Mr. Speaker, on this day in 1966, retiring Canadians qualified for monthly income support through the old age security program, created by Liberal Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson.
Liberals knew then, as we know now, that seniors helped to build our country and deserved dignity in their golden years. Sadly, Conservatives in 1966, just like the Conservatives today, opposed the notion that hard-working Canadians deserved income support from the federal government at the age of 65.
Canada is blessed with prosperity and prosperity must be shared. Therefore, why does the Prime Minister think lower income Canadians must work harder and wait longer to retire?
I have spoken to many seniors who have worked a lifetime, paid their taxes, raised their children and now they struggle just to buy groceries.
This is not the Canada for which we have all worked. I can only hope the government will restore the pension benefits it is taking from our low-income seniors. Prosperity must be shared by all or it is just opulence for a few.