HUMA committee briefing binder: Appearance of the Minister of Seniors

Platform

Canadian Heritage Committee

Date

June 4th, 2021

Statements/Quotes

"I want to thank Mr. Ripley for those final few comments. I automatically thought "cue the lobbyists", because there are 9 months to try to influence things to make them the way you want them to be.

I actually want to focus specifically on that issue.... In general, it relates, I think, to my problem overall with big government programs. The bigger the government, the more interference and the greater the chance for undue influence. Mr. Waugh quite capably raised that issue. I actually want to ask the question of Mr. Manly, specifically, because he has some experience with the system as it exists today. I have absolutely zero experience with the traditional broadcasting realm.

If I could start with this question, I'm curious to know, Mr. Manly, in the process of trying to get recognized as Canadian content in the traditional system, were you aware of situations where high-paid lobbyists were clearly able to get their client's product broadcast somewhere, ahead of a smaller operation like yours?"

Platform

Budget Implementation Act, 2021, No. 1 Government Orders

Date

May 25th, 2021

Statements/Quotes

"Madam Speaker, over the course of the debate on Bill C-30, there have been many points of view shared. Many of my colleagues on this side of the House have justifiably raised concerns about the deficits and levels of debt the current government is accumulating, and the impact this debt will have on Canadians for generations to come. They have skilfully illustrated that, despite the Minister of Finance's description of her budget as a plan for jobs, growth and resilience, it falls dreadfully short of a real plan for economic growth that will create jobs for Canadians."

"While all of these issues are important and have yet to be addressed by the government, I intend to focus my comments particularly on what would appear to be the centrepiece of this budget for the Minister of Finance: a national child care program. There can be no doubt that access to affordable child care and early childhood education is a wise investment in our economy and can help ensure all Canadians are able to realize their full potential in the workforce. Personally, I believe a system designed to respect the choices of parents in the best child care options for them makes more sense than a massive government program, which, by the way, would cost $30 billion over the next 5 years, then roughly $9 billion annually thereafter. This proposal highlights yet another example of the federal government making a commitment in an area of provincial jurisdiction without the corresponding commitment of dollars needed to fund a program that most provinces simply cannot afford."

"This budget is a buffet of spending, paid for with massive debts and designed to perpetuate the government's promises of being all things to all people. The government is not only ignoring the financial struggles of the provinces, struggles created in part by federal interference; budget 2021 seeks to push the provinces even further into debt.

We need a real plan that manages public debt and invests strategically to stimulate real economic growth that will create jobs. We need a plan that will restore fiscal balance to our Confederation. Restoring that balance will better prepare the federal treasury to manage the impending fiscal problems, grow our economy and build a stronger and more prosperous Canada."

Platform

House of Commons – Debates

Dates

April 27th, 2021

Statements/Quotes

"Mr. Speaker, in what began as a mediocre attempt at legislation to level the playing field between Internet streaming giants and traditional Canadian broadcasters, the Minister of Canadian Heritage assured us that Bill C-10 was not some draconian tool of the state to limit Canadian freedom of expression on the Internet. He actually promised that his legislation was not interested in such things as when his great-uncle posts pictures of his cats.

In the original bill, there were exemptions to protect the freedoms of Canadians posting their online content, yet just the other day the minister ordered the section removed. The minister muses about granting himself the power to remove Internet content that he deems objectionable, and now he is granting authority to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission to control what Canadians post online."

Platform

Twitter

Date

Twitter January 20, 2022

Statements/Quotes

Families and seniors are falling behind and they see the Trudeau government doing nothing to give them a break.

Canadians deserve a government focussed on getting our economy back on track. #JustinFlation

Platform

House of Commons Oral Questions

Date

December 16, 2021

Statements/Quotes

Canadian families are already being pushed to the limit and are having a hard time making ends meet. Inflation is at 4.7%, the highest level since 1991, and the prime minister doesn't consider monetary policy a priority. When will the prime minister take the time to think about monetary policy?

