7, 2021

7. Seniors focused advertising campaign

Issue

What is the government doing to inform seniors about the programs and services that benefit them?

Response

• From December 2018 to March 2021, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) ran the Services for Seniors national advertising campaign. The 3-year campaign had a total budget of $9M
• The campaign objective was to raise awareness of Government of Canada programs and services that either directly or indirectly benefit seniors, including the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, fraud prevention, health and financial information
• In 2020 to 2021, the campaign drove more than 625,000 unique visits to a curated webpage (Canada.ca/seniors) and increased 1 800 O-Canada calls for seniors-related programs and services like the Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security by 24% over the course of the campaign

Background

Key facts:

• the advertising campaign used a variety of media to reach seniors including; Facebook, search engine marketing (SEM), YouTube, television, Tim Hortons digital screens, newspapers and magazines
• public opinion research conducted in 2018 to 2019 tested advertising concepts and messaging
• advertising metrics surpassed government benchmarks
• in 2020 to 2021, while in market, the campaign resulted in more than 625,000 visits to the webpage and an increase of 17% in weekly calls to 1 800 O-Canada and an increase of 24% in Canada Pension Plan/Old Age Security/Guaranteed Income Supplement-related calls

From December 2018 to March 2021, ESDC led the 3-year Services for Seniors advertising campaign in collaboration with the Anti-Fraud Centre, Canada Revenue Agency, Competition Bureau, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, Health Canada, and Veteran’s Affairs Canada.

The objective of the campaign was to increase awareness and knowledge of the breadth and depth of programs, information, services, and other initiatives the government offers to seniors.

Programs and services featured on the campaign web page included:

• Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
• Old Age Security (OAS)
• Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
• fraud prevention
• health
• caregiving Benefits and Resources
• planning for retirement
• services for Veterans

Prepared by

Mélanie Laverdure
873-353-0647

Key Contact

Mélanie Laverdure
873-353-0647

Approved by

William McCullough
613-297-9313

Date

April 30, 2021

Date approved by ADM: May 6, 2021

8. Ageism and older workers

Issue

What is the Government doing to combat ageism and support the labour force participation of older Canadians?

Key Facts

• The labour force participation of older individuals has improved since the early 2000s and outpaced the growth of core-aged worker (25 to 54 years old) participation. The participation rate of 55 to 64 year olds increased from 50.9% in 2000 to 65.7% in 2020. However, participation among older adults still lags that of older adults in other countries (20th among OECD countries)
• In 2008, 15% of older displaced workers indicated that their largest barrier to re-employment was an “age barrier” (Statistics Canada, 2008). Moreover, in 2012, a national survey conducted by Revera found that 20% of seniors aged 66 years and older experienced age discrimination from an employer

Response

• The Government of Canada supports Canadians, including older individuals, to stay in the labour force through various initiatives
• We amended the Canada Labour Code to give employees in federally regulated industries the right to request flexible work arrangements
• The Government of Canada provides funding for training to individuals, including older workers through the bilateral Labour Market Development Agreements and the Workforce Development Agreements with provinces and territories
• We increased the earnings exemption under the Guaranteed Income Supplement in recognition of the contribution of seniors who continue to work
• The Forum of Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors is supporting Canadians with information on key initiatives that support Labour Force Participation of Older Workers
• The National Seniors Council is also working on identifying measures to counteract ageism. As a first step, the NSC has commissioned a report to examine the public discourse on aging and older Canadians

Background

In recent years, there have been several amendments to the Canada Labour Code that could positively impact older employees in the federally regulated industries. For example, as of September 1, 2019, employees are entitled to:

• a right to request flexible work arrangements, which allows them to request changes to working conditions (in other words, number of hours, work schedule, location of work) in order to better serve their specific needs with regard to maintaining a healthy work-life balance
• up to 5 days (3 of them paid) of personal leave per year that can be taken for numerous reasons, including to treat an injury or illness, to carry out responsibilities related to the health or care of any of their family members and to manage any urgent situation
• access to up to 17 weeks of medical leave to attend medical appointments during working hours, regardless of the employee’s length of service with the employer
• as many unpaid breaks for medical reasons as needed and as attested to by a medical certificate, and
• new scheduling rules (for example 8-hour rest periods between shifts, 96 hours’ notice of schedule) that provide greater predictability and rest periods

This year the Government of Canada provided $4.9 billion in funding for skills training and employment supports to help Canadian workers improve their skills, as well as find and keep employment through the Labour Market Development Agreements (LMDA) and the Workforce Development Agreements (WDA) with provinces and territories (PTs). This included the additional $1.5 billion provided under the WDAs to support Canadian workers looking to re-enter the workforce, particularly those in hard-hit sectors and groups disadvantaged as a result of the pandemic. Each year, individuals across Canada access a million employment benefits and supports funded by these agreements.

The WDAs include dedicated funding for persons with disabilities, and can also be used to support members of underrepresented groups such as visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, youth, older workers, and newcomers to Canada. PTs can also use WDA funding to support employers seeking to train current or future employees to fill available jobs or enhance the skills of their workforce.

Through the work of the Forum of Federal/Provincial/Territorial (FPT) Ministers Responsible for Seniors, jurisdictions have identified Canadian and international promising practices that support the extended working life of older workers and are undertaking further work on this topic. This includes examining public policies, which influence older workers’ decisions about labour force participation and identifying negative stereotypes about older workers with a view to proposing ways to dispel those stereotypes.

In 2018, the Forum published on “Promoting the Labour Force Participation of Older Canadians – Promising Initiatives” and in 2019 on “Understanding the impact of public policies and programs on the Labour market decisions of older workers”. Recently, the Forum developed a new report “Older Workers: Exploring and Addressing the Stereotypes” that will be published in 2021. This report will synthesize and analyze the information pertaining to the beliefs surrounding older workers and propose strategies, approaches or mechanisms to explore and address those stereotypes.

The Forum also identified ageism and its social and economic impacts as a key priority for the Forum’s 2018 to 2021 work cycle. The Ageism Working Group is in the process of developing a research piece to analyze the manifestation of ageism during the COVID-19 pandemic. This additional research piece will be incorporated into the priority’s first deliverable, “An Examination of the Social and Economic Impacts of Ageism” report.

The National Seniors Council’s work plan (2018 to 2021) includes a priority to identify measures to counteract ageism and identify ways to shift the public discourse by reducing stereotypes regarding older adults and promoting a strengths-based perspective on aging. As a first step, the NSC has commissioned a review and analysis of the public discourse on aging and older adults in Canada, in the academic, media, and grey literature. The report will also include a case study highlighting the public discourse on aging and older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key quotes

N/A

Prepared by

Name: David Gosse
Title: Policy Analyst, Seniors Policy and Analysis Unit
Phone number: [redacted]

Name: Manon Therriault
Title: Manager, Seniors Policy and Analysis Unit
Phone number: 819-360-0209

Key contact

Name: Jackie Holden
Title: Senior Director, Seniors Policy, Partnerships and Engagement Division
Phone number: 819-210-5671

Name: Kristen Underwood
Title: Director General, Seniors and Pensions Policy Secretariat
Phone number: 613-614-2706

Approved by

Name: Alexis Jonathan Conrad
Title: Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Income Security and Social Development Branch
Phone number: 613-868-7004

Date approved in SADMO / COO: May 7, 2021

9. Caregivers

Issue

How is the government supporting caregivers?

Key facts

• The Canada Caregiver Credit took effect as of the 2017 tax year. It simplified the previous system of caregiver credits. In total, about 504,000 were entitled to an amount for the Canada Caregiver Credit for 2018
• In 2018 to 2019 there were approximately:
  • 8,385 claims for Employment Insurance (EI) Compassionate Care benefits (71% of which were made by women) with a total of $45.8 million in benefits paid
  • 5,475 claims for the EI family caregiver benefit for children, which provides financial assistance to persons providing care or support to a critically ill or injured child under the age of 18 (79% of which were made by women) with a total of $36.8 million in benefits paid, and
  • 10,106 claims for the EI family caregiver benefit for adults, which provides financial assistance to persons providing care or support to a critically ill or injured adult 18 years of age or older (69% of which were made by women) for a total of $48.3 million in benefits paid
• The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) has paid out almost $2B since its launch on September 27, 2020. As of April 11, 2021, 369,440 individuals have benefited from the CRCB

Response

• Our Government recognizes the crucial role that many Canadians, including seniors, play in supporting family and friends with serious health conditions, disabilities or aging-related needs
• This is why our Government provides financial assistance to workers who need to take time away from work to provide care or support a family member or someone considered to be like family who is critically ill or injured or in need of end-of-life care through the Employment Insurance (EI) family caregiver benefits and Compassionate care benefits
• The Government of Canada is also committing $90 million over 3 years to a new initiative, Age Well at Home. This initiative will provide funding opportunities for seniors-serving organizations so that they can offer practical supports to vulnerable seniors in their communities
• Our Government has also put in place measures to support Canadian workers, including caregivers, who are unable to work during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background

A) Age Well at Home

The new Age Well at Home initiative will advance the government’s commitment to help seniors age in place. It will provide funding to local seniors-serving organizations to provide practical supports to help vulnerable seniors stay at home longer. Practical supports include things like meals, housekeeping, yard work and transportation. Funded organizations will consider frailty and income, among other factors, in assessing need for practical supports.

This initiative will also support regional and national projects that help expand services that have already demonstrated results in helping seniors stay in their homes. For example, knowledge hubs can help seniors access the local services available to them or provide information, resources, and training to community-based organizations delivering practical supports to seniors.

Age Well at Home will complement PT efforts to help seniors by mobilizing community organizations and volunteers. PTs spend most of their home and continuing care dollars on home health and personal care. As part of personal care, they are able to provide limited assistance with meal preparation and light housework. Very few involve volunteers in providing these services. A few jurisdictions provide a limited range of other practical supports such as running errands or yard work. Income adjusted user fees often apply.

Age Well at Home will be delivered under the policy and program authorities of the New Horizons for Seniors Program. Funding opportunities will be made available to seniors-serving organizations through competitive processes.

B) Canada Caregiver Credit

The Canada Caregiver Credit provides tax relief on an amount of:

• $7,348 (in 2021) (providing a tax reduction of up to $1,102) for expenses for the care of dependent relatives with infirmities (including persons with disabilities) – parents, brothers and sisters, adult children, and other specific relatives
• $2,295 (in 2021) (providing a tax reduction of up to $344) for expenses for the care of a dependent spouse/common-law partner or minor child with an infirmity (including those with a disability)

The Canada Caregiver Credit is reduced dollar-for-dollar by the dependant’s net income above $17,256 (in 2021) and is completely phased out at an income level of $24,604. Both the credit amount and income threshold at which the amount starts to be reduced are indexed to inflation annually.

Eligibility rules for caregivers in terms of caring for seniors:

• the dependant is not required to live with the caregiver in order for the caregiver to claim the credit
• while a dependant does not have to live with the caregiver in order for the Canada Caregiver Credit to be claimed, the dependant must be dependent on the caregiver for support by reason of infirmity. In consolidating 3 previous credits as part of the new Canada Caregiver Credit, Budget 2017 also removed the requirement that care be provided in the care-providers home, which had previously applied in certain circumstances

C) EI Caregiver Benefits

The EI family caregiver benefit and EI compassionate care benefit play an important role in assisting Canadians to balance work and caregiving responsibilities. They provide temporary income support to eligible workers and self-employed individuals participating in the program. Employees must have accumulated a minimum of 600 hours of insurable employment during their qualifying period. Self-employed persons may qualify if they opted into the EI program and meet the minimum self-employment eligibility.

1. Family Caregiver Benefit for Adults (Critical illness)

Available since December 3, 2017, the Family Caregiver Benefit for adults provides temporary income support for up to 15 weeks to EI eligible persons who take time away from work to provide care or support to a critically ill or injured person aged 18 and older. This benefit can be shared among eligible claimants either concurrently or separately. In 2018 to 2019, there were 10,106 claims for the benefit for adults (69% of which were made by women).

2. Family Caregiver Benefit for Children (Critical illness)

The Family Caregiver Benefit for children provides temporary income support for up to 35 weeks to EI eligible persons who take time away from work to provide care or support to a critically ill or injured child under the age of 18. This benefit can be shared among eligible claimants either concurrently or separately. Effective December 3, 2017, the eligibility criteria for the benefit was expanded to include any family members, rather than only parents. In 2018-19, there were 5,475 claims for the benefit for children (79% of which were made by women).

3. Compassionate Care Benefit (End-of-life Care)

The Compassionate Care Benefit currently provides temporary income support for up to 26 weeks to EI eligible persons who leave work to provide end-of-life care or support to a family member who has a serious medical condition with a significant risk of death within 26 weeks. The benefit can be shared among eligible claimants either concurrently or separately. In 2018 to 2019, there were 8,385 claims for the benefit (71% of which were made by women).

Family caregiver benefits for adults or children can be combined with compassionate care benefits with respect to the same family member if all eligibility criteria are met.

Rules for caregivers in terms of caring for seniors in and out of long-term care facilities:

• there are no restrictions to claiming the EI Caregiver Benefits based on where care is taking place

D) Temporary Measures to Facilitate Access to EI

As of September 27, 2020, the Government of Canada introduced a set of temporary measures to the EI program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including EI special benefits. To facilitate access to EI benefits, workers will only need 120 hours of work to qualify for the next year.

E) Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit

The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) responds to situations in which workers are unable to work because they must care for a child under the age of 12 or a family member who requires supervision because schools, day-cares or care facilities are closed or unavailable to them due to COVID-19, or because the child or family member is sick and/or required to quarantine or self-isolate, or is at high risk of serious health complications due to COVID-19. It is effective from September 27, 2020 for 1 year, and provides $500 per week, for up to 38 weeks per household to eligible Canadians. Budget 2021 proposed to extend the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit by an additional 4 weeks, to a maximum of 42 weeks.

F) Rights and Protections under the Canada Labour Code

Part III of the Canada Labour Code (Code) provides corresponding unpaid job-protected leaves (compassionate care leave and leave related to critical illness) for employees in the federally regulated private sector so that they are not at risk of losing their job while accessing employment insurance special benefits.

As of September 1, 2019, the Code also provides new rights and protections that are expected to benefit employees with caregiving responsibilities by giving them more flexibility and predictability with their work schedules. These include:

• a right to request flexible work arrangements that allow employees to formally request a change to the terms and conditions of their employment related to the number of hours they work, their work schedule and the location of their work
• a personal leave of 5 days (including 3 paid days) that employees can access for various reasons, including family responsibilities
• new requirements for employers to give 96 hours’ notice of schedules, 24 hours’ notice of shift changes and a minimum 8-hour rest period between shifts, and
• a right to refuse overtime to deal with family responsibilities

In October 2021, the Code was amended to provide employees in the federally regulated private sector with job-protected leave for up to 38 weeks if they are unable to work due to COVID-19 related caregiving responsibilities. The leave, which allows employees to access the CRCB without fear of losing their jobs, is scheduled to be repealed on September 25, 2021.

For employees under provincial or territorial jurisdiction, employment standards vary by province and territory.

Key quotes

N/A

Prepared by

Name: Emily Kokkoros
Title: Policy Officer, Seniors Policy and Analysis Unit

Name: Manon Therriault
Title: Manager, Seniors Policy and Analysis Unit
Phone number: 819-360-0209

Key contact

Name: Jackie Holden
Title: Senior Director, Seniors Policy, Partnerships and Engagement Division
Phone number: 819-210-5671

Name: Kristen Underwood
Title: Director General, Seniors and Pensions Policy Secretariat
Phone number: 613-614-2706

Approved by

Name: Alexis Jonathan Conrad
Title: Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Income Security and Social Development Branch
Phone number: 613-868-7004

Date approved in SADMO: May 7, 2021

10. New Horizons for Seniors Program

Issue

How has the New Horizons for Seniors Program supported Canadian seniors during the pandemic?

Key facts

• The New Horizons for Seniors Program has funded more than 30,500 projects since 2004. The total Government of Canada investment is more than $660 million
• The current annual budget is $70 million. The program has 2 funding streams: community-based and pan-Canadian:
  • the community-based stream has an annual budget of $50.04 million
    • In 2020 to 2021, an additional 1-time supplement of $10.8 million was provided. As a result, total available funding for 2020 to 2021 was about $61 million
  • the pan-Canadian stream has an annual budget of $13.1 million
  • the administration of the program accounts for $6.86 million

Response

• The New Horizons for Seniors Program has taken 4 steps to respond to COVID 19 and its impact on seniors
• In the spring of 2020, the Department permitted funded organizations to use already-approved funding to support seniors impacted by COVID19, rather than being limited to their original objectives
• On March 29, 2020, the Government announced $9 million in funds for community organizations serving seniors. The New Horizons for Seniors Program worked with United Way Centraide Canada to deliver those funds to community organizations
• On May 12, 2020, the Government announced an additional investment of $20 million to support community-based projects that reduce isolation, improve seniors’ quality of life, and help seniors maintain social support networks. More than 1,000 projects were funded
• The 2020 to 2021 community-based call for proposals was designed to account for the challenges facing seniors-serving community organizations during the pandemic. It funded 3,256 projects and provided a total of $60.8 million to community-based organizations

Background

The New Horizons for Seniors Program helps ensure that seniors can benefit from and contribute to the quality of life in their communities. It promotes volunteerism among seniors and other generations; engages seniors in the community through mentoring of others; expands awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse; supports social participation and inclusion of seniors; and provides capital assistance for new and existing community projects and/or programs for seniors.

Budget 2019 included an additional investment of $100 million over 5 years and $20 million per year ongoing for the New Horizons for Seniors Program. This additional funding enhanced the ability to meet the growing demand for an oversubscribed program that operates in all regions across Canada and respond to the diverse and growing needs of seniors.

During the pandemic, the Department provided both community-based and pan-Canadian funded organizations with flexibilities to adapt their current project activities to support seniors impacted by COVID-19. Examples of project changes include organizations adapting in-person programming to virtual programs, delivering groceries and other necessities and making phone calls to isolated seniors.

The community-based stream funds projects that help seniors play important roles in their community. Projects are led or inspired by seniors and address 1 or more of the 5 program objectives. Examples of recently funded community-based projects include:

• in Newfoundland and Labrador, the NunaKatiget Inuit Community Corporation’s “Navigating the Digital World” project encourages seniors’ engagement in technology life skills sessions to support their social participation and to raise awareness about elder abuse in order to prevent it
• in Quebec, the Centre de la famille haïtienne et intercultural de Rivière-des-Prairies through its “Ensemble on est fort!” project offers monthly cooking workshops where seniors help other seniors with reduced mobility in the community in order to promote voluntarism and their social inclusion
• in Ontario, the Nadeswara College Old Students Association’s “Understanding and Passing on Our Heritage to the Next Generation” provides opportunities for creative recording of historical information in a book in order to engage seniors and youth in the community through mentoring
• in British Columbia, the Alban Classical Artist Society’s Multi-Generational Outreach Band involves senior volunteers in performing music as a positive therapy for cancer patients in care homes and their families

COVID-19 Pandemic Response: Community-based stream responses:

• on March 29, 2020, the Government announced $9M in funding through the New Horizons for Seniors Program to the United Way Centraide Canada to fund community organizations in each province and territory to support isolated, vulnerable seniors in coping with the health, social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These investments helped to provide essential services to seniors such as the delivery of groceries and medications, meal preparation, transportation to necessary medical appointments or personal outreach to assess individuals’ needs and connect them to community supports. More than 900 projects were supported through this funding
• on May 12, 2020, the Government announced an additional investment of $20 million in the New Horizons for Seniors Program
• in addition to this increased funding, the Government provided flexibility to organizations who received funding through the 2019 to 2020 New Horizons for Seniors Program's community-based stream CFP to use this funding to provide immediate and essential services to seniors impacted by COVID-19, rather than being limited to their original objectives. The approximately 2,800 community organizations, representing close to $50 million in funding, that were approved through this CFP could use their funding to deliver services to seniors in the community such as food and medication, or provide tablet computers to help seniors stay connected to their loved ones through video-conferencing

The pan-Canadian stream was introduced in 2007 to fund innovative projects that create a significant impact in communities and invest in complex initiatives that meet the growing social needs of seniors. In 2018 to 2019 a call for concepts (CFC) was issued for projects under the pan‑Canadian stream. This CFC sought projects that used a collective impact approach to address the social inclusion of vulnerable seniors and received more than 200 applications. In total, 22 collective impact plans were funded. Projects were allocated an average of $2.6 million over up to 5 years and began between fall 2019 and winter 2020.

