Issue 98 – 26, April 19, 2026
Paul Kershaw challenges your OAS
Old Age Security (OAS) is a government program that provides money to Canadians aged 65 and older. It helps many seniors pay for things like food, housing, and healthcare. To get OAS, people must live in Canada for a certain amount of time, and their income also matters. Some people, like Paul Kershaw, want to change or cut OAS. He says the program isn’t fair and that it benefits people who don’t need it, especially wealthy seniors. But there are good reasons to keep OAS the way it is and not follow Kershaw’s ideas.
OAS is not based on how much someone has earned from work. Instead, it depends on how long they have lived in Canada and their income level. If someone lives in Canada for 40 years after turning 18, they get a full OAS pension. If they live here for less time, they get a smaller amount. People can start receiving OAS at age 65, but they can choose to wait and get a bigger benefit later. The amount increases the longer they wait, up to age 70. OAS also increases slightly when people turn 75.
In 2025, around 7.35 million Canadians received OAS benefits. Most of them got full benefits, and in 2024, the average monthly payment was about $719. The government adjusts these payments each quarter based on the cost of living. If prices go up, so does the benefit, but if prices fall, it doesn’t decrease.
Paul Kershaw wants to change OAS so that instead of being based on how long you have lived in Canada, it would depend on how much money your household makes. He suggests that if a household earns more than about $79,000 or $100,000 a year, they should get less or no OAS benefits. He claims this would save billions of dollars and make the program fairer. But many experts say this idea has problems.
First, changing OAS to a household income test would hurt middle-class seniors. Many seniors have modest incomes, and this change would reduce their benefits. For example, seniors who work part-time or have savings might lose part of their pension, even if they are not wealthy.
Second, most OAS recipients are women who rely on the pension to be independent. If the program depends on household income, a woman’s benefits could depend on her partner’s earnings, which could reduce her financial independence.
Third, turning OAS into an income-tested program could make it less popular and harder to fund. Universal benefits like OAS are widely accepted because they help everyone, regardless of income. If benefits are only for the poor or middle class, fewer people support them, and the program might be underfunded or cut in the future.
OAS is a universal program that helps all seniors, no matter their income. It’s fair because everyone pays into it and everyone benefits. Targeted programs for only the poor can stigmatize recipients and reduce support from the public. Also, cutting benefits for higher-income seniors doesn’t really help address inequality, because the very rich often have other ways to protect their wealth, like tax loopholes and savings accounts that are not taxed heavily.
Some say we should cut OAS to help young Canadians with issues like high housing costs and unemployment. But this is not necessary. The government can create programs to help young people without hurting seniors’ benefits. For example, it can increase taxes on the very rich or improve affordable housing and jobs. Cutting OAS would only hurt seniors who rely on it, especially women and vulnerable groups.
OAS is an important program that helps seniors live with dignity. Proposals to cut or change it should be carefully thought through. Instead of cutting benefits for seniors, Canada should look for fair ways to increase taxes on the wealthy and improve opportunities for young people. Protecting OAS ensures that all seniors can age with security and independence.
Read more - Cutting OAS for high-income seniors could save billions
Earth Day – April 22nd
On Earth Day, people around the world think about ways to protect our planet. Everything on Earth is connected, as environmentalists have said for a long time. That means what humans do affects nature, and what happens in nature affects us.
Earth Day is a great time to reflect on how our actions, including war, impact the environment. War has always caused destruction to the land, water, and air. Today, wars cause even bigger environmental damage. Cities like Dresden, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki showed how modern weapons can destroy entire landscapes and poison the earth.
In the Vietnam War, the damage was even worse. The U.S. used powerful bombs and chemical poisons like Agent Orange. A senator named Gaylord Nelson, who started Earth Day, was shocked by this destruction. In 1972, he introduced a bill to study the damage caused by war on the environment. He described how huge areas of land were flattened, forests destroyed, and farmland turned into toxic wastelands. Nelson explained that this kind of warfare leaves scars on the land that last forever.
Sadly, wars in the 21st century continue to harm the environment. A report from Brown University found that the war in Afghanistan released 1.2 billion tons of greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change. The U.S. also plays a big role in making weapons, selling 37% of the world's arms. Even when there is no active fighting, militarism still damages the environment. The military is one of the biggest polluters in the world.
For example, the F-35 fighter jet, burns 22 gallons of fuel every minute. In one year, this jet alone produces over 21,700 tons of greenhouse gases.
The late Gaylord Nelson knew that our priorities matter. In 1970, he said that protecting the environment means more than just cleaning up pollution. It means creating a world where everyone, people and animals, can live in peace and health. He asked if society was willing to make the long-term commitment needed to protect the planet. Sadly, our current actions show that we are still not doing enough.
Testing weapons and explosives releases toxic chemicals into the environment. Many sites where weapons are tested are heavily contaminated and costly to clean up. For example, the Nevada Test Site, where nuclear bombs were tested, is still polluted after many decades.
Even the disposal of old weapons and military waste can pollute the oceans and land. Sometimes, ships and tanks are dumped at sea, releasing dangerous chemicals. Military waste, electronic devices, and unexploded bombs also pose risks to the environment and human health.
Because of all these impacts, we need to rethink how we spend money on the military. We should focus more on protecting the environment and promoting peace. Investing in renewable energy, cleaning up contaminated sites, and reducing military waste can help save our planet.
Earth Day reminds us that taking care of the environment is everyone’s responsibility. We must speak out against the environmental damage caused by militarism. We need policies that limit military pollution and promote peace. By doing so, we can create a healthier, more sustainable world for ourselves and future generations.
Let’s work together to support peace and protect our planet. Earth Day is a perfect time to start making a difference. Because true security does not come from weapons, but from a healthy Earth.
Read more - Hundreds march in Montreal for Earth Day to protest environmental and social-program cuts
Safety Comes First
Many people believe that “there’s no place like home,” and that’s true. Your home is where you feel most comfortable. But sometimes, it can also be a place where accidents happen, especially for union retirees and seniors. Falls are the most common injuries among older adults, and they can be serious.
Many falls happen because of hazards in the home. The good news is you can make simple changes to keep yourself safe. By knowing what to watch for and making some adjustments, you can greatly lower your chances of falling and getting hurt.
Here are some easy tips:
Outside Your Home:
- Make sure every door has good lighting.
- Check that stairs, walkways, and decks have sturdy railings and slip-resistant surfaces.
- Keep pathways clear of leaves, snow, or clutter.
- Ensure house numbers are easy to see from the street and well-lit at night.
- If you live in a rural area, keep your address visible on your mailbox and have clear directions to your home.
Inside Your Home:
- Use grab bars in the bathroom, especially near the toilet and in the shower.
- Keep floors clean and free of rugs that can slip or trip you.
- Install handrails on stairs and in hallways.
- Make sure lighting is bright, especially in hallways, staircases, and bathrooms.
- Keep items within easy reach so you don’t have to stretch or climb to get them.
Falls can cause broken bones, hospital stays, and even loss of independence. Many seniors become afraid of falling, which can cause them to move less. But staying active is important to keep muscles strong and improve balance.
Most accidents can be prevented. Take time to check your home and make it safer. Small changes can make a big difference in helping you stay healthy and independent for many years to come.
Your home is your sanctuary. By being mindful of safety and making simple adjustments, you can enjoy your home comfortably and safely. Just like the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Stay safe and take care of yourself!
Read more - The Safe Living Guide—A Guide to Home Safety for Seniors - Canada.ca