Millions of Single Seniors Face Unfair Tax Burdens
“BPW Canada has a long history of advocating for women’s economic, social, and political rights. Tax inequities for single seniors are a pressing concern, disproportionately affecting women due to their greater numbers, income disparities, caregiving responsibilities, and longer life expectancy.”
— Shannon McEwing, President, Canadian Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW Canada)
Why This Matters
- 68% of seniors living alone are women
- 39% of Canadian seniors are single
- Single seniors are 4× more likely to live in poverty than couples
- Women often live longer than men, increasing financial strain over time
- Current tax rules favour couples, creating inequities in:
- Pension income splitting
- Non-refundable tax credits
- RRSP/RRIF inheritance taxation
“Twice as many single seniors are women compared to men, and unfair tax policies affect over 2 million single senior women every year.” — SSTF, 2024
BPW Canada & SSTF: Working for Change
At the 2025 BPW Canada Annual General Meeting, members unanimously passed a resolution supporting Single Seniors for Tax Fairness (SSTF).
This advocacy is included in BPW Canada’s 2025 Brief to the Federal Government, opposition parties, and allied organizations.
BPW Canada proudly stands with SSTF and other partners, urging the federal government to implement fair, inclusive, and gender-sensitive tax policies for single seniors.
Learn more about SSTF’s ongoing work and resources: Visit Single Seniors for Tax Fairness
BPW Canada Resolution 2025: Single Senior Women & Tax Equity
- Pension Income Splitting: Offset the advantages couples currently receive
- OAS & Age Amount: Raise clawback thresholds for single seniors
- New Single Senior Tax Credit: Introduce a non-refundable tax credit equivalent to half of the personal amount
- Pension Income Credit: Increase from $2,000 → $3,000 for single seniors
- RRSP/RRIF Rollovers: Allow tax-deferred rollover to any beneficiary within 10 years
Goal: Ensure fair, inclusive, and financially supportive policies for all seniors.
Get Involved & Support the Cause
The Single Seniors for Tax Fairness group has launched an important online petition urging the Government of Canada to adopt fair and equitable tax policies for single seniors, especially women who face disproportionate financial challenges.
Join over 500 Canadians who have already signed the petition! Your voice matters in calling for change.
How to Sign the Petition
- Click here to sign the petition
- Enter your first name, last name, email address, and phone number.
- If you live in Canada, include your province and postal code; if you’re a Canadian citizen living abroad, include your country of residence.
- Confirm you are a Canadian citizen (living in or outside Canada) or a resident of Canada.
- Click the “Sign” button. Each person may sign only once.
- Check your email for a confirmation message from the House of Commons and click the link to complete your signature. Your signature will only count once confirmed.
Help us spread the word: Share this petition with friends, family, and colleagues to build momentum and ensure the government hears the call for fairness.
To learn more about the cause and ongoing work, visit the Single Seniors for Tax Fairness website.
Take Part in National Research
The Life Research Institute at the University of Ottawa is leading an innovative project,
“Optimizing the Wellbeing of Solo Retirees in Canada.”
The study aims to enhance the quality of life for solo retirees — individuals who are
unpartnered, separated, divorced, widowed, or living apart from a partner and who have retired or are nearing retirement.
The first step is a national, bilingual survey collecting data from October 1, 2025, to November 15, 2025.
The findings will guide evidence-based policy recommendations and resources to improve well-being for solo retirees across Canada.
👉 Participate in the Survey (English & Français)
BPW Canada encourages members, partners, and the public to take part in this important national study supporting the well-being and inclusion of single seniors.
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