QUESTION PERIOD — Ministry of Employment and Social Development
Support for Seniors
October 7, 2025
I am struck by the balance that you’re trying to bring about in terms of looking at seniors in poverty and seniors who are relatively comfortable in their lives. As Secretary of State, are you thinking about a more focused strategy around lifting seniors out of poverty?
Thank you. In terms of lifting seniors out of poverty, we have key initiatives. One of the government’s biggest poverty-combatting initiatives is the Guaranteed Income Supplement. This is something Canadians rely on, and we hear from folks constantly that it’s what helps them make ends meet.
In terms of seniors’ poverty, this is something that spans government departments. There are elements found within several, whether it’s Health, Justice or others.
I can provide the seniors’ perspective on any of those initiatives to ensure that seniors who live in poverty are considered when those programs and policies or laws are being developed.
I appreciate the way you’ve described it. It is why I asked the question: because it is scattered here and there. Let me be a little clearer in my question.
Is there a comprehensive connecting strategy? Are you in a position to gather data on the effects of different programs that may fall under in different departments? From the recipients’ perspective, it all comes to them. Is there a strategy for poorer seniors in development?
In terms of collating and comparing the efficacy and needs of seniors’ programs that are found and housed within multiple departments, that is work continually done by the departments. By having a specific portfolio dedicated to seniors, we are ensuring that work is being done on a daily basis to monitor what is happening in terms of seniors’ poverty across the country.
Much of this data collection and reporting is also done through Statistics Canada. I believe that’s under Heritage. We work with Minister Guilbeault to ensure the seniors’ perspective is included in data collection as well.
