Budget Neglects Seniors, Time For Actions Says Country's Oldest Seniors Organization.

OTTAWA, March 21, 2013 /CNW/ - Pensions, pharmacare, affordable housing for seniors and poverty issues are not addressed in this budget and seniors are suffering from this neglect according to the National Pensioners and Senior Citizens Federation. 

"Seniors will be very disappointed with this budget but our members will continue to raise awareness of these issues and suggest positive actions from this government to help the three generations of retires who built the fabric of this country get the supports they need to live in dignity," says Herb John, President of the NPSCF. 

The United Nations, Senate of Canada, Statistics Canada, chartered banks and numerous non governmental organizations have released statistics, reports and recommendations showing that income, housing, diet, prescriptions and poverty need to be addressed yet there is no attention given to address these issues in the latest budget. Neglecting these issues has a major affect on health and therefore healthcare costs which represents the largest expenditure item for governments in Canada. 

NPSCF member organizations and individual members were hoping for more from this budget on the heels of a last budget which extended the wait for Old Age Security eligibility from 65 to 67 for future retirees. The NPSCF has been advocating for not only reversing these changes, but also for other steps that would help seniors, now and in the future, deal with gaps in services and support.

The NPSCF is joining with other Canadians to create hope and change for all Canadians. Inequity in Canada is becoming more polarized every day and the current systems dramatic focus on the private sector has not provided the promised wealth, jobs and leisure time during the last 30 years. It is time to take a different approach and strong action needs to be taken using the abundant evidence that shows clearly that there is a need for investment in our collective future. 

SOURCE National Pensioners and Senior Citizens Federation

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