Platform

House of Commons - adjournment proceedings

Date

December 6, 2021

Statements/Quotes

Not only does a child care deal not kick in for about 5 years, according to the government's own plans, it is completely separate from the issue of inflation. Yes, child care costs are high, but it is not why the cost of gas, home heating, groceries, diapers and pretty much everything else is going up faster than it probably should be. In fact, I would expect that the rising prices across the entire economy will probably get worse as government spending continues to increase.

Quite frankly, child care providers will have additional costs put on them if inflation continues to increase. They have to buy groceries for the children. They have to heat their facilities. There are many additional expenditures that will go onto those child care providers, and I am very curious how they will make ends meet.

Lowering child care costs is incredibly important for families that have children in need of care, but let us face some very important facts that this is a very small percentage of the population. It will not help people who have no children or families that have older children. It will not help seniors. It will not help the family with the stay-at-home mom or stay-at-home dad. It will not help a family that works shift work whose children need overnight care.

So many families are being left behind by those answers, and I really do want to hear what the government is doing with the very real issue that is inflation. Families are coming to me and sharing their concerns about making ends meet this month.

While it is wonderful to hear that some plans are in place to help some families, this does not help the senior down the street who is really struggling with the fact that groceries have gone up in price exponentially in the last little while. It does not help the families that are struggling today. Therefore, I really want to hear an answer from the government on how it plans to address this very real concern around inflation.

Platform

House of Commons

Date

November 26, 2021

Statements/Quotes

As a new mom, I'm very well aware how expensive having a baby can be. And the cost of many items like diapers are getting more expensive under this liberal government. Ever increasing inflation is making life more expensive, from gas to groceries and everything in between. When will the prime minister recognize the inflation crisis and help the many families that are struggling today?

Platform

House of Commons

Date

November 25, 2021

Statements/Quotes

Universal child care is a promise that's been made and broken by liberals since I was in grade school. So forgive me for not necessarily trusting this liberal government. The cost of necessary everyday items like diapers and formula are all rising. Affordability is a priority for many working families but so is feeding their children and keeping the heat on. Will the prime minister at least acknowledge these massive increases to the cost of living are being caused by your government's policies?

Platform

Fort McMurray Today: Vincent McDermott

Date

November 10, 2021

Statement/Quotes

"Canada's Conservatives understand that as the workforce changes, our approach to this file must also adapt to be better able to support working families," Goodridge said in a statement upon her appointment as Critic for Families, Children and Social Development.

"A big-government, one-size-fits-all approach leaves far too many families on the sidelines. This is especially the case in rural communities, with shift-work families, gig economy workers, entrepreneurs and many others."

Goodridge's appointment comes 8 months after the federal government unveiled a $30-billion, 5-year plan to create $10-per-day early learning and child care across Canada. During the election, O'Toole pitched replacing the program with refundable tax credits. Benefits would be based on family income. For instance, low-income families would be refunded for 75% of child care costs up to $6,000 per child. Money would be paid out during the year so families would not have to wait until the end of the year for a refund.

Alberta, New Brunswick, Ontario, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut have yet to make agreements with Ottawa. Rebecca Schulz, Alberta's children's services minister, has said the province wants a deal recognizing Alberta's large percentage of for-profit care centres. Any deal must also respect diversity of choice for child care, she has said.

Platform

CPC Platform

Date

Fall 2021 Campaign

Statements/Quotes

Convert the child care expense deduction into a refundable tax credit covering up to 75% of the cost of child care for lower income families. This will increase the support that lower income families receive by thousands of dollars per year and provide more assistance to almost all families. We promise to also pay out the deduction over the course of the year so that families do not have to pay the cost of childcare and then get the money back later.

Expand the Canada Child Benefit by allowing benefits to begin at the seventh month of pregnancy rather than at childbirth.

Support parents by allowing those on maternity and parental leave to earn up to $1,000 per month to enable them to stay connected to the workforce and ease their return to work.

Support parents who have experienced the trauma of miscarriage by allowing them to receive 3 days of paid bereavement leave.

Ensure that EI parental is extended for at least 8 weeks following the death of an infant, and up to 8 weeks of paid leave from employment in the event of a child's death or stillbirth.

