Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her speech.
I would like to hear her thoughts on the increase to old age security for seniors 75 and older, which was announced in the Speech from the Throne. This is a promise the Liberals made during the last election campaign. We also asked for an increase to the old age security pension for seniors, but seniors are still waiting.
I remember that on December 6, 2019, I asked the minister during question period why old age security was not going to be increased for seniors 65 and over, instead of 75 and over, to avoid creating two classes of seniors.
When we came back in January, we again asked for this pension to be increased for people 65 and older. Then the pandemic hit. Seniors' finances were hit hard by the health crisis. In response, the Liberals sent them a single $300 cheque, which represented an additional $200 for those receiving the guaranteed income supplement.
Today we are on the verge of a second wave. Seniors got one cheque, but they should have gotten a second. This brings us back to our demand.
When will the Liberals increase old age security for seniors 65 and older, instead of 75 and older?
Poverty does not wait until people turn 75. Rent increases do not wait until people turn 75. The rising cost of groceries does not wait until people turn 75. Rising drug prices do not wait until people turn 75. Senior women living in poverty cannot wait until they turn 75.
Why are they increasing old age security only for those 75 and older?
We are calling for an increase of $110 a month for seniors 65 and older.