The federal government abandons retirees
The federal government has once again demonstrated its disregard for retirees by excluding them from its one-time $250 payment, a measure announced on November 21st.
This payment, called the Working Canadians Rebate, will be distributed next spring and is reserved for workers with an individual net income of less than $150,000 in 2023.
For this payment to be distributed, the Liberal government must pass a bill.
“We are urging the government to include retirees in its one-time $250 payment. Retirees, like everyone else, pay taxes and make valuable contributions to society, notably as volunteers, caregivers, and grandparents,” emphasizes Gisèle Tassé-Goodman, president of Réseau FADOQ.
Even worse, Ottawa prefers issuing a check to 18.7 million people rather than honoring its electoral promise to increase the monthly Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) benefits for lower-income individuals aged 65 and over.
It is worth noting that the GIS is intended for those with an annual income of $22,000 or less, a figure below Canada’s official poverty line.
“Retirees in general are furious! It has become clear that the Trudeau government will not fulfill its commitment regarding the Guaranteed Income Supplement. GIS beneficiaries need this increase to meet their basic needs. Unfortunately, these individuals will have to continue living in financial insecurity,” says Ms. Tassé-Goodman.
The Liberal Party of Canada pledged during the 2021 election campaign to raise the GIS by $500 annually for single individuals and $750 for couples. In Quebec, more than 35% of those aged 65 and over receive the GIS.
Furthermore, the federal government had the opportunity this fall to correct an injustice for individuals aged 65 to 74. It could have extended the 10% increase in Old Age Security benefits, granted to those aged 75 and over in 2022, to younger seniors. Once again, it failed to act.
The Canada Workers Benefit was announced alongside a two-month suspension (December 14 to February 15) from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) on grocery items and essential holiday products. Both measures require confirmation through the adoption of a bill.
Working Canadians Rebate
If you worked in 2023, you are eligible for the Working Canadians Rebate, which provides a one-time payment of $250.
This amount will be distributed in early spring 2025, either by direct deposit or check.
To qualify, you must:
- Have worked, been self-employed, or received employment insurance benefits in 2023;
- Have filed your 2023 tax return by December 31, 2024;
- Be a resident of Canada as of March 31, 2025;
- Not be serving a prison sentence of at least 90 days immediately before April 1, 2025;
- Not have passed away before April 1, 2025.
