CPP is fully-funded, but OAS is not Recently, many of you have voiced your concerns regarding Canada's system of income for seniors. I would like to take this opportunity to clarify things. In Canada, there are three programs that provide income for Canadian seniors. These programs are the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and Old Age Security (OAS). CPP is funded through premiums that working Canadians contribute from every paycheque. It was reformed by Finance Minister Paul Martin a decade ago and is fully funded for the next 70 years. GIS-- funded out of general taxation revenue-- is a program that provides benefits for lower income seniors. Our government has significantly increased GIS benefits since 2006 and the program is fiscally sustainable. However, OAS-- also funded out of general taxation revenue-- is not on a fiscally sustainable path. Because of Canada's rapidly aging population, the OAS program will not be sustainable in 20 years. Today, there are 4.7 million Canadian seniors and four taxpayers for every senior. By 2030 there will be 9.3 million seniors and two taxpayers for every senior. If left unchanged, OAS payments will skyrocket from $36 billion per year in 2010 to $108 billion per year in 2030 -- consuming one quarter of total government program spending in 2030. Clearly, this is not sustainable and why it is important for us start a discussion on the OAS program. If OAS is not 7 ·The IFP· Halton Hills, Tuesday, February 28, 2012 Michael Chong reviewed, drastic actions will need to be taken a decade from now and future generations of Canadian seniors may have their pensions jeopardized. Any changes contemplated to OAS will not affect anyone currently receiving benefits, nor will it affect Canadians close to retirement. Other Canadians will receive significant notice of changes to OAS so that they have enough time to plan for their future. We will not put the financial security and well-being of our seniors at risk. Instead, we will take a balanced and responsible approach to ensuring that OAS is sustainable for future generations. The government is currently considering options for the future of OAS, but one thing is clear: there will be a lengthy notice period for any changes, and retired Canadians or those close to retirement will not be affected. I encourage you to contact me if you have any questions about OAS. You can contact me by phone at (866) 878-5556 or by email at michael.chong@parl.gc.ca Michael Chong is the MP for Wellington-Halton Hills Featuring: SERVED THURSDAY & FRIDAY 11:30 am to 2:00 pm LUNCH BUFFET $ -R Roast tB Beef f - Assorted Salads - Baked Ham - Dessert Table - Schnitzel with sauerkraut - Tea & Coffee 11.50 HST INCLUDED Rock n' Roll Private Catering Available Fri. 9:30 pm - close ~ LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ~ Sat. 9:30 pm - close Silver Creek Rock n' Roll Nor th of 49 79 Main Street South, Georgetown 905-877-3388 PHYSIOTHERAPY Now offering early morning and evening appointments - call us! Acton 519.853.9292 Georgetown 905.873.3103 www.eramosaphysio.com Tooth Chatter THE MISINFORMATION PROBLEM Despite the widespread publicity that attended the efforts of Denturists to secure the passage of legislation that would allow us to deal directly with the public, many people in Ontario are still not aware of what a Denturist is or what services we provide. Since 1970 and particularly since 1974, when the Ontario Legislature passed the "Denture Therapist Act, 1974" many Ontario citizens have directly availed themselves of the services provided by denturists. Compounding the problem of public confusion is the fact that when the Provincial Government finally enacted legislation years ago, they described the services provided by Denturists as "Denture Therapy" and designated the new dental health worker as a "Denture Therapist." "Denturist" is the proper legal name now. Although less-known than other professions, denturists have never the less provided an important health service to the people of Ontario. Not only does the denturist provide a full range of denture services directly to the patient, but he provides this service at a cost that makes wearing dentures possible for many who could not otherwise afford them. We do not work for dentists. Although your dentures might refer you to our office, you do not need a referral. We are Denture Specialists. We have our own practices and work independently. Simply call our office direct for an appointment. Creating confident smiles since 1982. . . . Lend Me Your By Cory Soal Ears R.H.A.D. Growing to serve you better. Eramosa Physiotherapy Associates (EPA) has a strong reputation in evidence-based physiotherapy, especially in the areas of shoulder and low back pain for people of all ages. We also specialize in women's health, osteoarthritic and post surgical rehabilitation as well as other muscular pain and sports injuries. Our locations: Elora, Guelph (Health and Performance Centre), Guelph (Bullfrog Mall), Cambridge, Orangeville LIVING WITH A LOSS OF HEARING Some voices are easier to understand than others. The clearly speaking person produces words that are more precisely formed, or articulated. The rate of speed of words spoken also affects our ability to understand. If one can hear the speaker as he/she is talking, this makes it easier to understand. The environment also has an affect on speech understanding -- bare walls and floors in a room causes sound to "bounce" around. Keep in mind that it is much easier to converse in a quiet, carpeted room. Make sure that there is good lighting and try to maintain a speaking distance of less than nine feet. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how much easier conversation is. Hearing loss can dampen enjoyment of movies, music, church services, watching TV, eating out and talking on the telephone. 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