COVID-19 pandemic response: pan-Canadian projects were provided with flexibility to pivot their project activities to address issues related to the pandemic. For example, organizations shifted from in-person activities to virtual programming, such as the Seniors Centre Without Walls telephone program or online training on how to support isolated LGBTQ2+ seniors.

Key quotes

By enabling opportunities for seniors to connect, support each other, share information and contribute to their communities, we are empowering them and improving their well-being. Together, we can give seniors the recognition, respect and admiration they deserve.

Prepared by

Name: Caitlin Tom
Title: Social Programs Division

Key contact

Name: Susan MacPhee
Title: Director, Social Programs Division
Phone number: 613-567-3607

Approved by

Name: Susan MacPhee
Title: A/Director General, Social Innovation and Community Development Directorate
Phone number: 613-567-3607

Date

Date approved in SADMO : May 20, 2021

11. Uyghurs - New Horizons for Seniors Program

Issue

Canadian group echoes China's party line on Uyghurs after getting $160,000 in public funds (ESDC mention).

Key facts

• The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grants and contributions program whose goal is to support projects that help foster social inclusion and improve seniors’ health and well-being
• NHSP funding helps support projects that engage seniors in their communities, such as volunteering, mentoring and social participation
• Since its introduction in 2004, the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) has funded over 33,000 projects in hundreds of communities across the country

Response

• NHSP funding helps support projects that engage seniors in their communities, such as volunteering, mentoring and social participation
• Funding covers costs of these kinds of activities, not all the activities of an organization
• As assessment is based on eligible activities, applicants’ views, beliefs or values are not taken into consideration

Background

The Council of Newcomers Organizations was allocated a New Horizons for Seniors Program project resulting from the 2019 to 2020 call for proposals, and was funded at $25,000. The project: “Expanding Awareness of Elder Abuse with Knowledge”, aimed to develop a sustainable and effective program to better protect socially disadvantaged new Chinese elder immigrants from being abused. It would do so by promoting awareness and increasing knowledge of abuse of seniors through the development and dissemination of awareness and educational resources, and building a new elder abuse emergency help line for the Mandarin/Cantonese speaking community.

The organization has also been funded $25,000 under the 2020 to 2021 call for proposals. Specifically, the organization’s project, entitled “Supporting the Social Participation and Inclusion of Seniors”, will provide digital workshops to new immigrant seniors in order to improve their knowledge and skills of smart phones and new social media tools.

The project met all NHSP screening criteria regarding:

• application received before the closing date
• eligible recipient
• at least 1 program objective met
• all documents received
• eligible activities
• seniors’ leading and/or vital role in project planning and/or delivery

Prepared by

Althea Williams
Director, Disability and Seniors, Program Operations Branch, Service Canada

Key contact

Name: Laurie Goldmann
Title: Executive Director, Disability and Seniors, Program Operations Branch
Phone number: 613-282-6054

Approved by

Name: Stephanie Hébert
Title: Assistant Deputy Minister, Program Operations Branch
Phone number: 819-654-2447

Date

May 5, 2021

12. Mercer pension index 2020

Issue

The 2020 Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index says the recession created by COVID19 delivered a stinging blow to Canada’s retirement income system and others around the world. What is the Government doing to protect our pension system?

Key facts

• The Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index ranks Canada ninth out of 35 countries for the adequacy, sustainability and integrity of its retirement income system. Canada's score is 69.3, slightly up from 69.2 in 2019.
• According to the report, the Canadian retirement income system could be improved by:
  • increasing the coverage of employees who don't have access to an occupational pension plan
  • increasing the level of household savings and reducing the level of household debt
  • reducing the government debt as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product
  • Increasing the participation of seniors in the labour force as life expectancy increases

Response

• The Government of Canada is aware of the economic effects of the pandemic on households and families, and is taking important steps to support Canadians, including seniors, through the crisis
• The Canadian retirement income system is sound, and our Government has taken proactive steps to reinforce it for the future. In 2016, we reached an historic agreement with the provinces and territories to enhance the Canada Pension Plan so workers will have more money in retirement. The enhancement began ramping up in January 2019 and will particularly help workers who don't have an employer pension plan
• Our retirement income system also has built-in features that help Canadians weather economic downturns. Old Age Security benefits are not dependent on employment. Up to 8 years with poor earnings are automatically excluded when calculating Canada Pension Plan benefits
• The Canada Pension Plan Fund is professionally managed by the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board. The board uses a long-term investment strategy, which helps it to weather the ups and downs of the markets, and contributes to its long-term sustainability

Background

The 2 public pillars of Canada’s retirement system are the Old Age Security (OAS) program (including the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) for low-income seniors) and the Canada Pension Plan (CPP)/Quebec Pension Plan (for workers in Quebec). The third pillar is private savings, which may include any combination of registered retirement savings plans, tax-free savings accounts, employer pension plans or other personal savings and investments.

The third pillar has weakened as the proportion of workers covered by employer pension plans declines and as employers shift from defined benefit (DB) plans, which generally provide secure and predictable benefits, to defined contribution plans, which provide less security and predictability. Low savings rates by Canadians have further contributed to third pillar weakness.

The Government of Canada responded to the decline in DB plans in the private sector and other trends that have weakened the third pillar by strengthening the second pillar through the CPP enhancement, which will begin to be phased in on January 1, 2019. At maturity, the enhancement will increase the replacement rate provided by CPP retirement benefits from 25 to 33 % of eligible earnings. It will also increase earnings covered by the Plan by 14 %. As a result of these 2 measures, the maximum retirement pension will increase by 50 %. However, it will generally take 40 years of contributions to the enhancement to fully benefit from it. (A similar enhancement is planned for the Quebec Pension Plan). In addition, further improvements to the CPP, which will also begin in 2019, will increase support in retirement to parents and people with disabilities.

The Government also helps Canadians financially prepare for retirement by providing information about the CPP and OAS and by maintaining the Canadian Retirement Income Calculator, which enables individuals to estimate their retirement income. In addition, the Government supports and collaborates with partners such as the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada to increase financial literacy related to saving for retirement and managing finances in retirement.

Key quotes

Nil

Prepared by

Name: Alexandre Genest
Title: Senior Policy Analyst
Phone number: 819-923-3631

Key contact

Name: Marianna Giordano
Title: Director, CPP Policy and Legislation, Seniors Policy and Pensions Secretariat
Phone number: 613-266-6195

Approved by

Name: Alexis Jonathan Conrad
Title: Assistant Deputy Minister, Income Security and Social Development Branch
Phone number: 613-868-7004

Date

Date approved in SADMO / COO: May 7, 2021

13. Canada Pension Plan enhancement

Issue

What is Canada Pension Plan Enhancement and when will Canadians start to receive the enhanced benefit?

Response

• Canada’s federal and provincial governments have worked together to enhance the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) in order to help Canadians to achieve a secure and dignified retirement
• The Enhancement is a top up to the existing CPP, with benefits increasing over time as Canadians work and contribute to the plan. The enhanced portion will eventually increase the maximum CPP retirement benefit by more than 50%. Survivor and disability pensions will also increase
• The Government of Canada is committed to providing Canadians with the benefits to which they are entitled. Canadians will receive their enhanced CPP payments in addition to any retroactive amounts from the date they started making enhanced contributions
• The Enhancement is being phased-in gradually from 2019 to 2025 – so the impact on the economy, employers and workers is small and gradual
• We also increased the Canada Workers Benefit to reduce the contributory burden on low-income workers

Background

Key Facts:

The CPP is a mandatory social insurance plan financed by employer and employee contributions and revenue on CPP investments. It provides a defined benefit retirement pension, which is based on how much and how long an individual has contributed. The base CPP retirement pension replaces one-quarter of an individual’s average pensionable earnings, up to the Maximum Pensionable Earnings limit that approximates the average Canadian wage, which is set at $61,600 in 2021.

All monthly CPP benefits are indexed annually. The CPP covers employed and self-employed persons in Canada (outside of Quebec). Quebec has a separate but comparable Quebec Pension Plan.

The CPP Enhancement is an increase to CPP benefits and contributions that started in January 2019. Under the Enhancement, the replacement rate will gradually increase from one-quarter to one-third. The limit on pensionable earnings - or the band of earnings covered - will also increase. The lower earnings limit will be maintained at $3,500. The upper earnings limit will be increased by 14 %, which is projected to be equal to roughly $79,400 upon full implementation in 2025.

Under the Enhancement, small increases in contributions are being phased in over 7 years to ensure workers and employers can adjust. The contribution rate for the enhancement will be 2% (shared equally by employers and employees) on earnings up to the current earnings limit (added to the base CPP’s contribution rate of 9.9%) and 8% on earnings between the current earnings limit and the new enhanced limit. The enhanced CPP will be fully funded.

Once the CPP Enhancement is fully mature, it will increase the maximum CPP retirement pension by more than 50 %. The CPP Enhancement will also apply to survivor and disability pensions as well the post-retirement benefit (Triennial Review reforms).

The Enhancement is designed to be fair to all generations and to ensure that the CPP will continue to be financially sustainable in the long term. Each year of contributing to the enhancement will allow workers to accrue partial additional benefits, with fully enhanced benefits available 40 years after full implementation. Young workers will benefit the most from the enhancement, while people at the end of their careers will have smaller increases in benefits. The Enhancement will have no effect on current seniors who have stopped working and contributing to the CPP.

ESDC will continue to monitor needs, and update and refine its strategic communications approach for external audiences to meet the following objectives:

• ensure awareness of the changes amongst individuals who may become eligible for new benefits and encourage them to apply
• highlight the Government of Canada’s commitment to help today’s workers (and future workers) achieve a secure and dignified retirement
• inform current and future contributors about the CPP enhancement and the Triennial Review reforms
• manage expectations and foster understanding about the impacts these changes will have on the CPP benefits and contributions of Canadians

Prepared by

Laura Ianni
Manager, Business Analysis and Governmental Affairs
613-220-1471

Key Contact

Sarah Lutaaya
Title: Manager, Major Projects Execution
Phone number: 613-897-1840

Approved by

Name: Laila Allouch
Title: A/DG, Major Projects Execution
Phone number: 613-325-0249

Date

May 4, 2021

Date approved in COO: May 21, 2021

14. Canada Pension Plan sustainability

Issue

Given the uncertainty in the financial markets, what is the long-term sustainability of the Canada Pension Plan, especially due to COVID-19.

Key facts

• Approximately 6.1 million CPP beneficiaries were paid a total of $48.9 billion in 2019 to 2020
• As of December 31, 2020, the CPP Fund managed by the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) has $475.7 billion in net assets. The Fund delivered an investment return of 5.1% for the most recent quarter

Response

• The Canada Pension Plan is fully sustainable for at least the next 75 years as demonstrated in the 30th Actuarial Report
• The Canada Pension Plan fund has a long investment horizon that is designed to absorb periodic downturns in the financial sector
• Despite the brief downturn in March last year, global financial markets experienced a strong rebound. For the 9-month fiscal year-to-date period ending December 2020, Canada Pension Plan investments generated $66.1 billion in net income for the Fund

Background

The CPP is a social insurance plan that is funded by the contributions of employees, employers and self-employed persons, and by the revenue earned on CPP investments. The CPP benefits consist of retirement pensions, along with disability, death, survivor, post retirement and children’s benefits. Quebec has a separate but comparable plan, the Quebec Pension Plan.

The CPPIB invests the funds not needed by the CPP to pay current benefits and operating expenses. As of December 31, 2020, the CPPIB held net assets of $475.7 billion, an increase of $19.0 billion from the previous quarter ended September 30, 2020, and an increase of $66.1 billion from March 31, 2020.

Since it was created in 1997, the CPPIB has yielded higher than expected rates of returns on investments. The CPP Fund is invested for the long term, has a broadly diversified portfolio and steady cash inflows, and is structured to withstand stock market cycles. The CPP portfolio was designed to be resilient, enabling it to weather severe market events – such as the current situation.

Key quotes

“While global financial markets experienced a strong rebound from March, significant uncertainty in health, social and economic conditions persists,”said Mark Machin, President and Chief Executive Officer, CPP Investments. “Amid this environment, CPP Investments delivered solid performance, while our investment teams were active in creating long-term value across our diversified programs.”

Prepared by

Name: Alexandre Genest
Title: Senior Policy Analyst
Phone number: 819-923-3631

Key contact

Name: Marianna Giordano
Title: Director, CPP Policy and Legislation, Seniors Policy and Pensions Secretariat
Phone number: 613-266-6195

Approved by

Name: Alexis Jonathan Conrad
Title: Assistant Deputy Minister, Income Security and Social Development Branch
Phone number: 613-868-7004

Date

Date approved in SADMO / COO: May 7, 2021

15. Canada Pension Plan and Quebec Pension Plan Survivor's Benefit

Issue

The Government committed to increase the value of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) survivor’s pensions by 25%. This would represent an increase of up to $2,116 per year and would affect the 1.2 million individuals currently in receipt of a survivor’s pension. When will the Government implement this commitment?

Key facts

• Major changes to the Plan require the formal consent of two-thirds of provinces representing two-thirds of the population. The Government of Canada has no authority over the Quebec Pension Plan
• This initiative is one of the issues being discussed with provinces as part of the 2019 to 2021 Triennial Review of the CPP

Response

• Losing a partner is a challenging time for anyone, but for seniors, this moment also comes with the additional loss of pension income. This can force surviving partners - most of whom are women - to reduce their standard of living or risk running out of savings
• This is why we have promised to work with provinces to increase the Canada Pension Plan survivor's pension
• Federal and provincial Finance Ministers review the Canada Pension Plan every 3 years, looking at both the Plan's financial state and the adequacy of its benefits and provisions. This proposal is part of the discussions taking place with provinces as part of the current Triennial Review, which will be completed this year

Background

The Government committed to work with provinces to increase the value of survivor’s pensions under the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) by 25%. This commitment was part of the mandate letters provided to the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Seniors, and reaffirmed in the Speech from the Throne on September 23, 2020.

The CPP is a national mandatory contributory public pension plan for all workers in Canada. In Quebec, workers are covered by the QPP that came into force at the same time as the CPP in 1966. The federal government does not have the power to unilaterally change CPP benefits and has no authority over the QPP.

Per the legislation, a new or increased benefit to the CPP must be fully funded. An immediate increase in the survivor’s pension for current benefit recipients would not have been pre-funded by contributions. The legislation requires the resulting liability to be paid off by an increase in the contribution rate for a determined period no longer than 15 years.

Some measures to help CPP survivors are already being implemented. The recently introduced CPP enhancement, which began in 2019, will increase the survivor’s pension by up to 50% over time (as well as the retirement pension).

Key quotes

Nil

Prepared by

Name: Donna Lee-Ying
Title: Senior Policy Analyst
No phone number:

Key contact

Name: Marianna Giordano
Title: Director, CPP Policy and Legislation, Seniors Policy and Pensions Secretariat
Phone number: 613-266-6195

Approved by

Name: Alexis Jonathan Conrad
Title: Assistant Deputy Minister, Income Security and Social Development Branch
Phone number: 613-868-7004

Date

Date approved in SADMO / COO: May 7, 2021

16. Old Age Security indexation of program benefits

Issue

Indexation of Old Age Security benefits does not provide enough funding to cover costs. What is the government doing to ensure that seniors have sufficient pension income?

Key facts

• The Old Age Security (OAS) pension, the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and the Allowances are increased 4 times a year (January, April, July and October) using the Consumer Price Index (CPI) so that benefits keep up with the inflation rate as measured by the CPI
• For periods where there is a decrease in the CPI, benefit amounts are held constant

Response

• Assisting seniors with the cost of living remains a priority for our Government, as demonstrated by our commitment to increase the Old Age Security pension by 10% for seniors aged 75 and over
• We also took a broad range of measures since 2015 to improve seniors' social and economic well-being:
• we increased the value of the Guaranteed Income Supplement for the lowest-income single seniors and allowed seniors who work to keep more of their benefits
• we also reversed the planned increase to the age of eligibility for Old Age Security benefits, introduced proactive enrolment for Canada Pension Plan benefits at age 70 and strengthened workplace pensions
• The Government of Canada will continue to ensure that the Old Age Security program remains a key pillar of our income security system for seniors

Background

The Old Age Security (OAS) program is the first pillar of Canada’s retirement income system. The benefits under the OAS program include the basic OAS pension, which is paid to all persons aged 65 or over who meet the residence requirements, the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) for low‑income seniors, and the Allowances for low income Canadians aged 60 to 64 who are the spouses or common-law partners of GIS recipients, or who are widows or widowers. These benefits provide a modest base upon which individuals can add income from other sources such as employer‑sponsored pension plans, registered retirement savings plans, tax-free savings accounts, and other personal savings and investments, to address their particular financial circumstances.

Increases to the OAS pension, the GIS and the Allowances are legislated under the Old Age Security Act. They are calculated 4 times a year (January, April, July and October) using the Consumer Price Index (CPI) so that benefits keep up with the inflation rate as measured by the CPI. For periods where there is a decrease in the CPI, benefit amounts are held constant.

The OAS benefits increased by 0.5 % for the April to June 2021 quarter. In April 2021, the maximum OAS pension increased by $3.08, from $615.37 to $618.45.

Key quotes

“After a lifetime of hard work, Canada’s seniors have earned a more secure and dignified retirement. They deserve a retirement filled with family and friends, not financial worries. We will continue to move forward with investments that give our seniors a better quality of life, with stronger supports to help make ends meet – especially for our most vulnerable seniors.”

“The Government remains committed to increasing Old Age Security once a senior turns 75.”

"During the pandemic, many seniors have faced economic challenges as they took on extra costs to stay safe. Additionally, many seniors are living longer and relying on monthly benefits to afford retirement. After a lifetime of hard work, they deserve a secure and dignified retirement. That is why the government is committed to increasing Old Age Security benefits for seniors age 75 and older."

Prepared by

Name: Chloé Hammond Gauvin
Title: Junior Policy Analyst, Old Age Security Policy and Legislation

Key contact

Name: Kevin Wagdin
Title: Director, Old Age Security Policy and Legislation
Phone number: 613-858-9247

Name: Kristen Underwood
Title: Director General, Seniors and Pensions Policy Secretariat
Phone number: 613-614-2706

Approved by

Name: Alexis Jonathan Conrad
Title: Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Income Security and Social Development Branch
Phone number: 613-868-7004

Date

Date approved in SADMO: May 7, 2021

17. Old Age Security actuarial report

Issue

The Chief Actuary estimates that the number of Old Age Security (OAS) pension beneficiaries is projected to rise significantly over the period of 2020 to 2035. How confident is your Government that the OAS program will be there for Canadians in the future?

Key facts

• The Public Pensions Reporting Act requires a triennial Actuarial Report on benefits under the Old Age Security Act to be provided every 3 years
• The 16th Report updates the demographic and economic assumptions for the OAS program from the 14th Report, most notably taking into account the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the enhancement to the earnings exemption for the Guaranteed Income Supplement and the Allowances

Response

• The Old Age Security program has been supporting Canada’s seniors for nearly 70 years, and will continue to be there for Canadians in the years to come
• The 16th Actuarial Report shows that as our population ages, the number of Old Age Security pension beneficiaries is projected to rise by 53% over the next 15 years, growing from 6.6 million in 2020 to 10.1 million in 2035
• The Chief Actuary projects that the ratio of Old Age Security program expenditures to the GDP will increase from 2.77% in 2020, to a high of 3.1% between 2030 and 2037. After 2037, this ratio is expected to gradually decrease to 2.63% by 2060, which is comparable to the historical levels of the early 1990s
• Canadians can be very confident in the cost estimates of the Chief Actuary. Historically, the projections provided in previous Reports have been very close to the actual expenditures, which confirm the reliability of these projections

Background

The Public Pensions Reporting Act requires a triennial Actuarial Report on benefits under the Old Age Security Act to be provided every 3 years.

The 16th Actuarial Report on the Old Age Security (OAS) program as at December 31, 2018 presents the results of an actuarial examination of the status of the OAS program based on data and projections as of December 31, 2018, and includes projections up to the year 2060.

The 15th Actuarial Report, as at December 31, 2015, was not a triennial report. It was a supplement to the previous triennial report – the 14th Report. As a result, the 16th Report updates the demographic and economic assumptions for the OAS program from the 14th Report, most notably taking into account the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the enhancement to the income exemption for the GIS and the Allowances.

As under the previous reports, the overall financial projections take into account the ageing of the Canadian population, including Canada’s baby boomers, based on projected fertility and mortality rates as well as continual increases in life expectancies.

