The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State, Member of Parliament for Cambridge-North Dumfries, is highlighting real results for local seniors that include more than 680,000 of Canada’s lowest-income seniors, who will soon benefit from the most significant increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) in a quarter century.

“Cambridge-North Dumfries seniors have worked hard to build both a better community and country for future generations.  Our government has taken significant action to improve their quality of life,” said Minister Goodyear.  “In Budget 2011, the Next Phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, we have increased financial support for low-income seniors and enhanced the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP).”

As of July of this year, seniors with little or no income other than the Old Age Security (OAS) benefit and the GIS now receive additional benefits up to $600 per year for single seniors and up to $840 per year for couples.

The increase to the GIS represents a $300 million investment per year and is the third GIS increase in the last five years. OAS benefits, including the GIS, help seniors meet their immediate, basic needs and maintain a minimum standard of living in retirement.

Minister Goodyear further highlighted that Budget 2011 is providing an additional $10 million over two years for the NHSP.  The NHSP helps seniors use their leadership, energy and skills to benefit communities, like Cambridge and North Dumfries. A call for proposals for this program is now open.

Please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/seniors for details.