Mr. Speaker, Bill C-36, the budget implementation act, nickels and dimes Canada's poor seniors.
No one blinked an eye when the budget promised to “improve the way in which the guaranteed income supplement operates”. This was until people realized that the finance minister's idea of improvement is to cut benefits to seniors.
Take for instance the effects Bill C-36 will have on seniors who are working to earn extra money. These seniors will now be subject to a stiffer clawback on the benefits they receive. If the clawback that already exists was not enough, the government proposes to take up to $250 more from the poorest senior citizens in Canada.
Some of these senior citizens are working in fast food restaurants. They were told by this government that they would get a full meal deal. Instead, this finance minister is giving them the drive through. It is unfortunate and it is wrong.
The finance minister's improvements nickel and dime Canada's poorest seniors. That is why I have sent a letter to all members of the House seeking their support for amendments that I am proposing to Bill C-36 which will provide for equitable treatment in Canada.