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Supporting our Seniors

Dear Neighbour, 

Many individuals and families are facing different challenges due to the situation resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. We are supporting Canadians with an evolving response that adapts to new challenges as they arise. 

Seniors play an important role in our community and are particularly vulnerable during these uncertain times. This past week our federal government announced new measures to ensure Canadian seniors are supported and have access to the resources they need during COVID-19. 

Providing a one-time tax-free payment - New!

• A one-time tax-free payment of $300 for seniors eligible to receive the Old Age Security (OAS) pension, with an additional $200 for seniors eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
• This measure would give $500 in total to those eligible to receive both the OAS and the GIS, and help them cover increased costs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic

Extending the Guaranteed Income Supplement & Allowance Payments - New!

• Temporarily extending Guaranteed Income Supplement and Allowance payments if a seniors’ 2019 income information has not been assessed, allowing the most vulnerable seniors to continue to receive their benefits when most needed. 

Please Note: In order to avoid interruptions in receiving benefits, seniors are encouraged to submit their 2019 income information as soon as possible and no later than October 1, 2020

Providing Immediate and Essential Services to Seniors  - New!

• Expanding the New Horizons for Seniors Program with an additional investment of $20 million in support of organizations offering community-based projects that reduce isolation, improve seniors’ quality of life, and assist them in maintaining a network of social support 
• Offer flexibility to organizations receiving funding under the 2019-2020 New Horizons for Seniors Program community-based stream to use approved funding for activities relating to the response to the COVID-19 outbreak
  • This flexibility is available regardless of the nature of the originally-approved projects in order to provide seniors impacted by COVID-19 with immediate and essential services 

These activities can include: 

• Providing electronic devices, virtual activities and remote tutorials to help seniors to stay connected with their family and community 
• Assisting with the delivery of food and medication to seniors self-isolating at home 
• Helping seniors to perform essential activities, such as visits to the doctor 
• Hiring staff members as a substitute for the absence of experienced volunteers for reasons related to COVID-19
• Providing crucial information to seniors concerning caring for themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic 

Please Note: The Final Report Deadline for all 2018-2019 New Horizons for Seniors Program community-based recipients has been extended to December 31,2020

Reduced Minimum Withdrawals for Registered Retirement Income Funds 

• The minimum withdrawals from Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFS) has been reduced by 25% for 2020

Supporting the Delivery of Items and Personal Outreach

• Contributing $9 million through United Way Canada towards community organizations in support of practical services for seniors 
• Services include: grocery delivery, medications, personal outreach to determine individual needs and as a means to connect seniors with available supports. 
• Contact your local organization

Goods and Services Tax Credit on Average for Low and Middle Income Seniors 

• Providing a Goods and Services Tax Credit of $375 per adult and $510 per couple on average for low and middle income seniors

At the local level, our Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam communities have created great initiatives in order to better support our seniors 

Resources for Seniors in Coquitlam

• Meals for Seniors: Glen Pine and Dogwood Pavilions are offering a frozen meal delivery program with no cost for delivery. For more information: contact Glen Pine Pavilion at 604-927-4386
• Phone Buddy Program: Connecting seniors with community volunteers to provide seniors with social contact and support. For more information contact [email protected]

Resources for Seniors in Port Coquitlam

•  Seniors check-ins, mailing list and online programming: visit http://www.portcoquitlam.ca/wilsonseniors for more information or email [email protected] or call 604-927-7974.

Visit these resources for credible information regarding COVID-19

• BC Centre for Disease Control 
• Fraser Health
• Canada.ca 

My team and I continue to work hard every day to respond to the needs and concerns of our community. We are still dealing with a high volume of urgent requests but are committed to responding to every constituent. 

We are also focused on ensuring that everyone has the most up-to-date information and that it is accessible. For daily updates, follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, or visit my website.

Yours sincerely,

Ron McKinnon

Member of Parliament for Coquitlam - Port Coquitlam