Is CARP legitimate? Unpacking the Canadian Association of Retired Persons

With hundreds of thousands of members, CARP is Canada's leading advocacy association for older Canadians. But is CARP legitimate, and how does it serve its members? This guide dives deep into the organization's mission, structure, and effectiveness.

Quick Summary

Yes, the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) is a legitimate and influential non-profit organization that advocates for older Canadians on issues of healthcare and financial security.

Key Points

• Legitimate Advocacy: CARP is a genuine, non-profit Canadian organization that advocates for seniors' issues at all levels of government.

• Non-Partisan: The association is non-partisan and works with all political parties to advance its mission of improving healthcare, financial security, and fighting ageism.

• Partnership with ZoomerMedia: CARP has a transparent and long-standing relationship with the for-profit company ZoomerMedia, which provides media exposure and operational support.

• Membership Benefits: Membership offers various discounts on insurance, travel, health, and retail products, along with access to educational resources and local chapters.

• Funded by Members and Partnerships: CARP funds its advocacy primarily through membership fees and revenue from affinity partnerships, not government funding.

• No Age Limit: Despite its name, there is no age restriction to join, and its target audience is often referred to as 'Zoomers' (45+).

Understanding the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP)

CARP, formerly known as the Canadian Association of Retired Persons, is a national, non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and interests of Canadians as they age. Modeled after the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), it has operated independently since 1985. With over 300,000 members, CARP is a significant voice for seniors in Canada, often influencing public policy.

How CARP's Advocacy Works

CARP's primary focus is advocacy across three key areas: healthcare, financial security, and fighting ageism. The organization campaigns on relevant issues, utilizing its large membership and partnership with ZoomerMedia to amplify its message. Local chapters also contribute to national advocacy efforts by highlighting regional concerns.

Key advocacy areas for CARP include:

• Healthcare: Advocating for better access to healthcare, improved long-term care, and expanded home care options for aging in place.
• Financial Security: Promoting policies that protect retirement income, such as supporting stable CPP benefits.
• Combatting Ageism: Working to address age-based discrimination in various aspects of life.

The CARP-ZoomerMedia Relationship

A notable aspect of CARP's structure is its close relationship with ZoomerMedia, a for-profit company. Since 2009, Moses Znaimer has held leadership roles in both organizations. This partnership provides CARP with extensive media reach through ZoomerMedia's platforms, aiding in the dissemination of its advocacy messages. ZoomerMedia also provides administrative support to CARP. While this arrangement is transparent and supports CARP's mission, it has sometimes led to questions about the distinction between the non-profit and for-profit entities.

Membership Benefits and Perks

In addition to advocacy, CARP membership offers various benefits, often through partnerships. An annual membership fee provides access to these perks.

Membership benefits include:

• Insurance: Access to special rates on different insurance types, including travel and health insurance.
• Travel Discounts: Deals on travel services.
• Health and Wellness: Access to tools like CARP Health 360 and discounts on related products.
• Lifestyle and Retail: Offers from various retailers and service providers.

Is CARP Right For You? A Comparison with AARP

When comparing CARP to AARP in the U.S., differences arise, partly due to the distinct healthcare systems.

Feature	CARP (Canada)	AARP (USA)
Focus	Advocacy for Canadian seniors on healthcare, financial security, and fighting ageism.	Lobbying for Americans 50+ on Social Security, Medicare (private supplemental insurance), and other federal programs.
Healthcare	Advocates for improved public healthcare access and home care funding. Offers some private insurance and wellness benefits.	Historically known for access to private health insurance. Lobbies extensively on Medicare and prescription drug costs.
Model	Non-profit association with a transparent partnership with a for-profit media company (ZoomerMedia).	Non-profit with a foundation. Also has a for-profit subsidiary that manages partnerships and offers products.
Eligibility	No age restrictions, though focus is on 45+ or 'Zoomers'.	Generally 50+, though some membership benefits are available to others.
Size	300,000+ members.	Millions of members, significantly larger due to population size.

Legitimate Concerns and Criticisms

While legitimate, CARP has faced criticism regarding its ties to commercial interests. Concerns have been raised about potential conflicts between its non-profit advocacy and revenue-generating partnerships. However, this structure is transparent, and commercial revenue supports advocacy efforts. CARP's role as both an advocacy group and benefits provider is common in similar associations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, CARP is a legitimate and influential Canadian non-profit organization that has advocated for seniors for decades. Its relationship with ZoomerMedia and commercial benefits are transparent aspects of its model that help fund its advocacy. For Canadians interested in supporting a strong voice for seniors and accessing benefits, CARP is a valid option. More information on their initiatives is available on their official website at www.carp.ca. The decision to join depends on individual needs and priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does CARP stand for?

CARP was originally the acronym for the Canadian Association of Retired Persons, but the organization has officially dropped the expanded name and is now simply known as CARP.

Is CARP affiliated with AARP?

No, CARP is not directly affiliated with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). While CARP was modeled after AARP, it has been an independent, Canadian organization since its foundation in 1985.

How much does a CARP membership cost?

The annual CARP membership fee is quite affordable, though the exact cost can vary with promotions. Past reports have indicated a low annual fee of around $19.95, and some benefit offers even include a free membership.

Can I join CARP if I am not retired?

Yes. While CARP focuses on the interests of older Canadians, there is no official age restriction to join the association. Its mission is to advocate for Canadians 'as we age,' and it targets a wider demographic often referred to as 'Zoomers'.

Does CARP receive government funding?

No, CARP is a not-for-profit organization that does not receive government funding for its operational and advocacy costs. It is primarily funded through membership fees and affinity partnerships.

How does CARP's relationship with ZoomerMedia work?

CARP partners with ZoomerMedia, a for-profit media company, to amplify its advocacy message through various media channels like TV, radio, and magazines. This partnership provides CARP with significant reach while ZoomerMedia provides administrative and marketing support.

What kind of benefits do CARP members receive?

CARP members gain access to a variety of benefits, including exclusive discounts on insurance (car, home, travel), health and wellness products, travel offers, and retail savings through its affinity partners.

Is the advocacy work of CARP effective?

CARP has a long track record of influencing policy changes in favor of seniors. Notable past successes include advocating for pension reform and fighting against proposed changes to OAS eligibility.