Seniors in Vernon calling for an increase to CPP payments (photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

By Liam Verster

big turnout

‘It’s a slap in the face for seniors’: Vernon march calls for higher CPP payments

Mar 21, 2024 | 12:40 PM

Seniors in Vernon organized on Thursday to demand the federal government increase Canada Pension Plan payments.

Approximately 80 people gathered outside the Shubert Centre at 11 a.m. then marched through the downtown core to 32nd Street and back again on March 21.

The call for increased pension payments was organized by Carole Fawcett, a senior and activist with Tin Cup.

“We’re trying to draw attention from the government to increase our pensions, not claw back the guaranteed income supplement if we do earn a wee bit of money, and generally treat us all with respect by increasing our pension,” Fawcett told Vernon Matters.

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“We want our pension raised up to the level of poverty, which isn’t that sad to say. The level of poverty is $25,252. On my pension, if I figure it out, I’m earning $7 an hour on a pension, at the poverty level you’re earning $12 an hour, and yet the minimum wage is $16-something an hour going up to $17-something in June. It’s a slap in the face to seniors.”

Seniors calling for increased CPP payments in Vernon (photos by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

Seniors in Vernon demand increased CPP payments (photos by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

Along with seeking higher pension payments, Fawcett and the local seniors were calling for other benefits such as free eye exams, dental, physiotherapy, and other health care necessities.

“I paid $90 the other week for my eyes to be examined, and I know it’s not a big deal to some people but that’s a big deal when you’re on very low income,” Fawcett said.

The turn out for the march nearly brought Fawcett to tears.

“It’s very impactful and it’s with turnouts like this that seniors will be able to get change,” an emotional Fawcett told Vernon Matters.

Along with the march Thursday, Fawcett also ran a small campaign calling for increased CPP payments last December, and plans to hold more events in Vernon in the spring and summer.

She also got other communities involved, telling Vernon Matters there were marches going on in Vancouver, Kamloops, Ladysmith, White Rock, Terrace, and Prince George. Fawcett added she was having conversations with another senior advocate and they have tentative plans to start a petition.

She hoped to see the events grow and eventually be a national call to action.

“[Seniors are] one of the last groups to be considered, and dammit, we’re going to be considered,” Fawcett said.

“I’m going to keep at this until I drop dead. It’s ridiculous, and we need to get it going all across Canada.”