Your Weekly Roundup

October 18-26, 2025

Good morning, friends!

The leaves are showing their glorious colours, and we’ve got a packed week of activities happening across Canada. Let’s dive in!

Chuckles Corner

“I’m not saying I’m old, but I remember when the Dead Sea was only sick.” – Unknown

Senior News Spotlight

CPP, OAS & GIS Payments Confirmed for October 29

Mark your calendars – the Canada Revenue Agency has confirmed that CPP, Old Age Security, and Guaranteed Income Supplement payments will be issued on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

If you’re registered for direct deposit, funds will arrive instantly on that date. If you receive cheques, allow a few extra business days for Canada Post delivery.

OAS Increases by 0.7% for October-December

Based on changes in the Consumer Price Index, Old Age Security benefits increased by 0.7% for the October to December 2025 quarter.

Current maximum monthly OAS payments:

Ages 65-74: $740.09
Ages 75+: $814.10 (includes the permanent 10% boost)

Scam Alert: Protect Yourself This Fall

Fraud targeting seniors continues. Watch for:

The Bank Investigator Scam: Fraudsters call claiming to be from your bank’s fraud department, asking you to tell them your card number or PIN. No legitimate bank will ever ask for these.

The Grandparent Scam: Someone claims to be your grandchild in trouble, begging you to send money immediately. Always verify by calling your grandchild or their parents directly.

CRA Phishing: Emails or texts claiming the CRA owes you a refund. The CRA never asks for personal information via email.

Report scams: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or antifraudcentre.ca

Upcoming Events Across Canada (October 18-26)

ONTARIO:

Mississauga:

Sunday, October 19: CARP-a-licious 4-Course Dinner paired with Arterra Wines at Amica Credit Mills, 5:00 pm (RSVP required by Oct 10 to carp.events.ca@gmail.com)
Tuesday, October 21: “Fall in Love with Canada” – Full-day bus adventure with AACM Movers & Shakers (depart 9:15 am, return 6:15 pm)
Saturday, October 25: Music to Remember featuring George Lake BIG Band and Little Peter and the Elegants at Le Treport Wedding & Convention Centre, 7:00-11:00 pm

Toronto:

Saturday, October 18: MET Show & Sale of Fine Dollhouse Miniatures, 10 am-6 pm (perfect for collectors!)
October 18-31: Halloween Mini Mission at Little Canada (family-friendly scavenger hunt through miniature Canada)
October 19-20: Laufey in concert at Scotiabank Arena, 7:30 pm
Ongoing: TITANIC Artifact Exhibition (over 200 authentic artifacts)

ALBERTA:

Calgary:

Saturday, October 18: The Fibre Shindig – shop for yarn, fabrics, and fibre goods
Sunday, October 19: DIY Terrarium Workshop at Plant Plant
Wednesday, October 22: “Sleepy Hollow” at Alberta Theatre Projects (runs through Nov 9)
Saturday, October 25: 12-hour Horror Movie Marathon at Globe Cinema (for brave souls!)

QUEBEC:

Montreal:

October 1-26: Old Port Fall Carnival (Wed-Fri evenings, Sat-Sun afternoons – rides, games, food)
October 20-26: Vancouver Writers Fest continues (various Granville Island locations)
October 18-26: Gardens of Light continues at Montreal Botanical Garden (magical lantern festival, evening hours)

BRITISH COLUMBIA:

Vancouver:

October 20-26: Vancouver International Writers Festival (80+ talks and events featuring Canadian authors – tickets $27-65, many events on Granville Island)
Ongoing through October: VanDusen Botanical Garden Harvest Days (weekends, 10 am-4 pm)

This Week in Canadian History:

October 18, 1929: Persons Day – Canada’s Supreme Court ruled that women are “persons” under the law. A huge milestone for Canadian women’s rights!

Travel Deal of the Week

VIA Rail Autumn Savings

Planning some fall travel? VIA Rail offers ongoing discounts for seniors:

Seniors 60+: 10% discount on most fares (select “Senior 60+” when booking)
CAA Members: Up to 20% off fares across all destinations
VIA Préférence Members: Earn points toward future travel

Popular Fall Routes:

Toronto-Montreal corridor (spectacular fall colours right now!)
The Ocean: Montreal-Halifax (3x weekly, Maritime experience)
The Canadian: Toronto-Vancouver (ultimate cross-country journey)

Book at viarail.ca or call 1-888-VIA-RAIL

Call for Readers

This week is Canadian Intensive Care Week (Oct 20-26) and Invisible Disability Awareness Week (Oct 19-25). Many of us live with invisible disabilities – chronic pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, heart conditions.

How do you advocate for yourself when your challenges aren’t visible to others? Share your experiences!

Your Canadian Senior Moment

Warmly,
Bill and Marilyn Gould
Founders of Canadian Senior Moment

P.S. – Don’t forget Daylight Saving Time ends November 2nd – fall back one hour!