Mr. Speaker, the member raised a specific case with regard to a low income senior. The reality is in Canada we have many seniors who live on low income. However I think the member suggested that the senior of some 70-odd years of age, making about $11,000 a year, was paying income tax.
The member should be aware that the basic personal amount, which is a non-refundable tax credit, and the age amount, which is available to those who have reached the age of 65 or over, already wipe out any income tax that would otherwise be payable on that amount. Therefore they do not pay any income tax. In addition to that they would receive the GST credit of about $200 and the Ontario provincial credit of about $500.
That does not solve the problem but the representation of the member I believe was incorrect.