Seniors across Canada can expect another cheque in the mail.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says any senior who is eligible for the Old Age Security pension will receive a $300 payment to help off-set some of the costs of COVID-19.
Trudeau says they are also giving an extra $200 to people are eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
He says the one-time tax free payment of $500 will support almost 7 million seniors.
Trudeau says they are also investing an extra $20-million in the New Horizons For Seniors program.
“Earlier we boosted funding so that organizations could provide delivery services and help seniors stay in touch with family. So we are making another investment today to create more programs to help isolated seniors and improve their quality of life.”
The money is for caregivers and organizations help keep seniors busy, active and connected during the pandemic.
This could include the purchase of video conferencing technology at Seniors Centres.
Trudeau says “There’s no question that COVID-19 has been taking its toll on seniors both emotionally and financially. Our government is taking action to alleviate some of the stress they may be feeling.”
The prime minister adds that there’s still more work needed to find long-term solutions to how Canada’s elderly are cared for.
