Last month, I had my first cross-country tour as the new Minister of Seniors. While I was in Manitoba, British Columbia, and the Yukon I met with seniors, community leaders, and organizations to hear first-hand about the issues that matter most to them. I also announced funding through the Age Well at Home initiative for local projects while I was in Winnipeg. Thank you to everyone who welcomed me into their communities and shared their stories.
March marks the arrival of spring, a time of renewal. It’s the perfect opportunity to take stock of our health and well-being, including our financial well-being.
With tax season in full swing, it’s important to make sure you are taking advantage of all the benefits and credits you’re entitled to in order to make the most of your income and better plan for the future.
March is also Fraud Prevention Month. I encourage you to read the article on the subject and consult the resources provided to understand the devastating impacts of fraud and learn how you can protect yourself.
Finally, I’d like to take the opportunity to wish a very happy International Women’s Day to the women of Canada, particularly senior women, who have contributed so much to their families, our communities, and our country.
All the best for the month of March, and happy reading!
Thank you,
Joanne Thompson
Minister of Seniors
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Uncovering fraud during Fraud Prevention Month 2025
March is Fraud Prevention Month. This year’s theme is uncovering fraud, which focuses not only on unveiling elaborate fraudsters’ tactics, but also on shedding light on the consequences fraud can have on victims.
Fraud can have a wide range of negative impacts on victims, which are not only financial but also emotional and psychological. However, despite its widespread impact, fraud is often minimized with dismissive phrases like “it’s just a scam” or “buyer beware.” Doing this ignores the harm it causes which can lead to feelings of shame among victims and ultimately lead to lower reporting rates. By treating fraud with the gravity it deserves, we can create a supportive environment where victims feel empowered to seek the help and support they need.
Anyone can be a victim to fraud, regardless of their age, education or background. Fraudsters continuously change their methods, making it increasingly difficult to identify fraud when it is happening.
We invite you to visit the CAFC’s website and the Fraud Prevention Month web page for current fraud awareness and educational material, including a list of common scams affecting Canadians as well as ways you can protect yourself and report fraud.
We also invite you to listen to Employment and Social Development Canada’s (ESDC) podcast episode with the CAFC on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Simplecast. It provides valuable tips on recognizing and avoiding scams.
If you suspect you have been the target of cybercrime or fraud, we urge you to report it to your local police as soon as possible and to the CAFC online or by phone at 1-888-495-8501.
More helpful advice to simplify your 2024 taxes!
File your taxes on time
Now that tax season is here, it’s a good time to remind ourselves why filing taxes on time is so important. Filing by April 30 can help you get refunds quickly, make sure you don’t miss out on the benefit and credit payments you’re eligible for and help you avoid penalties. Make sure to keep track of important dates for tax season.
Free tax clinics
If you’re looking for help with your taxes, you might be able to get them done at a free tax clinic! Trained volunteers will file your tax return for you and ensure you continue getting any benefit and credit payments you’re entitled to. You may be eligible for help if you have a modest income and a simple tax situation. Find a free tax clinic and let a volunteer help you do your taxes.
When to expect a tax refund
After filing your taxes successfully, you’re likely eager to know if you’ll get a refund and when it will arrive. The CRA will send you a notice of assessment, as well as any associated refund, within:
- 2 weeks if you filed online
- 8 weeks if you filed a paper return
- 16 weeks if you filed a non-resident return
For more information, you can view the CRA processing times on our website, or check the status of your refund online or via an automated phone line.
How your savings plans affect your taxes
During tax season, it’s important to understand how your retirement savings plans can affect your taxes. If you have a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), remember that by age 71, you must convert it into a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) or buy an annuity.
Once it’s in an RRIF, you’ll need to start taking yearly withdrawals. The amount you withdraw must be included as income when you file your tax return. Be prepared to pay tax on these withdrawals, especially if you take out a large amount.
Honouring the contributions of women on International Women’s Day
March 8 marks International Women’s Day, a day to celebrate and honour the women in our lives and all that they do. Whether as mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, partners, caregivers, providers, mentors, leaders or volunteers, women take on many roles throughout their lives. Their contributions—big and small—shape our families, communities and society in countless ways. On March 8, we take the time to recognize and celebrate their impact.
This year, the Government of Canada’s theme is Strength in every story, which focuses on how the voices of all women, including those from diverse backgrounds, contribute to a stronger and more inclusive economy for all. It also speaks to the continued need to invest in those often left behind so they can have a chance to contribute to Canada’s economic growth.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it is important to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of older women in shaping Canada’s history and communities. Many have been groundbreaking in their fields—from politics to science, education to advocacy—paving the way for future generations. Even in their later years, older women continue to lead, mentor and inspire—whether by sharing their wisdom, volunteering in their communities or advocating for important causes. This is an opportunity to reflect on their achievements and ensure their voices are heard.
We invite you to learn more about the inspirational women who have helped shaped our country and whose impacts in multiple fields are felt from coast to coast. Also, be sure to consult the timeline of women in Canadian History.
Helping seniors age at home
On February 10, Minister of Seniors, Joanne Thompson, was in Manitoba to announce $1.57 million in funding for three projects under the Age Well at Home initiative.
On February 19, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault, on behalf of the Minister of Seniors, Joanne Thompson, was in Montreal to announce an investment totaling up to $1.85 million under the same program for two projects in the riding of Laurier–Sainte-Marie, in Quebec.
The Age Well at Home initiative provides funding to seniors-serving organizations for local, regional and national projects that allow for the discovery of new approaches and learning to help seniors age at home. The organizations receiving this funding are making a real difference in the daily lives of seniors in Canada.
We invite you to learn more about the projects receiving funding in Manitoba, in Quebec and about the Age Well at Home initiative.
Minister Thompson Co-Chairs Seniors Forum in Moncton
On March 4-5, 2025, Canada’s Minister of Seniors, Joanne Thompson, and New Brunswick’s Minister responsible for Women’s Equality and Seniors, Lyne Chantal Boudreau, co-chaired the 26th Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum. The Forum creates an opportunity for all governments to discuss new solutions that support older Canadians in living dignified and affordable lives at home and in their communities.
During the Forum, the ministers discussed shared priorities of addressing senior abuse, ageism, supportive housing, and the role of technology in the lives of seniors, based on the principle of mutual respect for each government’s jurisdiction.
To learn more about the meeting, we invite you to read the news release.