Presentation on Poverty before the Federal Standing Committee on Social Development, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA)
On Tuesday June 9th we had the opportunity to present before the HUMA Committee in Ottawa. We argued that despite what some agencies are saying, it is patently untrue that the problem of poverty among seniors had been eradicated in Canada. More needs to be done, we made our proposals for reform known. For those who are interested our presentation as well as the question and answer session with federal Members of Parliament has been webcast and archived on the Committee’s website. Click here and scroll down to June 9th 2009 for the webcast.
Government Motion and Retirement Security Debates
On Thursday June 11th the MPs debated an Opposition Motion calling for improvements to retirement security as well as increases in CPP, OAS and GIS. CARP’s various submissions have hit their mark. Judy Sgro cited CARP’s calls for a two year moratorium on RRIF withdrawals saying it would not cost the government money and save seniors hundreds of dollars. MP Michael Savage cited our presentation before the HUMA Committee: “How do we fix it? There are organizations such as CARP. Susan Eng, from CARP, made a very strong presentation to the anti-poverty committee the other day about what she thinks has to happen for seniors. CARP is calling for social change to bring financial security, equitable and timely access to health care and freedom from discrimination for Canada’s elderly, ensuring that the marketplace serves the needs and expectations of this generation of persons aged 50 and over, and building a sense of community and shared values. It calls for more relief for retirees and better protection of seniors. Like many others, it is saying that the GIS is the perfect thing to invest in and we should increase the GIS.”
Click here to view full transcripts of the debate
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