Create a National Adoption Strategy, including an awareness campaign to promote adoption, and work with the provinces to ensure equal access to adoption for all children. This will include:

• Supporting international adoption by working with other countries to align processes, speeding and easing the adoption process;
• Creating an Employment Insurance benefit for adoptive parents, modelled on Employment Insurance maternity benefits; and
• Increasing the maximum a parent can claim under the Adoption Expense Tax Credit from $15,000 to $20,000 and making the credit refundable.

Immediately launch a Credential Recognition Task Force to develop new timely and appropriate credential recognition strategies. One area this task force will study is credential pre-qualification – allowing people in other countries to acquire Canadian-standard proficiency through accredited institutions overseas or distance learning with Canadian institutions.

Supporting parents through more generous maternity and parental leave by allowing those on maternity and parental leave to earn up to $1,000 per month to enable them to stay connected to the workforce and ease their return to work.

To help families and help our hard-hit retail stores recover, will implement a month-long GST holiday this fall. All purchases made at retail stores will be tax free for this month.

Double the Canada Workers Benefit up to a maximum of $2,800 for individuals or $5,000 for families and pay it as a quarterly direct deposit rather than a tax refund at year-end. This will put an average of an extra $1000 into the pockets of the most vulnerable workers, helping 3.5 million families put food on the table

Platform

House of Commons Oral Questions

Date

January 31, 2022

Statements/Quotes

Inflation, coupled with the government's clawback have financially crippled many of Canada's hard working seniors, forced to spend their golden years in a labour market just to make ends meet. Our vulnerable seniors need to know that Ottawa is listening. That is why the conservative opposition called on the government to reversals the Canada Pension Plan tax hike. Mr. Speaker, when will this government stand up, rise up, lean in to Canada's hard working seniors and help them meet.

Platform

House of Commons Oral Questions

Date

December 3, 2021

Statements/Quotes

Elder abuse manifests itself in many forms. Financial, emotional, mental and physical abuse is rampant against Canadian seniors and it is only increasing. In the last Parliament, this House unanimously agreed to M-203. Among other things, this Conservative-led initiative calls for legislation to combat seniors fraud. This was over 2 years ago. When will this government take meaningful action and introduce legislation to protect Canadian seniors?

Madam Speaker, last week I rose in this place to ask the government when they were going to rectify their Guaranteed Income Support claw back that is currently crippling vulnerable seniors. The Deputy Prime Minister, in the process of deflecting the question, Canada one-time payment of $500 as some sort of compensation. Our seniors are losing up to 9 times that amount because of this clawback. I ask again: When will this government show compassion and step up? Our seniors need it, and they deserve it.

Platform

House of Commons Oral Questions

Date

November 26, 2021

Statements/Quotes

Canada's aging population has been the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic in almost every conceivable metric. Instead of providing the compassion, empathy and support that the seniors who built our country deserve, the Liberal government has sadly penalized Canada's seniors who took Canada Emergency Response Benefit by lowering their old age security payments.

Could the minister please tell me when the government will rectify this cruel decision and allow our seniors to collect what they have earned and give them the dignity they deserve?

Platform

Napanee Beaver

Date

November 10, 2021

Statements/Quotes

"COVID-19 to be honest has been devastating for all Canadians but seniors, to be more specific, the government has fallen short of our long-term care system. We have such an aged population. Coming from financial services I can recognize that Canadians are living longer and there's a shortage of long-term care beds. That's something I think is really important that the federal government has a responsibility to work collaboratively and support provinces in their efforts because it is definitely a relationship there. Fixing the long-term care system is huge, there are concerns with the GIC eligibility. With so many seniors collecting CERB, it was a financial lifeline for them. That has to be addressed. I think the question of helping seniors stay in their homes, that's another area. There's so many areas whether it's additional support for personal support workers and just protecting people's pensions."

"I have full intent to take the partisan hat off and approach the Minister of Seniors and work across the board with my colleagues, with the Liberal minister and see how we can move forward with this because seniors is not a political agenda."

