Seniors will get more help from Ottawa to cover costs incurred because of the pandemic.
In his latest announcement, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced $2.5 billion would provide seniors who are eligible for Old Age Security a one-time tax-free payment of $300. Those that are eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement will get another $200.
"Protecting the most vulnerable remains at the core of our response to COVID-19, and seniors are particularly feeling the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Trudeau. "Whether it be vulnerability due to physical or mental health, isolation, or simply struggling to get groceries or the support they need, the measures announced today will help seniors during this difficult period."
Roughly 6.7 million seniors collect the OAS pension, while another 2.2 million are eligible for the GIS.
The announcement Tuesday comes after the government provided a one-time payment through the GST for low-and modest-income families. More than four-million seniors received the $375 payment for single seniors and $510 for senior couples last month. The federal government said that it is about 85 per cent of the nation's aging population.
Other investments by the federal government include a $9 million contribution to the United Way Centraide Canada so local organizations can deliver groceries, medications, and other needed personal items to seniors. There is also $100 million to improve access to food for Canadians, including seniors, who are facing social, economic, and health impacts from the pandemic. The Emergency Community Support Fund was created with $350 million to support charities and non-profits to adapt the services they provide to vulnerable groups, including seniors.
