Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.

Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Gisèle Tassé-Goodman, and I'm the president of Réseau FADOQ. With me is Philippe Poirier-Monette, our special advisor on government relations.

I'd like to thank the committee members for their invitation to comment on Bill C‑59.

Réseau FADOQ is an assembly of over 580,000 members aged 50 years and over. Through our various activities, we strive to make elected representatives and members of civil society aware of the realities facing seniors who are attempting to improve their quality of life.

As Bill C‑59 is highly technical, we will use our time before this committee to go over a number of measures that could be highly beneficial for seniors.

As we approach the tabling of the federal budget, it's important to point out that efforts are needed to improve the quality of life for a major segment of the population. When the previous budget was announced, our organization was pleased with the introduction of a measure to assist those who are less well-off with their grocery purchases.

Réseau FADOQ was also delighted with the government's intent to extend the Canadian Dental Care Plan to seniors. This initiative was enthusiastically welcomed by our members. Bill C‑59 also includes technical amendments to promote the implementation of the Canadian Dental Care Plan. People are eagerly looking forward to the deployment of this plan. Réseau FADOQ is hoping to see it come into effect smoothly and soon.

However, we would like to comment on some measures that were missing from the previous budget and from last November's fall economic statement.

During the 2021 electoral campaign, the government promised to increase the guaranteed income supplement by $500 per year for people aged 65 and over living alone, and by $750 per year for couples. Three years on, seniors are still waiting. It's important to remember that those receiving the guaranteed income supplement are among the least affluent in our society. That is why Réseau FADOQ is hoping they will deliver on their promise.

In 2021, the Canadian government was also working on introducing a tax credit for experienced workers. Given the current worker shortage, this would be a welcome measure because it would encourage many to either continue working or return to work.

Another proposal that is taking its time is expanding the Canada caregiver credit to make it a refundable tax-free benefit. Through these changes, this tax measure would become accessible to those who are less well-off and it would benefit more of the caregivers who are providing essential care.

Lastly, we'd like to return to the matter of the 10% increase in the old age security pension, which is now applicable only to those aged 75 years and over. This increase was, and continues to be, essential. However, those aged 65 to 74 do not understand why they are still excluded from the increase. At the moment, those under 75 who are living strictly on the old age security pension and the guaranteed income supplement have an annual income of $21,345. This is below the Canadian poverty line, which is based on the market basket measure. This index establishes the cost of a basic subsistence-level basket of goods. Those at this income level are living in economically precarious circumstances.

Financial distress can affect people of any age, and those aged 65 to 74 years should also receive the 10% increase to old age security.

I'd like to thank the committee members for their attention. We are now ready for any questions they may have.

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