United Way of Bruce Grey/Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force and community partners are expanding their commitment to senior well-being with a series of webinars designed to help older adults better understand and navigate retirement income.
Retiring on a Low Income for Seniors in Grey Bruce Webinars will deliver a series of accessible webinars for seniors living with low-income and the professionals who support them in community hubs in Grey and Bruce Counties.
· Friday, May 8th, 2026 10:30am-12:30pm: What Seniors Get (Government Incomes)
· Friday, May 22nd, 2026 1030am-12:30pm: Income Tax Systems
· Friday, June 5th, 2026 10:30am-12:30pm: Parallel Universe (the financial reality for low-income seniors, when conventional financial wisdom does not apply)
These FREE webinars are designed for individuals aged 45 to 65, particularly those with low or moderate incomes, as well as those navigating programs such as Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program.
Expert-Led by Leading Policy Specialist: With thanks to funding from the Community Foundation Grey Bruce, we are pleased to bring John Stapleton, founder of Open Policy Ontario, a leading expert in income security and social policy to our screens.
John Stapleton brings 28 years of experience with the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services and has held key advisory roles on national poverty reduction strategies, income security and social assistance policy reform. He is currently a Policy Fellow at the National Institute on Ageing and has published extensively on financial security issues affecting seniors and low-income populations.
“John’s expertise ensures participants receive clear, practical guidance grounded in real-world policy and experience,” said Francesca Dobbyn, Executive Director of United Way of Bruce Grey.
Addressing a Growing Need: With more than one-quarter (26.2%) of the local population aged 65 and older and many households earning below $72,500 annually, financial insecurity remains a significant concern in Grey and Bruce Counties.
Many seniors with low-income rely on programs such as Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), yet barriers such as program complexity can prevent them from accessing available government supports.
“These webinars are about helping seniors understand financial strategies for retiring better when faced with no other option but to retire low-income,” said Jill Umbach, Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force. “Join us to learn more, ask questions and access supports.”
Registration is requested to ensure space and availability at each location.
Community-Based and Accessible:
Webinars will be hosted in-person at 11 community hubs:
· South East Grey Community Health Centre (Dundalk and Markdale)
· Beaver Valley Outreach (Thornbury)
· Meaford Public Library (Meaford)
· YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce (Owen Sound)
· M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre (Owen Sound)
· Ontario Disability Support Program/Ontario Works (Owen Sound)
· The Salvation Army (Wiarton)
· Bruce County Public Library (Kincardine and Port Elgin)
· Canadian Mental Health Association Grey Bruce (Hanover)
To find the details for each location and registration go to: Government Incomes for Seniors – United Way of Bruce Grey
About the Income & Employment Security Action Group/Poverty Task Force: The Income & Employment Action Group is one of the focus areas of the Poverty Task Force, with an emphasis on addressing the systemic barriers that prevent individuals and families from achieving financial stability. Its work centres on advocating for adequate income supports, fair wages, and accessible employment opportunities, recognizing that secure income is foundational to reducing poverty.
The group brings together community partners to identify gaps in existing programs, promote policy improvements, and support initiatives that enhance workforce participation and economic inclusion. By combining research, lived experience, and collaborative action, the group works to influence local and broader policy while raising awareness about the importance of income security as a key determinant of health and well-being. Income Security – Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force
About Open Policy Ontario: Open Policy Ontario is a social policy consultancy led by John Stapleton that focuses on research, analysis, and practical solutions to address poverty and income insecurity. The organization works to help governments, community agencies, and advocates better understand complex policy issues, particularly those related to social assistance, retirement income, and benefits systems. Open Policy Ontario
About United Way of Bruce Grey: United Way of Bruce Grey works to meet unmet needs in the community by mobilizing volunteers and financial resources to address poverty and social challenges. Through a range of programs—including financial literacy initiatives and seniors-focused education—the organization helps residents lead healthier, more secure lives (United Way of Bruce Grey).