Platform

Twitter

Date

November 9, 2021

Statements/Quotes

"I'm excited to build on the work of Rosemarie Falk"

Falk introduced the motion to study the Impact of COVID-19 on Seniors, which was adopted by the HUMA on February 2, 2021. The committee examined measures announced in Budget 2021, in particular, the increase in Old Age Security (OAS) for those 75 and older, which has sustained interest on this topic from all parties. In particular, opposition parties are advocating for an increase in OAS to extend to those aged 65 to 74. The Conservatives have accused the Government of manipulating seniors before an election by offering them $500. Ms. Falk questioned the use of OAS instead of GIS to increase financial support for seniors. The committee's last meeting with witnesses was held on June 22, 2021. The committee did not release (or perhaps complete) its report before the election was called.

During the HUMA study, Ms. Falk also advocated for a need to stabilize the Long Term Care (LTC) sector, including the protection of personal support workers, recruitment and training, and the need for the government to change its perspective with respect to the value of providing more support and services to enable seniors to live longer in their homes.

Falk took an interest in the issue of seniors and elder abuse, and the $400 million budget funding to create a temporary Community Services Recovery Fund. She questioned when widows and widowers can expect an increased CPP survivors benefit as promised by the Government in 2019.

Platform

CPC Platform

Date

Fall 2021 Campaign

Statements/Quotes

Double the direct federal investments in palliative care, noting that the Canadian Hospice and Palliative Care Association has estimated that under 30% of Canadians who need it have access to palliative care services.

Amend the Criminal Code provisions on failing to provide the necessities of life to make clear that the operator of a licensed care facility shall be presumed to have a legal duty to the residents of that facility.

Help seniors stay in their own homes by:

• Amending the Home Accessibility Tax Credit by increasing the limit from $10,000 per dwelling to $10,000 per person
• Allowing seniors or their caregivers, including their children, to claim the Medical Expense Tax Credit for home care instead of only allowing them to claim attendant care if they live in a group home
• Introduce a Canada Seniors Care Benefit that pays $200 per month per household to any Canadian who is living with and taking care of a parent over the age of 70

Invite the provinces to help develop best practices for Long-Term Care homes, such as the National Building Code, which would provide guidance for provinces without intruding on their jurisdiction. Meanwhile the party would help seniors receive the care they need by:

• Devoting $3 billion of infrastructure funding over the next 3 years to renovate Long Term Care (LTC) homes in all provinces and territories to improve the care that residents receive, and encourage partnerships with private non-profits that have historically provided a significant amount of LTC
• Boosting the Number of Personal Support Workers
• Providing priority in immigration programs to those who can work in LTC or homecare
• Promoting these careers through immigration and refugee settlement programs

Make work pay for our seniors by doubling the Canada Workers Benefit up to a maximum of $2,800 for individuals or $5,000 for families and pay it as a quarterly direct deposit rather than a tax refund at year-end. This will help seniors who choose to continue working past retirement and it will provide a $1/hour raise for low-income seniors including many who choose to work part-time to supplement their retirement income.

Better protect pensions by:

• Changing legislation to ensure that pensioners have priority over corporate elites in bankruptcy or restructuring
• Preventing executives from paying themselves bonuses while managing a company going through restructuring if the pension plan is not fully funded
• No longer forcing underfunded pension plans from being converted to annuities, something that currently locks in losses and results in workers getting less money
• Requiring companies to report the funding status of their pension plans more clearly.

Platform

HUMA

Date

January 31, 2022

Statements/Quotes

During the HUMA study on Service Standards for Employment Insurance Claims, she addressed the victims of fraud and benefits delayed due to claimants' frozen Service Canada accounts. She asked why the Ministers are not appearing today; whether the Ministers understand the gravity of the situation; and if Ministers provided directives to solve payment delay problems.

Platform

Oral Questions

Date

December 9, 2021

Statements/Quotes

"It was reported yesterday that street gangs in Montreal defrauded Canadian taxpayers and used the Canadian emergency response benefit in order to buy illegal guns. It's unthinkable that the government is letting this happen. When did the minister learn that money that should have gone to Canadians was used by criminals?"

