December 17, 2010

Brockville —  Gord Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds-Grenville notes that Bill C-31, the federal legislation that stops the payment of Old Age Security benefits to convicted criminals, became law on December 16, 2010.

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, announced the passage of Bill C-31, An Act to Amend the Old Age Security Act, which ends Old Age Security benefits to prisoners.

“It is wrong that convicted killers like Clifford Olson were receiving taxpayers’ entitlements such as Old Age Security benefits,” says Brown. “Our government made a commitment to Canadians to end these entitlements for prisoners, and we have delivered on our commitment.”

“It’s great to see that this government is putting victims and taxpayers first, ahead of criminals. The suspension of Old Age Security benefit payments to inmates does just that,” says Sharon Rosenfeldt, President of Victims of Violence. “I commend Prime Minister Harper and Minister Finley for taking leadership on this important issue and ending entitlements for convicted criminals.

“It is common sense that prisoners who are already receiving taxpayer-funded room and board should not also receive Old Age Security. That is why Canadians are upset and outraged. This bill is important for the principles of fairness,” adds Ms. Rosenfeldt.

In addition to suspending Old Age Security benefits for federal inmates who have sentences of two years or more, the Government of Canada will begin negotiations with the provinces and territories to implement these changes for provincial and territorial inmates who have sentences exceeding 90 days.

Low-income spouses and common-law partners of prisoners will not lose their entitlement to the income-tested Guaranteed Income Supplement and the Allowances. 

Old Age Security benefit payments will be suspended the month following an inmate’s incarceration. Benefits will start or resume the month the individual is released.

Other Bills Passed

Brown notes that a number of other important government Bills were passed during the Fall sitting of Parliament.

“The economy was our top priority this Fall and I am pleased that the Sustaining Canada’s Economic Recovery Act became law, allowing measures from the Jobs and Growth Budget to be implemented,” explains Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

“A number of Bills were also passed that will help protect Canadian consumers, make our streets and communities safer, and improve the lives of Canadians and their families,” adds Brown.
 
Government bills that became law:

• Sustaining Canada’s Economic Recovery -- Budget 2010 measures to implement the second phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
• Canadian Consumer Product Safety – tough new legislation to strengthen Canada's product safety laws and better protect Canadian consumers and their families.
• Eliminating Entitlements for Prisoners – terminates the payment of Old Age Security benefits to prisoners. 
• Protecting Victims from Sexual Offenders – protects children against sexual predators on our streets. 
• Fighting Internet and Wireless Spam – protects Canadian businesses and consumers from the most harmful and misleading forms of online threats.
• Gender Equity in Indian Registration – addresses a court ruling on gender discrimination in the Indian Act.
• Tax Conventions Implementation – implements Canada's tax treaties with Colombia, Greece and Turkey.
• Appropriations bill for the fall Supplementary Estimates – provides information to Parliament on the Government’s spending requirements
• Tackling Auto Theft and Property Crime – cracks down on auto theft and trafficking in property that is obtained by crime. 
• Celebrating Canada's Seniors - creates a National Seniors Day to recognize the significant and continuing contributions seniors make to their families, communities, workplaces and society. 

 
A number of key Bills remain in the House, says Brown.

 “We will continue to work to pass legislation to strengthen our economy, make our streets and communities safer, and prevent human smugglers from abusing Canada’s immigration system,” he says.

“We urge the Opposition to work with us to ensure that the interests of Canadians are represented.”