Seniors in Vernon calling for an increase to CPP payments at March 21 rally(photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

By Pete McIntyre

Update

Seniors still upset at Ottawa, staging second rally for higher pensions; government responds

Jun 25, 2024 | 6:00 AM

For the second time in the last few months, seniors in Vernon and seven other B.C. communities will be protesting having to live below the poverty line when relying on the federal government’s Canada Pension Plan.

The group — Seniors Tin Cup — will hold a rally this Thursday (June 27) starting at 11 a.m. at the Highway 97 intersection across from the Polson Park fountain.

The seniors say they are tired of being poor and want a “liveable income,” and pensions that are indexed to the cost of living.

In response to the claim, the federal government contacted Vernon Matters and said it is incorrect to suggest that government pensions are not indexed to inflation.

“Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) benefits are reviewed four times per year (in January, April, July and October) in accordance with changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This quarterly indexation provides benefit increases to recipients when prices go up. In fact, by April 2024, OAS benefits had increased by 3.2 per cent over the past year,” Maja Stefanovska, Media Relations Office, Digital Channel, Media and Events told Vernon Matters.

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“And if prices go down, the Old Age Security Act and the Canada Pension Plan contain a guarantee that benefits will not go down in the event of a decline in the CPI. Canada Pension Plan payments are also indexed to the cost of living. Benefit amounts are adjusted in January of each year to reflect increases in the CPI,” Stefanovska added.

Rallies will also be also be held in Kamloops, Cranbrook, Terrace, Vanderhoof, Williams Lake, White Rock and Ladysmith.

The seniors last rallied on March 21, 2024.

Organizers say over 1,000 people have signed an online petition and two paper petitions in Kamloops and Vernon.

You can find out more at SeniorsTinCup.org.