Raising the Retirement Age to 67 Is a Cruel Joke—Here’s Why
By Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita
The Canadian government and economists keep pushing the idea that we need to raise the retirement age to 67 to address so-called “labour shortages.” But here’s the reality: there are no jobs for older workers.
I know this firsthand. I’ve spent years trying to find work in Vancouver, applying to countless jobs, taking courses, and doing everything “right.” I took a 55+ job search program this year, hoping it would open doors. But it didn’t. Why? Because employers don’t want to hire older workers—especially women.
The Labour Shortage Myth
They say there aren’t enough workers. But if that were true, why can’t people over 50 or 60 find stable jobs? Instead of hiring older Canadians, companies:
- Bring in younger foreign workers for jobs that used to go to locals.
- Only hire workers under 30 for government-funded student jobs.
- Create endless barriers like certifications, unpaid training, and low wages that make it impossible for older workers to re-enter the workforce.
It’s not a labour shortage. It’s a hiring bias.
Age Discrimination Is Everywhere
Age discrimination in hiring is real. Employers assume that older workers:
- Can’t learn new skills (even though many of us have decades of experience and are more than willing to adapt).
- Will demand higher wages (as if we can afford to work for minimum wage with skyrocketing rent).
- Can’t handle physical work (yet they have no problem hiring seniors for brutal housekeeping and cleaning jobs).
I’ve worked in physically demanding jobs—cleaning, sweeping, lifting heavy furniture—and it’s not sustainable past a certain age. Yet, the jobs that older workers could do—mentoring, childcare, teaching, administration—often go to younger candidates instead.
The Real Reason They Want to Raise Retirement Age
It’s not about helping the economy. It’s about cutting pension costs.
If they can delay retirement and force people to work longer, they save money. And if people die before they can collect full benefits? Even better for them.
But what happens to the people who can’t keep working? Those who can’t get hired? They end up homeless, struggling, and relying on a broken social assistance system that barely covers rent—if they can even find a place to live.
I’ve seen it happening. Seniors turned away from shelters. Older workers forced into poverty because they can’t get hired. This is the future Canada is creating by pushing retirement further out of reach.
Real Solutions Instead of Raising the Retirement Age
Instead of making people work longer, here’s what we actually need:
- Universal Basic Income so people aren’t forced into survival jobs just to avoid homelessness.
- Truly affordable housing so seniors aren’t left couch-surfing or in unsafe SROs.
- Ending age discrimination in hiring so people can work if they want to, not because they have to.
- Support for older workers through job programs that actually lead to real employment.
We Deserve Better
No one should have to work until they drop dead just to save the government money. Raising the retirement age to 67 is just another way to keep people struggling while the rich get richer.
It’s time to stop pretending this is a solution. It’s time to fight for real change.
