Issue 120 – 26, September 20th, 2026
Parliament is Back Monday
Every year, the government introduces a federal budget, it will be this Fall. It decides how to spend money on things like health care, education, roads, and social programs. For retired union workers, this budget is very important because it affects their future and the services we depend on.
When the government talks about “strength,” it often means spending a lot on the military, helping oil companies make more money, and cutting programs that support regular people, like health care, affordable housing, and pensions. In fact, many of these programs that help seniors and workers have been cut or ignored. Meanwhile, the government gives huge rewards to billionaires and big corporations.
The truth is that the federal government’s “Strong Canada” plan doesn’t really include seniors or union retirees. It mainly focuses on boosting the military and supporting fossil fuel industries. Here’s what they have done:
- They have cut funding for health care programs that seniors depend on, like home care and long-term care.
- They have not increased the support given to seniors’ pensions or guaranteed income programs that help low-income seniors live with dignity.
- They have ignored the urgent need for affordable housing and better health services for seniors.
- They have cut programs that support unpaid care workers, many of whom are women and racialized workers, who do the vital work of caring for our seniors at home and in care facilities.
Instead of protecting seniors’ rights or making sure they have what they need, the government’s focus is on spending billions on weapons, fossil fuels, and tax breaks for the wealthy.
If Canada is only “strong” because of big industries and the military, it might not be good for everyone. Many people, especially seniors, need health care, affordable housing, and support as we age. When the government chooses to spend money mainly on war and fossil fuels, it can hurt those who need help the most.
There is another plan called the “Alternative Federal Budget” (AFB), oganized by the Canadian Centre for Palicy Alternatives. It is developed by groups of people who want to make Canada fairer and more caring. This plan says that “Canada Strong” should mean caring for everyone, especially seniors and workers.
1. Better Support for Seniors and Retirees:
The AFB suggests increasing pensions and benefits like Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement. It calls for more money to help seniors stay healthy and live in their communities. It also wants to improve seniors’ access to home care and long-term care, making sure workers in these sectors are paid fairly and work under good conditions.
2. Ending Poverty and Ensuring Dignity:
The plan aims to cut poverty in half by 2030. It would give more help to those who have low incomes, including seniors living on fixed pensions or minimal savings. It also wants to make sure everyone can access the services they need, no matter who they are or where they live.
3. Fair Taxes:
The plan proposes higher taxes on the ultra-rich and big corporations. It suggests taxing billionaires and large inheritances, money passed down in families, so wealth doesn’t stay only with the few rich people. It also wants to stop tax cheats and close loopholes that let the wealthy avoid paying taxes.
4. Protecting the Environment and Creating Jobs:
Instead of giving money to oil and gas companies, the plan supports investing in renewable energy and clean technology. This would create good jobs and help Canada reduce pollution, making the country healthier for everyone, including future retirees.
5. Investing in Communities:
The plan calls for building more affordable housing, especially for seniors, and making sure health and social services are available in every community.
Retired union workers helped build Canada’s strong social programs. These programs are what protect seniors and help them live with dignity. The government’s current “Strong Canada” plan doesn’t include enough help for seniors or recognize their needs. Instead, it focuses on military and corporate interests.
The alternative budget shows a different kind of “strength”, one based on caring for people, especially seniors, workers, and vulnerable populations. It recognizes that a strong country is one that provides good health care, affordable housing, and fair treatment for everyone, not just supporting industries that harm the environment or enrich the wealthy.
The federal budget is more than just numbers, it's about what kind of country we want to be. The alternative federal budget offers a different path, one based on fairness, care, and community. It aims to protect the rights and well-being of seniors and workers. As retirees, it’s important to pay attention and support a plan that puts people first, because real strength comes from caring for each other.
Read more - Alternative federal budget 2026-27: Bridge to independence | CCPA
CHARLIE Talk
National Webinar & Local Events
October 01, 2026, at 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Join Charlie Angus for a national CHARLIE Talk on October 1st from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Eastern.|
The United Nations General Assembly declared 1st October as the International Day of Older Persons in 1990.
Recognizing our Day, CURC has partnered with OPSEU to hold a webinar on October 1st, under the title “CHARLIE Talk” on union retirees and seniors’ resistance, with special guest, Charlie Angus.
“Retired from the job not the fight.” We still need to fight! Pressure to meet union retirees and seniors’ needs is growing, and we need to resist cuts and fight for services and rights.
Join us for an online webinar for a national conversation about the issues affecting older people and what we can do together to defend the services and rights we rely on.