Extra help for seniors and afflicted Ontarians kicks in on Jan. 1
Ontario's poorest senior citizens are getting some financial help in the New Year as the province doubles maximum payouts under the Guaranteed Annual Income System, while drivers will continue to save on taxes at the pump.
And pharmacists are getting new powers to prescribe drugs for ailments such as pink eye, urinary tract infections and cold sores - saving families trips to the doctor or nurse practitioner - under changes taking effect across the province starting Jan. 1.
About 200,000 low-income seniors will receive a maximum of almost $1,000 extra over the year with the government boosting monthly payments known as GAINS to help them cope with high inflation, including in food prices, which soared 11.4 per cent in November over the same month a year earlier.
We know that these are challenging times for many, but the most vulnerable are the ones that feel the impact of rising prices first," Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy said.
The move was announced in his fall economic statement and will see the maximum payout jump to $166 per month for single seniors, an increase from $83. Couples will now get up to $332 monthly.
An increase is welcome but long overdue and more is needed, said Graham Webb, a lawyer and executive director of the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly, an organization helping low-income seniors.
It hasn't been increased for quite a while. I think that older adults need a permanent increase," he told the Star, raising concerns the increased payouts will also result in an income-tax hit.
We do find that older adults are living very close to the wire. Small changes in inflation or small changes in personal expenses, or unexpected events can really push older adults right to the brink."
The latest report from Statistics Canada showed inflation - which peaked at an annual rate of 8.1 per cent in June - slowed to 6.8 per cent in November but included price hikes of 16.7 per cent for eggs, 15.5 per cent for bread and 11 per cent for fresh fruit.
Inflation also drove Premier Doug Ford to extend the Progressive Conservative government's 5.7 cent per litre gasoline tax cut through the end of 2023. It took effect July 1 and had been slated to expire at the end of 2022. The government estimates the 18-month break will save families about $195.
People need a little bit of help," Ford said.
The gas tax break is costing the provincial treasury $1.2 billion for the extra year, prompting criticisms the money could be better spent on other things, given that gas prices have been declining on their own due to market factors.
Ontarians are getting crushed by the skyrocketing cost of groceries, housing and utility bills, and they need more help," said interim NDP Leader Peter Tabuns.
At drug stores, residents of the province will be able to flash their health cards starting Jan. 1 to get prescriptions for 13 medical conditions as the scope of practice for pharmacists is increased, in collaboration with the Ontario College of Pharmacists.
Stopping by your local pharmacy for quick and easy access to treatment for some of your most common ailments increases your access to the care you need closer to home," Health Minister Sylvia Jones said in a statement.
New prescribing powers for pharmacists include hay fever, oral thrush, dermatitis, menstrual cramps, acid reflux, hemorrhoids, impetigo, insect bites and hives, tick bites and sprains and strains.
The government deems these conditions to be common ailments that can be reliably self-diagnosed and easily managed at home with minimal treatment. It is recommended anyone with symptoms contact their pharmacist to confirm whether they are providing the prescribing services.
Empowering pharmacists to use their expertise to assess and treat minor ailments helps patients get the care they need sooner," Ontario Pharmacists Association chief executive officer Justin Bates said in a statement.
It reduces demand on hospitals, emergency departments, walk-in clinics and family physicians. It also frees up time for our health care partners, allowing doctors, nurses and other health care providers to focus on more complex care."
Jones has previously cleared the way for pharmacists to prescribe the antiviral drug Paxlovid to fight COVID-19, within five days of a positive test.
The minimum wage in Ontario is holding steady at $15.50 hourly after a 50-cent raise that took effect in October. Given continuing inflation, it is expected to increase next October and a new rate should be announced by April 1.