Platform

Letter

• Raquel Dancho, Pierre Paul-Hus and Stephanie Kusie sent correspondence to Ministers Mendicino and Qualtrough

Date

December 8, 2021

Statements/Quotes

Co-signed a letter regarding fraudulently obtained taxpayer dollars via the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) to purchase illegal firearms.

"There are a number of questions regarding the issue of CERB being used by gangs to purchase illegal firearms. Were you aware this was taking place? If so, how long were you aware? If you were aware, why did you not take action on this issue sooner?

"Canada's Conservatives are calling for your government to launch a complete and thorough audit of the taxpayer dollars your government provided to criminals in the form of pandemic benefits, and that you make the Auditor General of Canada aware of your findings as their office continues to audit inadequate post-payment verification of the CERB program."

Platform

House of Commons Second Reading debate on Bill C-2

Date

November 30, 2021

Statements/Quotes

In response to Wayne Long on government programs that basically touched every individual in Canada in some way or another:

• We went along with the Legislation because despite concerns we knew that's what Canadians needed at the time
• It's time to move our economy from benefits to jobs
• Major vacancies are occurring in sectors such as hospitality, truckers, and nursing

Platform

House of Commons

Date

November 26, 2021

Statements/Quotes

A request to hold an emergency debate on labour shortages was denied by the Speaker.

Platform

House of Commons Oral Question to Minister Qualtrough

Date

November 25, 2021

Statements/Quotes

Sectors across Canada are grappling with labour shortages. A Brach Directors Committee (BDC) report found that 64% of companies say that difficulties finding workers is limiting their growth. RBC reported that over one-third of businesses are having problems finding employees, resulting in 870,000 vacancies across Canada. Businesses need workers to make money. What is the minister doing to resolve these labour shortages?

Platform

Twitter

Date

November 13, 2021

Statements/Quotes

Why should low-income seniors and families have to suffer for the government's inability to account for pandemic assistance?

Platform

House of Commons, opposition motion on measures to help Canadian workers

Date

March 9, 2021

Statements/Quotes

Unfortunately, we have seen the Liberals repeatedly putting the entire opposition in a very difficult position. Because of their lack of capacity and competence, they come up with last-minute legislation to try to help Canadians, but the result is that, first, there are many gaps for the opposition to address and second, the opposition is forced to support legislation because we really do not want to leave Canadians in a difficult position. If the Liberals had any foresight, any true consideration for Canadians or for the government working together in a team Canada approach, they would be more thoughtful in their consideration of the necessary policies and they would allow the opposition members time to consider and to respond, instead of having to continuously go along with whatever the Liberals cook up in a half-effort attempt to help Canadians.

Platform

Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic (COVI)

Date

May 12, 2020

Statements/Quotes

It has been 3 months since this pandemic started and the Liberals just got around to announcing help for seniors. Seniors are a priority and should be treated as such.

Why do the Liberals treat seniors as an afterthought?

Platform

COVI

Date

June 3, 2021

Statements/Quotes

Canadian families who don't normally qualify for the Canada child benefit received a payment of approximately $300 per child as part of the COVID-19 CCB top-up. When Canadians call Service Canada to report the error and return the benefit, they are being told to donate it to a children's charity if they don't need it. This in fact happened to our colleague Rosemarie Falk, Member of Parliament for Battlefords—Lloydminster.

Is the minister aware of this issue?

Platform

HUMA

Date

June 4, 2020

Statements/Quotes

That, in the context of its study of the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Committee send for the following documents to be provided by the Government by Monday, August 31, 2020:

1. All briefing notes, memorandums, guidance and documents from and to Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Assistant Deputy Ministers and Directors related to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit and dated between Sunday, March 1, 2020 and Thursday, May 28, 2020
2. All briefing notes, memorandums, and documents from and to Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Assistant Deputy Ministers and Directors related to the eligibility requirements for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit and dated between Sunday, March 1, 2020 and Thursday, May 28, 2020
3. All briefing notes, memorandums, and documents from and to Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Assistant Deputy Ministers and Directors related to potential fraudulent cases of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit and dated between Sunday, March 1, 2020 and Thursday, May 28, 2020

Platform

HUMA

Date

May 28, 2020

Statements/Quotes

You talked a fair bit about facing youth employment and unemployment coming out of COVID-19. What do you think are the major impacts that we'll see on youth unemployment as the economy begins to reopen following COVID-19? What will be the greatest challenges in the new economy?

