Federal Retirees’ Statement on Budget 2025
Today's federal budget shows some progress but falls short of fully addressing the challenges of Canada’s aging population. The National Association of Federal Retirees (Federal Retirees), representing over 170,000 members nationwide—including more than 60,000 veterans from the Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP and their families—urges more meaningful action on critical priority issues.
"This is a pivotal moment for older Canadians, who are feeling the impacts of rising costs of living,” said Anthony Pizzino, CEO of the National Association of Federal Retirees. “Federal Retirees will be delving into the details in the coming days, but what’s clear already is that Canada needs a stronger, strategic plan to ensure every older adult can age well and retire with financial security.”
The budget also announced cuts to the federal public service, raising concerns during a period of fiscal uncertainty. Canadians rely on a well-funded, effective public service to provide essential programs and supports.
Federal Retirees welcomed some budget measures aligned with their advocacy efforts:
- A government commitment to strengthen retirement benefits for front-line workers.
- Improvements in the timeliness of services for veterans.
"We welcome the government’s commitment to strengthen front-line workers’ retirement and improve the timeliness of services for veterans,” said Pizzino.
The budget also proposes consultations on changing public-sector retirement benefits that will impact future retirees.
Author’s summary: The budget shows limited progress on retirees’ needs, highlighting the necessity for a focused plan to support aging Canadians with security and dignity.