Debates of Feb. 8th, 2012

Diane Finley Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development

Mr. Speaker, if the government were to take the NDP's advice and do nothing now, the young workers of today would not get anything from the old age security program. That is for certain. We want to prevent this from happening. That is why we are taking action now to ensure that the old age security system is viable for today's seniors and for future generations.

Irene Mathyssen London—Fanshawe, ON

Mr. Speaker, when I warned the government that there was a crisis, it did not listen. It has no plan--

The Speaker Andrew Scheer

Order. The hon. member for London—Fanshawe.

Irene Mathyssen London—Fanshawe, ON

Mr. Speaker, the government has no plan for affordable housing for seniors, no plan for home care, no plan for long-term care. The Conservatives have no plan for responsible pension reform, except that they march in here and say that they are going to cut the OAS. That is despicable.

Canadians, especially those who have lost their jobs and are worried, want a clear answer from that bunch. Are the Conservatives going to protect the OAS, yes or no?

The Speaker Andrew Scheer

Order. I am sure the member appreciates the assistance when she comes to the end of her question, but I do not know that it adds to the debate here. I would ask members to ask their questions on their own and give answers on their own as well.

The hon. Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

Diane Finley Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development

Mr. Speaker, the NDP members cannot seem to make up their minds. On one side they say no, but on the other, the member says that she warned us of the coming crisis.

We know there is a coming crisis in old age security. That is why we are taking steps now before it is too late. We do not want to burden future generations with massive tax increases to support the OAS. We need to take steps now. It is the responsible thing to do. Our population is aging. Pretty soon we are going to have three times the cost of OAS payments to make with only half the working population to support it. That is not enough. We have to act now.

Irene Mathyssen London—Fanshawe, ON

Mr. Speaker, that is categorically untrue. The PBO said that the OAS is sustainable. The only--

The Speaker Andrew Scheer

Order. The hon. member for London—Fanshawe.

Irene Mathyssen London—Fanshawe, ON

Mr. Speaker, the PBO is clear; experts are clear: the OAS is sustainable.

Canadians, especially those who have lost their jobs, would like an answer from the government. They cannot save for retirement now and they have no pension income. At the end of their careers, can they rely on the OAS to make ends meet?

Is the government going to make it harder for new Canadians and all Canadians to retire by changing the OAS, yes or no?

Diane Finley Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development

Mr. Speaker, what we are doing is ensuring that there is an OAS program now and for future generations. We have to do it. It is the responsible thing to do because Canadians are counting on us.

That means we have to take a longer view of the world than what the NDP likes to take. We have to take a look at it and see if we can afford it over the long term. If we cannot, we need to make changes. It is only sensible when there will be half as many people who will have to pay three times as much. It is the single biggest transfer that the government makes. We have to make changes. We are going to do it responsibly and gradually to make sure that there are no cliff drops and that everybody is taken care of.