Getting things done for seniors - Creation of National Seniors Council delivers on another election promise

Canada's New Government has delivered on another key election promise by announcing the creation of the National Seniors Council.

During the last federal election, our government promised to create a Council to allow Canadian seniors to have a say in the issues that mattered to them.

We have delivered on that promise and will continue to deliver real results to Canada's seniors.

The National Seniors Council will advise the Government on seniors' issues of national importance. It will help ensure that government policies, programs and services meet the evolving needs of seniors

Canadian seniors have spent a lifetime building our great country. With selfless determination and dedication they established careers, raised families and paid their taxes.

Now that their careers are behind them, they deserve to enjoy a long and healthy retirement.

The Seniors Council will build on the work that Canada's New Government has already been doing to improve the health and well-being of our seniors, including:

- Allowing pension income splitting for couples;

- Increasing the age credit by $1,000 (from $4,066 to $5,066);

- Doubling the pension income credit to $2,000 which will put almost $900 million back in the hands of seniors over the next two years and remove 85,000 pensioners from the tax rolls;

- Increasing the maximum Guaranteed Income Supplement benefit which will assist more than 50,000 seniors;

- Proposing legislation to make it easier for seniors to apply for and receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement;

- Increasing the Refundable Medical Expense Supplement tax credit by more than 30 per cent to $1,000;

- Expanding the Compassionate Care Benefit to make more Canadians eligible; and

- Reducing the GST to 6%.

Other Government of Canada seniorsfocused initiatives include projects to make cities more accessible for seniors, help seniors become prepared for emergencies, prevent fall-related injuries, and develop guidelines on seniors' mental health issues.

We owe our seniors a debt of gratitude. The actions for seniors by Canada's New Government have been guided by its profound respect for their service to Canada and we will continue getting things done for Canada's seniors and pensioners.