Seniors are the most active and dependable cohort of voters in Canadian elections. The past year-and-a-half has laid bare challenges facing older Canadians, especially the most vulnerable living in long-term and congregate care residences.
In the 2015 election that saw Justin Trudeau defeat Stephen Harper, voters aged 65 to 79 had 21% higher voter turnout than those aged 18 to 24. Even when turnout was up substantially for youth.
Affordability has emerged as an early campaign theme. For seniors, especially those living on fixed incomes, the challenge of a rising cost of living can be difficult to bear. Health care is also a consistent priority for the 65+ age group, and it is expected that the pandemic will heighten concerns around health issues in this campaign. Finally, a concern for the wellbeing of future generations, including children and grandchildren has defined some of the promises made to-date.
The Liberals and NDP have banked on the cost of medications being a key issue for their accessible pool of voters. Both argue that their Pharmacare proposals will support better health outcomes, while also being a pocketbook issue for voters. The Conservatives will increase the Canada Health Transfer to 6% ($6 billion per year over the next decade). With more funding, provinces may decide to cover more medicines as well. The recent Nova Scotia election showed that strong health care planks can help parties win big, regardless of the party making the pitch. It also proved that running on a record of pandemic success won’t be enough for the Liberals to secure victory. They must show how they will continue to make life easier.
The Conservatives have promised a $200 monthly benefit to any household where Canadians take care of a parent over age 70. Critics will quarrel with the amount, but in communities where the practice is common, this nod to the ‘squeeze generation’ is bound to attract the interest. Not only the interest of seniors, but of their kids. The NDP will make the Canada Caregiver Tax Credit refundable and expand medicare to include services like dentalcare, which appeals to voters without workplace insurance. Both parties are identifying gaps that matter to voters they are targeting.
Seniors who own their homes will face pressure from rising prices and tax bills, but for those who rent or who are precariously housed the affordability problem is even greater. The NDP is seeking to address housing costs by committing to build 500,000 affordable housing units, and the Conservatives have pledged to build 1 million new homes in the next three years. If achieved, either could lower housing prices. Municipal zoning and development fees across the country means incentive structures for builders often trump the dollars committed by governments.
The parties will continue to deliver messages that relate to the costs of daily life to this important voting group. Seniors need to be part of Canada’s pandemic recovery, and parties need the senior vote to win.
