Let’s take the case of people who have to retire at 60 years old. If they start collecting from the Quebec pension plan at that age, they are penalized. Furthermore, some benefits and tax credits are available at 65 years old, and others at 70 years old. It reduces seniors’ quality of life.
That said, when it comes to housing, we know it is very expensive. As I said to your colleague, seniors tell us they are unable to pay all their rent at the end of the month. They keep part of it—$200, for example—to pay for their groceries. Then they tell their landlord they will pay the rest next month. It has a domino effect.
Seniors also tell us about how hard it is for them to pay for their medication, buy their glasses and go to the dentist. Those services are not free.
The 10% increase for Old Age Security represents about $70 a month. If seniors aged 65 to 74 years old could access that amount, it would be highly appreciated.