Major Findings

The aging of the Canadian population will have a major impact on the ratio of the number of people aged 20 to 64 to those aged 65 and over. This ratio is projected to fall from about 3.3 in 2020 to 2.0 in 2060.

Mainly due to the retirement of the baby boom generation, the number of OAS pension beneficiaries is projected to increase from 6.6 million in 2020 to 10.1 million by 2035 - an increase of 53%. Thereafter, growth in the number of beneficiaries is expected to slow down. By 2060, the number of OAS basic pension beneficiaries is projected to reach 12.7 million. This means that annual OAS pension expenditures will increase from $46.5 billion in 2020 to $94.3 billion in 2035, and $195.5 billion by 2060.

The number of Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and Allowances beneficiaries is projected to increase by 52% over the same period, from 2.3 million in 2020 to 3.5 million by 2035.

The proportion of seniors receiving GIS is projected to increase from 32.3% in 2020 to 33.1% by 2035 and then slowly decrease to 26.3% by 2060.

Total annual OAS program expenditures are projected to increase from $60.8 billion in 2020 to $123.4 billion in 2035 and $243.4 billion by 2060.

The ratio of program expenditures to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is projected to be 2.77% in 2020 compared to 2.50% in 2019. This substantial year-over-year increase is mainly due to the estimated negative impact of COVID-19 on the GDP.

Thereafter, this ratio is projected to reach a high of 3.1% between 2030 and 2037. After 2037, the ratio of expenditures to GDP is projected to gradually decrease to a level of 2.63% by 2060, which is comparable to the historical levels of the early 1990s. This reduction is mainly attributable to expected slower growth in inflation, to which OAS benefits are indexed, compared to growth in wages and GDP as well as to increases in additional Canada Pension Plan and QPP benefits.

The projected increase in expenditures, as well as the ratio of expenditures to GDP, take into account the increase to the GIS earnings exemption as well as the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the projections do not take into account the potential impact of commitments which have not yet been implemented.

Historically, the projections provided in previous Reports have been very close to the actual expenditures, which confirm the reliability of these projections. For example, the 14th Actuarial Report projected expenditures of $156.6 billion for the period 2016 to 2018. This was less than 0.5% higher than actual expenditures.

In addition, the findings of the 16th Actuarial Report are largely consistent with those of previous reports. For example, the 15th Actuarial Report projected that the ratio of program expenditures to GDP would be 2.65% by 2060, which is comparable to the 16th Report’s projection of 2.63%.

Key quotes

Not applicable.

Prepared by

Name: Graham Barton
Title: Policy Analyst, Old Age Security Policy and Legislation
No phone number: 819-654-1657

Key contact

Name: Kevin Wagdin
Title: Director, Old Age Security Policy and Legislation
Phone number: 613-858-9247

Name: Kristen Underwood
Title: Director General, Seniors and Pensions Policy Secretariat
Phone number: 613-614-2706

Approved by

Name: Alexis Jonathan Conrad
Title: Senior Assistant Deputy Minister
Phone number: 613-868-7004

Date

Date approved in SADMO / COO: May 7, 2021

18. Old Age Security service improvements

Issue

What is the Government of Canada doing to improve the service delivery of the Old Age Security (OAS) program through the OAS Service Improvement Strategy (SIS) (including Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS))?

Response

• Through the OAS SIS (including GIS), we have taken a number of steps to improve the service delivery of the OAS program
• This includes the introduction of auto-enrolment, to ensure eligible Canadians receive the benefits to which they are entitled. To date, over 1.5 million seniors were automatically enrolled for the OAS pension, and over 116,000 low income seniors have been automatically enrolled for the GIS

Background

The OAS SIS was ESDC’s multi-year pension improvement project in response to 3 drivers for change:

• aging Legacy IT infrastructure (more than 50 years old)
• expanding cohort of Canadians eligible for pension benefits and payments, and
• need to respond to the service expectations of Canadians

[Part of this sentence has been redacted], and to date, ESDC has delivered the:

• introduction of automatic and streamlined enrolment processes, and
• implementation of additional e-services and administrative improvements

Migrating the OAS benefits delivery to the same system that delivers CPP benefits has proven difficult to implement and earlier this year the Department decided to move OAS delivery directly to the new Benefits Delivery Modernization (BDM) platform.

The BDM Programme is the enterprise platform for the delivery of ESDC’s major statutory benefits – EI, CPP, and OAS. OAS is currently planned to be the first benefits program to leverage the BDM Foundations platform [part of this sentence has been redacted].

Eric George

Manager, Major Projects Execution

(819) 654-5170

Key Contact

George Markus

Director, Major Projects Execution

(819) 654-5263

Approved by

Laila Allouch

A/DG, Major Projects Execution

(613) 325-0249

Date

May 6, 2021

Date approved in COO: May 6, 2021

19. Old Age Security service standards

Issue

What is Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) doing to ensure that seniors receive the benefits to which they are entitled in a timely way?

Response

• Employment and Social Development Canada is committed to supporting seniors by modernizing its services to ensure they receive their benefits to which they are entitled to when they need them most
• The Department has simplified its processes for ease and speed of payment. It has expanded automatic enrolment for Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement benefits, eliminating the need for many seniors to apply. This allows eligible seniors to receive benefits in a timely manner
• As of March 2021, more than 1.2 million seniors have been automatically enrolled for the Old Age Security pension since inception
• In 2020 to 2021, over 90% of seniors received their Old Age Security benefits within the first month of entitlement

Key Facts

• The Old Age Security (OAS) pension is a monthly payment given to seniors who are 65 years or older. The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is an additional benefit provided to low-income seniors
• Eligible seniors are enrolled a year in advance and begin receiving benefits after they turn 65. In 2020 to 2021, on average, 17,000 seniors were automatically enrolled each month for the OAS pension and the GIS without having to complete an application. This represents about 50% of individuals who turned 65
• Service Canada has consistently met its target to ensure that 90% of OAS payments are made within the individual’s first month of entitlement. In 2020 to 2021, Service Canada met this target at 90.5%
• In 2019 to 2020, $56.3 billion was paid in OAS benefits to 6.5 million beneficiaries, including $42.7 billion in OAS pension benefits to 6.4 million seniors and $13.0 billion in GIS benefits to 2.1 million low-income OAS pensioners

Background

The Old Age Security (OAS) program is a non-contributory, residence-based program financed through general tax revenues. The objective of the OAS program is to provide a minimum level of income to seniors and contribute to their income replacement in retirement.

The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) provides financial assistance to seniors who have little or no income other than the OAS pension. The program provides up to $11,085 per year for a single OAS pensioner and up to $6,672 per year for each member of a couple (April to June 2021). The GIS benefit is reviewed in January, April, July, and October to reflect increases in the cost of living as measured by the Consumer Price Index.

The demand for the OAS program has significantly increased over the past 15 years due to the aging population. In 2005 to 2006, there were approximately 4.3 million OAS beneficiaries. Since then, the number of individuals receiving the OAS pension has grown by about 50%. In 2019 to 2020, $56.3 billion was paid in OAS benefits to 6.5 million beneficiaries, including $42.7 billion in OAS pension benefits to 6.4 million seniors and $13.0 billion in GIS benefits to 2.1 million low-income OAS pensioners.

The Department’s service standard for the OAS program is to put individuals into pay for their OAS pension within the first month of entitlement, with an objective of achieving this 90 % of the time. For 2020 to 2021, the Department has paid 90.5% of OAS benefits within the first month of entitlement. While the Department continues to meet its OAS service standard objectives, it recognizes that some applications can take longer to process for a variety of reasons including, for example, when the Department does not have all the required information or documentation from clients to make a decision. ESDC continues to monitor all applications that have not met service standards on an ongoing basis, to understand the reasons behind the delay and to adjust strategies accordingly.

Automatic enrolment for the OAS pension was first introduced in 2013 and expanded to include even more clients in 2015 eliminating the need for selected seniors to apply for their OAS pension benefits.

Automatic enrolment was again expanded in 2017, this time to include the GIS. This means that seniors who are selected for OAS automatic enrolment are also automatically enrolled for the GIS, with entitlement to the GIS being determined based on income. Once enrolled, clients are re‑assessed each year to determine their GIS entitlement.

In August 2018, the Department implemented the Integrated OAS and GIS Application. With this measure, individuals are able to apply for both benefits at the same time, on 1 form. Building on this measure, the Department also implemented an online application form in November 2019.

Once individuals are either automatically enrolled or have applied for the GIS, they will never need to reapply. As long as they file a tax return or provide income information to the Department every year, the Department will automatically assess their eligibility.

As of March 31, 2021, 1.6 million automatic enrolment letters have been sent since its implementation in April 2013.

Indicator

OAS benefits paid within first month of entitlement

Target

90%

March 2021

93.0%

2020 to 2021

90.5%

Prepared by

Jonathan Larocque,

Director,Strategic Directions Directorate

Key Contact

Nisa Tummon,

Director General, Strategic Directions Directorate

No Phone Number

Approved by

Cliff Groen,

Senior Assistant Deputy Minister Benefits and Integrated Services

(819) 654-6944

Date

April 30, 2021

Date approved in COO: May 3, 2021

20. Old Age Security Benefits delivery modernization

Issue

What is the Government of Canada doing to improve the service delivery of the Old Age Security (OAS) program, and modernize its delivery platform to ensure seniors continue to receive their payments on time?

Response

• Employment and Social Development Canada's (ESDC) legacy information technology (IT) systems are nearing the end of their lifecycle. They are becoming increasingly fragile, impeding the Department’s ability to quickly implement policy, program, and business process changes
• As noted in the recent Speech from the Throne, the Government of Canada is making generational investments in updating outdated IT systems to modernize the way that Government serves Canadians
• Budget 2021 identified significant investments in renewing critical IT infrastructure and advancing the modernization of the decades-old OAS IT system to ensure that seniors will not experience delays in receiving benefits

Background

The OAS SIS was ESDC’s multi-year pension improvement project in response to 3 drivers for change:

• aging legacy IT infrastructure (more than 50 years old)
• expanding cohort of Canadians eligible for pension benefits and payments, and
• need to respond to the service expectations of Canadians

[Part of this sentence has been redacted], and to date, ESDC has delivered the:

• introduction of automatic and streamlined enrolment processes, and
• implementation of additional e-services and administrative improvements

Migrating the OAS benefits delivery to the same system that delivers CPP benefits has proven difficult to implement and earlier this year the Department decided to move OAS delivery directly to he new Benefits Delivery Modernization (BDM) platform.

The BDM Programme is the enterprise platform for the delivery of ESDC’s major statutory benefits – EI, CPP, and OAS. OAS is currently planned to be the first benefits program to leverage the BDM Foundations platform [part of this sentence has been redacted].

Anticipated Results

The BDM Programme is following an agile approach to implementation – iterative, incremental and progressive builds – with a strong focus on business change management and risk management. The modernized platform is being implemented incrementally in 4 phases, over the course of 10 years. It is one of the largest change initiatives underway in the Government of Canada.

A long-term, multi-phase BDM Programme will establish a platform that will make the next generation of benefits processing capable of addressing dynamic client expectations, changing business and economic environment.

BDM is a business-led, IT-enabled transformation that will deliver tangible benefits for clients and employers through a broad range of e-services that are easy to use. Canadians will be provided with an enhanced, consistent, and modern client experience. Wait times will be reduced, applications streamlined, and there will be efficient delivery with faster payment of benefits, proactive communication and status updates to keep clients well-informed.

Prepared by

Laura Ianni
Manager, Business Analysis and Governmental Affairs
(613) 220-1471

Key Contact

Joanne Pellerin
DG, OAS Benefits Onboarding
(613) 608-1835

Approved by

Susan Ingram
DG, Enterprise Major Projects Execution
(819) 654-6163

Date

May 3, 2021

Date approved in COO: May 5, 2021

21. Old Age Security Pension and Guaranteed Income Supplement Eligibility

Issue

How do the Old Age Security pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement help ensure that the overall income of seniors does not fall below a specified threshold?

Key facts

• In 2019 to 2020, the Government paid $56.3 billion in OAS benefits. This includes $42.8 billion in OAS pension benefits to 6.4 million recipients and $13.0 billion in Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) benefits to 2.1 million low-income pensioners
• OAS program expenditures in 2021 are estimated to represent 2.63 % of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

Response

• Our Government is committed to strengthening public pensions and improving the lives of Canada’s seniors
• Old Age Security benefits are an important part of the retirement income of Canadians. The residence requirements to receive an OAS pension strike a balance between a lifetime pension and contribution to Canadian economy and society
• In 2016, our Government restored the age of eligibility for the Old Age Security pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement to 65, preventing an estimated 100,000 future 65 and 66 years olds from falling into poverty
• Our Government has also provided significant assistance to low-income seniors. We increased the Guaranteed Income Supplement for the lowest-income single seniors by almost $1,000 per year, and we increased the Guaranteed Income Supplement earnings exemption to assist low-income seniors who work
• We are now proposing to further support seniors by increasing the Old Age Security pension for those aged 75 and older

Background

The Old Age Security (OAS) program plays a significant role in providing income security to Canadians in their senior years. The benefits under the OAS program include the basic OAS pension, which is paid to all persons aged 65 or over who meet the residence requirements, the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) for low-income seniors, and the Allowances for low‑income Canadians aged 60 to 64 who are the spouses or common-law partners of GIS recipients, or who are widows or widowers.

OAS benefits are intended to provide partial income security for seniors in recognition of the contributions that they have made to Canadian society and the economy. These benefits provide a modest base upon which individuals can add income from other sources such as the Canada Pension Plan/Québec Pension Plan, employer-sponsored pension plans, personal registered retirement savings plans, tax-free savings accounts, as well as other personal savings and investments, to address their particular financial circumstances.

Eligibility for OAS benefits has no relation to a senior’s country of birth or citizenship, or to a senior’s employment history. The amount of a person’s OAS pension is determined by how long he or she has lived in Canada. To qualify for a full OAS pension, a person must have lived in Canada for at least 40 years after the age of 18. A person is eligible for a partial pension if he or she has lived in Canada between 10 and 40 years after the age of 18. The partial pension is paid at the rate of 1/40 of the full amount for each year of residence in Canada after 18 years of age. Prorating the OAS pension based on the number of years of residence in Canada provides a good compromise between the contribution made to Canada’s society, and the right to a lifelong pension.

Since July 1, 2013, eligible individuals who have not begun to receive their OAS pension can choose to delay receiving it in exchange for a higher monthly amount. The voluntary deferral gives individuals the option of waiting as late as age 70 to start collecting their OAS pension and to increase their pension by 0.6 % for each month they delay it, for a total of 7.2 % for each full year of deferral. This means that individuals who applied late have the choice between receiving retroactive payments, or taking advantage of the pension deferral provision.

OAS pensioners who receive little or no income, other than the OAS pension, are eligible for additional assistance through the GIS. As this benefit is intended to assist those with low income, eligibility is tied to an annual income assessment.

An individual’s GIS entitlement is recalculated at the beginning of each payment cycle, which runs from July to June, based on the previous year’s income. The GIS is reduced by $1 for every $2 of net income as defined in the Income Tax Act, until it is completely phased out when individual or combined income reaches a threshold. All sources of income are taken into account in assessing eligibility for the GIS with a few exceptions, such as the first $5,000 of annual earnings.

In 2016, the Government cancelled the provisions of the Old Age Security Act that increased the age of eligibility for the OAS pension and the GIS from 65 to 67, and for the Allowances from 60 to 62. These benefits are an important part of the retirement income of Canadians, and future vulnerable 65 and 66 year-old seniors would have faced a much higher risk of living in poverty without them. The age of eligibility will remain at 65, which will also ensure that vulnerable seniors do not have to wait 2 additional years to collect their OAS benefits.

To date, the Government has undertaken several measures to improve the financial security of low-income seniors. Since 2016, the Government has:

• increased the GIS top-up for the lowest income single seniors by up to $947 annually, helping close to 900,000 seniors who rely almost exclusively on the OAS pension and the GIS
• increased the GIS earnings exemption from $3,500 to $5,000, extended the exemption to selfemployment income, and introduced an additional 50 % exemption on employment and selfemployment income between $5,000 and $15,000, starting in July 2020. This measure enables working GIS recipients to earn up to $15,000 in employment and selfemployment income before the GIS benefit reduction applies to their full income, and
• introduced a 1-time tax-free payment of $300 for seniors eligible for the OAS pension, with an additional tax-free payment of $200 for seniors eligible for the GIS. This measure provided a total of $500 to low-income seniors who receive both the OAS pension and the GIS. Allowance recipients also received $500. This $2.5 billion investment in financial support will help Canadian seniors cover increased costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic

In 2016, the Government also cancelled the provisions of the Old Age Security Act that increased the age of eligibility for the OAS pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement from 65 to 67, and for the Allowances from 60 to 62. These benefits are an important part of the retirement income of Canadians, and future vulnerable 65 and 66 year-old seniors would have faced a much higher risk of living in poverty without them. The age of eligibility will remain at 65, which will also ensure that vulnerable seniors do not have to wait 2 additional years to collect their OAS benefits.

In addition, as part of Budget 2021, the Government proposes to increase the OAS pension by 10% for seniors aged 75 and over, starting in July 2022. The increase will provide up to $766 more for eligible seniors in the first year, and improve the financial security of seniors later in life. In order to help address the immediate needs of this group of seniors, the Government has also proposed to provide a 1-time payment of $500 in August 2021 to OAS pensioners who will be aged 75 and over as of June 30, 2022.

Key quotes

Not applicable.

Prepared by

Name: Chloé Hammond Gauvin
Title: Junior Policy Analyst, Old Age Security Policy and Legislation
No phone number

Key contact

Name: Kevin Wagdin
Title: Director, Old Age Security Policy and Legislation
Phone number: 613-858-9247

Name: Kristen Underwood
Title: Director General, Seniors and Pensions Policy Secretariat
Phone number: 613-614-2706

Approved by

Name: Alexis Jonathan Conrad
Title: Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Income Security and Social Development Branch
Phone number: 613-868-7004

Date

Date approved in SADMO / COO: May 7, 2021

22. Impact of Canada Emergency Response Benefits on the Guaranteed Income Supplement

Issue

Will receipt of Canada Emergency Response Benefits in 2020 have an impact on a senior’s entitlement to the Guaranteed Income Supplement?

Key facts

General

• In 2019 to 2020, total expenditures for the Old Age Security (OAS) program were $56.3 billion. Of this, $13.0 billion in Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) benefits were paid to 2.1 million low-income seniors
• Generally, GIS benefits are reduced by $1 for every $2 of net income as defined in the Income Tax Act
• The GIS is renewed annually, based on previous year’s income. The July 2021 to June 2022 payment period will be based on income received in 2020

Response

• The Guaranteed Income Supplement is an income-tested benefit payable to low-income seniors who are eligible to receive the Old Age Security pension. Any income that is net income under the Income Tax Act is used to determine a senior’s entitlement to GIS
• Under the Old Age Security Act, working seniors can exempt a portion of their employment earnings from the calculation of their GIS benefits. However, Canada Emergency Response Benefit and Employment Insurance payments are not included under the GIS Earnings Exemption
• Since CERB is considered taxable income, any income received from CERB could have an impact on a person’s entitlement to GIS

Background

Income for GIS calculations is defined in section 2 of the Old Age Security Act. This section states that for the purposes of determining the amount of GIS benefits, the income of a person or of a couple, is the income of that person or couple for that year as computed in accordance with the Income Tax Act. Any income that is considered to be net income under this Act is used to determine the amount of GIS. This includes any money that a pensioner receives other than the OAS pension, including Canada Pension Plan benefits, employer-sponsored pensions and private pensions, Employment Insurance benefits, Registered Retirement Savings Plan withdrawals and workers’ compensation benefits, net employment or self-employment income, that is over and above the GIS earnings exemption, and other income.

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is a taxable benefit available to those who have stopped working for reasons related to COVID-19, including if they are sick, quarantined or taking care of someone who is ill with COVID-19. As the CERB is defined as taxable income under the ITA, it must be considered as income for GIS purposes. 

Under the Old Age Security Act, GIS recipients who remain active in the labour market can exempt a portion of their earnings from the calculation of their GIS benefits. However, unlike employment or self-employment earnings, CERB and Employment Insurance-Emergency Response Benefit (EI‑ERB) payments are not included under the GIS Earnings Exemption.

GIS benefits are paid on a 12-month payment period from July to June and are normally calculated on the basis of the previous year’s income (referred to as income for the ‘base calendar year’). Therefore, CERB income received by GIS recipients in 2020 could impact GIS benefits for the 12-month period beginning in July 2021. 

