Mr. Chair, I agree that as far as legislation adjusting the registered income security benefit, the RISB, to be in accordance with the consumer price index is concerned, it makes sense, but the drafting conventions and consistency with other regulations within the new Veterans Charter dictate that the indexation of benefits be contained in the regulations. The government intends to index the RISB, as it does other benefits, to the consumer price index. Outlining the criteria in regulations versus legislation also provides the minister with more flexibility to make changes in the future should a better indicator for adjusting rates than the consumer price index be established at some point in the future. Therefore, the government does not support this amendment.
On June 4th, 2015. See this statement in context.