Platform

HUMA

Date

May 15, 2020

Statements/Quotes

Regarding the one-time increase to OAS and GIS, many seniors receiving these payments aren't struggling financially due to COVID-19, given that seniors can receive OAS with an annual taxable income of up to $128,137. What is the rationale for providing this tax-free benefit so broadly, including to high-income seniors who may not be experiencing financial hardship? Why did you not decide to target low-income seniors at this time, by providing an increase only through GIS payments?

Something that has been of great concern to me is the Service Canada phone system, which has been overwhelmed for months with long wait times and an inability of people to get through. Absolutely, it inadvertently impacts seniors, as, for many, the phone is their only form of communication right now. Since Service Canada centres are closed, it makes it more difficult for seniors; and many seniors, of course, aren't comfortable using the Internet. I'm wondering what you've done to ensure that seniors have received timely access to Service Canada so that they can access the benefits they need.

Platform

HUMA

Date

April 30, 2020

Statements/Quotes

Another concern I'm hearing about is that individuals who have previously contacted a Member of Parliament's office and then contacted Service Canada are being told that they cannot be serviced by Service Canada as a result of previously having contacted a Member of Parliament's office. I want to get assurance from you, Minister, that this is not the case and that any individual, even if they have previously contacted a Member of Parliament, can receive service from Service Canada.

Platform

House of Commons Debate on Bill C-2.

Date

December 16, 2021

Statements/Quotes

We know that low-income seniors are really falling behind financially. What does my colleague suggests with regards to the GIS and what this government can do?

Platform

Oral Questions

Date

December 13, 2021

Statements/Quotes

Canada's youth are in the middle of a mental health crisis. Fewer that half of youth survey respondents now report excellent or very good mental health. That is down 20% from pre-pandemic days. Increased substance use and heightened anxiety are on the rise for youth struggling with their mental health. We need to reverse this trend.

What concrete steps is the government taking to uplift our youth and put them back on track for success?

Platform

House of Commons

Date

December 9, 2021

Statements/Quotes

Voted in favour of passing Bill C-3 at second reading debate in the House of Commons.

Platform

House of Commons

Date

December 9, 2021

Statements/Quotes

Spoke on the following Opposition Motion on housing supply:

That, given that,

1. the government has failed to increase the housing supply in Canada
2. the government's $400 billion of new spending has produced a surge of inflationary pressure that has driven home prices more than 30% above pre-pandemic levels

the House call on the government to:

1. review and consolidate all federal real estate and properties in Canada in order to make at least 15% available for residential development
2. ban foreign investors from purchasing Canadian real estate; and
3. commit to never introducing a capital gains tax on the sale of primary residences

"I am going to refer back to the motion. When we talk about giving up some of the federal assets so we can build land, we are talking about, sometimes, open spaces. I think of my own downtown in St. Thomas. It is about 2 kilometres long. We know that there are a lot of offices. We know that there are a lot of private and government spaces that could be used for housing."

"We know that one of the top barriers is inflation. Before I finish, I will say that we have an issue. It is not just a housing crisis, but it is also the inflationary issue. If people are going to be putting money into their RRSPs so they can save money, the cost of living needs to be reduced. Therefore, I am asking the government to please step forward and help the next generation."

Platform

House of Commons Second Reading Debate

Date

December 6, 2021

Statements/Quotes

"I am going to quickly switch gears and talk about the other part of this, about extending health benefits for sick days to federally regulated employees. Here in Canada we have approximately 910,000 federally regulated employees, and the majority of them are here in our government. We know that there are 18,000 employers whose labour rights and responsibilities are defined by the Canada Labour Code, and these types of organizations include our Crown corporations, Canada Post operations, port service, marine shipping, ferries, tunnels, canals, bridges and pipelines."

