Elders in Nunavut say old age security too low to cover cost of living

A 91-year-old woman from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, says she used to make traditional garments for extra income, because old age security payments were too low. 

Kumaguaq (Adele) Angidlik said her eyesight has declined and that she can no longer sew.

"When someone is hungry it is very hard to go through," she said in Inuktitut. 

Angidlik is just one of several elders in Nunavut who said old age security doesn't keep up with the high cost of living in the territory. 

Employment and Social Development Canada provided figures to CBC News for old age security payments in Nunavut last year. The average monthly payment for elders in Nunavut in 2024 was about $920 per month, which adds up to a little over $11,000 a year. 

Elders say that's about half of what they need and they're left finding other ways to afford food.

Johnny Joanas, 75, lives in Clyde River and said the price of food is extremely high in town and with only one store in the community, there's no competition. 

Joanas said he does not like to ask for help when he runs out of money.

"Prices have gone very high even though they were already high before," he said in Inuktitut. 

Joanas said canned food in Clyde River costs as much at $12.

Niaquttiaq (David) Irngaut is an elder from Igloolik who owns a home. He said he has to pay a lump sum for fuel and electricity every month and whatever little he has left is for food for his adopted toddler son.

"I almost gave up one time. How am I going to maintain my home? Maybe I should sell it, but even if I sell it I would become homeless," he said in Inuktitut.

Contact Service Canada if the amount is too low, feds say

Stephanie McLean, the federal secretary of state for seniors, said the amount paid per senior is a personal calculation. 

"So it's important for folks to contact Service Canada if they're uncertain about the number or if they feel that it's not the right number for them," she said. 

McLean said the amount the federal government pays is determined by a number of factors. She said it takes into account whether people have other sources of income which could affect who has access to the guaranteed income supplement, a monthly payment available to Old Age Security pensioners with low income.

When asked about the elders in Nunavut who say the amount isn't enough, McLean said her government recognizes that the cost of living in the North is high. She said there are government programs meant to help people depending on what situation they are in.

"Some folks are supporting other people. And so I think it's really important for folks to ensure that they're taking full advantage of what the government does provide, whether it's a disability tax credit or provincial or territorial programs as well," she said.  

When asked what the government plans to do to assist elders who are struggling to get by on their old age security payments, McLean said things like cutting the consumer carbon tax will help people in the North save money, she also mentioned that in 2022 the government increased old age security by 10 per cent for seniors aged 75 and older. 

McLean said removing interprovincial trade barriers will also lower prices in Nunavut. 

Premier P.J. Akkeagok is responsible for elders in Nunavut. He declined an interview with CBC News on the subject.