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 four times 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
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 stands with SSTF and its partners in urging the federal government to implement fair, inclusive, and gender-sensitive tax policies for single seniors.
Learn more about SSTF’s work and resources: Visit Single Seniors for Tax Fairness
Our Progress
- BPW Canada members unanimously passed a resolution supporting SSTF in 2025.
- SSTF’s 2025 Pre-Budget Submission has been formally presented to the federal Finance Committee.
- Thousands of Canadians have signed petitions calling for tax fairness.
- Growing awareness in government and media of the financial challenges facing single seniors.
Recent Policy & Advocacy Updates
Federal & Party Policy Progress
- SSTF’s resolution on unfair taxation of single seniors ranked first in voting by members of the Senior Liberal Commission of Ontario (SLCO) and is advancing toward the federal Liberal Convention.
- The same resolution placed third among all Ontario policy proposals submitted through Electoral District Associations (EDAs).
- SSTF’s federal e-petition has been verified by the House of Commons.
- It is scheduled to be presented in the House by MP Judy Sgro (date pending).
- SSTF Director Elizabeth Brown has met with the BC Seniors’ Advocate to raise concerns about the financial challenges facing single seniors.
- The BC Seniors’ Advocate invites public input through its Public Input Form, which helps inform recommendations to the provincial government.
BPW Canada’s Broader Advocacy
Single seniors’ tax fairness is part of BPW Canada’s wider commitment to gender equity, economic justice, and supporting women at all stages of life. Learn more:
BPW Canada Resolution 2025: Single Senior Women & Tax Equity
- Pension Income Splitting: Offset advantages currently received by couples
- OAS & Age Amount: Raise clawback thresholds for single seniors
- New Single Senior Tax Credit: Introduce a non-refundable tax credit equal to half the basic personal amount
- Pension Income Credit: Increase from $2,000 to $3,000 for single seniors
- RRSP/RRIF Rollovers: Permit tax-deferred rollover to any beneficiary within ten years
Goal: Ensure fair, inclusive, and financially supportive policies for all seniors.
What You Can Do
- Learn more: Explore research and proposals at Single Seniors for Tax Fairness.
- Share your story: Personal experiences help policymakers understand the real impact of unfair tax policies.
- Support advocacy: Add your voice to petitions and public consultations calling for fair tax treatment of single seniors.
- Engage with government: Write to your Member of Parliament and ask them to support tax equity for single seniors.
- Stay informed: Follow BPW Canada’s advocacy on gender equity, seniors’ wellbeing, and economic justice.
Together, we can help ensure Canada’s tax system reflects fairness, dignity, and financial security for seniors who live alone.
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