FADOQ

Following the appointment of the federal government’s Cabinet, FADOQ wishes to congratulate the new secretary of State for Seniors, Stephanie McLean, and offers its full cooperation to advance the many issues concerning older adults.

However, FADOQ expresses its dissatisfaction with the decision not to appoint a dedicated minister for Seniors with their own portfolio and a seat at the Cabinet table. As secretary of State, Ms. McLean will report to a minister and will not attend weekly Cabinet meetings. FADOQ hopes this will not limit the direct political influence given to seniors’ issues within the federal government.

“Although we are disappointed by the absence of a dedicated minister for Seniors, Secretary McLean can count on our support to improve the quality of life of older adults in Canada. She will need to adopt a ‘seniors’ lens’ to ensure that every government decision takes into account the reality of older adults. It will be essential for her role to be accompanied by appropriate resources, including budgetary ones, to effectively meet the needs of seniors,” stated Gisèle Tassé-Goodman, President of FADOQ.

Among the commitments made by the Liberal Party of Canada during the election campaign, the country’s largest seniors’ organization will closely monitor the following measures:

• Increasing the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) by 5% for one year;
• Reducing by 25% the mandatory minimum withdrawal from a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) for one year;
• Lowering the income tax rate from 15% to 14% on the first income bracket of $57,375;
• Canceling the planned increase in the capital gains inclusion rate.

However, the one-year 5% increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement is insufficient. FADOQ will continue to advocate to the federal government for a permanent increase, which is essential to meet the recurring needs of people living in precarious situations.

Important appointments for Quebec

FADOQ also wishes to congratulate Quebec Lieutenant Steven Guilbeault (minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and minister responsible for Official Languages) and Marjorie Michel (minister of Health) on their appointments to the Cabinet.

With 600,000 members in Quebec, FADOQ hopes Mr. Guilbeault will help prioritize Quebec’s older adults within the government and be an ally on issues affecting them.

As minister of Health, Ms. Michel will notably oversee the Canadian Dental Care Plan. During the election campaign, FADOQ called for a revision of the fee grid to ensure full reimbursement of dental care, especially for low-income individuals.

FADOQ reiterates its commitment to being a key partner for policymakers in developing public policies adapted to an aging population.