CARP tells politicos to fix boomers' retirement or voters will retire them; likes retroactive TFSA idea by federal inactivity
by Jonathan Chevereau
In an interview, CARP vice president of advocacy Susan Eng cited the plight of pensioners at bankrupt Nortel Networks as evidence of the urgent need for pension reform. She says governments also need to help aging workers who have no employer pensions at all. In particular, she thinks actuary Malcolm Hamilton's call to help those with massive losses in their RRSPs and RRIFs through retroactive TFSA contribution room is a "good recommendation."Read more.
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Retroactive TFSA Idea Gaining Currency, Don't Forget to Weigh in Using our Poll!
Canada's foremost pension actuary, Mercer's Malcolm Hamilton, says those whose RRSPs were devastated by the 2008 market crash should be given comparable contribution room in the new Tax Free Savings Accounts (TFSA), retroactive to age 18. To read the first TFSA article click here
In a later article, Malcolm Hamilton elaborated on retroactive TFSA mechanics to read that article, click here.
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PET Scan Update
The Ontario government just announced that PET scans will be publicly funded for certain cancer and cardiac patients thereby bringing Ontario better in line with most other provinces. Read more
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CARP takes on 'Home First' Program
CARP has received complaints from members who alleged they have received shocking treatment at the hands of the Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital in Hamilton. Read more.
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CARP Message to politicians: Protect our retirement or we’ll help you to yours
Video of President Obama's AARP Townhall on Healthcare Reform
Shona Holmes: The New Figurehead for the American Anti-Public Healthcare Campaign
Americans Explore how the Canadian System Actually Works
A Canadian doctor diagnoses U.S. healthcare
Health Care Reform May Not be Good for Politicians' Health
In Defense of Canadian Healthcare
Mythbusting Canadian Health Care -- Part I
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US Health Reform - Blame Canada?
Canadians must wonder how bad our healthcare system is if President Obama has to defend his health reform bill by saying “Don’t worry, it’s not the Canadian system”. Sure, we have our complaints, but are we really the Dark Side? Read more.
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Pre-Budget Consultations:
Tell us About Your Priorities
What if they called an election and no one came out to vote? That’s the real issue holding the Opposition back from pulling the plug – lack of election issues on which to build a platform.
Most people realize that government action has limited impact on turning the economy around. Yet here’s what the Finance Subcommittee of the House of Commons wants to hear from you:
1. What federal tax and program spending measures are needed to ensure prosperity and a sustainable future for Canadians from an economic, social and/or environmental perspective?
2. What federal stimulus measures have been effective and how might relatively ineffective measures be changed to ensure that they have the intended effects?
CARP has asked to be put on the list of deputants and we plan to focus on how the federal government can help older Canadians weather this economic storm. Governments may or may not be able to pull the economy out of its nosedive but at least they can provide a soft landing.
So please take a moment and let us what you think should be the priorities and whether you would make them election issues.
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Submit your Nominations for CARP's 25th Anniversary “Top 25 Canadians Award”
Submit your Nominations for CARP's 25th Anniversary "Top 25 Canadians Award"
"I can think of a dozen people who could be nominated" says General Richard Rohmer. Gail Hinchliffe says she too can think of several people deserving of the honour. And Dr. Colin Powell, who practices Geriatric Medicine at Rockyview General Hospital in Calgary, says he meets people on a weekly basis who are worthy of the nomination. Read more.
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Previous Issues of CARP Action Online
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What happened to Catastrophic and Rare Disease Drug Coverage?
The increased importance of pharmaceutical drugs in Canadian health care was not foreseen during the drafting of the Canada Health Act, federal legislation that sets out the requirements that provincial jurisdictions must satisfy in order to qualify for federal funding of their health care system. As a result, prescription drugs are covered in certain circumstances, such as during a visit to the hospital, but this coverage ends once you are discharged. Read more
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Using Retirement Homes as Way Stations between Hospitals and Long-Term Care Homes: What You Need to Know
by Judith Wahl, Executive Director, Advocacy Centre for the Elderly
ALC patients no longer require acute care but are not able to be discharged home, as they still need another level of health care, such as complex continuing care, rehabilitation or long-term care. Unfortunately, due to a shortage of spaces, these patients have no option but to wait in hospital pending transfer. Read more
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Advance Care Planning: Discussing future health care and treatment options is not an easy topic of conversation
by Barry R. Ashpole
As they grow older, few people consider their wishes in terms of their future health care. For most, this is not a subject of "normal" conversation. Read more.
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Senator Majory LeBreton's Response to Elder Abuse Survey
by Marjory LeBreton
"I was pleased to see how engaged CARP members are on the important issue of elder abuse. It was very encouraging to see that almost three quarters of those who responded to your questionnaire had seen our Government’s advertisement on TV. Read more.
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Elder Abuse Public Service Annoucement Survey Analysis
In the last newsletter we asked readers if they had seen the government anti-elder abuse PSA and surveyed them on their impressions. Read more.
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Keeping Safe Older Drivers Driving
Candrive’s primary research goal is, through a 5-year cross-Canada study of older drivers, to determine the key factors that impact their driving safety. Study investigators propose to recruit 1000 older drivers, aged 70 and older, from seven Canadian cities. Read more
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