August 30 – September 7, 2025
Hi there, Welcome back to “Your Canadian Senior Moment”!
As we head into the Labour Day long weekend and the unofficial end of summer, here is a summary of national news affecting seniors, a look at upcoming events across the country, and a special section on world travel for your future adventures.
Current News for Canadian Seniors
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New Horizons for Seniors Program: The federal government has launched its 2025-2026 call for proposals for community-based projects. Organizations are invited to apply for funding to support projects that help seniors stay connected and active, with a focus on healthy aging and preventing senior abuse. The deadline to apply is September 17, 2025. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/new-horizons-seniors-community-based.html
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Old Age Security Payments: The Old Age Security (OAS) pension is set to increase by 0.7% for the October to December 2025 quarter. This increase is based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), ensuring benefits keep pace with the cost of living.
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Proposed OAS Reforms: A national organization, Generation Squeeze, is urging the government to reform the Old Age Security program. They propose reducing payments to high-income retirees to free up funds for low-income seniors and other social programs. The government has stated it is engaged in pre-budget consultations.
Upcoming Events by Province and Territory
British Columbia
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Nanaimo: The Nanaimo 55+ BC Games are taking place from September 9th to 13th.
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Victoria: A free pop-up outdoor piano concert is scheduled for Saturday, August 30th at the Oak Bay Marina.
Alberta
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Leduc: The “Slo-Pitch National Championships” begin Friday, August 29th and continue through the Labour Day long weekend. “Alberta Day 2025” will be celebrated on Saturday, August 30th.
Ontario
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Bowmanville: The Bowmanville Older Adult Association is holding an Open House and Seniors Active Living Fair on Wednesday, September 3rd.
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Aurora: The Aurora Seniors’ Centre is hosting a Seniors Active Living Fair on Saturday, September 6th.
Quebec
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Outaouais: The “Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival” will take place from Wednesday, August 27th to Sunday, August 31st.
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Montreal: The “Montréal Ukrainian Festival” is scheduled for Saturday, September 6th.
Nova Scotia
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Various Locations: Many local communities have celebrations planned for the Labour Day long weekend. Check your community’s event calendar for parades or festivities.
New Brunswick
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Saint John: The “Saint John Night Market” is scheduled for Thursday, August 28th.
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Miramichi: A “Knight’s Auction 45’s Sunday game” is scheduled for Sunday, August 31st.
Manitoba
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Gimli: The “WAVE Interlake Artists’ Studio Tour” will be held on Saturday, August 30th and Sunday, August 31st.
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Winnipeg: The “Europa Super Circus” is scheduled for Sunday, August 31st.
Saskatchewan
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Various Communities: Many smaller communities have weekly social activities at their Seniors Hall, including bingo, bridge, and card games.
Newfoundland and Labrador
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St. John’s: The “St. John’s Downtown Pedestrian Mall” is open daily until September 1st.
Prince Edward Island
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Various Locations: The province is hosting “TechNTalk” events for those 55 and older. These events are focused on digital literacy and reducing social isolation.
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/social-development-and-seniors/techntalk
World Travel News and Deals for Seniors
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Fall Travel Deals: Tour companies like Trafalgar and EF Go Ahead Tours are offering savings of up to $1,000 on escorted tours for the fall and winter seasons, to popular destinations like Italy, Portugal, and Ireland.
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Cruise Specials: TourRadar and other cruise booking sites are advertising significant savings on cruises for guests over 65 on select sailings. Look for deals on Northern Europe and Mediterranean voyages booked this month for travel in late 2025 and 2026.
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Adventure Travel: For the more adventurous, there are deals of up to 50% off on “bucket list” adventures like Arctic and Antarctic cruises for 2026.
(Please remember: Events and travel specials are subject to change. It is always a good idea to confirm details with the event organizer or travel provider before you go.)
