Canadians on fixed incomes particularly vulnerable to effects of tariffs, group says

A national seniors advocacy group is expressing concern over U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods and its impact on older adults.

A national seniors advocacy group is concerned about U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods and their impact on older adults.

The National Association of Federal Retirees said all Canadians on a fixed income are disproportionately affected.

The group is the largest advocacy organization representing 170,000 active and retired members from various federal organizations across Canada.

It’s particularly worried about the way tariffs will affect those on a fixed income, especially seniors.

“In the spring of 2024, one in four Canadian seniors reported that rising prices were affecting their ability to meet and, to make ends meet,” said CEO Anthony Pizzino.

“These tariffs could certainly compound those already existing affordability challenges.”

While the exact effects are still unknown, Pizzino said tariffs could drive up the cost of daily essentials and potentially impact medical supply chains.

Local concerns

John Lindsay, president of the Sudbury chapter of the Canadian Association of Retired Persons, said he is hearing seniors locally are concerned about travel. Many are holding off on their plans to head south.

“Canadian citizens who have relationships in the States, or just go down there for shopping or for visiting for vacations,” Lindsay said.

“And they’re disappointed that that may be held off for the next little while.”

Pizzino said the group is calling on a government response that focuses on affordability and financial security for all Canadians, not just workers.

“It is a very important demographic, nationally,” he said.

“And we wanted to make sure that any national response includes, seniors, retirees, and older Canadians who are specifically living on fixed incomes.”

Pizzino said protecting Canadian economic stability will not only protect the 7.8 million seniors, but also the millions of Gen-Xers approaching retirement age.