Hon. Tony Whitford's return to Question W6-12(1), asked by Mr. Pudluk on December 11, 1991: The age at which all Canadian citizens receive the old age security pension has been established at 65 years by the federal government. Statistics across Canada indicate that the percentage of seniors over the age of 65 years is increasing, as seniors are living longer.
It is unlikely that the federal government will lower the old age security eligibility below age 65. The only exception that presently exists relates to a spouse, spouse of a pensioner, a widow or widower.
A spouse between age 60 to 64 is eligible to receive a spousal allowance if the pensioner over 65 has limited income and is eligible to receive the guaranteed income portion of his/her pension. A widow or widower will receive a widowed spouse allowance at age 60 if his/her income is below the allowable limit.