Millions of Single (Solo) 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

“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

Language Matters: “Single Seniors” and “Solo Seniors”

As you know, our organization is called Single Seniors for Tax Fairness (SSTF). As we work with other stakeholders and advocacy partners, we are increasingly hearing the term “solo seniors.”

This expression is now commonly used in global discussions about seniors’ issues. You will therefore see SSTF use the term “solo senior” more often in our communications. We are not changing our organization’s name or our social media account names.

While SSTF understands “single seniors” to include those who are widowed, separated, divorced, or never married, some audiences interpret “single” to mean only those who have never married. The term “solo senior” is more inclusive and better reflects the full community we represent.

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.

🌍 Global Recognition at the United Nations (CSW70)

At the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), global leaders held the first-ever high-level ministerial dialogue dedicated specifically to the rights, economic security, and well-being of older women. This historic discussion highlighted growing international recognition that gender inequality accumulates across the life course and often results in financial vulnerability in later life.

Ministers and policy leaders emphasized key priorities including pension equity, gender-responsive social protection systems, and stronger responses to elder abuse and social isolation. Countries from multiple regions shared policy approaches aimed at improving income security and quality of life for older women.

For BPW Canada and Single Seniors for Tax Fairness, this global recognition honours our long-standing advocacy to address systemic economic inequities affecting women who age alone. International momentum strengthens the case for fair, inclusive, and gender-sensitive policies in Canada.

Global recognition at CSW70 reinforces the urgent need for Canada to act now to ensure tax fairness, income security, and dignity for the growing number of women ageing alone.

SSTF in the Media

• CBC Radio – “The Current”
  On February 5, 2026, SSTF was quoted and referenced on The Current, hosted by Matt Galloway and broadcast nationally across Canada.

  
  Listen: Are you feeling the pinch of the singles’ tax?
  
  Listeners were invited to share their experiences by writing to
  [email protected].

• Empowered (TV)
  On November 7, 2025, SSTF Director Elizabeth Brown appeared on Empowered, hosted by Elizabeth Naumovski.

  
  Watch: Protecting Solo Seniors’ Finances
  

Connect with Single Seniors for Tax Fairness

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.

Together, we can help ensure Canada’s tax system reflects fairness, dignity, and financial security for seniors who live alone.