February 22, 2024 Toronto, Ontario Employment and Social Development Canada
Canadians deserve to age with dignity. That comes down to choice, to affordability, to inclusions, and to community.
Today, Canada's Minister for Seniors, Seamus O'Regan Jr., joined volunteers, board members and leaders from the Canadian Association of Retired Persons at their Annual General Meeting to discuss the key issues seniors are facing as well as the federal programs and agreements in place to help support Canada's aging population.
Launched in December 2023, Minister O'Regan highlighted the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)-a new federal plan which will help up to 9 million people who don't have coverage, finally get dental care. Since the launch, more than 800,000 have been approved for the CDCP. Seniors aged 72 and above have been contacted directly about their eligibility and registration, with letters to seniors aged 70 and 71 to be sent in March.
Minister O'Regan also discussed the federal government's work with provinces and territories to improve health care and long-term care for seniors in Canada. This includes federal investments of $5.4 billion over five years to help seniors across Canada age with dignity, with access to home care or safe long-term care.
Affordability remains the biggest concern for all Canadians. The Government of Canada has taken action to support seniors, particularly those who rely on fixed incomes. This includes the 2022 increase to the Old Age Security, changes to the Guaranteed Income Supplement and the introduction of the grocery rebate in 2023.
