Issue 96 – 26, April 5, 2026
A Century of Commitment From Each Generation
Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) are two important programs in Canada that help seniors, especially those with low incomes. Starting nearly 100 years ago, they have changed a lot over time. It’s important to understand how these programs started, how they work today, and why they matter.
One way to think about OAS and GIS is that they represent a promise made by each generation to look after the next. Over five generations, Canadians have agreed to support their elders in retirement. This is like a family tradition, but on a national level. When working-age Canadians pay taxes, some of that money goes to support seniors who have retired. This agreement depends on everyone contributing, trusting that today’s workers will be supported when they retire, just like past generations helped their elders.
The first federal pension for seniors was created in 1927. Back then, it was called the Old Age Pensions Act. Only people over 70 could get it, and the payments were small. Also, not everyone could qualify. Provinces managed the program, and they used tests based on income and assets. This meant that many seniors who didn’t have much money or savings weren’t eligible. Many people felt ashamed to receive this pension, and coverage varied from province to province.
At that time, the idea was to help only those who had no other resources left. The goal was to avoid spending too much money and only help the most vulnerable.
In the 1930s and 1940s, the program didn’t change much. It mainly aimed to reduce poverty among seniors, but many still lived in poverty. Also, the way provinces managed the program made it unfair for some people.
By 1952, Canada decided to make the pension universal. This meant that all seniors aged 70 and older could get the benefit, regardless of income or assets. This was a big change that aimed to treat all seniors equally. The program was funded partly by a payroll tax, which means workers paid into it. However, in the following decades, the government decided to fund OAS from general government revenues instead of payroll taxes. This made OAS a benefit based on citizenship, not contributions.
In the 1960s, Canada created two important programs: the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP). These are earnings-related pensions that depend on how much a person has worked and paid into the system. Meanwhile, OAS remained a universal benefit for all seniors.
In 1967, the government introduced the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). This extra support is for seniors with very low income. Unlike OAS, which is the same for everyone, GIS is targeted to help those who need it most. This made the system fairer and more effective at reducing poverty among seniors.
Since the 1970s, OAS and GIS have continued to evolve:
Inflation Protection (1972): The benefits are now adjusted for inflation, so they keep their value over time.
Residency Rules (1977): Rules were changed so that more immigrants could qualify for OAS, based on how many years they lived in Canada.
Income Testing (1989): Higher-income seniors now pay back some OAS benefits through taxes, so the program is partly income-based.
New Rules for Sponsored Immigrants (2011 & 2026): Some immigrants sponsored into Canada face longer periods without receiving GIS benefits.
Helping the Lowest-Income Seniors (2016): GIS payments were increased for the poorest seniors.
Flexible Retirement Age (2013): Seniors can choose to delay receiving OAS, which increases their payments.
Age-Based Increase (2022): Seniors aged 75 and over now get a 10% higher OAS benefit, recognizing that older seniors often need more support.
Throughout its history, OAS and GIS have been actively adjusted to meet the needs of Canadians. They have moved from basic, age-based payments to complex programs that consider income, age, immigration, and economic conditions. These programs have helped millions of seniors live with some dignity and reduce poverty.
Understanding the history and purpose of OAS and GIS is important when thinking about how to improve them in the future. These programs have shown resilience and adaptability over the past 100 years. Any changes should be carefully considered, keeping in mind their original goal: to support seniors and ensure they can live with dignity and security.
Members of the Canadian Union of Retirees should stay informed about discussions on pension and social support reforms. Protecting and strengthening OAS and GIS benefits is crucial for ensuring that all seniors can enjoy their retirement years with dignity. Remember, these programs are built on a promise across generations, a promise that we will look after each other, now and in the future.
Read More -Old Age Security - Canada.ca
War and Seniors: Why Older People Need Help
The terrible conflict in the Middle East has turned Lebanon into a place of suffering and chaos. Thousands of families are fleeing their homes in fear, living in overcrowded shelters, and facing unimaginable hardship. But among the most vulnerable are our seniors, older people who desperately need our help, and we cannot wait any longer. Over one million people have had to leave their homes and find safety elsewhere.
Many seniors have had to leave everything behind suddenly. They are losing access to vital healthcare, essential medicines, and basic support systems. In overcrowded shelters, their health and dignity are at serious risk. Without urgent help, their lives could be lost or permanently damaged.
H.A., a 62-year-old woman living in Saida, shared her feelings: “We left our home without knowing if or when we will return. This uncertainty is overwhelming and makes daily life unbearable. We try to hope and take life one day at a time.”
Organizations like HelpAge International are working to support older people. They give special help, including hygiene items, medicines, and emotional support. These efforts focus on older people who are often ignored during emergencies.
Older people often have health problems like high blood pressure or diabetes that need ongoing care. When healthcare gets worse and medicines become expensive or unavailable, their health suffers. Many older people also have trouble moving around or getting to places that give aid.
Since early March 2026, violence in Lebanon has increased. Families are forced to leave their homes suddenly. Many find refuge in crowded shelters or rely on neighbors and friends. The country’s economy is broken, and hospitals and services are overwhelmed. Food and fuel are hard to find, and prices are very high.
Older adults are hit especially hard. They often live with health conditions that need regular treatment. Displacement makes it difficult to get medicines or go to a doctor. Many cannot afford transportation to hospitals or help with heating their homes in cold weather. They also feel lonely and lose their independence.
Many older adults feel ashamed or embarrassed about their situation. They worry about losing their dignity and feel helpless. Some wish they could leave Lebanon to find a better life, but they face barriers like language, skills, or family ties.
To improve life for older people, several actions are needed:
Expand financial aid programs to help those in need.
Develop better social protections and healthcare systems.
Provide medical support and medicines regularly.
Offer mental health support.
Involve older people in decisions that affect their lives.
The time to help Is now, not tomorrow, not next week. Every moment we delay could mean more suffering, more health crises, and more lives lost. International aid organizations are doing their best, but their resources are stretched thin. The crisis is growing bigger every day, and immediate, targeted action is needed, before it’s too late.
They are crying out for help. They feel ashamed, helpless, and forgotten. Many want to leave Lebanon for safety but are held back by barriers like language, lack of skills, and family ties. They are suffering in silence, but their lives depend on our immediate response.
War and crises hurt everyone, but older people are especially vulnerable. They need our support, care, and respect.
Read more - Lebanon’s escalating crisis leaves older people at risk as displacement surges - HelpAge International
CURC and the Federal NDP Council
Congratulations to brother Lyle Hargrove (UNIFOR/CURC) and sister Patty Coates (ARM/CURC) for being elected by delegates of the labour caucus at the recent NDP Convention, as Federal NDP Council Representatives.
We look forward to their positive contributions to the Federal NDP Council on behalf of Labour and Union Retirees.
Happy Easter!