The Government has also created additional recovery benefits for individuals, following the end of the CERB. The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) is a taxable benefit of $1,000 per 2-week eligibility period and provided for up to 38 weeks, with a maximum available amount of $19,000. The CRB is intended to give income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are directly affected by COVID-19 and are not entitled to EI benefits. Budget 2021 proposes to extend the CRB by 12 additional weeks, with a weekly benefit of $500 for the first 4 weeks of the extension, and $300 for the remaining 8 weeks. The proposed maximum available amount would increase to $23,400.

Seniors are able to collect the CERB, the CRB, or other emergency or recovery benefits regardless of whether or not they receive the OAS pension, the GIS or CPP/QPP benefits. In other words, these seniors’ benefits did not affect CERB eligibility.

Key quotes

Not applicable.

Prepared by

Name: Diana Newton-Smith
Title: Senior Policy Analyst, Old Age Security Policy and Legislation
No phone number

Key contact

Name: Kevin Wagdin
Title: Director, Old Age Security Policy and Legislation
Phone number: 613-858-9247

Name: Kristen Underwood
Title: Director General, Seniors and Pensions Policy Secretariat
Phone number: 613-614-2706

Approved by

Name: Alexis Jonathan Conrad
Title: Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Income Security and Social Development Branch
Phone number: 613-868-7004

Date

Date approved in SADMO / COO: May 7, 2021

23. Registered Retirement Income Funds Reductions

Issue

What is the Government doing to help protect seniors’ investments assets?

Key facts

• A registered retirement income fund (RRIF) is an arrangement between an individual and a carrier (an insurance company, a trust company or a bank). The individual transfers property to the carrier, and the carrier makes a payment to the individual. The minimum amount must be paid to the individual in the year following the year the RRIF is entered into. Earnings in a RRIF are tax-free and amounts paid out of a RRIF are taxable on receipt

Response

• In the spring 2020, as part of a suite of support measures, we reduced required minimum withdrawals from registered retirement income funds (RRIFs) by 25% for 2020, providing seniors with additional flexibility in the face of volatile market conditions
• The Government of Canada will continue to be there for Canadians, very much including seniors, as it has been since the start of the pandemic

Background

Individuals must start receiving registered pension plan (RPP) payments and convert their registered retirement savings plans (RRSP) to registered retirement income funds (RRIFs) (or purchase a life annuity with their RRSP funds) by the end of the year they turn 72.  Minimum RRIF withdrawals must start in the year following the year an RRSP is converted to a RRIF.

The registered retirement income funds (RRIF) minimum withdrawal factors are percentages applied to the value of the assets in the RRIF each year. The minimum withdrawal is based on the value of the assets in the RRIF on January 1st of a year; thus the value of RRIF assets at that time determines the dollar amount of the withdrawal for the year.

The 25% reduction of the required minimum withdrawals from registered retirement income funds (RRIFs) for 2020 was announced on March 18, 2020 and became law on March 25, 2020. The measure was in Bill C-13, the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act, which received Royal Assent on March 25, 2020.

Key quotes

N/A

Prepared by

Name: David Gosse

Title: Policy Analyst, Seniors Policy and Analysis Unit

Phone number: [redacted]

Name: Manon Therriault

Title: Manager, Seniors Policy and Analysis Unit

Phone number: 819-360-0209

Key contact

Name: Jackie Holden

Title: Senior Director, Seniors Policy, Partnerships and Engagement Division

Phone number: 819-210-5671

Name: Kristen Underwood

Title: Director General, Seniors and Pensions Policy Secretariat

Phone number: 613-614-2706

Approved by

Name: Alexis Jonathan Conrad

Title: Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Income Security and Social Development Branch

Phone number: 613-868-7004

Date approved in SADMO / COO: May 7, 2021

24. Participants by Age Groups Under the Labour Market Transfers

Issue

Are older workers accessing services under the labour market transfers to provinces and territories?

Response

• The Government of Canada helps Canadians access skills training and employment supports by providing ongoing funding to provinces and territories though the Labour Market Development Agreements (LMDAs) and the Workforce Development Agreements (WDAs). In 2021 to 2022, the 2 agreements combined represent $3.5 billion in federal investments
• These transfer agreements allow more Canadians, including those from underrepresented groups in the labour market such as older workers, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous peoples, to have access to training and employment supports to find and maintain employment
• In 2019 to 2020, individuals aged 50 years and older were overrepresented in the clients served under the LMDAs and WDAs, compared to labour force availability. While 6% of the labour force was over 50 years of age, 21% of clients served under the transfers were from this age cohort

Background

Key Facts:

• Each year, the Government of Canada provides $3 billion for individuals to access skills training and employment supports through bilateral labour market transfers with provinces and territories which include the Employment Insurance-funded Labour Market Development Agreements (LMDAs) and the Workforce Development Agreements (WDAs)
• Through Budget 2017, the Government of Canada announced an additional $2.7 billion over 6 years, which began in 2017 to 2018. This represented an additional $400 million in 2019 to 2020, $550 million in 2020 to 2021, and $625 million in 2021 to 2022
• In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, an additional $1.5 billion was provided to provinces and territories in the fall of 2020 under the WDAs to support Canadian workers looking to re-enter the workforce, particularly those in hard-hit sectors and groups disadvantaged as a result of the pandemic
• Under the agreements, PTs have the flexibility to design and deliver employment programming that meets the needs of their local labour markets
• For the purposes of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey, “labour force” is defined as the civilian, non-institutional population (for example, not inmates of penal institutions or patients in hospitals or nursing homes) 15 years of age and over that was, during the survey reference week, employed or unemployed

Prepared by

Saajida Deen

Employment Programs and Policy Design

613-790-3566

Key Contact

Saajida Deen

Employment Programs and Policy Design

613-790-3566

Approved by

Alan Bulley

Employment Programs and Policy Design

613-316-3466

Date

April 30, 2021

Date approved by ADM: May 4, 2021

25. National Seniors Strategy

Issue

Is the government developing a national seniors strategy?

Key facts

• In 2017, the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities called for a national seniors strategy
• In 2015, a coalition of senior stakeholders called for the adoption of a national seniors strategy, which was reiterated in 2020. This call was echoed by other seniors stakeholders
• In 2018, the National Seniors Council was asked to provide advice on the topic of a national seniors strategy

Response

• The Government has provided leadership and made investments in many areas important to seniors, such as income security, housing, accessibility and caregiving. We further committed in our platform to actions related to improving long-term care, pharmacare, elder abuse and providing support to seniors during this pandemic
• I know that there have been calls from stakeholders for a national seniors strategy. Indeed, the government has asked the National Seniors Council to provide advice on whether a national strategy could be useful in strengthening the Government of Canada’s attention to seniors well-being

Background

In 2017, the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA) undertook a study on ‘how the government can support vulnerable seniors today while preparing for the diverse and growing seniors’ population of tomorrow’ and Issued a report, Advancing Inclusion and Quality of Life for Canadian Seniors, which called for a national seniors strategy. The Committee heard from over 50 organizations and individuals and received 35 written submissions.

Various national stakeholders have been actively campaigning for the development of a national seniors strategy. For example, the Alliance for a National Seniors Strategy (more than 70 organizations representing health providers, patients and community stakeholders led by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and the National Institute on Ageing) is strongly advocating for a national seniors strategy. CARP, an Association of those aged 50 and older, also released a separate policy platform calling for a National Seniors Strategy. While these calls emphasize health care elements, other aspects called for by stakeholders include: addressing ageism; elder abuse; social isolation; income security; housing; transportation; and age-friendly environments.

The government asked the National Seniors Council to provide advice on the role and value-added that a national seniors strategy would have in addressing seniors Issues, and to explore the potential objectives and elements of such a strategy. The National Seniors Council is mandated to advise the federal government on Issues important to the well-being of seniors and, in developing this advice, to consult with Canadians and be informed by evidence.

Addressing the Issues seniors face is not only about the action of governments. Meaningful contributions are needed from a broad coalition of stakeholders. The Government looks forward to continuing to work with provinces, territories and other key stakeholders to support Canada’s seniors.

Key quotes

N/A

Prepared by

Name: Alexandre Martin
Title: Senior Policy Analyst, Seniors Policy and Analysis Unit

Name: Manon Therriault
Title: Manager, Seniors Policy and Analysis Unit
Phone number: 819-360-0209

Key contact

Name: Jackie Holden
Title: Senior Director, Seniors Policy, Partnerships and Engagement Division
Phone number: 819-210-5671

Name: Kristen Underwood
Title: Director General, Seniors and Pensions Policy Secretariat
Phone number: 613-614-2706

Approved by

Name: Alexis Jonathan Conrad
Title: Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Income Security and Social Development Branch
Phone number: 613-868-7004

Date approved in SADMO / COO: May 7, 2021

Issue

What is the Federal, Provincial and Territorial (FPT) Seniors Forum doing to support seniors?

Response

• The mandate of the FPT Seniors Forum is to: discuss Issues of importance to seniors; share information on seniors’ wellbeing; and undertake initiatives to advance Issues of common (FPT) concern
• At the 18th Meeting of Federal, Provincial and Territorial (FPT) Ministers Responsible for Seniors on September 14, 2017, Ministers identified 3 key priorities for the Forum’s 2018 to 2021 work cycle: Aging in Community; Labour force participation of older workers; and the Social and Economic Impacts of Ageism
• In 2020, the FPT Ministers Responsible for Seniors met in July and in December. Ministers discussed challenges and opportunities related to seniors’ initiatives and highlighted best practices to help protect seniors during the pandemic. Key themes included: community supports and services; social isolation, family supports and abuse; communications and information; access to health services; long term care; food security; income security/support; transportation; vulnerable populations; and aging in place
• FPT Ministers will continue these discussions at their next meeting in early June 2021

Background

Under the Aging in Community initiative, the development of 3 deliverables was undertaken:

• deliverable 1: A report on the Report on housing needs of seniors (approved by FPT Ministers, May 2019)
• deliverable 2: A report on Core community supports to age in communit (approved by FPT Ministers, May 2019)
• deliverable 3: An Integrated Policy Analysis and Report on Aging in Community (Currently on hold)

Work on the third deliverable was paused in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in July 2020, FPT Ministers identified the Issue of social isolation and the ability to age in place as key, emerging concerns during the pandemic. Ministers agree to undertake a new report that investigates how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected older Canadians, focusing on social isolation and loneliness. These findings will be integrated into the integrated policy analysis and report on aging in community.

The findings from the Social Isolation Among Older Adults During the Pandemic report highlight how Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Governments can influence the development of social isolation initiatives through their funding, large-scale coordination, knowledge sharing, and policy-making.

Under the Labour Force Participation of Older Workers initiative, the development of 2 deliverables was undertaken: A report on Understanding the Impact of Public Policies and Programs on the Labour Force Decisions of Older Workers (approved by FPT Ministers, May 2019) and the second deliverable was A report on Older Workers: Exploring and Addressing the Stereotypes (approved by FPT Ministers, December 2020)

The Social and Economic Impacts of Ageism initiative was the last one in the work plan to be rolled out, with work beginning in December 2018. The working group has resumed work on An Environmental Scan of the Social and Economic Impacts of Ageism. A case study has been undertaken focusing on how ageism emerged as an Issue during the pandemic.

Governance of the Forum

The Forum has 3 levels of governance: 1) the FPT Ministers Responsible for Seniors; 2) the Committee of FPT Deputy Ministers (DM) Responsible for Seniors, and, 3) the Committee of FPT Officials Responsible for Seniors.

All 14 governments are represented at each level of governance of the Forum.

The Federal Co-Chair role is occupied by the Federal Minister responsible for the seniors’ portfolio.

The PT Co-chair role rotates following each in-person Ministers’ meeting, usually every 12 to 18 months, among PT Ministers responsible for their governments’ seniors’ portfolio.

The Forum’s Working Groups develop reports based on Working Group activities for the consideration of the Committee of FPT Officials, which are reviewed and approved by the Deputy level committee, and will be submitted to Ministers for final approval.

The FPT Seniors Secretariat (ESDC) provides support to all levels of the Forum to ensure successful day-to-day functioning, teleconferences and meetings.

All jurisdictions contribute to a shared budget that is governed by the Intergovernmental Agreement. PT contributions to the Forum budget are held in a specified purpose account (SPA) that is administered by ESDC.

Key quotes

N/A

Prepared by

Name: Jacinthe A. Seguin
Title: Unit FPT
Phone number: 613-606-6547

Name: Rosa Venuta
Title: Manager, FPT
Phone number: 613-410-8297

Key contact

Name: Jackie Holden
Title: Senior Director, Seniors Policy, Partnerships and Engagement Division
Phone number: 819-210-5671

Name: Kristen Underwood
Title: Director General, Seniors and Pensions Policy Secretariat
Phone number: 613-614-2706

Approved by

Name: Alexis Jonathan Conrad
Title: Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Income Security and Social Development Branch
Phone number: 613-868-7004

Date approved in SADMO / COO: May 7, 2021

27. National Seniors Council

Issue

What are the National Seniors Council’s work priorities?

Response

• The National Seniors Council provides advice to the Government of Canada, through the Minister of Seniors and Minister of Health, on current and emerging Issues and opportunities related to the health, quality of life and well-being of seniors
• In developing its advice, the National Seniors Council undertakes a range of activities, including commissioning research, consulting with seniors and stakeholders across the country, and convening expert panels and roundtables
• The Council is currently implementing a 3-year work plan spanning from 2018 to 2021, which includes the following 4 priorities:
  1. identifying measures to reduce crimes and harms against seniors
  2. identifying objectives and elements that could be included in a national seniors strategy, if such a strategy is developed
  3. providing advice to the Government on the development and implementation of existing federal initiatives using an age-friendly/healthy aging perspective
  4. identifying measures to counteract ageism by shifting the public discourse on aging
• In recent months, the Council has also provided advice on Issues emerging from or highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic

Background

• The National Seniors Council was established in 2007 by Order in Council to advise the Government of Canada on matters related to the health well-being and quality of life of seniors. The Council provides advice to the Minister of Seniors and the Minister of Health
• The Council has a maximum of 12 members who are appointed by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Ministers. The membership is diverse and can include seniors, representatives of organizations that serve the needs or interests of seniors, and experts from fields of study related to seniors and aging
• The National Seniors Council provides advice to the Government of Canada by reaching out and listening to what seniors have to say and by:
  • advising on current and emerging Issues and opportunities related to the quality of life and well-being of seniors, both now and in the future
  • as needed, commissioning research, convening expert panels and roundtables, and holding consultative meetings
  • delivering well-balanced advice, taking into account the views of experts; seniors; organizations and groups that provide seniors’ programs and services; provincial/territorial advisory bodies on seniors; and other relevant stakeholders and interested parties, and
  • ensuring a comprehensive and collaborative approach in its examination of the policies, programs and services that impact the lives of seniors by consulting with other federal departments, other levels of government and advisory bodies involved in seniors-related efforts
• Since its inception, the Council has delivered reports to Ministers on a range of Issues, including: elder abuse; low income among seniors; volunteerism; positive and active aging; labour force participation; intergenerational relations; social isolation; financial crimes and harms against seniors; seniors housing needs; and Issues emerging from or highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic

Key quotes

N/A

Prepared by

Name: Nathalie Charette
Title: Manager, Partnerships and Engagement
Phone number: 613-894-0354

Key contact

Name: Jackie Holden
Title: Senior Director, Seniors Policy, Partnerships and Engagement Division
Phone number: 819-210-5671

Name: Kristen Underwood
Title: Director General, Seniors and Pensions Policy Secretariat
Phone number: 613-614-2706

Approved by

Name: Alexis Jonathan Conrad
Title: Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Income Security and Social Development Branch
Phone number: 613-868-7004

Date approved in SADMO / COO: May 7, 2021

28. United Nations Engagement

Issue

What is the Government’s position with respect to a United Nations Convention on the Rights of Older Persons?

Key facts

• Since 2011, the Government of Canada has been monitoring this Issue and participating in the United Nations Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing (OEWGA) to discuss what gaps exist within the UN human rights framework
• In Canada, older persons are protected by a robust legal framework, including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Canadian Human Rights Act, and provincial and territorial human rights codes, which prohibits discrimination based on age

Response

• Canada’s diplomacy and leadership at the United Nations (UN) give a strong voice to Canadian principles and values on the world stage. This includes supporting the promotion and protection of the rights of older people
• The Government of Canada actively engages in initiatives aimed at strengthening the rights of older persons, such as the UN Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing (OEWGA), the Madrid International Plan of Action (MIPAA), the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing
• Canada looks forward to continuing to engage in the work of the OEWGA to think more broadly about effective measures to protect the rights of older persons
• Canada is open to discussing the idea of a Convention on the rights of older persons, and is interested in hearing views of other countries and stakeholders on the subject

Baackground

Canada continues to encourage the UN to identify ways to effectively implement existing human rights obligations, including through mechanisms such as the MIPAA. While not a human rights convention, MIPAA is a non-binding international agenda, agreed upon by Member States, for addressing the Issue of ageing. It focuses on 3 priority areas: older persons and development; advancing health and well-being into old age; and ensuring enabling and supportive environments. Canada’s next report is expected in the fall of 2021. It will be presented during the fourth review and appraisal of MIPAA/RIS, which will conclude with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe’s (UNECE) Ministerial Conference on Ageing to be held in Rome, Italy in May 2022. However, several Canadian civil society organizations have expressed that the MIPAA is not an adequate mechanism to promote and protect the rights of older persons.

The UN Decade for Healthy Ageing and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development offer as well opportunities for greater collaboration on the Issue of the promotion and protection of the rights of older people. As such, the Government of Canada, with leadership from the Public Health Agency of Canada, is working with partners across levels of government and civil society to raise awareness of the Decade, encourage action on healthy aging and leverage global efforts to address aging Issues. Additionally, Employment and Social Development Canada is continuing to support Canada’s implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and of its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Preparing for and supporting an ageing population is important to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and its core principle of leaving no one behind, with ageing cutting across all goals, and in particular poverty eradication, good health, gender equality, economic growth and decent work, reduced inequalities and sustainable cities. In February 2021, the Government of Canada launched Moving Forward Together – Canada’s 2030 Agenda National Strategy. This strategy seeks to foster an enabling environment where all Canadians can contribute. It also announces the release of a revised Canadian Indicator Framework adapted to Canadian reality, to accurately report on progress towards the SDGs.

A) Current Status of a Potential Convention at the United Nations

There is currently no legally binding UN human rights instrument that specifically and explicitly addresses the types of discrimination, human rights violations, and unique vulnerabilities that older persons often experience, nor is there articulation of States’ obligations to specifically protect and ensure the rights of older persons (in the same way as persons with disabilities or children, for example).

Canada is party to 7 UN human rights treaties, which provide comprehensive protection of civil and political as well as economic, social and cultural rights of all persons, including older persons. Notably, the core UN human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, protect the right to equality and prohibit discrimination on the basis of a number of grounds including “other status”, which has been widely understood to include the ground of age. Older women are also protected by the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women, which sets out specific State obligations to ensure the equal rights of women. Similarly, older persons who have 1 or more disabilities are protected by the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which sets out specific State obligations to ensure the equal rights of disabled persons.

Among UN Member States, there are diverging views on the existence of gaps concerning the rights of older persons, as well as on whether a new, legally binding international instrument is the appropriate mechanism to address these gaps.

B) Canada’s United Nations Engagement

The OEWGA was established by the UN General Assembly in 2010 to consider the existing international human rights framework applicable to older persons and to identify and address potential gaps, including the feasibility of further instruments and measures. Since 2011, the Government has been monitoring this Issue and participating in the OEWGA to discuss what gaps exist within the UN human rights framework.

During the Eleventh Session of the UN OEWGA, held from March 29 to April 1, 2021, discussions regarding strengthening existing normative human rights framework through the development of a convention on the rights of older persons remained central. For many participants, the impacts of COVID-19 – and the existing gaps it exposed - have shown the current normative framework is insufficient to protect older persons and that it is now the time to act. Robert Rae, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Canada to the UN, expressed his support for the creation of a working group to support the implementation of the UN Secretary General Policy Brief on Older Persons and Covid-19 (May 2020). Of note, the Brief called for accelerated efforts of the OEWGA to develop proposals for an international legal instrument to promote and protect the rights and dignity of older persons.

