Seniors call for pension reform at second annual Tin Cup Rally in Kamloops
KAMLOOPS — The second annual Seniors Tin Cup Rally took place on Wednesday (June 11) on the 700-block of Fortune Drive.
Seniors gathered to voice concerns over the rising cost of living and its relation to pensions, which they want to see increased.
“Seniors’ financial difficulties need to be heard,” said Kathryn Eveson, a first-time rally participant. “With the price of everything since COVID, we need more money. We need our pensions to go up.”
Kamloops Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson and Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Ward Stamer joined about 15 concerned seniors on the sidewalk while CFJC Today was in attendance.
One organizer called the turnout disgusting, noting nearly 100 seniors showed up last year, but those in attendance made their voices heard.
Demonstrators held signs indicating they are living below the poverty line and asked for honks of support from drivers.
But what they really want is change in policy from the provincial and federal governments, more affordable housing options and pension reform.
“Various ministers in the government, both provincially and federally, have talked about the need to look at seniors’ pensions,” Eveson said. “They need to be serious about it. COVID did decimate the seniors’ population, so there’s got to be some money in that good, old CPP pension plan somewhere that they can share around with those of us who are left.”
The Tin Cup movement was started in Vancouver by Sharon Elliott, who teamed with Marpole Oakridge Family Place to organize rallies and advocate for seniors.