"I think it is very important, as we saw through this pandemic, that when we are sick we have the ability to take time off. It is very important that when we are looking at this we understand that, if somebody is sick, they do not go to work. We do need to have some sort of backup plan. I know in many of the federal government policies that there is time and space for that, but for others, not so much. I think it is a great opportunity to have this discussion."

Platform

Twitter

Date

November 15, 2021

Statements/Quotes

I am hearing everyday about affordability, border regulations, immigration inquiries, GIS cut due to CERB….Let's get back to work for Canadians. #CPC

Platform

House of Commons Second Reading debate

Date

October 8, 2020

Statements/Quotes

Spoke on Bill C-3, An Act to amend the Judges Act and the Criminal Code.

"…when I was a member of the status of women committee, one of the things we discussed was how we could improve the lives of young women and girls, as well as the young boys who have also been affected by sexual assault. One of the things we looked at was education…what we should do when it comes to the education system and the education of our youth in respect to young women and girls...how we can teach empowerment and at what levels we should work at that. To me, the core of the issue has to start through education"

Platform

House of Commons reply to the SFT

Date

February 1, 2022

Statements/Quotes

There needs to be more important payments made into the CPP so that Canadians seniors can have a good pension fund.

Platform

House of Commons Oral Questions

Date

January 31, 2022

Statements/Quotes

The problem with that answer just as the problem with the minister's answer in the fall economic statement is that it does not in any way do just to the urgency of those seniors who have lost their home because the government decided to claw back their guaranteed income supplement and are not getting Rhys level. They're on the street and freezing in the cold. We've heard reports of people who lost their lives. The fact is that waiting until May is not good enough. We call for an emergency payment for those people and to make sure that there's a fund to get them housed right away not in May --

Platform

House of Commons Debate on Bull C-2

Date

December 16, 2022

Statements/Quotes

We know seniors need help right now. Reimbursement for GIS losses will not be made until next May. What does my colleague think?

Regarding seniors, the liberals support one-time payments rather than structural reforms.

Bill C-2 is not a big, bold move. It actually abandons Canadians who still need support.

The Prime Minister cancelled the CRB in October with just 2 days' notice. Canadians who relied on the program were abandoned.

The delay for the payment to compensate GIS recipients is too long. Many of those seniors cannot wait until the month of May.

The EI system cannot keep up with the current reality of Canada's job market.

People living with disabilities are not being supported adequately.

The government seemed to believe that students do not deserve supports. The government tried to implement a jobs program, which became the WE Charity Scandal. Students could just rely on a reduced benefit, the CESB.

It is absurd that it will take 10 months of work for Canadians to be able to rely on 10 sick days. The idea of that program is to protect Canadians in the context of the pandemic.

Platform

House of Commons Oral Questions

Date

December 7, 2021

Statements/Quotes

Raising the GIS just to claw it back again isn't going to do anything for people like Emanuel and that answer isn't going to pay his rent so we've been asking this question for some time now. We see a government that's clawed back the GIS, the Canada child benefit, they have cut the CRB for 900,000 Canadians just as we're seeing COVID case counts go up and financial support isn't there for all of those 900,000 people who need it, Mr. Speaker. So when is it that the government's going to stop building the recovery on the backs of the financially vulnerable and actually look for some of the money at the top like the publicly-traded companies that took the wage subsidy and haven't paid anything back except to their shareholders?

Platform

House of Commons Debate on Bill C-2

Date

November 26, 2021

Statements/Quotes

The NDP has been very clear. We believe that the CRB should have been maintained and restored to its original level of $500 a week. We opposed the cut to $300 this summer. The government decided to reduce the weekly supports from $500 to $300 even though the cost of living has increased.

The government believed that by reducing the supports, it would have incited Canadians to return to the job market. However, as I said earlier, there are other factors affecting the labour shortage. There may be more early retirements as more workers are called back to their workplace and employers begin to end work-from-home mandates. The government should help provide trainings to workers so that they have the skills to take the available jobs.

We have known for a long time that there are structural problems with the EI system and the government has done nothing to resolve those problems.

