Judy Sgro, the Member of Parliament for York West and the Official Opposition Critic for Seniors and Pensions, announced today that she will be voting against Bill C-428, An Act to amend the Old Age Security Act (residency requirement).
“The issues of pension adequacy, coverage and security are matters that the Liberal Caucus takes very seriously,” said Ms. Sgro. “The Leader and the Liberal Caucus feel the solutions to the challenges facing our national pension and retirement systems must be addressed holistically and with a comprehensive national vision.”
“To become law, Bill C-428 will require a Royal Recommendation as it would prompt the expenditure of between $300 and $700 million,” Ms. Sgro noted. “Given the potential costs of Bill C-428, the systemic and financial implications of the measure must be evaluated in a larger context. Expenditure of public dollars must never be made without careful consideration of the long-term ramifications on the public treasury.”
“Canada currently uses a number of support systems and legal requirements when assisting new Canadians,” concluded Ms. Sgro. “The Liberal Party feels the OAS system is not the most appropriate method of increasing that assistance.”