Citations / Key quotes

N/A

Prepared by

Name: Géraldine Cavé
Title: Senior Policy Analyst, Seniors Policy and Analysis Unit

Name: Manon Therriault
Title: Manager, Seniors Policy and Analysis Unit
Phone number: 819-360-0209

Key contact

Name: Jackie Holden
Title: Senior Director, Seniors Policy, Partnerships and Engagement Division
Phone number: 819-210-5671

Name: Kristen Underwood
Title: Director General, Seniors and Pensions Policy Secretariat
Phone number: 613-614-2706

Approved by

Name: Alexis Jonathan Conrad
Title: Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Income Security and Social Development Branch
Phone number: 613-868-7004

Date approved in SADMO: May 7, 2021

29. Increasing OAS by 10% for seniors aged 75 and over

Issue

Why did the Government limit the increase of the Old Age Security (OAS) pension by 10% to seniors aged 75 and over; rather than increasing the OAS pension for all seniors (65 and over)?

Key facts

• In 2019 to 2020, the Government provided $56.3 billion in Old Age Security (OAS) benefits to 6.5 million beneficiaries, which includes $42.7 billion in OAS pension benefits to 6.4 million recipients
• In March 2021, 2.9 million OAS pensioners (43%) were aged 75 and over

Response

• The Government is proposing to increase the OAS pension by 10% for seniors aged 75 and over
• Seniors are living longer than ever before. However, with increasing age, seniors face increased financial vulnerability
• As seniors get older, they tend to have lower income, and often face higher health-related expenses because of the onset of illness or disability
• This vulnerability is further compounded by a reduced ability to supplement their income with paid work, the risk of outliving personal savings, and the risk of widowhood
• That is why we are taking action to help make life more affordable for Canadians as they age
• Subject to Parliamentary approval, this measure will be implemented in 2 stages:
  • a taxable 1-time payment of $500 in August 2021 to meet the immediate needs of OAS pensioners who are 75 and over as of June 30, 2022, and
  • a permanent, 10% increase to the monthly OAS pension for seniors aged 75 and over, beginning in July 2022

Background

The Old Age Security (OAS) program is a non-contributory, residence-based program financed through general tax revenues. The objective of the OAS program is to provide a minimum level of income to seniors and contribute to their income replacement in retirement. OAS benefits include the OAS pension, which is paid to all individuals aged 65 and older who meet the residence and legal status requirements, the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) for low‑income seniors, and the Allowances for low-income Canadians aged 60 to 64 who are the spouses/common-law partners of GIS recipients, or who are widows or widowers.

As part of Budget 2021, the Government has announced that it will increase the OAS pension by 10% for seniors aged 75 and over. This measure will be implemented in 2 stages:

• a taxable grant of $500 in August 2021 to meet the immediate needs of OAS pensioners who will be 75 or over as of June 2022, and
• a permanent, monthly 10% increase to the OAS pension for seniors aged 75 and over beginning in July 2022

Seniors are living longer than ever before, however, with increasing age, they also face greater financial vulnerability. As seniors get older, they tend to have lower income and often face higher health-related expenses because of the onset of illness or disability. This vulnerability is further compounded by a reduced ability to supplement income with paid work, by the risk of outliving savings and the risk of widowhood.

Because older seniors are more likely to have low incomes, they are more likely to be eligible for the GIS. In 2020, 29% of OAS pensioners aged 65 to 74 received the GIS, compared to 39% of those aged 75 and over.

In 2017, close to half (47%) of seniors aged 75 and over had a disability, compared to one-third (32%) of those aged 65 to 74. Seniors aged 75 and over were also more likely than younger seniors to have a severe disability (27% vs. 15%).

Older seniors are also faced with the risk of outliving their savings and are less able to supplement their income with paid work. In 2018, the proportion of seniors with employment income was substantially lower among those aged 75 and over (15.4%) compared to those aged 65 to 74 (34.2%). Among those who worked, median employment income was also much lower for the oldest seniors ($720 vs. $10,000).

In 2016, the proportion of seniors who were widowed and had not remarried was more than 3 times higher among seniors aged 75 and over compared to seniors aged 65 to 74 (39% vs. 11%). Research shows that the loss of spouse or partner can lead to a significant decline in the standard of living of seniors, particularly among women.

Key quotes

"Seniors poverty is a growing concern. The Liberals' proposed OAS increase would make a real difference to Canada's poorest seniors."

"…the policy is noteworthy because it benefits the “oldest old,” where the “risk of falling into poverty increases substantially,” rather than everyone over 65 years, who qualify for OAS."

“During the pandemic, many seniors have faced economic challenges as they took on extra costs to stay safe. Additionally, many seniors are living longer and relying on monthly benefits to afford retirement. After a lifetime of hard work, they deserve a secure and dignified retirement. That is why the government is committed to increasing Old Age Security benefits for seniors age 75 and older.”

Prepared by

Name: Jorge Uriarte-Landa
Title: Senior Policy Analyst, Old Age Security Policy and Legislation
No phone number

Key contact

Name: Kevin Wagdin
Title: Director, Old Age Security Policy and Legislation
Phone number: 613-858-9247

Name: Kristen Underwood
Title: Director General, Seniors and Pensions Policy Secretariat
Phone Number: 613-614-2706

Approved by

Name: Alexis Jonathan Conrad
Title: Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Income Security and Social Development Branch
Phone number: 613-868-7004

Date

Date approved in SADMO / COO: May 7, 2021

30. Age Well at Home

Issue

Seniors want to stay at home for as long as possible, but that can become difficult as they age. Budget 2021 proposes funding the Age Well at Home initiative to look at new ways to help seniors stay at home longer.

Key facts

• The concentration of COVID-19 cases and deaths in long-term care homes in many communities across the country has intensified Canadians’ desire to age at home. A survey conducted in June 2020 found that about 70% of Canadian respondents aged 65 and older have changed their opinions about whether they would arrange for themselves or a loved one to enter long-term care. Almost 100% of those surveyed report wanting to support themselves to live safely and independently in their own home as long as possible

Response

• The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the desire of Canadian seniors to stay in their own homes and communities as long as possible. Sadly, many vulnerable seniors do not have all the supports they need in order to live independently
• This is why the Government of Canada is committing 90$ million over 3 years to a new initiative, Age Well at Home
• Age Well at Home will provide funding opportunities for seniors-serving organizations so that they offer practical supports such as meals, housekeeping, and yard work to vulnerable seniors in their communities. Funding will also be available for regional and national projects to expand services that have already shown results in helping seniors stay at home
• This new initiative will mobilize seniors-serving organizations and recognize the importance of seniors being able to age in place.

Background

The new Age Well at Home initiative will advance the government’s commitment to help seniors age in place. It will provide funding to local seniors-serving organizations to provide practical supports to help vulnerable seniors stay at home longer. Practical supports include things like meals, housekeeping, yard work and transportation. Funded organizations will consider frailty and income, among other factors, in assessing need for practical supports.

This initiative will also support regional and national projects that help expand services that have already demonstrated results in helping seniors stay in their homes. For example, knowledge hubs can help seniors access the local services available to them or provide information, resources, and training to community-based organizations delivering practical supports to seniors.

Age Well at Home will complement PT efforts to help seniors by mobilizing community organizations and volunteers. PTs spend most of their home and continuing care dollars on home health and personal care. As part of personal care, they are able to provide limited assistance with meal preparation and light housework. Very few involve volunteers in providing these services. A few jurisdictions provide a limited range of other practical supports such as running errands or yard work. Income adjusted user fees often apply.

Age Well at Home will be delivered under the policy and program authorities of the New Horizons for Seniors Program. Funding opportunities will be made available to seniors-serving organizations through competitive processes.

Key quotes

N/A

Prepared by

Name: Hélène Lowell
Title: Social Programs Division

Key contact

Name: Susan MacPhee
Title: Director, Social Programs Division
Phone number: 613-567-3607

Approved by

Name: Susan MacPhee
Title: A/Director General, Social Innovation and Community Development Directorate
Phone number: 613-567-3607

Date

Date approved in SADMO / COO: May 5, 2021

31. Personal Support Workers

Issue

The high impact of COVID-19 in long-term care has exacerbated long-standing challenges in these facilities, including gaps in infection prevention and control, staffing, infrastructure, and testing. The pandemic has also intensified the shortage of Personal Support Workers in the long-term and home care systems that has been a growing Issue for several years.

Key facts

• As of March 2021, residents of long-term care and seniors’ homes represented 69% of COVID-19 related deaths country-wide
• The Canadian Association for Long-Term Care forecasts that 42,000 new long-term care beds will be needed by 2023. By 2027, 45% of job openings for Personal Support Workers are expected to come from current workforce retirements
• This labour force is largely dominated by women, who represent 87% of Personal Support Workers

Response

• The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the acute need for additional workers in long-term care facilities, home care and assisted-living services
• It has also exacerbated workforce challenges in these sectors, especially in long-term care facilities, which experienced the tragic impacts of COVID-19
• The federal government is taking important steps to respond to the significant challenges faced by long-term care facilities across the country
• The Government of Canada is actively supporting provinces and territories to improve care in long-term care facilities. This includes investments under the Safe Restart Agreement, the new Safe Long-Term Care Fund of up to $1 billion for improvements in infection prevention and control in long-term care, and funding for public health and supportive care in Indigenous communities
• The Government will also look at further targeted measures for personal support workers, who do an essential service helping the most vulnerable in our communities. Canada must better value their work and their contributions to our society
• As announced in the Fall Economic Statement 2020, ESDC is funding a project that will test a new recruitment and training model that will pilot online training, work-integrated learning and a micro-credential for Supportive Care Assistants

Background

Long-term care services are delivered in all provinces and territories and are highly regulated; however, regulations are inconsistent across jurisdictions. Variations exist with regard to eligibility, service levels, level of public funding, out-of-pocket costs, facility ownership types (public, not-for-profit and for-profit, Indigenous-owned), training and employment standards, and the infrastructure of long-term care facilities. Standards of care also vary in a number of key areas such as workforce, infection prevention and control measures, quality of care in private and public facilities, and oversight.

In the Fall Economic Statement 2020, the Government of Canada committed to fund of up to $1 billion for a Safe Long-term Care Fund, to help provinces and territories protect people from COVID-19 in long-term care and support infection prevention and control. Provinces and territories will be able to use this funding to undertake a range of activities, including carrying out infection prevention and control readiness assessments, making improvements to ventilation and hiring additional staff or topping up wages.

The Government has also committed $6.4 million over 2 years, starting in 2020 to 2021, to the Canadian Foundation for Health Improvement to expand its LTC+ initiative, which supports pandemic preparedness in long-term care facilities and seniors residences with coaching and seed funding to help address gaps in infection prevention and control.

Earlier this year, the Government of Canada and provincial/territorial governments reached a Safe Restart Agreement, supported by over $19 billion in federal investments, to help provinces and territories restart the economy, while making Canada more resilient to waves of the virus. This included $740 million in funding to support Canada’s most vulnerable populations, including increasing infection prevention and control measures to protect those in long-term care, and those receiving home care and palliative care.

The shortage of Personal Support Workers in the long-term and home care systems has been a growing Issue for several years, particularly in the context of an aging population. Through the pandemic, existing recruitment and retention challenges (for example low pay, challenging work conditions, and low perception of the occupation) have been exacerbated by absences due to illness, self-isolation and childcare responsibilities of current workers.

Announced in the Fall Economic Statement 2020, ESDC is funding a pilot project ($38.5M over 2 years) to help address labour shortages in long-term and home care.

The Long-Term and Home Care pilot project, which was launched on December 4, 2020, will test a new recruitment and training model through:

• accelerated curriculum to test online training and provide a timely supply of additional workers
• work-integrated learning to determine the benefits of on-the-job learning for this profession, and
• micro-credentials to better adapt to the needs of workers and employers and provide a shortened pathway to full certification

The recruitment of participants started in late April 2021, with the delivery of the online training to follow shortly thereafter, with paid work placements for trainees planned for Summer 2021.

To support the long-term sustainability, professional development and recognition of the supportive care sector, the pilot project will explore how to improve consistency across the sector with respect to training programs, work requirements, and core competencies, with a goal of creating common occupational standards.

The Government of Canada recognizes provincial and territorial jurisdiction in this sector. However, as all jurisdictions are struggling with the COVID-19 crisis, the federal government can play an important convening role in bringing all parties together to help reduce the variability in Personal Support Worker training and certification requirements across Canada. This pilot project is meant to supplement, not duplicate, efforts where provincial or territorial training initiatives in the supportive care sector are already underway.

Key quotes

“The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the crucial role that workers in the supportive care sector play in the well-being of our loved ones. It has also highlighted the critical need for more certified workers in the field. The Supportive Care Assistant Program is an innovative way to offer people training and job experience with a pathway to become a fully certified supportive care worker. By listening to and working with industry and union partners, this project will not only help workers and employers but will also make the supportive care sector more resilient in the future.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the critical role that personal care providers play on the front lines of our health care system. Unfortunately, it has also revealed some gaps and critical labour shortages, showing an urgent need for accelerated and flexible training options. With the support of Employment and Social Development Canada, colleges and institutes across Canada are joining forces to design and offer a rapid-response training program and subsidized work placement that will address the short-term labour shortage and provide students with clear pathways to full certification in their provinces and territories. This collaborative response to the crisis underscores the commitment of the college and institute system to meeting the training needs of learners and communities.”

Prepared by

Name: Trevor Anderson
Title: Senior Analyst, Sectoral Initiatives Program
No phone number

Key contact

Name: Jacinthe Arsenault
Title: Director, Sectoral Initiatives Program
Phone number: 613-240-7116

Approved by

Name: Chris Bates
Title: Director General, Apprenticeship and Sectoral Initiatives Directorate
Phone number: 613-868-6517

Date

Date approved by ADM: May 4, 2021

32. Mental health and substance use tools during COVID-19

Budget 2021 key messages:

• the Government has allocated $45 million over 2 years, starting in 2021 to 2022, to help develop national mental health service standards, in collaboration with provinces and territories, health organizations, and key stakeholders, so that Canadians can access timely care, treatment, and support
• the Government will provide $100 million over 3 years, starting in 2021 to 2022, to support projects for innovative mental health interventions for populations disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, including health care workers, front-line workers, youth, seniors, Indigenous people, and racialized and Black Canadian
• the Government will provide $50 million over 2 years, starting in 2021 to 2022, to support a trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stream of mental health programming for populations at high risk of experiencing COVID-19 trauma and those exposed to various trauma brought about by COVID-19
• the Government has allocated an additional $62 million, in 2021 to 2022, for the Wellness Together Canada portal so that it can continue to provide Canadians with tools and services to support mental health and well-being

Synopsis

• The Government remains committed to increasing access to mental health and substance use resources and supports so that Canadians can get the help they need, when they need it

Key messages

• COVID-19 continues to create stress, anxiety, and isolation for many Canadians, particularly those who do not have access to support networks. That is why the Government launched an online portal that provides access to mental health and substance use supports
• Wellness Together Canada is the first national program of its kind, providing 24/7 access to free and confidential evidence-based tools and resources
• Through Wellness Together Canada, individuals across the country can access supports ranging from self-assessment, self-guided programming, and peer support, to confidential sessions with social workers, psychologists and other professionals
• Wellness Together Canada supports existing provincial and territorial services, and does not replace them
• All services are available in both official languages, and phone counselling sessions are supported by instantaneous interpretation in 200 languages and dialects
• To date, the Government of Canada has invested $68 million in Wellness Together Canada. Through Budget 2021, the Government has allocated an additional $62 million in 2021 to 2022 towards this initiative

If pressed on previous investments

• As part of the Safe Restart Agreement in July 2020, $500 million was also provided directly to provinces and territories for immediate mental health and substance use service needs
• The 2020 Fall Economic Statement announced a $50 million investment to bolster the capacity of distress centres, which are experiencing a surge in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic
• The Government of Canada is investing $21 million over 5 years for the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and its partners, to implement a fully operational pan-Canadian suicide prevention service
• The Promoting Health Equity: Mental Health of Black Canadians Initiative is investing $10 million to support community-based projects across Canada

If pressed on the development of national standards for access to mental health services

• Our government is committed to working with stakeholders, provinces and territories to set national standards for access to mental health services so Canadians can get fast access to the support they need, when they need it
• Through Budget 2021, the Government will provide $45 million over 2 years to help develop national mental health service standards, in collaboration with provinces and territories, health organizations, and key stakeholders

If pressed on the need to provide supports to youth and families…

• The COVID-19 pandemic is particularly challenging for families who may be especially vulnerable to stress given the uncertainty and disruption to their daily routines
• As part of the Consortium managing the Wellness Together Canada portal, Kids Help Phone is providing support to young people via phone, text and live chat
• We are also investing an additional $7.5M in Kids Help Phone to support their ongoing services for youth, as a leader in responding to the needs of young Canadians
• In addition to these actions, the Government of Canada is investing $5 billion over 10 years to provinces and territories via negotiated bilateral agreements to help them expand access, which includes community-based mental health and addiction services for children and youth

If pressed on the need to provide supports for frontline workers…

• Health care workers and other front line personnel are an important population for Wellness Together Canada. That is why the portal features a dedicated text line for frontline workers that provides immediate access to supports
• Frontline workers can also access free counselling and a range of self-guided programming on the portal anytime at their convenience. This includes resources tailored for healthcare workers
• In addition, the portal features Program Navigators that can assist frontline workers and other Canadians in accessing portal resources appropriate for their needs

If pressed on the need to provide services to diverse populations…

• Wellness Together Canada continually enhances the portal based on client feedback to ensure an inclusive portal experience, tailored to meeting the needs of varying age groups and diverse populations
• Phone counselling sessions are supported by instantaneous interpretation in 200 languages and dialects, which includes 24 Indigenous languages
• The portal features contact information for Hope for Wellness, which provides Indigenous peoples with access to immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention
• The portal also supports populations with barriers to care, including those in isolation or remote areas, facing stigma or financial difficulties, and official language minority communities

If pressed on the utilization of wellness together Canada…

• As of April 14, 2021, after 1 year of operation, over 1.2 million individuals across all provinces and territories have accessed the Wellness Together Canada portal in over 3.6M web sessions since launch
• Approximately 40% of site visitors are men, which compared to other services is higher than usual male engagement
• Approximately 46% of individuals that have created an account are under the age of 30, an age group that tends to be underserved by traditional mental health services
• For phone sessions, 89% felt better after speaking with a counsellor. For text sessions, 86% of texters were highly satisfied with the service
• Based on a client feedback survey, 24% indicated they have no other options for support, if not for the portal

If pressed on the collection of personal information within wellness together Canada...

