November 1-9, 2025
What You Need to Know This Week
Hello there!
November is settling in across our beautiful country – a time for cozy sweaters, warm cups of tea, and looking ahead to the holiday season. But before we turn our thoughts to turkey and stuffing, let’s catch up on what’s happening in the world of Canadian seniors this week. (Spoiler Alert: Only 54 days until Christmas)
🎭 Chuckles Corner
“In youth, we run into difficulties. In old age, difficulties run into us.” — Josh Billings
(And this week, let’s make sure “difficulties” don’t include scammers!)
📰 Senior News Spotlight
Your Next Payment is Coming!
Mark Wednesday, November 26 on your calendar – that’s when your CPP, OAS, and GIS payments will arrive. Just in time for any early holiday shopping you might be planning!
OAS Gets a Small Boost
Good news for those tracking every dollar (and aren’t we all?). OAS benefits increased by 0.7% for the October to December 2025 quarter, bringing the total increase to 1.7% over the past year. While it’s not a huge jump, every bit helps when grocery prices keep climbing.
Here’s what the current maximum monthly amounts look like:
- Ages 65-74: $740.09 per month
- Ages 75+: $814.10 per month (that 10% boost for seniors 75+ continues)
- GIS: Up to $1,086.88 for single seniors
OAS Clawback Threshold Increases
If you’re one of the fortunate seniors with higher income, there’s good news too. The OAS clawback threshold has been adjusted upward to $90,997 (from $86,912 in 2024), meaning you can earn more before your OAS benefits start to be reduced.
Important Reminder: No Age Increase for OAS
Despite rumors circulating on social media, we want to set the record straight: The official retirement age for Old Age Security remains at 65, with no confirmed increase to 67 or beyond as of 2025. Don’t let fear-mongering posts worry you unnecessarily. Always check Canada.ca for official information about your benefits.
🚨 Scam Alert: Bank Investigator Fraud Reaches Alarming Levels
This week’s scam news is particularly troubling, and we need to talk about it directly.
A 90-year-old Victoria man lost $1.7 million – his entire life savings – to scammers posing as bank investigators. Ray’s story should serve as a wake-up call for all of us. The scammers told him they needed his help with a “money-laundering investigation” and convinced him to withdraw his money so couriers could “keep it safe.”
Even more alarming: A Brantford, Ontario couple in their 70s lost over $1 million after scammers convinced them to purchase $900,000 in gold bars and $101,990 in bitcoin. The fraud lasted two months, with daily calls from criminals pretending to be with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, police, and Canada’s Treasury Department.
Here’s What You Need to Know:
The CRA and your bank will NEVER:
- Contact you via text message or WhatsApp
- Ask you to withdraw large amounts of cash
- Send “couriers” to pick up money, gold, or gift cards
- Threaten immediate arrest
- Ask you to keep an investigation “secret”
If someone calls claiming to be from your bank’s fraud department:
- Hang up immediately
- Call your bank directly using the number on your bank card or statement
- Report the call to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501
Remember: Both CIBC and RBC allowed Ray to drain his accounts despite multiple red flags, so don’t rely solely on your bank to protect you. If something feels wrong, it probably is.
🎪 Events Happening Coast to Coast
Atlantic Canada
Nova Scotia:
- Hal-Con (November 7-9, Halifax) – Atlantic Canada’s biggest sci-fi convention featuring costume contests, vendors, autograph/photo sessions, panels, gaming, and much more! Even if you’re not a sci-fi fan, it’s a fun cultural experience. Scotiabank Centre.
- Brent Butt (Sunday, November 9, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.) – Marigold Cultural Centre, Truro, NS. There are still a few tickets left as of this date.
All Atlantic Provinces:
- Many community centers are hosting Remembrance Day ceremonies and events during the week of November 8-11. Check your local legion or community board for details.
Ontario
Ottawa:
- Ottawa Farmers’ Market (November 1, Lansdowne Park) – The largest producer-based farmers’ market in Eastern Ontario, with over 100 vendors offering produce, baked goods and crafts.
- Kimono Fashion Show (November 1) – Explore the elegance and cultural richness of the Kimono Fashion Show, presented by the Ottawa Japanese Community Association. A beautiful cultural experience!
- Toronto – 2025 Seniors Living Show with Holiday Market
- When: Check Eventbrite for specific dates in November
- Where: Exhibition grounds, Toronto
- What: Senior resources, vendors, and early holiday shopping
- Cost: Check website for details
Multiple Ontario Locations – Seniors Active Living Fairs
- When: Various dates through November
- What: Free community events connecting seniors with health and social services, recreational programs, and local resources
- Cost: FREE
- Info: Contact your local Older Adult Centre or visit oacao.org
- Bubble Planet (Ongoing) – An immersive experience with VR technology and optical illusions. Senior tickets (65+) $31.90. Great for a fun outing with grandkids!
- One of a Kind Christmas Show (November 27-December 7, Enercare Centre) – Handmade gifts including jewelry, home decor, art, ceramics, and gourmet foods. Senior tickets (65+) online $18, onsite $20. Perfect for unique holiday shopping!
