Madam Minister, I do not have much time. You have already talked about the measures.
You said you lifted seniors out of poverty. As to the GIS, the guaranteed income supplement, anyone with an income over $20,831 cannot even claim it. Given the current rate of inflation, can you say that a person can live with dignity on $20,831 in 2022?
You talked about priorities. During the pandemic, we had to come to Ottawa regularly to ask questions because you were helping everyone except seniors. You finally offered seniors a cheque for $300, or $500 for those receiving the GIS. Do you think that is making seniors a priority?
You let half of seniors down. Your 10% increase to old age security for seniors 75 and over means that half of seniors did not see any increase in their income.
I do not think poverty waits for people to turn 75. I do not think that everyone under the age of 75 is able to work. Do you really want to force seniors back into the labour market? For all kinds of reasons, some of them are not in a position to work.
I am asking you again: why did you create two classes of seniors? With the rates of inflation we are seeing, all the studies have shown that people on a fixed income are the most vulnerable, including seniors who receive OAS.
Why do you discriminate on the basis of age? I would like a 30-second answer.