The Government of Canada is helping low-income seniors in Newfoundland and Labrador
August 07, 2008
ST. JOHN’S, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR — The Government of Canada is following through on its commitment to strengthen Canada’s public pension system and ensure that low-income seniors keep more of their hard-earned money without a reduction in benefits. Today, the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South-Mount Pearl, on behalf of the Honourable Marjory LeBreton, Leader of the Government in the Senate and Secretary of State (Seniors), announced changes to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) that will provide an additional $1.3 million in GIS payments to almost 1,800 working seniors in Newfoundland and Labrador. “Our government is committed to supporting low-income seniors living on limited incomes, and giving those seniors who choose to work the financial flexibility they desire in retirement,” said Minister Hearn. “Today’s seniors are living longer and more active lives than ever before, and their participation in the labour market is growing,” said Minister LeBreton. “This positive measure will put money back into the pockets of thousands of low-income seniors who work.” “I commend the Government of Canada for implementing this measure that will greatly benefit thousands of low-income seniors across Canada,” said Ms. Susan Eng, Vice-President of Advocacy, Canada's Association for the Fifty-Plus (CARP). “Whether by choice or necessity, seniors are participating in the labour force in greater numbers than ever. This measure is a major step forward and CARP encourages this government to continue to be proactive in providing seniors with increased security and flexibility in retirement.” On July 1, 2008, changes came into effect increasing the GIS earnings exemption to $3,500 from $500. A single pensioner, for example, earning $3,500 or more, will be able to keep up to an additional $1,500 in annual GIS benefits. The GIS is a monthly benefit provided to low-income seniors who receive the Old Age Security benefit, which is provided to all Canadians aged 65 and over who meet the residence requirements. Budget 2008 and other recent federal initiatives are also addressing the needs of Canada's seniors through the introduction of a series of important measures that include:
|
August 07, 2008 The Government of Canada is helping low-income seniors in Newfoundland and LabradorAugust 05, 2008 Newfoundland and Labrador Coastal Communities Receive Federal Funding for Harbour ImprovementsJuly 23, 2008 Minister Hearn Responds To Proposed European Union Ban On Trade Of Seal ProductsJuly 17, 2008 Grand Falls-Windsor To Revitalize Downtown And RiverfrontJuly 17, 2008 Government Of Canada Supports Twillingate’s Tourism Infrastructure PlanJuly 17, 2008 Ski Club To Go The Distance On ImprovementsJuly 16, 2008 FCM’s Green Municipal Fund Commits $1,600,000 to the City of Corner Brook for Water Meter Installation and Water Main RehabilitationAugust 28, 2008 Prime Minister Harper Announces New Polar Class Icebreaker Project to be Named after Former PM John G. DiefenbakerAugust 27, 2008 Prime Minister Harper Announces Government of Canada Will Extend Jurisdiction over Arctic WatersAugust 26, 2008 Statement By The Prime Minister Of Canada On The Opening Of The Paralympic GamesAugust 26, 2008 Prime Minister Harper Announces Plan to Identify and Defend Northern Resources |