• The portal strictly adheres to all privacy and health information legislation and standards to maintain the security and confidentiality of personal information

If pressed on how wellness together Canada can support individuals without internet access…

• For individuals without internet access, confidential chat sessions with social workers, psychologists and other professionals can be accessed by phone and text

If pressed on how wellness together Canada can support individuals experiencing grief…

• Wellness Together Canada provides a range of mental health supports, which includes access to 24/7 counselling by phone and text. All service providers are able to support individuals with the grief they face
• The portal also features new dedicated grief content, including informational resources and a telephonic 1-on-1 Grief Loss and Coaching Program, provided by Homewood Health

Question period note - Date: April 27, 2021 - HC/SPB

33. Long-Term Care Homes

Budget 2021 key messages:

• The Government of Canada’s top priority remains protecting Canadians’ health and safety. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted longstanding challenges in supportive care, including gaps in infection prevention and control, staffing, infrastructure, testing, and visitation policies
• It has disproportionately affected Canadians receiving long-term care in community settings, specifically long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, and seniors’ residences
• Budget 2021 builds upon the commitment made by the Government of Canada to take any action it can to support seniors and vulnerable populations across the country
• It proposes to provide $3B over 5 years to Health Canada to support provinces and territories in ensuring that standards for long-term care are applied and permanent changes are made
• The federal government will continue to work collaboratively with provinces and territories, while respecting their jurisdiction over health care, including long-term care. This work would ensure seniors and those in care live in safe and dignified conditions

Synopsis

• The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected Canadians receiving long-term care in community settings, specifically long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, and seniors’ residences. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Health Portfolio Operations Centre, more than 60% of COVID-19 deaths in Canada have occurred in long-term care facilities (with a proportion varying from 0% in smaller provinces and territories, to 55% in ON, 75% in QC, and 86% in Nova Scotia). 81 % of the deaths in long-term care facilities occurred in Quebec (54%) and Ontario (27%). Even residents of facilities not affected directly by the disease are facing social isolation and reduced services
• Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has been working collaboratively with provinces and territories to protect vulnerable Canadians in long-term care. The federal government has responded in a number of ways, including through key investments made to support residents and staff

Potential question

• What is the federal government doing about working with provinces and territories to develop national standards in LTC

Key messages

• The COVID-19 pandemic has tragically highlighted long-standing and systemic challenges in Canada’s LTC system
• The federal government has committed to working collaboratively with the provinces and territories to take any action it can to support seniors
• Budget 2021 includes a $3B investment over 5 years, to ensure that provinces and territories provide a high standard of care in their long-term care facilities
• This is in addition to the 2020 Fall Economic Statement’s commitment of up to $1B through the Safe LTC Fund to support infection prevention and control through making improvements to ventilation, hiring additional staff, and topping up wages
• The federal government will continue to work collaboratively with provinces and territories, while respecting their jurisdiction over health care, including long-term care. This work would ensure seniors and those in care live in safe and dignified conditions

If pressed on additional support provided by the federal government…

• Throughout the pandemic, the Government of Canada has prioritized protecting vulnerable Canadians, including those in LTC and supported provinces and territories extensively. The Government of Canada has:
  • invested billions of dollars to procure personal protective equipment (PPE) and continued to work with the provinces and territories to ensure LTC has access to the protection they need
  • proactively purchased and deployed high dose flu vaccine for all LTC residents in Canada, to prevent twin illnesses of seasonal influenza and COVID-19 in LTC homes
  • prioritized LTC and congregate living settings for vaccination, with most residents and staff having already received at least 1 dose
  • created volunteer inventories to support public health response, including in the LTC sector
  • developed infection prevention and control guidance specific to LTC and congregate living settings
  • deployed the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Red Cross to LTC homes to respond to urgent needs
  • invested in the LTC+ initiative carried out by Healthcare Excellence Canada to provide direct support to facilities for pandemic preparedness
  • accelerated training for personal support worker interns to address critical labour shortages in LTC facilities and home care
  • provided up to $3 billion in federal funding to support provinces and territories to increase the wages of low-income essential workers, which could include front line workers in hospitals and LTC facilities
  • invested $740 million in the Safe Restart Agreements to support provinces and territories to address the immediate needs in LTC
  • created a new temporary COVID Resilience stream under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program for quick-start, short-term projects, including in LTC
  • committed to working with Parliament on Criminal Code amendments to explicitly penalize those who neglect seniors under their care, putting them in danger
  • to help the LTC sector share learnings and strengthen pandemic preparedness, we provided $6.4 million to Healthcare Excellence Canada to support LTC facilities across the country. Over 1,000 facilities are participating in the program
  • Budget 2021 proposes to establish a new Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program, led by ESDC, and funded by $960M over 3 years. The purpose of the program is to help sectors design and deliver relevant training, and connect Canadians with the training they need to access good jobs. For the health sector, this would include the need for more skilled personal support workers
• Additional federal measures to support seniors and those receiving care:
  • through Budget 2021, the government is also proposing to increase Old Age Security for seniors 75 and over, beginning in 2022
  • Budget 2021 proposes to provide funding of $27.6 million over 3 years for my65+, a Group Tax-Free Savings Account offered by the Service Employees International Union Healthcare. The funding will support incentives for worker participation. This will support retirement saving for personal support workers
  • Budget 2021 proposes to provide $41.3 million over 6 years, and $7.7 million ongoing, starting in 2021 to 2022, for Statistics Canada to improve data infrastructure and data collection on supportive care, primary care, and pharmaceuticals

Background

Third-party standards development process

The new National Standards of Canada for long-term care being developed by the HSO and CSA Group will take into account lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and incorporate the latest evidence-informed, people-centred requirements of quality care and services. The standards will address both the delivery of safe, reliable and high-quality care, and the health infrastructure and environmental design of long-term care facilities.

Speech from the Throne

In the September 2020 Speech from the Throne, the Government of Canada committed to taking any action it could to support seniors. These commitments included:

• working with the provinces and territories to set new national standards for long-term care so that seniors get the best support possible
• looking at further targeted measures for personal support workers, who do an essential service helping the most vulnerable in our communities, and
• working with Parliament on Criminal Code amendments to explicitly penalize those who neglect seniors under their care, putting them in danger

Fall Economic Statement

In addition to the $1B in funding for the Safe LTC Fund, the Fall Economic Statement committed:

• $6.4 million to the LTC+ initiative to expand to support up to 1,000 facilities across Canada. The goal is to better position participating facilities to prevent and manage any future outbreaks Participating teams receive seed funding to support needed improvements, access to training sessions and materials, and coaching on the implementation of the program’s key components
• $38.5 million over 2 years to Employment and Social Development Canada to support training up to 4,000 personal support worker interns through an accelerated 6-week online training program combined with a 4-month work placement, to address acute labour shortages in long-term care and home care

Reports and recommendations

On March 30, 2021, CIHI released a report titled: Long-term care and COVID-19: The first 6 months. This report examines the pandemic experience in LTC facilities across all provinces and territories. This report highlighted that:

• COVID-19 cases among residents of LTC and retirement homes increased by more than two-thirds during Wave 2 compared with Wave 1
• compared with pre-pandemic years, in Wave 1, LTC residents had fewer physician visits; fewer hospital transfers; and less contact with friends and family, which is associated with higher rates of depression
• in all provinces where it could be measured, the total number of resident deaths was higher than normal during this period, even in places with fewer COVID-19 deaths
• provincial and national inquiries (to date) on COVID-19 in LTC have made similar recommendations and speak to long-standing concerns in the sector

Since the onset of COVID-19, a number of organizations such as the Royal Society of Canada, Ontario Long-Term Care Association and the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, have released reports calling for action from the Government of Canada to improve the quality of care for seniors living in LTC facilities. Recommendations for improving LTC include:

• increasing procurement of personal protective equipment
• addressing workforce Issues (in other words, increased staffing, national human resources strategy, improved pay/benefits)
• providing capital investment to build and redevelop existing LTC homes
• developing national standards
• enhancing data collection
• planning for management of resurgence of COVID-19
• Improving access to rapid testing

As well, the Health Canada-funded Healthcare Excellence Canada (formerly the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement (CFHI) and the Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI)) released a report in summer 2020 outlining promising practices in 6 key areas that have the potential to help long-term care and retirement homes prepare for possible future COVID-19 outbreaks, or mitigate their effects:

• preparation
• prevention
• people in the workforce
• pandemic response and surge capacity
• planning for COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 care, and
• presence of family

Current situation and investigations in long-term care facilities

Vaccination campaigns in long-term care facilities and seniors’ residences have significantly reduced the number of outbreaks in congregate living settings. As of March 31, 2021, the number of outbreaks and cases in the most affected provinces, ON and QC, have been sharply reduced since the peak in January 2021. The majority of PTs are not reporting any active outbreaks in long-term care facilities.

Several provinces and territories have launched inquiry processes related to long-term care facilities, including Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. The majority of the ongoing investigations do not have set timelines for reporting results.

Long-Term Care Facility Ownership Breakdown

On September 24, CIHI released a breakdown of the type of ownership of publicly funded LTC homes offering 24-hour nursing care across the country. Ownership of these facilities can be public or private. Privately owned LTC homes can be subdivided into for-profit and not-for-profit organizations.

The proportion of private and publicly owned LTC homes varies by province/territory. Overall, 54% of LTC homes in Canada are privately owned (28% for-profit, 23% not-for-profit and 3% no breakdown) and 46% are publicly owned.

Federal government ownership of long-term care facilities

The federal government does not own any long-term care facilities, including federal departments responsible for the delivery of long-term care (for example, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), Indigenous Services Canada).

The last facility/hospital run by VAC was Ste Anne's Hospital in Quebec. It was transferred to the province in April 2016. VAC now supports about 4,000 Veterans in over 1,150 provincially and privately owned and operated long-term care facilities across the country. This can include subsidized accommodation or meal costs or funding for facilities on an annual basis to support an enhanced level of services and specialized programs for veterans.

Since 2007, Revera Inc. is a wholly-owned operating subsidiary of the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSPIB), an independent Crown corporation established under the Public Sector Pension Investment Board Act in 1999 and is registered under the Canada Business Corporations Act.

The PSPIB operates at arm's length from the federal government – for example, it is not part of the federal public administration. Its business affairs are managed by an 11-member Board of Directors, and investment decisions are informed by a governance model outlined in the PSPIB Act.

HC Contact: Sharon Harper (613-219-4286) // Alternate Contact: Pamela Simpson (613-240-2269)

HC Approved by: Kendal Weber (613-952-5095), ADM, Strategic Policy Branch

34. Basic income

Issue

There is growing interest in basic income in Canada, especially to address poverty.

Response

• The Government of Canada has programs with the features of a partial basic income, such as the Canada Child Benefit for families with children, and the Old Age Security pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement for seniors
• Since April 2020, the Government has invested billions of dollars in measures to help Canadians facing challenges related to the health, social, and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic
• The Government recently made several commitments that will help address poverty. For example, in the recent Budget, we committed to work with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners to build a Canada-wide, community-based system of child care. The Government also intends to increase regular OAS payments for pensioners 75 and over by 10 % as of July 2022. As well, the Government is taking action to create new job opportunities; investing in housing; supporting initiatives to improve food security; and bringing forward a new disability benefit
• We will continue to monitor research and analysis on basic income. We are exploring potential shorter and longer-term policy responses to promote inclusive economic growth and reduce poverty

Responsive – Is the federal government planning to work with provinces or territories, such as P.IN OTHER WORDS,, to support a basic income pilot?

• The federal government understands the importance of working with provincial and territorial counterparts to find solutions to common challenges. It is important to recognize that provincial and territorial governments have a key role in decisions about the design and delivery of income support programming 
• For example, if a provincial or territorial government decides to proceed with a basic income pilot, the Government of Canada would be pleased to share federal-level administrative, survey, and tax data that could support program design and evaluation

Background

While the term “basic income” (BI) has multiple meanings, it usually refers to programming that provides recipients with guaranteed incomes sufficient to meet basic needs, with few conditions and no requirements to have or seek employment. While benefits could be universal with tax-back provisions for higher-income recipients, Canadian experts generally anticipate income testing so that payments are only made to people with incomes below a specified threshold. A partial basic income would feature payments that cover some but not all essential needs and would supplement other income sources.

Canadian proposals and models often focus on working-age adults, mainly because Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement are already providing income support for seniors and have helped to make their poverty rate relatively low. Some basic income proposals would make the Guaranteed Income Supplement more generous to align with proposed basic income levels.

Public interest in a basic income has been increasing, and some experts and stakeholders have advocated research such as pilot projects or other steps towards implementation.

The debate over basic income

The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased calls from a wide range of stakeholders and experts to introduce a basic income, with the goals of reducing poverty and inequality, addressing the changing nature of work (including automation and increases in precarious employment), and improving population health and well-being. Some stakeholders also say economic benefits could result from a basic income, including increases to employment and the Gross Domestic Product.

In April 2020, 50 senators signed a letter that advocated building on the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) to establish a “crisis minimum income” for the short-term and then pursue further social and economic reforms.

In a May 2020 brief to the Senate’s Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology, Basic Income Canada Network said that in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, “a basic income provides a foundation of stability, security, a measure of confidence and a level of trust in government that will make good outcomes possible.”

In February 2021, MP Julie Dzerowicz introduced Bill C-273, a Private Member’s Bill that would establish a national strategy for a guaranteed basic income. This bill, and the pro-basic income Motion M-46, are both receiving significant attention from basic income advocates. While the bill could come to second reading as early as this Spring, it is more likely to proceed in the fall. On April 28, 2021, MP Leah Gazan ‘s request for unanimous consent for Motion M-46 was denied.

Critics of basic income express concerns about the anticipated costs and disincentives to work, and many oppose payments without requirements to work or seek employment. As well, some critics suggest that, rather than a basic income, governments should increase expenditures on social services such as Pharmacare, dental coverage, childcare, and housing.

Existing federal programming

Provinces and territories have significant authority in the area of income support. Previous communication from ESDC has indicated that the Government of Canada recognizes the importance of working with provinces and territories to find solutions to common challenges, while stating that it is up to the provincial and territorial governments to make decisions around the design of social assistance systems and policies in their own jurisdictions.

Some Government of Canada initiatives have many of the features of a partial basic income for specific groups. This includes the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), which provides income support to families raising children. For Canadian seniors, the Old Age Security (OAS) program plays a significant role in providing income security. OAS pensioners who receive little or no income, other than the OAS pension, are eligible for additional assistance through the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).

The government has made significant efforts to address the short-term needs of Canadians facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. These initiatives include the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) the Canada Recovery Benefits to help replace lost incomes, and changes to make Employment Insurance more flexible and generous. In addition, many Canadians have benefitted from 1-time enhancements to the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax Credit, Canada Child Benefit, and Old Age Security/Guaranteed Income Supplement, as well as 1-time payments for persons with disabilities.

Budget 2021 proposes several measures that will help to address poverty. A key example is the Government of Canada’s commitment to work with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners to build a Canada-wide, community-based system of child care, with new investments totalling up to $30 billion over the next 5 years, and $8.3 billion per year ongoing. The Government also intends to make Employment Insurance more accessible and simple; increase regular OAS payments for pensioners 75 and over by 10 % as of July 2022; and expand the Canada Workers Benefit to support about 1 million additional Canadians in low-wage jobs. Moreover, as the Budget affirms, the Government is taking action to create almost 500,000 new job and training opportunities for workers; establishing a $15 federal minimum wage that is expected to benefit 26,000 workers in the federally regulated private sector; investing in affordable housing; supporting initiatives to improve food security; and bringing forward a new disability benefit.

Ontario pilot project

In April 2017, the Ontario Government launched a 3-year basic income pilot project. The 4,000 participants were low-income people aged 18 to 64 in selected communities. Payments were based on 75 % of Statistics Canada’s Low-Income Measure (LIM). A single individual received $16,989 annually, less 50 % of earned income, while couples received $24,027 less 50 % of any combined earned income. People with disabilities received an additional $500 per month. Participants were also eligible to receive certain benefits including the CCB. The OAS and GIS remained in place for eligible recipients aged 65 and over.

The Ontario Basic Income pilot tested a potential new approach to income support that would replace social assistance, and possibly other programming, if it were fully implemented.

The Ontario Minister of Community and Social Services announced in July 2018 that the basic income pilot would be cancelled. Payments to participants continued only until March 2019.

On March 5, 2019, Basic Income Canada Network reported on a non-random survey of 424 participants in the Ontario pilot. Key findings include:

• 34 % of participants found that the basic income supported employment by enabling transportation, childcare, or the ability to start or expand a business
• 74 % of respondents said they were able to make healthy food choices
• however, when the cancellation of the pilot was announced, 80 % of respondents experienced previous problems returning, and 61 % had to alter future plans

In March 2020, economist Wayne Lewchuk of McMaster University and colleagues released a separate report, based on surveys and interviews with 217 former pilot participants in the Hamilton area. Findings of the study include:

• for some participants, basic income was “transformational, fundamentally reshaping their living standards as well as their sense of self-worth and hope for a better future”
• a majority of respondents who were employed before the pilot continued to work while receiving a basic income. Some moved to better paid jobs

Other provinces and territories

Ernie Hudson, P.IN OTHER WORDS,’s former Minister of Social Development and Housing, has asked the federal government “to consider additional partnership, such as funding support” for a BI pilot project. The P.IN OTHER WORDS, government also plans a “secure income” pilot with means-tested benefits for individuals with severe barriers to entering the workforce (i.e., it is narrower in scope than a basic income proposal).

The province’s Special Committee on Poverty in P.IN OTHER WORDS,, following public hearings, Issued a report in November 2020. The committee recommended that the provincial government pursue a full basic income program and seek to begin negotiations with the federal government to support this goal; if sufficient federal support is not forthcoming, it recommended as an alternative that the P.E.I government pursue a basic income pilot. Seniors would be eligible for this proposed version of basic income, but payments they receive from OAS and GIS would be clawed back. Minister Hudson discussed the topic of basic income with Minister Ahmed Hussen in March 2020 and January 2021, and requested federal financial support for a basic income pilot.

In March 2021, P.IN OTHER WORDS, Premier Dennis King raised the topic of basic income with the Prime Minister. [One sentence has been redacted].

British Columbia’s government examined the concept of basic income in the context of its poverty reduction efforts. In January 2021, an expert panel Issued a report and set of research papers. The panel recommended that B.C. not introduce a basic income or pursue a pilot project. Instead, it proposed 65 recommendations. These include recommendations for a targeted income support program for people with disabilities; changes to income assistance programming to reduce the “welfare wall”; extended health care benefits for all lower-income British Columbians; measures to support participation in the labour force; and improved assistance for low-income renters.

In November 2017, a committee established by the then-Government of Quebec recommended that the province establish a guaranteed minimum income. In May 2018, that government introduced a targeted income support program for persons with a severely limited capacity for employment.

In November 2020, the Newfoundland and Labrador legislature passed a motion to establish an all-party committee to examine the concept of basic income.

Yukon and Nunavut have taken steps towards completing research studies on basic income.

Cost of a national basic income

In 2018, the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) estimated the gross annual cost of a basic income modelled on Ontario’s pilot project and implemented across Canada: $76B for the 2018 to 2019 fiscal year. The PBO also calculated that $32B of existing federal support could be eliminated, leaving a net cost of $44B. As well, economist Evelyn Forget builds on the PBO’s estimate and calculates that if provincial income assistance expenditures could be reallocated and directed towards basic income expenses, the annual cost of a BI program could be cut to $23B. In any case, to offset costs, a basic income would almost certainly require modification or elimination of some programs and/or taxation changes.

On July 7, 2020, the PBO Issued a separate report, which estimated the gross cost of a BI program for 6 months, starting in October 2020, at $47.5B if designed following the model of the Ontario pilot. The PBO also showed that lower phase-out rates, with more generous treatment of earned income to reduce disincentives to work, would lead to substantially higher gross costs (potentially as high as $98.1B for 6 months). The projected cost at this time is affected by the high rates of unemployment due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On April 7, 2021, the PBO Issued a further report on basic income that also examines a hypothetical program modelled on Ontario’s basic income pilot with full-scale implementation across Canada. The report indicates that such a program would reduce Canada’s poverty rate by almost half (by 49 %) in 2022, using the Market Basket Measure. This projected impact is roughly comparable to the government’s target of achieving a 50 % reduction in poverty by 2030 relative to 2015 levels. The projected gross cost for the basic income 2022 to 2023 is $87.6B, which the PBO suggests could be offset by various program and tax changes and would have a substantial redistributive effect.

UBI Works, an organization that brings together businesspeople who advocate in favour of a basic income, has suggested several actions to help offset costs of a program, including introducing a land value levy, increasing taxes on businesses or higher-income earners, implementing a “microtax on financial transactions,” and raising the Goods and Services Tax rate.

Basic Income Canada Network (BICN) report

On January 23, 2020, BICN Issued a report advocating the introduction of a basic income in Canada. The report proposed 3 options featuring benefits of $22,000 per year for individuals ($31,113 for couples in 2 cases), either targeted to Canadians with low incomes or universal with a significant portion of costs recovered through the tax system. One option would exclude seniors but modify the GIS; the other 2 options would include seniors and replace the OAS and GIS.

BICN’s report explains that each of the options could be paid for mainly through changes to the tax system, along with modifications to or elimination of certain existing federal and PT programs.

UBI Works report

In December 2020, UBI Works released a report on the economic impacts of basic income in Canada. The report concluded that as well as dramatically reducing poverty, a basic income of $2000 per month for individuals (and a higher amount for couples) would have economic benefits, including anticipated increases in employment and the Gross Domestic Product. The report examined 2 possible models of basic income, one of which would serve only working-age adults, while the other would include seniors (but their OAS and GIS benefits would be clawed back).

Examples of basic income pilots and measures in other countries

Basic income pilots and experiments are in various stages in a number of jurisdictions including the Netherlands, Germany, and American municipalities such as Stockton, California, and Hudson, New York.

In February 2019, the Government of Finland Issued the preliminary evaluation of a 2-year pilot project with 2,000 unemployed participants receiving monthly payments of €560 (about $840 Canadian). The evaluation showed that these payments contributed to the health and happiness of the beneficiaries; however, there was no positive or negative impact on the likelihood of recipients participating in the labour force. The final evaluation, Issued in May 2020, showed largely consistent results; recipients had slightly higher workforce participation than members of the control group.

Overall, other research and pilots, including a study in Manitoba in 1975 to 1978, indicate that a well-designed and appropriately funded basic income would address poverty, avoid undue effects on work incentives, and promote health and well-being.

Since 1982, Alaska has paid a partial basic income for all residents, usually about $1000 to $2000 U.S. per year. The measure has helped to alleviate poverty and appears to have contributed to an increase in part-time work.

