We don't believe the innocent spouses or common law partners of convicted criminals should suffer financially because of the deeds. These individuals are innocent. They would retain any entitlement to the old age security benefits, to the guaranteed income supplement, or even to the allowance, but they would do so not based on the couple's income but on their own individual income. So what we'd make sure of is that the spouses, the common law partners, of convicted criminals would retain their entitlement. They still would receive their old age security benefits and their guaranteed income supplement benefits. They shouldn't be victimized by the deeds of their spouses.
On October 28th, 2010. See this statement in context.