2025: Progress and Missed Opportunities for Seniors
Halifax, Nova Scotia — The Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) Nova Scotia says the 2025 Federal Budget offers some welcome measures for older Canadians but falls short on key supports that seniors have long been promised.
“This budget takes some positive steps for older Canadians but falls short of delivering the comprehensive support seniors urgently need,” said Bill VanGorder, Past Chair and Advocacy Spokesperson for CARP Nova Scotia.
Positive Steps for Seniors
CARP Nova Scotia acknowledges several encouraging measures in Budget 2025, including:
- Continued investment in affordable housing through the Build Canada Homes initiative.
- Expanded home renovation and accessibility grants, and new caregiver supports.
- A refundable tax credit for personal support workers (PSWs) to help stabilize the care workforce.
- Stronger fraud prevention measures through a new Financial Crimes Agency, a National Anti-Fraud Strategy, and a Code of Conduct for banks.
- Ongoing funding and indexation of Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)—critical lifelines for many seniors.
Major Shortfalls and Missed Opportunities
Despite these positives, VanGorder noted several areas of concern:
- The 10% OAS increase continues to apply only to seniors aged 75+, which CARP calls “unfair and divisive.”
- No increase to the GIS or one-time affordability payments for low-income seniors.
- Minimal progress on national dental and pharmacare programs, or on a national home care and poverty reduction strategy.
- Continued delay of previously promised measures, including flexibility in RRIF withdrawals and a 5% GIS increase.
“Stability is welcome, but promised relief for retirees is still missing,” said VanGorder. “Five of CARP’s seven pre-budget recommendations were ignored.”
Fiscal and Policy Context
CARP recognizes the government’s effort to maintain OAS and GIS funding amid fiscal restraint and welcomes commitments to improve recognition of foreign healthcare credentials and increase transparency in foreign exchange fees. However, VanGorder cautioned that rising deficits threaten the long-term sustainability of seniors’ programs.
CARP’s Call to Action
CARP Nova Scotia urges the federal government to:
- Extend the 10% OAS increase to all seniors aged 65+.
- Eliminate mandatory RRIF withdrawals to provide greater financial flexibility.
- Protect retail investors and uphold fiduciary standards in financial services.
- Reject any Home Equity Tax that would penalize aging homeowners.
- Increase investment in home and community care to support aging in place.
- Fund recommended vaccines for seniors to improve health outcomes and reduce hospitalizations.
“CARP will continue pressing for fair, sustainable policies so every Canadian can age with dignity, independence, and peace of mind,” VanGorder concluded.
CARP Nova Scotia Chapter of the Canadian Association of Retired Persons is non-partisan, non-profit organization committed to promoting social change that will bring financial security, equitable access to health care, concern for our environment, and freedom from ageism & discrimination. Our mandate is to promote and protect the interests, rights and quality of life for Canadians as we age. We have almost 10.000 members in Nova Scotia age forty-five years and over and a national paid membership of 253,000.
