NDP Opposition Day Motion
Irene Mathyssen (London –Fanshawe): That, in the opinion of this House, ending seniors' poverty in Canada is fiscally feasible, and, therefore, the House calls on the government to take immediate steps to increase the Guaranteed Income Supplement sufficiently to achieve that goal.
At the first opportunity, New Democrats introduced a motion, on Monday June 20th, that called for a targeted increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) that would sufficiently increase the GIS to eliminate senior’s poverty in Canada. I am very pleased that the NDP motion passed unanimously in the House and that all parties support our initiative. I am very hopeful that this motion will be given Royal Assent and that the government will take immediate action. I am cognisant of the fact, however, that previous Conservative governments have failed to implement motions passed in the house on Seniors including the NDP’s 2006 Seniors Charter and a 2009 motion to improve Retirement Income Security.
In combination with increases to the GIS in the June 2011 budget, the cost to taxpayers would be significantly less than $700 million dollars. This is an intelligent, practical and affordable investment that would make a positive difference in the everyday lives of seniors currently living in poverty. The argument that we, as a country, cannot afford to lift seniors out of poverty is preposterous. Last year corporate tax cuts cost the Government of Canada $8 billion - a tiny fraction of this amount would be enough to bring our seniors out of poverty.
There has been some criticism that the motion did not propose a “hard number” and asked the government to merely “sufficiently increase” the GIS. The wording was purposeful as it allows for adjustments if the government decides to invest in affordable housing or a national pharmacare plan which would have a great impact on reducing seniors’ poverty rates.
Canada is a rich and privileged country. We need to support our seniors because it's the ethical thing to do and in practical terms because they in turn support the economy and their families. This is an easy, affordable, targeted solution to a very real problem. As politicians, we have an obligation to make this happen. It is time that we abandoned partisan rhetoric and acted as one to stand up for our seniors.
Contact Irene:
irene.mathyssen@parl.gc.ca
www.irenemathyssen.ca
Parliament Hill Office:
1220 La Promenade
House of Commons
Ottawa ON, K1A 0A6
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