Mr. Speaker, the Armed Forces Pensioners/Annuitants Association contracted a group dental insurance plan, but only under the proviso that monthly premiums be deducted at source.
The request to do so went to Treasury Board in October 1993. Only after many follow-up inquiries did the minister, almost two years later, finally agree to consider the pension deductions.
However, planned implementation could be no sooner than the summer of 1996 and at an estimated cost of "no less than $100,000" for system development.
Treasury Board already processes payroll deductions for income tax, union dues, United Way campaigns, Canada savings bonds and other insurance plans. The software programs are in place and do not require the massive rewrites suggested by the minister.
The association is willing to pay reasonable administrative charges so there would be no cost to the taxpayer. Rather than letting his bureaucrats place unreasonable impediments in the way, the minister should direct Treasury Board to provide this service to a group of people who simply wish to protect their dental health.