Issue 61 – 25, July 27th, 2025
The Alternative Federal Budget
The Congress of Union Retirees of Canada (CURC) cares about making sure that union retirees and seniors, have good health care, decent income, and a secure future. That’s why we should we are involved with the Alternative Federal Budget (AFB) created by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA). The AFB shows a different way the government could spend money to help everyone, especially those who need it most.
The CCPA’s alternative budget is like a “plan B” for how Canada could handle its money. It’s been made every year for 30 years. Instead of focusing only on cutting costs and reducing the deficit (the amount of money the government owes), the AFB suggests investing in things that make life better for people, that are good for the planet, helping farmers, funding arts and culture, improving childcare and health care, and supporting First Nations communities.
Retirees want a country where everyone can live with dignity, no matter their age or background. The AFB’s plan focuses on reducing poverty among seniors and children, creating more jobs, and making sure public services like health care and education are strong and accessible. For example, it proposes increasing taxes on rich people and big companies so there is more money to fund programs that help the less fortunate. This could mean that many seniors would have a better quality of life, with fewer worries about poverty or access to health care.
Many governments, including Canada’s current one, try to balance the budget by cutting services and programs that help people. This often means less money for health care, education, and social support, which can hurt vulnerable groups like seniors, Indigenous peoples, and low-income families. The alternative budget, however, believes that investing in these areas is important and that it’s possible to balance the books while still helping people.
The AFB shows that governments have a choice. They can follow policies that favor big businesses and wealthy individuals, or they can choose to prioritize the well-being of all citizens. For retirees, supporting an approach that invests in social programs and public services means a safer, healthier, and fairer society. It’s about making sure that the future is better for everyone, especially those who have worked hard all their lives and deserve support in retirement.
The Congress of Union Retirees of Canada would want to be involved with the Alternative Federal Budget because it offers a positive vision for a fairer and more caring society. It shows that different political choices can lead to better outcomes for seniors and all Canadians. Over the next weeks we will address some of the choices the government is promoting and some of the alternatives, it’s about choices. Supporting this kind of budget aligns with their goal of ensuring a secure and dignified future for retirees and future generations alike.
Over the next weeks we will address some of the choices the government is promoting and some of the alternatives, it’s about choices. The consultation process has begun, lets make them aware of our choices.
Read more - Pre-Budget Consultations 2025 - Canada.ca
Right now, Pharmacare is at a big crossroads.
The Liberal government, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, says it wants to make Canada's health care stronger.
But some people are worried. The government has not yet signed agreements with all provinces and territories on pharmacare, a program that helps pay for drugs like insulin for diabetes or contraceptives. Some provinces, say they already have good coverage, so they don’t need to join the federal program right now. But others, including the Canadian Health Coalition, say that many Canadians still can’t afford their medicines, and more work needs to be done.
If medicines are too expensive or hospitals are not available when you need them, it can be very hard. People may have to choose between paying rent or buying medicine. That’s why it’s important for our government to keep promises and work to make health care accessible for everyone.
The New Democrats (NDP), want to see the government follow through on promises to expand health care programs like pharmacare. They believe that no Canadian should have to choose between their health and their money. They are urging the government to sign agreements quickly and ensure that all provinces and territories get the support they need.
Being concerned about the direction of our government is very important. It’s about protecting our health care system, our rights, and our future.
Take action - Canadian Health Coalition – We support public health care
Changing the Narrative on Aging - Wednesday, July 30, 2025: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EST
Aging isn’t a challenge to overcome; it’s our perception of aging that needs a shift. Negative perceptions and stereotypes about aging can significantly affect older adults, diminishing their self-worth, independence, safety, mental and physical health, social life and financial wellbeing.
Join us for a webinar with British Columbia’s Seniors Advocate, Dan Levitt, to discover how ageism hides in our everyday conversations and occurrences. Be part of a conversation about how we can change the narrative on aging to foster a culture where older adults contribute to our communities and enhance quality of life across the age continuum.
Please note that by completing this registration form, you’re signing up to receive calendar invitations for all webinars in the Enabling Aging in Place Webinar series. You’re welcome to attend one or all. Speaker
- Dan Levitt, British Columbia’s Seniors Advocate
Host
- Andrea Piché, Senior Program Lead, Healthcare Excellence Canada
Who should attend
- Older adults who want to feel seen, heard and valued
- Family, friends and caregivers who support older adults
- People working in healthcare, social work, or community services
- Anyone interested in changing how we think and talk about aging