Spain has recently taken steps towards implementing a kind of partial basic income for lower-income households, with benefits for eligible individuals of €462 (about $700 Canadian), and higher payments to households. Spanish authorities started to accept applications in June, 2020.

Prepared by

Christopher Page
Social Development Policy
819-360-7157

Key Contact

Poppy Vineberg
Social Development Policy
613-324-2433

Approved by

Catherine Adam
Strategic and Service Policy Branch
613-866-6843

Date

May 5, 2021

35. UK Public Pension Rules

Issue

What is Canada doing to address the Issue that the United Kingdom (UK) does not index the State Pension it pays to pensioners living in Canada?

Key facts

• Approximately 150 000 UK pensioners live in Canada
• The Government of Canada has requested that the UK index its pensions paid in Canada
• Canada indexes OAS and CPP benefits paid anywhere in the world, including in the UK
• UK pensions are indexed for those living in the United States and several other countries, but are not indexed in many Commonwealth countries, including Canada, Australia and New Zealand
• The UK has consistently maintained that it will not index its pensions for recipients living in Canada

Response

• The UK does not index the state pensions it pays to the approximately 150 000 recipients of UK pensions living in Canada
• The Government of Canada has consistently requested that the UK reconsider this decision
• The Government of Canada will continue to pursue this Issue with the UK Government

Background

• Under UK law, UK pensions are paid anywhere in the world. However, unless beneficiaries live in a country with which the UK has concluded a social security agreement (SSA) that provides for the indexation of pensions, their benefits are not adjusted for increases in the cost of living. In other words, their pensions are “frozen” and paid at the same rate as they were when they first became entitled, or when they left the UK if they were already pensioners then. This ultimately erodes the value of these pensions over time
• The UK does not index the pensions it pays to pensioners in many Commonwealth countries, including Canada, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. However, the UK has concluded SSAs with some other countries that permit the payment of indexed UK pensions, including the United States. In the early 1970s, the UK began limiting its negotiation of such SSAs due to the high costs, and in 1981, the UK ceased negotiating new SSAs allowing for UK pension indexing abroad
• Canada and the UK currently have 2 arrangements concerning social security - the Consolidated Arrangements on Social Security, which entered into force on December 1, 1995, and the Convention on Social Security, which entered into force on April 1, 1998. These agreements however do not address reciprocal eligibility for pensions nor provide for the indexation of pensions. Canada has been pursuing a comprehensive SSA with the UK that would allow for the indexation of UK pensions paid into Canada since 1977, when the Old Age Security Act was amended to allow for reciprocal SSAs with other countries
• The UK policy of non-indexation stems entirely from UK domestic law. The UK could unilaterally decide to pay indexed pensions into Canada at any time, even in the absence of a bilateral social security agreement. Canada’s position to date has remained one of support for UK pensioners living in Canada, and, as such, Canada has raised this Issue with the UK for more than 40 years to try to secure indexed UK pensions paid in Canada. The UK continues to maintain its longstanding position that it cannot change its domestic policy or consider a SSA with Canada that would provide for the indexation due to costs, and because it would inevitably lead other countries to similar requests
• The Canadian Alliance of British Pensioners (CABP), a well-organized and politically active group of UK pensioners representing the interest of UK pensioners residing in Canada, has been pursuing indexed pensions from the UK government for many years. The CABP regularly requests the Government of Canada’s support in their efforts
• The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), which brings together UK parliamentarians in support of the case to unfreeze UK state pensions overseas and campaign for reform, launched an inquiry in 2020 regarding the impact of the UK Government’s approach to UK State Pensions paid to pensioners living abroad. In its submission, the Government of Canada maintained Canada’s longstanding position of support for UK pensioners living in Canada, and its willingness to work with the UK Government to resolve the UK non-indexation policy, including the negotiation of a comprehensive social security agreement with the UK. The APPG released the final report on December 16, 2020

Key quotes

“The United Kingdom’s policy of freezing pension rates for those living abroad is unfair and harmful. 150,000 seniors in Canada are affected every year. They helped build the United Kingdom into what it is today. They all paid into their pensions properly, and none expected their good faith would not be repaid.”

“The [APPG] report recommends that the UK Government end the “frozen” pension policy and seek to provide UK pensioners living in ‘frozen’ countries with their full uprated UK state pension as soon as possible.”
“The overall finding of the APPG is that this [UK] policy is illogical, unfair and causes significant distress.”

Prepared by

Name: Katherine Ghattas
Title: Senior Policy Analyst, International and Intergovernmental Policy and Agreements

Key contact

Name: Nathalie Martel
Title: Director, International and Intergovernmental Policy and Agreements
Phone number: 613-698-8566

Approved by

Name: Kristen Underwood
Title: Director General, Seniors and Pension Policy Secretariat
Phone number: 613-614-2706

Date

Date approved in SADMO: May 17, 2021

Question period note-Date: May 13, 2021 - PHAC-COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Task Force (VROTF)

36. COVID-19 vaccine rollout and dose interchangeability

Synopsis

• The Government of Canada is committed to securing and deploying a sufficient supply of safe vaccines to inoculate all Canadians
• Results from the Oxford Vaccine Group’s Com-Cov vaccine trial have recently been published and show higher rates of fever, redness, and local reactions if the AstraZeneca vaccine is received first, followed by the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Results on immune response are not yet available, but are expected in the next few weeks

Key messages

• In partnership with provinces, territories, and Indigenous communities, the Government of Canada is continuing to successfully roll out Canada’s COVID-19 immunization campaign, the biggest in the country’s history
• Health Canada has authorized 4 COVID-19 vaccines —Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Janssen. Another vaccine, Novavax, is currently undergoing Health Canada’s regulatory review
• As of May 12th, we have distributed 20 million vaccine doses across the country. By the end of September 2021, every person in Canada who wants to be vaccinated will have access to a vaccine
• Science continues to provide us with evidence on the use of COVID-19 vaccines, particularly whether to use different vaccine types for first and second doses.
• Recently released data from a UK vaccine trial that used the AstraZeneca vaccine as the first dose and the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine as the second dose showed an increase in mild or moderate vaccine reactions in this dosing series
• Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) is reviewing the evidence on interchangeability between mRNA and viral vector vaccines. NACI will update its recommendations once data on immune responses becomes available, which is expected soon
• The Government of Canada will continue to ensure that Canadians have all relevant, accurate, and up-to-date information about the vaccines to increase vaccine confidence
• We are working with the provinces and territories to track the number of vaccines administered and to identify and address any adverse events following immunization

If pressed

• The Government of Canada is working with suppliers to bring more AstraZeneca doses into the country as soon as possible
• Canada expects to receive AstraZeneca doses from COVAX between now and the end of June. This will provide additional supply to begin offering second doses of this vaccine to eligible persons in Canada
• NACI is examining the evidence on the use of different combinations of approved COVID-19 vaccines for the first and second doses and will provide advice to provinces and territories 

Context

On December 8, 2020, Canada’s COVID-19 Immunization Plan was released. It is based on 6 core principles—Science-driven Decision-making; Transparency; Coherence and Adaptability; Fairness and Equity; Public Involvement; and Consistent Reporting.

Provincial and territorial governments are responsible for administering vaccination programs and determining public health requirements in their jurisdictions. The federal government is responsible for securing contracts with vaccine suppliers, conducting regulatory review and ensuring safety of vaccines, delivering vaccines and supplies to provinces and territories (PTs), liaising among different PTs and Indigenous leaders, and supporting the PTs with the administration of vaccines.

Federal, provincial, and territorial officials are continuing to meet frequently to refine plans for the distribution and administration of vaccines throughout Canada. Both levels of government are also sharing information with each other about vaccine coverage rates, vaccine safety, and inventory levels, so that any potential Issues or shortcomings can be identified quickly and addressed. Adverse Effects Following Immunization (AEFI) are being tracked.

In order to address potential supply chain gaps and to have contingencies available, Canada has engaged the private sector to deliver a broad range of end-to-end logistics and support services. A contract has been awarded to a consortium for logistics services.

Priority populations

National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) guidance outlined a targeted vaccination program to achieve public health goals as efficiently, effectively, and equitably as possible during this early period when vaccine supply is limited. NACI recommended the following key populations for early (‘stage 1’) vaccination:

• seniors and workers in long-term care homes, assisted living senior facilities, retirement homes, and chronic care hospitals
• healthcare workers on the frontlines of patient care
• older adults, starting with those 80 years and above, and then moving in 5-year increments to reach those 70 years and older, and
• remote or isolated Indigenous communities and the Territories

On February 15, 2021, NACI released guidance on additional priority populations for vaccination, once initial populations have received a vaccine. Stage 2 populations include:

• adults in or from Indigenous communities, including in urban settings
• residents and staff of all other congregate settings (for example, migrant workers’ quarters, correctional facilities, homeless shelters)
• adults 60 to 69 years of age, beginning with those 65 years of age or over
• adults in racialized/marginalized communities disproportionately affected by COVID-19
• first responders (including police, firefighters, military, coast guard)
• frontline essential workers who cannot work virtually and have direct close physical contact with the public
• essential primary caregivers for individuals who are at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 due to advanced age (60 years of age or over)

NACI’s guidance for stage 3 priority populations includes:

• individuals 16 to 59 years of age with an underlying medical condition at high risk of severe illness due to COVID-19 and their essential primary caregivers
• all adults 50 to 59 years of age, beginning with adults 55 years of age or over
• non-frontline healthcare workers who are needed to maintain healthcare capacity
• non-frontline essential workers

Vaccine Interchangeability

NACI currently recommends the vaccine series be completed with the same COVID-19 vaccine product. If the same vaccine product is not available, the series should be completed with a vaccine of the same type (for example both should be mRNA vaccines or both should be viral vector vaccines).

Results published this week from the Com-Cov vaccine trial in the UK show that using the AstraZeneca vaccine as the first dose and the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine as the second dose resulted in more instances of fever, redness, and local reactions (for example, pain at the injection site).

It may be possible that using a vaccine from a different platform for the second dose may result in a greater immune response. Results on the immune response produced using a mixed schedule are not yet available, but are expected in the coming weeks. Once this data is available, NACI will be providing updated recommendations on the options for second doses of COVID-19 vaccine for those who received a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

PHAC Contact: Martin Joyal (343-543-8913)

PHAC Approved by: Kaili Levesque, VP – VROTF

Question period note - Date: May 4, 2021 - PHAC

37. NACI’s recommendations on the use of covid-19 vaccines

Synopsis

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) provides recommendations on the use of authorized COVID-19 vaccines to support provinces and territories in planning vaccine rollout in Canada. NACI has released guidance on the use of Janssen’s (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine.

Key messages

• Health Canada authorizes vaccines for use in Canada based on a thorough, independent review of the evidence and determined that it meets Canada’s stringent safety, efficacy and quality requirements
• The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has provided guidance on how to use the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine in immunization programs
• Health authorities in provinces and territories use this advice to help them plan vaccine deployment, according to their COVID situations
• COVID-19 vaccines, authorized for use in Canada, are saving lives and are essential to ending the pandemic
• Canada’s vaccine roll-out continues to accelerate, and we remain on track to fully vaccinate everyone who wants to receive a vaccine by this September

Background

Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) is an external body of experts in the fields of pediatrics, infectious diseases, immunology, pharmacy, nursing, epidemiology, pharmacoeconomics, social sciences and public health, which provides independent advice to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) on the optimal use of vaccines in Canada.

NACI is providing Recommendations on the Use of COVID-19 Vaccine(s) to help inform the ethical, equitable and effective roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines in the context of staggered authorization and supply of vaccines.

As regulator, Health Canada rigorously evaluates safety and efficacy data from clinical trials before authorizing vaccines, but does not dictate practice of medicine or make recommendations on how the vaccines should be used in different age groups and sub-populations for public health impact.

When developing its recommendations, NACI assesses how best to use an authorized vaccine to achieve the greatest public health benefits. It analyzes the spread of COVID-19 in Canada and the risks for population subgroups; applies real-world data on the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines; and develops advice on the equitable use of vaccines given vaccine supply. NACI may make recommendations that are broader or narrower than the conditions of use approved by the regulator. NACI also reviews evidence as it evolves, which is why recommendations may change.

NACI’s guidance is advisory in nature, as immunization program planning and delivery decisions fall under provincial and territorial responsibilities. Provincial and territorial governments will ultimately consider their unique needs and circumstances when planning and implementing immunization programs.

NACI Recommendations on the use of COVID-19 vaccines

Since the authorization of the first COVID-19 vaccine in Canada in December 2020, NACI has been providing recommendations to help inform the ethical, equitable and effective rollout of COVID-19 vaccines in the context of staggered authorization of vaccines. To date, NACI has published recommendations on the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Janssen COVID-19 vaccines, as well as guidance on subjects such as extended dose intervals and the interchangeability of vaccines.

On May 3, 2021, NACI updated its recommendations to include guidance on the use of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. NACI considered the most up to date clinical trial data and effectiveness evidence from real-world studies; Canada’s rapidly changing COVID-19 epidemiology and expected vaccine supply; and principles of ethical decision-making.

As with the AstraZeneca vaccine, there have been confirmed cases of rare but serious blood clots with low levels of blood platelets after receipt of the Janssen vaccine. This condition is being referred to as Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT). NACI weighed the benefits of the Janssen vaccine in saving lives and protecting populations against serious complications of COVID-19 against the risk of developing VITT.

NACI continues to preferentially recommend a complete series with an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine should be offered to individuals in the authorized age group without contraindications to the vaccine. If an mRNA vaccine is contraindicated, another authorized COVID-19 vaccine should be offered. NACI preferentially recommends mRNA vaccines due to the excellent protection they provide and the absence of the VITT safety signals.

At this time and based on current evidence, NACI recommends a complete series with a viral vector COVID-19 vaccine (AstraZeneca, Janssen) may be offered to individuals 30 years of age and older without contraindications if the individual prefers an earlier vaccine rather than wait for an mRNA vaccine, and if all the following conditions apply:

• a benefit-risk analysis determines that the benefit of earlier vaccination with a viral vector vaccine outweighs the risk of the individual getting COVID-19 while waiting for an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine
• the individual provides informed consent once the benefits and risks of VITT compared to COVID-19 are clearly outlined, including how long the individual will have to wait for an mRNA vaccine and what public health measures the individual is able to take to minimize their exposure to the COVID-19 virus; and
• the individual will have to wait a long time in order to receive an mRNA vaccine

The public health benefit-risk analysis for the use of the Janssen and AstraZeneca vaccines may vary between jurisdictions. Provinces and territories should adapt NACI’s recommended age threshold based on their unique circumstances, including local COVID-19 epidemiology; local vaccine supply and logistics; and equity considerations. Health officials can refer to the Risk Assessment Tool in the updated statement to help determine how to use the viral vector vaccines.

Healthcare professionals should be aware of VITT, including how to diagnose and treat the condition. Individuals who receive the AstraZeneca or Janssen COVID-19 vaccine should monitor their health and immediately seek medical attention if they develop symptoms of VITT.

NACI has also reinforced its recommendation for vaccination during pregnancy. NACI continues to recommend that a complete vaccine series with a COVID-19 vaccine, preferably an mRNA vaccine, may be offered to pregnant individuals if the benefits outweigh the risks for the individual and the fetus, and if informed consent includes discussion about the evidence of the use of COVID-19 vaccines in this population.

At this time, NACI also continues to recommend that people previously infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus be offered a complete series of a COVID-19 vaccine.

NACI will continue to closely monitor the evolving data on authorized COVID-19 vaccines, including data on VITT, and update their recommendations as needed.

Covishield

NACI has not conducted (nor have they been asked to conduct) an external review of the COVISHIELD vaccine, Serum Institute of India (SII) version of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. As such, NACI’s updated recommendations do not include recommendations on the use of the SII COVID-19 vaccine; however, Health Canada has determined the AstraZeneca and SII COVID-19 vaccines are comparable.

Extended intervals

In February 2021, the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Chief Medical Officers of Health from across the country asked NACI to revisit their dose interval recommendation, given new real-world evidence of the protection of 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccines and the need for jurisdictions to implement vaccine intervals beyond 6 weeks.

In response to this request, NACI thoroughly reviewed all available evidence regarding efficacy (clinical trials), effectiveness (real-world use) and duration of protection of the first dose of COVID-19 vaccines, including in sub-populations (for example, older adults). NACI also assessed the impact of extending the interval between the priming (first) dose and boosting (second) dose on the immune response; the impact of extended dose intervals on variants of concern; and the population-level impacts of rapidly providing more people with a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

On March 3, 2021, NACI released a rapid response recommending that in the context of limited vaccine supply and ongoing pandemic disease, jurisdictions should maximize the number of individuals benefiting from the first dose of an effective COVID-19 vaccine by extended dose intervals of all authorized 2-dose COVID-19 vaccines up to 4 months. Due to the urgency for jurisdictions to consider implementing extended dose intervals, the rapid response statement contained an abridged rationale. On April 7, 2021, the full advisory committee statement explaining NACI’s rationale for the recommendation, including updated detailed evidence summaries and references, was published. NACI’s recommendations have not changed since the March 3 Rapid Response publication.

This recommendation is based on:

• Clinical trial evidence that demonstrates very good vaccine efficacy from the first dose
• New real-world evidence that suggests good vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic disease and asymptomatic infection and very good effectiveness against hospitalization, including among older populations (there is currently no evidence that this protection decreases over time)
• Mathematical modelling, which demonstrates that accelerating vaccine coverage by extending dose intervals would have substantial population-level benefits by reducing symptomatic disease, hospitalizations and deaths while there is limited vaccine supply
• Knowledge of vaccines, which indicate that a longer interval between the first and second dose generally results in a better immune response after the second dose;
• Experience with other multi-dose vaccines, which suggests that protection from first dose of a vaccine series can last 6 months or longer, while second doses extend protection even longer
• Public health principles of ethical decision-making, including equity, feasibility and accessibility, which favour extending intervals, especially while cases of COVID-19, hospitalizations, and severe illness and deaths, are high, and faster progress towards population protection will help to protect vulnerable populations, and
• NACI’s expert opinion that within a global pandemic setting, reducing the risk of severe disease outcomes in the majority of the population and decreasing transmission in the community will have the greatest public health impact

The second dose of COVID-19 vaccine should be given up to 4 months after the first dose. Second doses should be offered as soon as possible after all eligible populations have been offered their first dose. Jurisdictions may choose to shorten the interval between the first and second dose in specific populations based on local epidemiology, local vaccine supply, public health considerations and emerging data. In situations where informed consent included assumptions about second dose timing, it is the jurisdictions’ prerogative to consider offering second doses at shorter intervals for those who provided consent to vaccine timing prior to this recommendation.

The impact of extending the interval between doses on variants of concern is unknown. However, there is currently no evidence that an extended interval between doses will either increase or decrease the emergence of variants of concern. COVID-19 mRNA vaccines and the AstraZeneca vaccine have shown promising early results against variant B.1.1.7, first detected in the United Kingdom. As effectiveness of the first dose against other variants of concern is emerging, ongoing monitoring will be conducted.

NACI will continue to closely monitor the evidence on effectiveness of an extended dose interval, as well as vaccine effectiveness against variants of concern, and will update its recommendations as needed.

Vaccine Interchangeability

NACI recommends the vaccine series be completed with the same COVID-19 vaccine product. If the same vaccine product is not available, the series should be completed with a vaccine of the same vaccine platform (in other words, both should be mRNA vaccines). It is not recommended that vaccines of different types (for example, mRNA and viral vector) be used in the same series at this time.

NACI will discuss recommendations on vaccine interchangeability in May 2021. Studies on mixed vaccine schedules are already underway in other countries and preliminary evidence is expected to become available soon.

Indigenous Communities

The Government of Canada continues to engage Indigenous leaders on planning for vaccine programs, and to determine how to best serve Indigenous peoples, many of whom live in crowded multi-generational housing. Given the particular challenges some of these communities face, special consideration will be given to vaccine roll-out in these communities.

