(Saint-Georges) The Coalition avenir Québec (CAQ) is continuing its strategy on Tuesday of gradually announcing the measures of its “shield” to help Quebecers in the face of inflation. The third measure of the CAQ plan aims to improve the financial assistance granted to seniors.
Posted at 8:50 a.m.
If elected on October 3, CAQ chief François Legault promises to increase the maximum amount paid to people aged 70 and over to a maximum amount of $2,000 per year (for a person with an income of less than 24 $195). The current maximum assistance is $411.
“In concrete terms, this means that a modest-income senior couple could receive up to $4,000 a year. The amount given will vary according to income,” the party says. The bonus will be offered on the next tax return. Mr. Legault will give more details at a press briefing.
According to the CAQ, this measure would help low-income seniors cope with inflation. It would cost the government $1.6 billion annually.
“For 2022, the average income of seniors aged 70 or over was nearly $42,000. However, this income is not distributed evenly, as 47% of seniors aged 70 and over have an income of less than $25,000. Moreover, among the 1.3 million seniors aged 70 or over in Quebec, nearly 100,000 (8%) are people with an income of less than $15,000,” says the CAQ.
On Monday, Mr. Legault announced the first two measures of his inflation support plan by proposing to lower the first two tax brackets by one percentage point from 2023 and to send a check ranging from 400 to $600 in December to Quebecers. After the Beauce, Tuesday morning, the chief caquiste will take the road to go to Estrie then to Montérégie.