NDP will table motion to raise Old Age Security payments for all seniors « Canada’s NDP
OTTAWA – On Wednesday, NDP critic for Seniors Rachel Blaney (North Island—Powell River) will call on all members of parliament to support seniors by increasing Old Age Security (OAS) payments in the wake of the affordability crisis. But, instead of supporting some of Canada’s most vulnerable, the Liberals and Conservatives have teamed up to deny people the help they need.
“With the rising costs of groceries and mortgages and sky-high inflation rates, people are having an extremely difficult time keeping up. And seniors are some of the most impacted by how expensive everything has become, especially women,” said Blaney. “It’s really discouraging for a lot of people to see how the Liberals and Conservatives abandon people once they retire.”
Last summer, seniors 75 and older received a ten per cent increase to their OAS payments – but those under 75 haven’t received an extra cent. Blaney’s motion would have ensured that all seniors would receive the increase, rather than going forward with the Liberals two-tiered system that leaves out more than two million people.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, as prices started to rise, New Democrats have been calling for an increase OAS for all seniors. But the Liberals have refused.
“No Canadian should live below the bar of dignity, especially when they retire. You shouldn’t have to worry about if you can afford medications or fill your cupboards once you retire,” added Blaney. “But the Liberals and Conservatives prefer to penny pinch on the backs of people who need help the most. The Liberals are leaving retirees to fend for themselves, and Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives not only don’t want to get seniors more support, but they say they plan to cut all Canadians’ pensions.
“All seniors face higher grocery costs, not just those 75 and older, but the Conservatives and Liberals are supporting a two-tiered system. New Democrats will keep fighting to make sure all seniors are treated with respect and to end this absurd system by getting an OAS increase for all seniors.”