A rally in Vernon put on by the Seniors Tin Cup calling for pensionplan payment increases in March of 2024 (photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

By Liam Verster

Seniors Tin Cup Rally In Vernon

Local seniors to hold rally calling for their inclusion in the spring federal rebate program

Nov 29, 2024 | 6:00 AM

Seniors in Vernon will take to their streets, demanding they be included in the federal government’s proposed spring rebate program.

The Liberals plan to provide rebate cheques of $250 next spring to all working Canadians who earned less than $150,000 last year.

The rebates have come under fire from the other federal parties, with NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh demanding that seniors and people on disability who cannot work be included, and the Conservatives opposing the rebates saying they are trying to buy votes.

Locally, the Seniors Tip Cup group in Vernon plan to host a rally, calling for seniors to be included in the proposed program.

“It is beyond ridiculous that once again, those who live on $25,252.00 or less [provided through their pension plans] will be ignored,” Carol Fawcett, the Seniors Tip Cup Provincial Organizer for B.C., and the local group advocate, said in an email to Vernon Matters.

Seniors Tin Cup Rally In Vernon

Local seniors to hold rally calling for their inclusion in the spring federal rebate program

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“Who will the government help out? Why – what a silly question. They will help those who earn $150,000.00 or less. This is beyond ridiculous.”

The rally will be held on 30th Ave in downtown Vernon Friday, Dec. 6. Participants will march up and down the sidewalk between 33rd Street and Highway 97, holding signs and demanding their inclusion in the rebate program.

The rebates were previously also tied to a two-month GST break, which would take effect on Dec. 14, but the Liberals separated the two issues after the NDP said they would not back the tax holiday if it was tied to the rebates.

Seniors Tip Cup is a group that has been calling on the federal government to increase pension plan payments so seniors don’t fall into poverty.