In this episode of the Missing Middle, Cara Stern is mad. A majority of MPs recently voted to increase Old Age Security for seniors aged 65-74, regardless of whether they actually need more money.

She and Mike Moffatt explore the structure of Canada's pension programs, the purpose of OAS, and the financial burden it places on the federal budget – and younger workers, many of whom are struggling to pay their housing bills.

They cover the disparities in income among seniors, the challenges of targeting benefits, and the political dynamics surrounding OAS proposals.

Also, we need a co-host to fill in while Cara is on mat leave! If you're interested, send us a resume with one-minute video of why you'd be good for this role to missingmiddlepodcast@gmail.com

Links:
Canadian Museum of History
Old Age Security pension recovery tax
Disaggregated trends in poverty from the 2021 Census of Population
Jennifer Robson
https://carleton.ca/politicalmanagement/people/jennifer-robson/
Shooting a fly with an elephant gun: The Bloc’s ultimatum on seniors’ benefits
Most Canadians support or somewhat support extending Old Age Security benefits increase to seniors 65 to 74.

Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern

Produced by Meredith Martin

This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.