Message from Minister Thompson
February 4, 2025
As we welcome the month of February, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the strength and resilience of Canada’s senior community. This month brings opportunities for us to celebrate the connections we share, especially as Valentine’s Day reminds us of the importance of love, friendship and support.
Whether you are enjoying winter activities or staying cozy indoors, February is also a time to stay informed and safe. Please be cautious of the increase in scams during this season, particularly online fraud, and remember that your safety and well-being are the top priority for me and my team.
I encourage you to take advantage of the many resources available to you, from health and wellness programs to tax tips for seniors. Together, we will continue to ensure that you have the support you need to live independently and with dignity.
Wishing you a warm and safe February.
Thanks for reading.
Joanne Thompson
Minister of Seniors
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Next steps for the Connecting Families Initiative
In January, letters from the Connecting Families Initiative were sent to eligible seniors for lower-cost Internet service. If you received a letter, use the access code, your full name, and address on it to sign up on the Connecting Families online portal.
Need help registering?
Call Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada at 18003286189 (voice) or 18666946189 (TTY) if you need help or have lost your letter or code.
Didn’t receive a letter?
Check if you are eligible:
- I am a Canadian senior receiving the maximum Guaranteed Income Supplement; or
- I am single, with an income under $4,000, and qualifying for Old Age Security; or
- I am part of a couple, with a combined income under $8,000, and qualifying for Old Age Security.
For more details, including a list of participating Internet service providers, available plans and frequently asked questions, visit the Connecting Families Initiative website.
Stay safe from scams this Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love, but it’s also a time when scammers take advantage of people’s emotions. Online fraud and scams targeting seniors often increase around this time, with con artists using romantic themes to exploit vulnerabilities.
Be cautious of unsolicited messages from people claiming to be romantically interested in you. Scammers may ask for money or personal information, or even use fake profiles to lure you into a relationship. Always verify the identity of anyone you meet online, especially if they seem overly eager to communicate or they ask for financial help.
Here are some tips to stay safe:
- Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person.
- Be wary of requests for personal or financial information.
- Report suspicious messages to your email provider or to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to see which scams are on currently on the rise.
Tips for tax season: Stay organized and maximize your benefits
As we approach tax season, it’s important to stay on top of key dates and opportunities that can help you navigate the process with ease. Here are some important reminders and tips for a smooth filing experience.
Key tax deadlines
- Individual tax filing deadline: April 30, 2025 (You can start filing online as early as February 24, 2025).
- Self-employed tax filing deadline: June 16, 2025.
- Balance owing: If you owe money to the Canada Revenue Agency, your payment is due by April 30, 2025, regardless of when you file.
- Canada Carbon Rebate: File by March 21, 2025, to receive your rebate on April 15, 2025.
Tax credits and benefits you may qualify for
When filing your taxes, you may qualify for various credits and payments, which could help reduce the amount you owe. Some of the most common credits and benefits include:
- GST/HST credit
- Guaranteed Income Supplement
- EI family caregiver benefits
- Canada caregiver credit
- Disability tax credit
- Multigenerational home renovation tax credit
You might also be eligible for pension income splitting which can lower your taxable income.
Important Reminders for RRSPs and TFSAs
- If you have a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), remember that contributions made between March 1, 2024, and March 3, 2025, can be deducted on your 2024 tax return.
- Keep track of your Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) to avoid overcontributing. If you inherit excess funds from a deceased partner, be sure to complete form RC240 within 30 days to avoid penalties.
Speed up your funds
For a quicker refund, consider filing online and registering for direct deposit. Using certified tax software is quick, secure and easy—plus, some options are even free! If you have a modest income and a simple tax situation, you may qualify for assistance at a free tax clinic.
For more tips and resources, be sure to visit the Canada Revenue Agency website. By staying organized and taking advantage of available credits and benefits, you can make this tax season easier and potentially increase your refund or reduce what you owe.
Support for seniors with vision loss
This week is White Cane Week. It raises awareness of the challenges faced by all Canadians living with vision loss, but particularly older adults. As we age, conditions like diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration become more common, impacting physical, cognitive and emotional well-being.
However, many resources can help maintain independence, such as mobility training, assistive technologies (screen readers, magnifiers) and local support services.
Visit the Seniors and Aging – Vision Care webpage for tools and tips on managing vision loss. You can also explore tax credits for vision loss through the Canada Revenue Agency.
For additional support, contact organizations like the Canadian Ophthalmological Society, Canadian National Institute for the Blind, or Canadian Council of the Blind. White Cane Week is a great time to learn how to take care of your vision and to find the support you need to continue living safely and confidently.
Connecting lives through Nova Scotia Walks
A new story from the New Horizons for Seniors Program highlights the incredible work of Nova Scotia Walks. Thanks to funding from the New Horizons for Seniors Program, Nova Scotia Walks has created accessible hiking programs for seniors, promoting physical activity, mental well-being and social connections. Read more about how Nova Scotia Walks is making a difference in seniors’ lives on the Stories that Shape the New Horizons for Seniors Program page.
Last-minute opportunity: Free tax webinar
Tax season is here, and if you’re 65 or older, don’t miss the chance to join the Canada Revenue Agency for a free webinar on tax tips and resources for seniors on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
We’ll cover:
- credits and benefits you may be eligible for
- pension income splitting
- how to file your taxes
- other helpful tax tips
Ask questions during the live session! Space is limited, so register now to secure your spot. Visit the registration page for more details.