kcowan wrote:Certainly, OAS has not kept pace with rents in Vancouver
Usain Bolt couldn't keep pace with housing costs in Vancouver. I really don't think we should be considering using Vancouver housing prices as the benchmark for inflation calculations in government programs.
kcowan wrote:Maybe there is a case for regional adjustments so that the Maritimers get what they need while the west coasters do as well.
That sounds an awful lot like another federal transfer program to me. Forcing East Coasters to subsidize the carefree metropolitan lifestyle of stubborn retired West Coasters, willing to neither move, nor pay for their own indulgent choices.
The OAS formula should remain applied evenly, across all seniors, with no adjustment for regional variances in cost of living. If someone wishes to live in a more expensive area, they should cover the difference themselves. If they can't afford to, then they should have to move, regardless of whether or not it makes them sad.