Official Opposition’s Budget Expectations: A Simple Solution for Our Seniors

The Liberal Critic for Senior and Informal Caregivers, Ms. Monique Sauvé, invites François Legault’s government to use the budget that is to be presented on March 10th as an opportunity to review the method for calculating the tax credit for home support for seniors. The goal is to allow low-income seniors to remain in their homes for as long as possible.

The MNA representing Fabre proposes a change in the criteria to be eligible for this credit which was established some 20 years ago. At the moment, one of the most important criteria for determining the credit amount is the type of residence, which currently penalizes seniors with low incomes. The Official Opposition suggests that the main criteria should instead be annual revenue.

This measure, which would cost approximately $100M, would greatly improve the lives of some 270,000 seniors. The investment is minimal compared to the $2.6B that François Legault’s government is ready to pay for the creation of 2,600 places in its homes for seniors.

Moreover, during the 2019-2020 study of the Seniors and Informal Caregivers part of the budget credits for the Ministry of Health and Social Services, the MNA representing Fabre had made a suggestion to the Minister Responsible for Seniors and Informal Caregivers, Ms. Marguerite Blais, to modify the tax credit to benefit seniors with low incomes. At the time, the measure’s relevance was recognized by the Minister. Unfortunately, in spite of her commitment, the Minister and her government have still not taken any action in this file.

This proposal is concrete, immediate, simple, and most importantly humane. It will reduce the financial pressure experienced by many seniors with low incomes. With the surplus that it has at its disposal, François Legault’s government has no reason to refuse this change. It is a measure whose effects will be much faster and more positive than building seniors’ homes. It’s nice to dream, but there’s also reality.

–Ms. Monique Sauvé, Liberal Critic for Seniors and Informal Caregivers

It is a short-term measure that the CAQ government can apply to support our most vulnerable seniors. The CAQ has the means to take action and provide a little breathing room for our seniors who are having a hard time making ends meet. They want to remain at home as long as possible, but for that we need to provide them with the means to do so. I hope that the Minister of Finance will seize the opportunity presented by this budget to help a greater number of senior citizens.

–Mr. Carlos J. Leitão, Liberal Critic for Finance