Petition to the Government of Canada
  Whereas:
  
    The COVID-19 pandemic has restricted activities since March 2020;
    A large proportion of the population has received federal support;
     Seniors have received only a maximum of $500 in assistance since March 2020;
    The pandemic has created an increase in inflation for seniors;
     Seniors are often de facto locked down in care facilities, and, as such, this situation particularly affects them;
    An increasing number of these isolated seniors are experiencing distress;
    A significant number of them are not digitally literate, and the Lower St. Lawrence region has the lowest rate of Internet connectivity in Quebec;
    Seniors make up 25% of the Lower St. Lawrence’s population; and
    The pandemic has affected the financial situation and activities of seniors’ organizations and of those benefitting from their volunteer efforts.
  
  
    We, the undersigned, citizens of Quebec, call upon the Government of Canada to:
    1. Immediately increase Old Age Security by at least 10%;
    2. Implement programs to address seniors’ isolation, particularly in regions with poor Internet services;
    3. Index health transfer payments by 6% and factor the aging population into the formula;
    4. Recognize high-speed Internet as an essential service and expedite connectivity as a result; and
    5. Help seniors’ groups make up for losses associated with lower membership, fixed costs and appealing to professionals to promote volunteerism.