This Month’s Poll

I’m not sure how I feel about this.  I guess it comes down to the purpose of the program.  Frankly, $93,000 isn’t a massive income in today’s world.  Yes, it is above median, but I’m not sure that implies that is the ideal level to start clawing back.  A higher income senior is likely to have contributed more taxes over their lifetime than a lower income one.  Does that automatically mean they shouldn’t see some benefit?  There are also other programs for those on the lower end of the income spectrum. 

If it’s about income redistribution, which seems to be a theme of tax policy, then perhaps it makes sense.  If it is about ensuring seniors have a stable base of income, then perhaps not.  It seems more seniors are now entering retirement with debt, but also continuing to work.  If they are working because they enjoy it, more power to them.  If they feel they are forced to continue to work to make ends meet, then that is an issue to be looked at. 

Considering we haven’t even broached the subject of retirement age being “defined” as 65…when it first came in, that was about life expectancy.  Now that our life expectancy is approaching 85, perhaps not all our retirement / seniors programs and benefits should be starting so early.  Of course, proposing to increase OAS eligibility to 67 was seen to be political suicide a while back.

By Derek T on April 01, 2026