MULCAIR: Seniors deserve better policies for a better life

[Oscar]

Seniors deserve better policies for a better life

From: Tom Mulcair
Sent: Wednesday, May 4, 2016 5:15 AM
Subject: Seniors deserve better policies for a better life

Thank you for your recent email regarding the Liberal government's recent budget and its impact on seniors.

Given the Liberals' many election promises, New Democrats had high hopes of significant gains for seniors in the federal budget. While we welcomed the Liberal commitments to restore the eligibility age of the Old Age Security program, along with modest increases to the Guaranteed Income Supplement, our hopes were dashed as the federal budget fell far short of what seniors actually need.

New Democrats have consistently pushed for policies that ensure seniors can retire with dignity.

At our recent policy convention in Edmonton, we passed a resolution calling for the immediate, universal expansion of the CPP. We're dedicated to continuing to press the Liberal government to deliver an increase in the CPP, so that retirement income security can be a reality for all Canadians.

But seniors need more than just financial security. They need a strong, well-funded healthcare system—that's why we continue to call for the Liberals to negotiate new Health accords with the provinces, now.

Canadian seniors desperately need expanded care—the Liberal budget should have delivered more homecare and nursing home spaces, an overall aging strategy that addresses the needs of our aging population, and national Alzheimer's and dementia strategies. But, once again, the Liberal budget failed to live up to seniors' needs. New Democrats won't stop fighting until we see investments in these areas.

We also know that the cost of drugs can be prohibitive for many Canadian seniors. So, we'll continue to push for our longstanding vision of a national Pharmacare program—a program that would significantly lower drug costs and ensure equal access to the drugs Canadian seniors need.

What's more, many seniors face diminished mobility and would really benefit from increased investment in transit infrastructure and affordable housing. Again, the Liberals made some investments, but could have done more. And, many seniors were disappointed by the Liberals' refusal to restore Canada Post home delivery to those neighbourhoods that have already lost it, making it harder for many seniors to access their mail.

The Liberal budget may have fell short on seniors' needs and expectations, but you can be sure that New Democrats will keep fighting to make life better for Canadian seniors.

Thank you again for sharing your concerns with me.

All the best,

Tom Mulcair
Leader, Canada's New Democrats

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