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More money for low-income seniors

Canada’s lowest income seniors will soon benefit from the most significant increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) in a quarter century

Canada’s lowest income seniors will soon benefit from the most significant increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) in a quarter century.

“Canada’s seniors have worked hard to build a better country for future generations and the Government of Canada has taken important action to improve their quality of life,” said Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge-Mission MP Randy Kamp.

As of July of this year, seniors with little or no income other than the old age security benefit and the GIS now receive additional benefits up to $600 per year for single seniors and up to $840 per year for couples.

The increase to the GIS represents a $300 million investment per year and is the third GIS increase in the last five years. Old age security benefits, including the GIS, help seniors meet their immediate, basic needs and maintain a minimum standard of living in retirement.

The federal government’s 2011 budget is also providing an additional $10 million over two years for the New Horizons for Seniors Program, which helps seniors use their leadership, energy and skills to benefit communities across Canada.

 

Proposals

A call for proposals for this program is now open. Please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/seniors for details.