AC Contact: Gina Charos (613-668-9235)

PHAC Approved by: Kim Elmslie, VP Immunization Program

38. Parliamentary Background and Analysis

Full title: Appearance by the Honourable Minister of Seniors - Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA) - Study on the Impact of COVID-19 on Seniors - Tuesday, May 25, 2021 | 3:30 – 4:30

Background

The motion to Study the Impact of COVID-19 on Seniors was inspired by a motion sponsored by Member of Parliament (MP) Rosemarie Falk. It was adopted by the Committee on February 2, 2021. Over the course of the Study, the Committee intends to hold 6 meetings and to explore the financial, social and health impacts of COVID-19 on seniors. The Study will review existing and proposed programs for seniors; including, federal transfers to provinces and territories and Indigenous governments, and recommendations to improve support for vulnerable seniors. Of interest, the Committee previously studied seniors during the 1st session of the 42nd Parliament, tabling its report (Advancing Inclusion and Quality of Life for Seniors) in the House of Commons on March 29, 2018. There were 29 recommendations in the Report including the following:

• that ESDC work with Finance Canada and the Canada Revenue Agency to review and strengthen existing federal income support programs for vulnerable seniors to ensure they provide adequate income. In strengthening existing programs, the Committee recommends that the government: Increase resources to Service Canada and the Canada Revenue Agency, particularly for telephone and in-person services, as well as public education to ensure that all seniors get the benefits to which they are entitled and within reasonable timeframes ; Implement a public education campaign and train Service Canada personnel to ensure vulnerable seniors understand the rules related to the Guaranteed Income Supplement and Registered Retirement Savings Plan withdrawals; and continuously review and update the Guaranteed Income Supplement benefit to ensure that: vulnerable seniors receive adequate income

You are invited to appear before HUMA on May 25, 2021, for a 1-hour meeting. The following senior officials from ESDC will be supporting you, as required, and will remain at committee for an additional hour to respond to questions:

• Annette Gibbons, Associate Deputy Minister
• Alexis Conrad,Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Income Security and Social Development Branch and Policy Horizons Canada
• Janet Goulding, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Income Security and Social Development Branch

The first meeting on the Study took place on May 13, 2021. HUMA heard from the following stakeholders: CanAge, Canadian Support Workers Association, AGE-WELL, and the National Institute on Ageing. The testimonies provided pertained to social isolation of seniors, which was exasperated by the pandemic, the need for long-term care reform, elder abuse and neglect, the financial security of seniors, standardization of credentials for support workers, and the importance of the internet in supporting the social well being and health of seniors.

The meeting will provide an opportunity for Committee Members to query you on measures announced in Budget 2021; in particular, the increase in Old Age Security (OAS) for those 75 and older. There has been sustained interest on this topic from all parties. In particular, opposition parties are advocating for an increase in OAS to extend to those aged 65 to 74. The Issue has been at the centre of debate in the House on Bill C-30, the Budget Implementation Act, and in Question Period. It was also the subject of discussion at the Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology (SOCI)

2. Committee Proceedings

You will be provided with the opportunity to deliver opening remarks, for 5 minutes, that will enable you to highlight progress made on your mandate commitments.

HUMA is composed of 12 MPs. The Chair is Liberal MP Sean Casey and 2 Vice-Chairs are Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) MP Raquel Dancho and Bloc Québécois (BQ) MP Louise Chabot. Ms. Chabot is also the BQ Employment Critic.

Other members are:

• Han Dong, Liberal (Lib)
• Rosemarie Falk (CPC)
• Leah Gazan New Democratic Party (NDP)
• Wayne Long (Lib)
• Corey Tochor (CPC)
• Ryan Turnbull (Lib)
• Adam Vaughan (Lib)
• Brad Vis (CPC)
• Kate Young (Lib)

3. Parliamentary Analysis

Opposition party members may raise the following:

Budget 2021: Increasing Old Age Security for Canadians 75 and Over

During the pandemic, many seniors have faced economic challenges. Additionally, many seniors are living longer and relying on monthly benefits. On April 19, 2021, the Government committed to increasing OAS benefits for seniors age 75 and older. In addition to arguing for the extension of the proposed increase to those aged 65 to 74, opposition party members have criticised the 2 step implementation approach, which consists of: a 1-time payment of $500 in August 2021 to OAS pensioners 75 and over as of June 2022, and the introduction of legislation to increase regular OAS payments for those 75 and over by 10% on an ongoing basis as of July 2022.

The Conservatives have accused the Government of manipulating seniors before an election by offering them $500. The BQ frequently raises these Issues in the House of Commons claiming that failure to extend the proposed measure to those aged 65 to 74 constitutes unjustifiable discrimination. Citing higher costs of living for seniors and persons with disabilities, the NDP has also argued that all seniors aged 65 and over should receive additional financial assistance.

At SOCI, during examination of Division 32 (Increase to Old Age Security Pension and Payment), of Part 4 of Bill C-30, Budget Implementation Act, members questioned the policy rationale for exclusively targeting those 75 and over for the proposed measure , as well as the reasoning for not using the Guaranteed Income Supplement to assist the most vulnerable. Senators also sought clarification regarding the proposed 10% OAS increase. Senators requested that additional information to be submitted to the Committee demonstrating the policy intent in support of this measure.

Long Term Care Facilities for Seniors

Opposition Parties may inquire about the Government’s commitment regarding Long Term Care Facilities for Seniors. The difficult living conditions experienced by seniors in long-term care centres has garnered considerable attention by all parties. Following the Budget, opposition parties raised a number of concerns; namely: the Conservatives argued that the pandemic exposed the failings of seniors’ health treatment and the urgent need to address the Issue. The NDP has reiterated that the pandemic has disproportionately impacted seniors, especially those living in for profit long-term care homes. The NDP also referenced the work of the Canadian Institute for Health Information who stated that Canada has the worst record of all developed countries regarding COVID-19 deaths in long-term care homes. HUMA members will likely be looking for assurances that the Government is actively seeking to resolve these Issues.

The BQ remains against the Government imposing any long-term care standards on provinces. In addition, they have renewed calls for additional health transfers to provinces.

Seniors and Elder Abuse

The pandemic has brought increased attention to the living conditions of vulnerable seniors; including, elder abuse, social isolation, mental health, and access to resources related to health care, and housing. The Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights is currently dedicating 4 meetings on the Issue of Elder Abuse. As the June 15 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is nearing and considering your mandate letter commitment related to elder abuse, HUMA may choose to explore the Issue during your appearance. Of note, they may question the Government’s accomplishments to-date in this area. In response, you may wish to raise the Government’s committed to a National Seniors Strategy that will work with the provinces, territories, and Indigenous governments to make seniors' health care a priority, reduce isolation, and tackle seniors’ poverty, a funded national dementia strategy and an elder abuse prevention plan to put an end to abuse and neglect.

39. Committee membership and biographies

House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA)

Committee Profile

(February 2021)

Liberal Party of Canada

Sean Casey (Chair) - Prince Edward Island

Han Dong – Ontario

Wayne Long - New Brunswick

Ryan Turnbull – Ontario

Adam Vaughan – Ontario – PS for Families, Children and Social Development (Housing)

Kate Young – Ontario – PS for Economic Devlopment and Official Languages (FedDev Ontario)

Conservative Party of Canada

Raquel Dancho – Manitoba - Employment, Workforce - Development and Disability - Inclusion Critic

Rosemarie Falk – Saskatchewan - Seniors Critic

Corey Tochor - Saskatchewan - Families, Children and Social Development Critic

Brad Vis - British Columbia - Housing Critic

New Democratic Party of Canada

Leah Gazan – Manitoba - Families, Children and Social Development Critic

Bloc Québécois

Louise Chabot (Vice-Chair) – Québec - Employment, Workforce Development and Labour Critic

Sean Casey - Liberal Party – Charlottetown - Prince Edward Island

Brief Biography

Sean was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland but grew up in Fredericton, New Brunswick. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Accounting from Saint Francis Xavier University. He worked for the New Brunswick Telephone Company before attending Dalhousie Law School, graduating in 1988. While attending Dalhousie, he was on the Student Union Executive and served as President of the Law Students Association. Upon graduating, Sean served as a summer student at what was then Scales Jenkins and McQuaid (now Stewart McKelvey) in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

He continued to work with the firm and was named a partner at 29 years of age. In 2003, Sean left the firm to take a leadership role in the family business, commonly known as Paderno. That was also the year he ran his first of 4 marathons. In 2008, Sean rejoined Stewart McKelvey where he served as Regional Managing Partner. In 2011, Sean was elected the Member of Parliament of Charlottetown. He was re-elected in 2015, and again most recently in 2019. In Parliament, Sean has served most recently as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard. He has previously served as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, as well as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage.

He is currently the Chair of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities, a member of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs, and Chair of the Liberal Atlantic Caucus.

Han Dong - Liberal Party - Don Valley North - Ontario

Brief Biography

Raised and educated in Toronto, Han Dong, his sister, and his parents immigrated to Canada from Shanghai in 1990. Growing up working at his parent’s 24-hour coffee shop, Han learned the value of hard work, family, and community which ultimately lead him to public service.

In 2014, Han was elected as a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP), gaining valuable legislative experience.

Han works with a Toronto based high-tech company dedicated to building safer communities with digital neighbourhood watch technology. He has also shown leadership in promoting Toronto's diversity, currently serving as the leader of the Chinatown Gateway Committee established by Mayor John Tory.

Han and his wife Sophie, are the proud parents of Emma and Matthew.

Wayne Long - Liberal Party - Saint John — Rothesay - New Brunswick

Brief Biography

Wayne Long is a member of the Saint John community with national and international business experience. Wayne currently serves as President of the Saint John Sea Dogs, and his efforts have helped turn the team into one of Canada’s most successful CHL hockey franchises winning the cherished Memorial Cup in 2011. That same year, Wayne was recognized with the John Horman Trophy, awarded to the Top Executive in the QMJHL.

Prior to his work with the Sea Dogs, Wayne was President of Scotiaview Seafood Inc. He was also a successful large-scale product manager with Stolt Sea Farm Inc. Wayne’s work has seen him travel across North America, negotiating contracts with national restaurant distributors, restaurant chains, and retail chains. He earned the North American Excellence in Sales and Marketing award twice. Wayne is a former Board Member for Destination Marketing and Salmon Marketing.

Wayne was born in the riding, has lived in the riding 44 years, and currently calls the area home alongside his wife, Denise, and their 2 children, Khristian and Konnor.

Ryan Turnbull - Liberal Party – Whitby – Ontario

Brief Biography

Ryan Turnbull is a passionate change maker, experienced entrepreneur and social innovation that has devoted his life to advance ethical leadership, social responsibility, and build a more ethical economy and society. Ryan has raised his young family in the Durham Region for over 5 years and has deep roots in the Whitby community, where he recently moved.

Ryan has taken advanced leadership training and earned an MA in philosophy from Carleton University. Ryan has taught and developed curriculum at multiple post-secondary institutions around the world. Over the last decade, Ryan has led the development of a successful social innovation consulting firm that has had a direct social impact on the organizations, communities and the people they serve, in the Durham Region and across Ontario. Ryan has worked with over 250 charitable organizations, has advised government at all levels and has led over 350 impactful projects and his work has had a direct and positive influence on the quality of life for all segments of the population including children, youth, seniors, immigrants, refugees, people with disabilities, Indigenous people, women, LGBTQ2S, and many others. Ryan has also served on the board of directors for Food Secure Canada and the Ethics Practitioners’ Association of Canada.

Adam Vaughn - Liberal Party - Spadina—Fort York - Ontario

Brief Biography

Adam Vaughan was first elected to the House of Commons for Trinity-Spadina on June 30, 2014. On October 19, 2015, Adam was re-elected in the new riding of Spadina-Fort York, and was re-elected for a second full term on October 21, 2019.

Adam was elected twice to Toronto City Council before voters sent him to Ottawa to represent urban Issues in Parliament. As an activist and as a journalist, Adam has played a significant role in the social and economic growth of Toronto. Adam Vaughan brings a lifetime of experience to federal politics. On City Council he played a major role in reforming the planning process in the city. He led successful campaigns to rebuild and revitalize existing public housing stock while initiating new policies to create family housing, supportive housing and new co-op housing programs in Toronto.

Together with residents, he spearheaded the revitalization of the Alexandra Park community: a significant neighbourhood in Toronto that will see new affordable housing, new commercial space, a re-built community and more parkland added to the downtown. Adam Vaughan’s record in office demonstrates strong support for the arts and housing in Toronto.

While on council, he championed the expansion of OCAD University’s campus and led the campaign to save Theatre Passe Muraille. He also served on the Boards of the Toronto Arts Council, the Art Gallery of Ontario, Harbourfront Centre and Heritage Toronto. Before entering politics, Adam was a broadcast journalist for more than 20 years, specializing in municipal affairs for both the CBC and Citytv. He covered all 3 levels of government and has written about urban Issues too

In the 41st Parliament, Adam was appointed the Liberal Critic for Housing and Urban Affairs and worked with Justin Trudeau, Liberals, and local governments across the country to re-establish a national housing policy as part of a new urban agenda for Canada.

On December 2, 2015, Adam was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs. He served in this role until January 26, 2017, when he was appointed to the position of Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development (Housing and Urban Affairs).

On February 1, 2017, Adam was appointed to chair an Advisory Committee on Homelessness composed of experts and stakeholders in the field of homelessness to support the renewal of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy

He is currently Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development (Housing) and a member of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development, and Status of Persons with Disabilities.

Kate Young - Liberal Party - London West – Ontario

Brief Biography

Kate Young was first elected Member of Parliament for London West in October 2015. She is the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (FedDev Ontario). She has also served as the Parliamentary Secretary for Transport for Science and Sport, and for Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility (Accessibility); and Parliamentary Secretary for Transport.

Prior to being elected, Kate had a lengthy career in journalism and public relations in both the private and public sector. Best known as the first female news anchor at CFPL-TV in London, Kate was also the Manager of Public Affairs and Community Relations for the Thames Valley District School Board and Manager of Community Relations at TD Financial Group.

As a community organizer, Kate has volunteered much of her free time with organizations that directly impact London West, including the London Health Sciences Foundation Board of Directors, the Fanshawe College Board of Directors, and the Museum London Board of Directors. In 2007, London City Press Club named Kate Newsmaker of the Year for her outstanding service to the London community.

Kate has a diploma in Journalism (Broadcast) from Fanshawe College and is the proud mother of 2 children. She is also a grandma to twin boys. Kate grew up in London West, attended Westminster Secondary School, and continues to live in the riding with her partner Brian.

Raquel Dancho - Conservative Party - Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion Critic - Kildonan – St. Paul - Manitoba

Brief Biography

Raquel Dancho is the Member of Parliament for Kildonan – St. Paul – elected on October 21, 2019.

Ms. Dancho grew up in Beausejour, Manitoba, from 4 generations of Canadian farmers. Raised in a family of entrepreneurs, she learned the importance of personal responsibility, resourcefulness and perseverance at a young age. She is the first in her family to attend university and the first to work in politics.

Ms. Dancho has 15 years of diverse work experience in both the public and private sector. She dedicated many hours of volunteer work with the elderly, children in Child and Family Services, and at her local church. She has also coached various sports in her hometown and been politically active since childhood.

Ms. Dancho graduated with a French-bilingual high-school diploma and went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree from McGill University, majoring in Political Science, and minoring in World Religions and Canadian Studies. While attending university, she worked in a French restaurant to pay her bills and better her French skills.

Following university, Ms. Dancho earned a competitive research internship at the Frontier Centre for Public Policy in Winnipeg. Shortly thereafter, she became a policy analyst in the Progressive Conservative Caucus for Manitoba’s Official Opposition.

Following the 2016 Manitoba Progressive Conservative election victory, she became the Executive Assistant to the Minister of Sustainable Development for the Manitoba Government. She was then promoted to serve as the Special Assistant to the Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage for the Manitoba Government.

Rosemarie Falk - Conservative Party - Seniors Critic - Battlefords — Lloydminster - Saskatchewan

Brief Biography

Rosemarie Falk is the federal Member of Parliament for Battlefords-Lloydminster. She was first elected to the House of Commons in a federal by-election on December 11, 2017.

Under the leadership of the Hon. Erin O’Toole, Rosemarie serves as the Shadow Minister for Seniors. She is also a member the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and Status of Persons with Disabilities.

Rosemarie was born and raised in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan. Along with her husband Adam, she is now raising her 3 children there. She has a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Calgary. Throughout her work and volunteer experience, she has been actively engaged in her community working with some of the most vulnerable members of the community.

Rosemarie is committed to being a strong voice for seniors, families, taxpayers and rural communities. She is in federal politics to help build a stronger Canada today and for the next generation.

Corey Tochor - Conservative Party - Families, Children and Social Development Critic - Saskatoon—University - Saskatchewan

Brief Biography

Corey Tochor is the Member of Parliament for Saskatoon University – elected on October 21, 2019.

Prior to entering politics, Mr. Tochor was a local Saskatoon entrepreneur who owned and operated Health Conveyance, a communications company that provides electronic messaging in health facilities across the province. He graduated with a commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan with a major in Finance. He had a successful career in sales, e-learning consulting and pharmaceuticals before starting his own business.

As an active volunteer in his local community, Mr. Tochor has served for many years on the executive of the Kinsmen Club of Saskatoon, including on the corporate board for Telemiracle 33, chair of fundraising projects and treasurer of the Kinsmen Activity Place House, a community center supporting Saskatoon’s core.

Mr. Tochor has a wealth of legislative experience and was first elected to the Saskatchewan Legislature in the 2011 provincial election and re-elected in 2016. His legislative responsibilities began early in his first term when he served as Deputy Chair of Committees. He then served as Deputy Whip and was later appointed Deputy House Leader by Premier Wall. Shortly after being re-elected, Mr. Tochor was elected Speaker of the Legislature.

Mr. Tochor was born and raised in Esterhazy, Saskatchewan. He currently resides in Saskatoon with his wife Danielle and their 2 young sons, Jacob and James.

Brad Vis - Conservative Party - Housing Critic - Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon - British Columbia

Brief Biography

Born in Matsqui, British Columbia, Brad has deep roots in the Fraser Valley. The grandson of Dutch immigrants, he was raised on the values of hard work, sacrifice, integrity and determination.

Brad has spent the majority of his career working in government, politics and the agri-business sector. His professional background extends to the fields of communications, public relations and policy development.

Brad holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of British Columbia and a master’s degree in Political Science from Carleton University.

Elected in 2019, Brad is honoured to represent all residents of Mission–Matsqui–Fraser Canyon and is thrilled to work hard on their behalf. His mission is to raise Issues and work to accomplish the goals of the riding in Ottawa rather than work as Ottawa’s representative in the riding.

Under the leadership of the Hon. Erin O’Toole, Brad serves as the Shadow Minister for Housing and is a member of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA).

Brad is happily married to Kathleen and the father of Declyn and Nicholas.

Leah Gazan - New Democratic Party - Families, Children and Social Development Critic - Winnipeg Centre - Manitoba

Brief Biography

Leah Gazan was elected as the Member of Parliament for Winnipeg Centre in October 2019. She is currently the NDP Critic for Children, Families, and Social Development, as well as the Deputy Critic for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship. Gazan is a member of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities, and the Standing Joint Committee on the Library of Parliament. She recently introduced a private member's bill, Bill C-232, The Climate Emergency Action Act, which recognizes the right to a healthy environment as a human right.

As an educator, advisor, and media contributor, Leah Gazan has been deeply engaged with Issues and organizing in Winnipeg’s core for nearly 3 decades. Gazan has spent her life working for human rights on the local, national, and international stage. Her recent success includes organizing and traveling across the country to push Bill C-262, the Indigenous Human Rights Act.

Her contributions in Winnipeg have both shaped our understanding of our collective struggles and strengths, and helped move us towards justice. As president of the Social Planning Council between 2011 to 2015, Gazan organized and pushed policy in support of an end to poverty, addressing violence against women and girls, finding solutions for housing insecurity and homelessness, ensuring fair wages, community-based actions addressing addictions, and proper supports for mental health.

Gazan was a prominent Winnipeg lead during Idle No More, articulating the movement to the Winnipeg public. Gazan also co-founded the #WeCare campaign aimed at building public will to end violence against Indigenous women and girls. Gazan is a member of Wood Mountain Lakota Nation, located in Saskatchewan, Treaty 4 territory.

Louise Chabot - Bloc Québecois - Employment, Workforce Development and Labour Critic - Thérèse-De Blainville - Quebec

Brief Biography

Louise Chabot, born in 1955 in Saint-Charles-de-Bellechasse, Quebec, is a Quebec trade unionist and politician. She was president of the Centrale des Syndicates du Québec (CSQ) from 2012 to 2018. The organization initially represented nearly 200,000 members, including 130,000 in the education and early childhood sector. She coordinated a major unionization project that resulted in the consolidation of more than 15,000 family day care managers, a first in the union world in Canada. On October 21, 2019, she was elected as a Bloc Québécois Member of Parliament for the riding of Thérèse-de-Blainville.