Who handles seniors & aging?
Seniors & Aging
Senior services span all levels. Federal provides CPP and OAS, provinces regulate long-term care and deliver health services, and municipalities run local programs and age-friendly initiatives.
⚠️ Shared Jurisdiction: This area involves multiple levels of government. The information below shows the primary responsibility at each level, but overlap is common. When in doubt, start with the level most directly related to your issue.
Key Facts
- ● Approximately 6.7 million Canadians (18.3% of the population) are aged 65 or older, projected to reach 9.3 million by 2036.
Federal
Parliament of Canada
- ● Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
- ● Canada Pension Plan (CPP/QPP)
- ● Senior tax credits (Age Amount, Pension Income Splitting)
- ● New Horizons for Seniors Program
💡 Example: Contact Service Canada about OAS or CPP, or your MP about seniors' policy.
Provincial
Provincial Legislature
- ● Long-term care home regulation and inspection
- ● Provincial seniors' programs and benefits
- ● Home care services
- ● Seniors' prescription drug coverage
💡 Example: Contact your provincial health ministry about long-term care, or your MPP/MLA about seniors' benefits.
Municipal
City / Town Hall
- ● Senior centres and programs
- ● Age-friendly community initiatives
- ● Local transportation for seniors
- ● Senior housing and supportive services
💡 Example: Contact your local seniors' centre, or your councillor about age-friendly city programs.
Quick Reference — Who to Contact
🏛️ Federal
Your Member of Parliament (MP)
🏢 Provincial
Your MPP, MLA, or MNA
🏘️ Municipal
Your City Councillor
How to Get Involved
You can make your voice heard on this issue by contacting your elected representatives at all levels of government.
- ● Contact your MP about federal policies and programs
- ● Reach out to your provincial MLA/MPP about provincial programs and regulations
- ● Attend municipal council meetings to discuss local initiatives
- ● Join advocacy organizations focused on this issue
- ● Contact your provincial MLA/MPP about senior housing availability and long-term care improvements.
- ● Volunteer with local senior centers or organizations that support aging-in-place programs in your community.
Ready to Take Action?
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Take Action →Frequently Asked Questions
Key benefits include Old Age Security (OAS), Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), Age Credit tax benefit, and the Seniors Home Renovation Tax Credit.
You can start receiving OAS at age 65, or defer it up to age 80 for a higher monthly payment. You must have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after age 18 to be eligible.
CPP is a contributory pension program. You and your employer contribute during your working years, and you receive monthly payments starting at age 65 (or earlier/later with adjustments).
GIS is a tax-free monthly payment for low-income seniors who receive OAS. The amount depends on your income, marital status, and living situation.
You can apply through CRA My Account, by mail using CRA forms, or by calling the CRA. Some benefits like OAS may be automatically enrolled if you have a history with the CRA.