Human Resources Committee on Feb. 20th, 2007

[Susan Scotti]

No, there aren't privacy implications. We have checked on that. The intent here with that provision is to allow an individual to have someone with them who would be able to facilitate the application process and answer questions on their behalf when they can't do it themselves.

[Michael Savage, Liberal, Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, NS]

People such as members of Parliament.

[Susan Scotti]

It would extend the scope of the individuals who can now do that.

[Michael Savage, Liberal, Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, NS]

Okay.

How much time do I have?

[The Chair, Conservative, Dean Allison]

You have about 45 seconds left.

[Michael Savage, Liberal, Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, NS]

Okay. Let me ask one other question, then.

Is there a big demand for allowing people to go in and have a look at their CPP online? Is that something that you have heard a lot from people, that they want to do that, go in and have a look at their record online?

[Susan Scotti]

It's a growing demand as seniors become more technologically savvy and have access to the Internet. I can't give you numbers.

Ross MacLeod is here, from Service Canada. He might have numbers. Do you mind if he fills in?

The question is about the number of people asking for a statement of contributions online.

[Ross MacLeod, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Service Canada - Processing and Operations, Department of Social Development]

We receive many thousands of requests a year for statements of contributions from working-age individuals—because the people who are paying into the program are actually mostly working-age people. With the advent of the Internet, and so on, people want to be able to check up on their account. We also use that as a way to push information out to clients about the availability of programs.

[Michael Savage, Liberal, Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, NS]

So it's not just people who are drawing CPP, but people who are paying in, as well, can go in.

[Ross MacLeod]

It would mostly be people who have paid in, because they're still contributing at that point.

[Michael Savage, Liberal, Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, NS]

Thank you very much.

[The Chair, Conservative, Dean Allison]

Thank you, Mr. Savage.

We're going to move now to the Bloc. Mr. Lessard, you have seven minutes, please.

[Yves Lessard, Bloc, Chambly—Borduas, QC]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I want to thank our guests for coming to inform us as they're doing now.

Ms. Scotti, in order to get our bearings in time and to better understand the amendments we're considering, we often have to remember certain paths taken. You're the assistant deputy minister in the Social Development Sectors Branch. So you're responsible for management of these programs.

[Susan Scotti]

Yes, I'm the person responsible.

[Yves Lessard, Bloc, Chambly—Borduas, QC]

How long have you been there, Ms. Scotti?

[Susan Scotti]

It's been nearly three years.

[Yves Lessard, Bloc, Chambly—Borduas, QC]

It's been nearly three years, so...

[Susan Scotti]

I also have a colleague who is responsible for program delivery at Service Canada.

[Yves Lessard, Bloc, Chambly—Borduas, QC]

All right.

Bill C-36 is a positive initiative for seniors, particularly with regard to the Guaranteed Income Supplement.

To what extent will the fact that you no longer have to apply for this supplement every year mean that more people will receive it?

[Susan Scotti]

My colleague will answer.

[Marla Israel]

I'll start in French, then perhaps continue in English.

It's hard to predict exactly how many people will benefit from the amendments made to the act. However, it's clear that we have to avoid having a person who is entitled to the supplement be unable to have access to it.

I'll switch to English.

I think the change is going to be absolutely significant. When I look at the circumstances of what we're already doing from a program perspective to reach out to as many Canadians as we possibly can, and when we've heard about the frustration of those individuals, then I think having one common application form for old age security and the guaranteed income supplement will make a difference.

Coupled with the outreach efforts that are under way, as Mrs. Scotti already explained, I think it will get the word out. We'll continue to try to get the word out as much as possible.

On the application, ticking off a check, and saying yes, I would like to receive the benefit for as long as I'm entitled, will make a difference.

[Yves Lessard, Bloc, Chambly—Borduas, QC]

Will individuals who file income tax returns be able to receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement solely on the basis of that return, or will they also have to apply for it?

[Susan Scotti]

No, they would receive their benefits.

They would get the benefits provided that the variation in income still rendered them eligible and they didn't go above the allowed income threshold.

[Yves Lessard, Bloc, Chambly—Borduas, QC]

Will that be automatic, or will they have to reapply?

[Marla Israel]

Under the legislation?