Mr. Speaker, old age pensions are a subject of concern to me because, so far, the legislation put in place by the government of Canada has dug into the pockets of the unemployed and limited access to funds for the poor. This government seems to be in the habit of attacking the most vulnerable and seniors, who are certainly among the most vulnerable members of our society.
But Parliament should have every respect for these people who deserve to retain full pensions wherever possible. After all, the quality of life that we enjoy today, we owe it to their work, their hard work. And when we talk about wanting to reorganize old age pensions, it causes us and them concern.
Of course there are problems. Our population is aging and the demographics of an aging population can cause problems. But the government should state clearly-and make it really clear-today and in the weeks to come, that it has no intention of reducing the entitlements of our seniors. That is what matters and causes concern because so far, the government has made promises regarding the protection of entitlements for the disadvantaged, promises it has definitely failed to fulfil.
The government made cutbacks in the UI program, in programs providing support to the disadvantaged, in community programs. I wonder: could the hon. member rise in this House today and state clearly and firmly that her government intends to fully maintain all existing entitlements for the seniors of this country?