Lower Taxes, Secure Retirement: Poilievre Pitches New Plan to Empower Seniors
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre rolled out a new retirement-focused plan today, aiming to provide financial flexibility and tax relief for Canada’s seniors. Speaking in Montmagny, Quebec, Poilievre promised a suite of measures to give older Canadians more control over their income and savings in retirement.
“Our seniors should not have to work. But they should not be punished when they choose to,” said Poilievre.
Seniors Could Earn More – Tax Free
A key component of the plan allows working seniors to earn up to $34,000 tax free, marking a $10,000 increase from current federal thresholds. For those who choose to stay in the workforce or take on part-time jobs, the Conservative leader said this change ensures their efforts aren’t penalized through clawbacks or income tax.
RRSP Growth Until 73
Poilievre is also proposing to extend the age at which Canadians must begin withdrawing from their Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs). Under the new plan, that threshold would rise from 71 to 73, allowing more time for seniors to grow their retirement savings tax-deferred.
Retirement Age Locked at 65
The plan pledges to maintain the retirement age at 65 for the Old Age Security (OAS), Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), and Canada Pension Plan (CPP)—a stance likely to appeal to voters concerned about future benefit changes.
“We will not raise the retirement age,” Poilievre affirmed. “Seniors will keep getting their OAS, GIS, and CPP at age 65.”
Why This Matters to Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario
With Thunder Bay’s aging population—over 20% of residents are 65 or older—Poilievre’s plan could resonate locally. Many seniors in the region stay active in the workforce or volunteer, especially in smaller communities where economic pressures and social involvement play a role.
The plan may also appeal to middle-income retirees managing modest pensions and personal savings, who are vulnerable to tax increases or sudden changes to benefit eligibility.
Conservatives Frame It As a Post-Liberal Reset
Casting the Liberals’ last decade in office as a period of economic decline, Poilievre emphasized the need for change.
“Canadian seniors can’t afford a fourth Liberal term making Canadians poorer and Canada weaker,” he said.
The Conservative leader said his party will “axe taxes, stop crime, unleash the economy, and stand up to Trump from a position of strength.”
This proposed policy package may signal how the 2025 federal election campaign will increasingly target retirees and near-retirees as a key voting bloc, especially in rural and mid-sized communities like those in Northwestern Ontario.
