Public policy and the economic wellbeing of elderly immigrants

Overview

Abstract (English)

In this paper we document the economic outcomes of elderly immigrants to Canada. Our focus is on describing the extent to which elderly immigrants may have low income (are “in poverty”) and their consequent use of the Canadian income transfer system. The study has three parts. first, using a combination of administrative and survey data, we describe the age dimensions of immigration to Canada since 1980, and the evolution of policies directed towards older immigrants (i.e., immigration selection, and eligibility for age-related social security programs). Second, using the SCF and SLID surveys spanning 1986 through 2005, we document trends in the living standards of older immigrants to Canada, highlighting the degree to which such immigrants have low income. Third, we estimate the degree to which older immigrants rely on various income transfer programs, especially OAS, GIS, and Social Assistance (SA). Throughout our paper, we also explore the family dimensions to the outcomes of older immigrants: distinguishing between individual and family sources of income, as well as outlining differences in the living arrangements (family structure) of older immigrants, and the implications for measures of their well-being.

Abstract (French)

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