British Columbia
- Importance of Staying Connected Workshop (November 6, Killarney Community Centre, Vancouver) – Free learning event on preventing social isolation and loneliness, 1:00pm-2:00pm. Important topic for all of us!
- Frauds & Scams Presentation (November 7, Delbrook Community Rec Centre, North Vancouver) – Free educational session on protecting yourself from fraud, 10:00-11:30am. After this week’s scam news, this couldn’t be more timely.
- Vancouver – Transform Festival
- When: November 5-8
- Where: Vancouver Playhouse
- What: Indigenous performers showcasing theatre, music, drag, circus, and comedy
- Info: Check Vancouver Playhouse website for tickets
Vancouver – Jade Music Festival
- When: November 5-9
- Where: Multiple Granville Island venues
- What: Celebrating Chinese-language music in Canada with concerts and industry panels
- Cost: Various – check festival website
Whistler:
- Frauds & Scams Presentation (November 15, Whistler Public Library) – Part of Health & Wellness Talks for the 55+ community, 10:00am-12:00pm.
Prince George:
- Frauds & Scams Presentation (November 19, Prince George Public Library) – Bob Harkins Branch, 1:00pm-2:30pm. Free admission.
Alberta
- Check with your local senior center for drop-in activities, fitness classes, and social gatherings
- Libraries often host book clubs, tech help sessions, and guest speakers
- Calgary – Women’s Health and Alzheimer’s Disease Session
- When: November 5
- What: Important health information specifically for women
- Cost: Typically free or low-cost
- Info: Check local community centre listings
Saskatchewan & Manitoba
-
Community centers in Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, and Brandon typically offer:
-
- Weekly card games and socials
- Fitness programs designed for seniors
- Educational workshops
- Contact your local senior center for November programming
🎖️ Looking Ahead: Remembrance Day – November 11
While it falls just outside this week’s roundup, on November 11, special church services are organized, often including the playing of “The Last Post”, a reading of the fourth verse of the ‘Ode of Remembrance’ and two minutes silence at 11:00 am Time and Date
The Royal Canadian Legion hosts the National Remembrance Day Ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. The ceremony starts at approximately 10:45 a.m. Ottawa Tourism
Most communities across Canada hold ceremonies at local cenotaphs at 10:45 AM. Find your local Royal Canadian Legion branch at legion.ca for ceremony details.
Note for veterans: Many cities offer free transit on Remembrance Day. Check with your local transit authority.
✈️ Travel Deals of the Week
VIA Rail – Train Travel for Seniors
Conflicting information exists about VIA Rail’s senior discount. Via Rail has discontinued senior discounts as of January 2025, but all passengers can access regular promotions like Discount Tuesdays. However, other sources suggest seniors 65+ may still receive some benefits.
Best bet:
- CAA members save up to 20% on all routes
- Book on Tuesdays for weekly deals (10-15% off)
- Join VIA Préférence loyalty program for points toward future travel
- Visit viarail.ca or call to confirm current senior rates
Cruise Deals for November/December Departures
With Caribbean cruise season in full swing, several lines are offering attractive deals:
Holland America Line: Special bonus rates on Fall 2025 sailings through October 31, with onboard credits. Known for catering well to mature travelers with longer port stays.
Celebrity Cruises: Senior rates available on selected sailings for guests aged 55 and older. Over 300 destinations with world-class dining and entertainment.
MSC Cruises: Senior Club discount for passengers over 65 years of age (sharing the same cabin). Includes Mediterranean, Caribbean, and transatlantic options.
Princess Cruises: Military benefits and past guest loyalty programs. Caribbean sailings from $799 per person (interior cabin). Book early for best selection!
Pro tip: Booking within 90 days of sailing yields optimal results, especially for Caribbean and Mexico voyages during November. Last-minute deals can save significantly if you’re flexible and live near a departure port.
Air Canada Vacations: Save up to $400 per pair on Flight & Cruise packages to Europe for spring 2026 departures. Book by November 18, 2025.
📣 Calling All Readers!
Do you know of a local event happening in your community this month? We’d love to hear about it! Many wonderful activities at community centers, libraries, and senior centers never make it to our radar.
Reply to this email or post in our Facebook group with details about events in your area – you might help a fellow senior discover something wonderful happening right in their neighborhood!
Have you encountered a scam attempt recently? Sharing your experience (even if you didn’t fall for it) helps protect others. The more we talk about these tactics, the harder it becomes for scammers to succeed.
Stay Safe, Stay Connected
With the disturbing scam news this week, please – PLEASE – talk with your spouse, siblings, and friends about these fraud tactics. Sometimes the best protection is simply knowing that someone else is watching out for red flags.
And if you’re feeling isolated as the days get shorter, reach out. Call that friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Join a program at your local community center. Check if your library has a book club. Connection is our best defense against both loneliness and fraud.
Until next week, enjoy the November weather (whatever that means in your part of Canada!), and stay warm.
**Explore More:**
– Browse our archive of 200+ articles at CanadianSeniorMoment.ca
– Check out our bookshop for helpful Canadian senior resources
– Join our Facebook community for daily discussions
*Not a member yet? Forward this to a friend who’d benefit!*