Ending seniors’ poverty means directing more support where it’s needed – and less where it’s not
One practical change can make this happen.
Today, OAS benefits only begin to be reduced when retired couples reach a household income of $185,000 — and even those with incomes up to $300,000 some can still receive support.
Reducing this threshold to $100,000 would save billions each year, while protecting OAS subsidies for 80% of seniors.
Our plan uses a portion of these savings to provide about $5,000 more each year to every senior living below Canada’s official poverty line. The total cost is about $2.5 billion annually — an amount easily covered by asking higher-income retiree households to accept modestly less.
Canadians know that retired couples with $185,000 incomes should not be the priority for taxpayer funded cash subsidies. That’s why most support this plan – across all regions, income groups, and ages.
We can use public dollars more wisely — and ensure OAS delivers more help where it’s needed most, and less where it isn’t.
