Issue 85 – 26, January 18th, 2026

In Canada, many people aged 65 and older are facing serious challenges. Even though fewer seniors are living in poverty than in the past, some still struggle every day. Rising costs for housing, healthcare, and daily needs make life difficult for many older adults. It is important that we understand these issues and find ways to help. Poverty means not having enough money to meet basic needs like food, housing, health care and clothing. Even though Canada has tried to help people, the problem is still growing.

Many seniors live on a fixed income, like the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS). But these incomes are often not enough to pay for everything they need. Costs for things like food, medicine, and housing keep increasing. Some seniors can’t afford their medications or proper food. Others worry about how they will pay for a safe place to live as they get older. Some seniors also face health problems that can be expensive to treat. As their health gets worse, they need more care and support, but they don’t always have enough money to cover these costs. Many seniors are living on a tight budget, and some must choose between buying medicine or food.

Many people find it hard to get help from government programs. The rules are complicated, forms are confusing, and sometimes they don’t even know what help they can get.

Poverty is connected to unfair systems, discrimination, and past wrongs like racism and colonialism. Certain groups face more challenges than others. Indigenous peoples, newcomers, racialized communities, people with disabilities often experience higher rates of poverty. They also face discrimination and unfair treatment. This makes it even harder for them to find safe housing, good jobs, or get the help they need.

Housing is a big issue, rents are too high, and affordable homes are hard to find. Many people live in unsafe or poor-quality housing, or they are homeless.

There are also seniors who rent apartments or houses. Rent prices are going up, and some landlords refuse to rent to seniors or ask for very high deposits. This makes it hard for seniors to find safe and affordable places to live.

In addition, some seniors live alone and have no family nearby. This can leave them feeling lonely and without help when they need it most. Community programs, home care, and support services are very important, but they are not always easy to access.

It is important to help seniors stay connected and aware of the programs they qualify for. Community centers, local organizations, and government agencies can work together to reach out to seniors and offer help in ways that are easy for them to access.

Poverty causes a lot of problems for everyone. When many people are struggling it sometime will lead to health issues, and social division. If we want stronger communities, we need to work together to reduce poverty.

To make things better, the government and communities need to do more. Here are some important steps:

1. Increase Income: Raise Incomes and benefits so everyone can meet their basic needs.

2. Make Support Easier to Get: Simplify rules and forms so people know what help they can receive and can access it quickly.

3. Affordable Housing: Build more affordable homes, repair old ones, and protect renters from unfair treatment.

4. Support Non-Profit Organizations: Fund organizations that help people in need so they can continue to do their work.

Poverty in Canada is a serious issue that affects many people and communities. Everyone deserves a life with dignity, where they can meet their needs and have hope for the future.

Read more – 2025 Report of the National Advisory Council on Poverty – Canada.ca

This week the Canadian government announced a new partnership with China. This deal is about trade, but many experts and workers are worried it could harm Canada’s industries and jobs in the long run. It’s important to understand what’s happening and how it might affect our country and communities.

The government says this deal will help Canadian farmers and businesses by giving them access back to the Chinese market, for crops like canola from the western provinces and seafood from the eastern provinces.  Canada has been subject to large tariffs for some time. But there’s a catch, the deal also makes it easier for Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) to be sold in Canada with a cap of 49,000 vehicles, representing 2.5% of new cars sold in Canada.

Many warn that opening the door to cheaper Chinese EVs is risky. Chinese companies get a lot of help from their government, including subsidies (money given to support their industries). If these vehicles flood the Canadian market, they could take away sales from Canadian auto companies and hurt jobs.

Unifor, has warned that this move could threaten thousands of Canadian auto jobs. Right now, many auto factories are struggling, especially with U.S. tariffs making it harder to sell Canadian-made cars. Allowing Chinese EVs in at a lower tariff could make things worse, leading to layoffs and less investment in Canada’s auto industry.

A good trade strategy should protect Canadian workers and industries. The new deal with China offers some short-term benefits but also carries serious risks.

Read more – CLC Statement – On the Canada–China Strategic Partnership

Read more – Opening door to Chinese EV risks future of Canada’s auto sector | Unifor

Canada’s ageing population continues to reshape the country’s social and economic landscape. The Ageing in Canada Survey is the NIA’s 4th annual, nationally representative study capturing the perspectives of Canadians aged 50+ as they age. It provides timely insights across 10 indicators, tracking how experiences of health, social wellbeing and financial security change over time.

Register here –  Perspectives on Growing Older in Canada: The 2025 Ageing in Canada Survey.

The first webinar in the series will focus on the ongoing retirement security crisis. Participants will hear from Chris Roberts, National Director of the CLC’s Social and Economic Policy Department, and the CLC’s in-house expert on pensions and retirement security. The webinar will examine why retirement insecurity remains a major issue for workers, even a decade after the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) enhancement, and what it means for workers and union retirees today.

Registration here: https://canadianlabour.ca/new-webinar-series-the-issues-and-you/