Your Canadian Senior Moment Weekend Roundup for November 15-23, 2025
Hello, friends!
As we move deeper into November with shorter days and longer evenings, there’s still plenty happening across our country to keep us engaged and connected. Grab your favourite warm drink and let’s see what’s worth knowing this week.
Chuckles Corner
“I’m at that age where my back goes out more than I do.”
— Anonymous (and probably sitting very carefully)
Senior News Spotlight: Let’s Clear Up the Confusion
You may have seen alarming headlines this week claiming “Canada ends retirement at 65” or “New pension age confirmed.” Before you panic, let’s set the record straight with what’s actually happening.
What’s NOT changing: The government is not forcing anyone to work longer or eliminating retirement at 65. If you’re already receiving CPP or OAS, absolutely nothing changes for you.
What IS happening: The government is emphasizing the flexibility that has always existed in our pension system. Canadians can choose to start CPP as early as 60 (with reduced benefits) or delay until 70 (with increased benefits). Age 65 remains the standard benchmark, but you have options based on your personal situation.
The recent news coverage stems from two actual changes:
1. CPP Maximum Monthly Payment Increase
The maximum CPP payment has increased to $1,433 per month as of November 2025. This affects those who contributed the maximum amounts during their working years. Most Canadians receive less than the maximum based on their contribution history.
2. OAS Quarterly Adjustment
Old Age Security rates were adjusted by 0.7% for the October-December 2025 quarter. Current maximum payments are:
- Ages 65-74: Up to $740.09 per month
- Ages 75+: Up to $814.10 per month
Bottom Line: You still control when you retire and when you claim benefits. The “retirement age changes” headlines are misleading. If you’re concerned about your specific situation, contact Service Canada directly at 1-800-277-9914.
Scam Alert: Investment Fraud Targeting Seniors
While we’ve covered CRA and OAS scams frequently, there’s a different threat worth knowing about: investment scams specifically designed to target older Canadians with retirement savings.
The BC Securities Commission just launched “Scamtones” — custom ringtones that deliver anti-fraud messages when unknown callers ring. It’s a clever reminder that scammers may be calling your phone more often than your own grandchildren.
Why seniors are targeted: Scammers know that retirees often have nest eggs, home equity, and a desire to make their savings last. International fraud rings specifically target Canadians because we’re statistically friendly, trusting, and have “pretty large nest eggs” according to fraud investigators.
Red flags for investment scams:
- Promises of “guaranteed” high returns with low risk
- Pressure to act immediately or “miss out”
- Requests for payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer
- Callers claiming to help you recover money from a previous scam
What to do: Hang up. Real investment opportunities don’t require split-second decisions. Talk to a family member or financial advisor before making any investment. If something sounds too good to be true, it absolutely is.
Report suspected scams to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
Events Coast to Coast (November 15-23)
British Columbia
Whistler – Saturday, November 15
Frauds and Scams Presentation, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Whistler Public Library, 4329 Main Street
Free presentation on current scams targeting seniors. Part of the Health & Wellness Talks series for 55+.
Richmond – Tuesday, November 18
Introduction to Seniors First BC, 11:30 AM-12:45 PM
Hamilton Community Centre (Multipurpose Room 2), 5140 Smith Drive
Learn about services and resources available to BC seniors.
Vancouver – November 15-23
Eastside Culture Crawl, November 20-23
Explore artist studios, galleries and creative spaces across East Vancouver. Free event.
Harry Potter™: Forbidden Forest Experience continues nightly in Stanley Park
Illuminated trail through the wizarding world. Tickets from $49.50.
Alberta
Calgary – Saturday, November 16
Terri Clark & Paul Brandt: Homecoming 2.0
Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Intimate acoustic evening of storytelling and classic country songs.
Calgary – November 18-23
MJ: The Musical
Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Tony Award-winning musical about Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour.
Calgary – November 15-16 & 22-23
Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market
Unique vendors, shopping, food and entertainment. A local holiday tradition.
Manitoba
Winnipeg – Saturday, November 15
Manitoba Hydro Santa Claus Parade
Downtown Winnipeg, 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Block parties begin at 4:00 PM with music and food vendors.
Winnipeg – Wednesday, November 19
Ms. Lauryn Hill in Concert
Burton Cummings Theatre
Legendary hip-hop artist performs live.
Ontario
Toronto – Sunday, November 23
Original Santa Claus Parade
Starts 12:30 PM at Christie Pits Park
Over 500,000 attend annually. Arrive by 11:30 AM for good viewing spots. Stream live on YouTube if you prefer staying warm at home.
Toronto – Opens November 27
One of a Kind Christmas Show and Sale
Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place
Runs through December 7. Senior tickets (65+) $18 online, $20 at door.
Quebec
Montreal – November 15-December 7
Bach Festival
Over 30 concerts featuring hundreds of musicians. Multiple venues throughout the city.
Montreal – November 18-21
Mundial Montreal
Showcasing the best in new global music at venues across the city.
Montreal – November 20-23
Salon du Chocolat
Windsor Station
Three-day event for chocolate lovers with workshops, lectures and tastings.
Saskatchewan, Atlantic Provinces & Territories
Check your local community centres, libraries and municipal websites for:
- Christmas craft fairs and bazaars (peak season)
- Community choir concerts
- Senior centre holiday events
- Indoor walking programs as winter sets in
Travel Deals of the Week
VIA Rail Senior Discounts
Seniors 60+ receive 10% off all fares. If you’re a CAA member, you can stack discounts for up to 20% off on select routes.
Book 2026 Train Travel Now
Canada Rail Vacations is offering 2025 prices for 2026 travel bookings made before November 13, 2025. Plus up to 15% off advertised tour packages. Perfect for planning next year’s Rocky Mountaineer adventure.
Winter Wonderland in Winnipeg
Canad Inns Winter Wonderland (opens November 28) offers drive-through light displays. Western Canada’s largest holiday light show with over a million lights across 25 themed areas. Affordable family fun through January 4, 2026.
BC Ferries Reminder
Seniors 65+ travel free Monday-Thursday on specified routes (excluding holidays). Always have valid ID ready.
Do You Know of a Local Event?
We can’t be everywhere at once! If you know of a senior-friendly event, craft fair, community gathering or special program happening in your area, please reply to this email and let us know. We love featuring local happenings that might otherwise fly under the radar.
Next week we’ll be covering November 24-December 2, including all those wonderful holiday markets and events as we head into December.
Stay warm, stay informed, and stay connected.
Warmly,
Bill and Marilyn Gould
Founders of Canadian Senior Moment
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