Keeping life affordable for seniors
2024-03-28

Many seniors rely on fixed incomes and the ongoing high cost of living means more pressure in their daily lives. Alberta seniors should be able to rely on stability and have confidence that their government is working to keep life affordable for them.

To help keep life affordable for seniors, Alberta’s government is delivering on a promise to bring in a 25 per cent discount on personal registry services. It is anticipated this will benefit more than 725,000 Alberta seniors.

“Last year, we promised Alberta seniors we would reduce their costs at registry offices and on April 1, we’re doing just that. Every dollar Alberta seniors save through this measure is another dollar back in their pockets that they can better spend on other priorities.”

Danielle Smith, Premier

As of April 1, when seniors visit their preferred registry office, they will be eligible for the discount on services like vehicle registration renewals, driver’s licenses, standard plates, and vital statistics products like marriage licenses. Eligible seniors must be a resident of Alberta and 65 years or older on the day they purchase the registry service or product.

The discount will be applied to a range of personal registry services at Alberta registry agent offices. Seniors purchasing personal registry services online through MyAlberta eServices will also be able to access the discount.

“Delivering on this promise was a major priority for our government. Over the past few years, rising prices have made it difficult for many seniors to make ends meet. The discount will provide some modest relief for seniors, many of whom are on a fixed income, and make life more affordable.”

Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction

“The seniors’ discount will benefit more than 725,000 seniors. As the fastest-growing age group in Alberta, many seniors rely on income support to meet basic needs and age safely in their homes. Putting money back in their pockets will make their lives better.” 

Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services 

As part of Budget 2024, the seniors’ discount on personal registry services will mean annual savings of $16.5 to $20 million for the 2024-25 fiscal year. Those savings mean Alberta seniors will keep more of their money in their pockets that they can allocate to other needs.

The compounding effects of inflation have forced seniors to make difficult decisions to make ends meet. Implementing a seniors’ discount on license renewals and registration fees is a concrete action that will provide much needed relief to their pocketbooks. We applaud the Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction for finding a way to reduce the cost of these services for Alberta seniors.”

Sheila Hallett, executive director, Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council

“Providing seniors with discounts on registry services and medical driving tests not only eases their financial burdens, but also promotes their well-being and independence.”

Joel Sinclair, co-executive director, Calgary Seniors Resource Society

This initiative will be helpful for many people, including a number of our volunteer drivers who are 65+. These volunteers give back so much to help our clients to access services and to age well. A reduction in fees is helpful to keep these volunteers on the road!”

Liza Bouchard, executive director, Drive Happiness Seniors Assisted Transportation

The seniors’ discount is supported by Budget 2024, a responsible plan to strengthen health care and education, build safe and supportive communities, manage the province’s resources wisely, and promote job creation to continue to build Alberta’s competitive advantage.

Quick facts

  • The seniors’ discount does not apply to corporate and business services, personal property services, commercial vehicle registrations, or optional products such as personalized and specialty licence plates.
  • The discount will not apply to enforcement measures like speeding tickets.
  • The discount will not be applied to transactions that took place prior to April 1.  
  • Registry agents have a complete list of services eligible for the discount.

Related information

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