Good morning.
My name is Glenn Armstrong. I'm a member of the National Association of Federal Retirees. We represent active and retired members of the federal public service, the Canadian Armed Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and retired federally appointed judges, as well as their partners and survivors.
On behalf of our 170,000 members from coast to coast, we have submitted a brief to the finance committee with the following recommendations for your study and deliberations.
Number one, we ask that you protect the rights of older persons, commit to implementing long-term care standards and implement a national seniors strategy.
Number two, we're asking that you finance and implement the national pharmacare program.
Number three, we ask that you support informal caregivers to allow seniors to age in place.
Number four, act on equitable outcomes for veterans, who are a very vulnerable group at this age.
Number five, address the ongoing problems with the Phoenix pay system.
Number six, expand the number of directors on the Public Sector Pension Investments board to include a pensioner representative. No one on that board is a pensioner.
Number seven, we ask that you address federal retiree benefits. The recent changes to the public service health care plan have caused significant difficulties for many employees and for many retirees.
Number eight, we ask that you act on cost of living issues. With the record inflation in the last two years, rising prices have made things especially difficult for seniors on a fixed income.
Thank you.