The CRB replacement program does not actually cover the time between the end of the CRB and the creation of the new program. The government failed to implement a low-income CERB repayment amnesty. There were many low-income Canadians who took the government at their word when they were told to apply to the CERB that will now face clawbacks. Seniors who received the CERB did not get pandemic support, they got an advance on their GIS, but they were not told. Many will not be able to pay that money back. It is not the pandemic support programs that are causing the problems in the labour market. We had a labour shortage before the pandemic. There is a need for education and training so that workers' skills are suitable for the needs of employers.

The government should also fix the claw backs on the CCB.

Platform

Print Media Winnipeg Free Press

Date

November 24. 2021

Statements/Quotes

"As I write, Parliament has yet to resume. You can rest assured that putting an end to this assault on seniors will be a top priority for me and the rest of the NDP team in Ottawa."

The New Democrats have been critical of the Liberals' decision to drop the CRB amid a fourth wave of the pandemic. The party is calling for an end to clawbacks facing low-income seniors and families, who are seeing support payments drop because they received other forms of aid during the pandemic. NDP finance critic Daniel Blaikie told the Star that ending those clawbacks would be a sticking point for the party to support any bills the Liberals introduce this fall.

Platform

NDP Website, Twitter

Date

November 17, 2021

Statements/Quotes

Platform

Rachel Blaney and Daniel Blaikie sent Correspondence to Ministers Qualtrough, Khera, Lebouthillier

Date

November 2, 2021

Statements/Quotes

"We have heard from many seniors across the country who were shocked to learn they would be losing the benefits they rely on to get by. Canadian seniors deserve much better than the treatment they have gotten from the Liberal government".

Link to letter

Platform

1. Twitter
2. HUMA
3. House of Commons
4. HUMA

Date

1. August 11, 2021
2. June 15, 2021
3. March 12, 2021
4. March 11, 2021

Statements/Quotes

1. "Canada needs an EI Sickness Benefit that covers sick people for 50 weeks. It's the right thing to do and past time Liberals understood this."
2. I tried to introduce an amendment so that the employment insurance program would provide 50 weeks of sickness benefits. The Liberals insisted that the NDP did not understand the software that processes sickness benefits, that it is really difficult to make changes to it, and, for that reason, they did not support my amendment. They considered that it would make no sense at all to provide a royal recommendation for the amendment. In Bill C‑30, the government proposes to increase the benefit period from 15 to 26 weeks. It will be a year or 2 before that measure comes into force. The Liberals were opposed to my amendment because they said it was difficult to make changes to the software. Now they are committing to make a change to the software. So why do they not extend the period to 50 weeks now instead of extending it to 26 weeks?
3. I do not know what more it would take to get this extension of the EI sickness benefit done. We have unanimity, apparently, in the House of Commons. We have a bill designed to reform the EI Act. We have a very simple legislative change that needs to be made. It needs to be implemented and although there can be complications in its implementation, let us get the ball rolling. It cannot be implemented until we make the legislative change. We have the commitment now in Parliament. Let us get the legislative job done and assign a Date for government to implement it by.
4. With all due respect, Minister, it has been over a year since the House of Commons passed a motion calling for an extension of the EI sickness benefits. Your government committed to an extension of the EI sickness benefits in the last election. How much more time do you need?

Platform

1. House of Commons
2. Twitter
3. House of Commons

Date

1. August 12, 2020
2. December 10, 2020
3. April 19, 2021

Statements/Quotes

1. Canadians living with disabilities are exposed to many barriers that keep them from gainful employment. This is why they are often overrepresented in various kinds of social assistance programs. We have seen, during this pandemic, that people living with disabilities face additional costs. This is also true for students living with disabilities. A basic income of $2,200 would provide the resources needed for disabled persons to live up to their full potential.
2. Moves a motion seeking unanimous consent to introduce a new benefit of $2,200 per month to lift people living with disabilities out of poverty. It was not agreed to.
3. NDP: The federal government should immediately introduce a new benefit of $2,200 per month to lift people living with disabilities out of poverty. Liberals: How does a 3-year study and extensive consultation sound?

Platform

House of Commons C-29 debate, second Reading

Date

April 29, 2021

Statements/Quotes

Condemns the Government for introducing legislation without trying to resolve the situation between the parties.

Platform

House of Commons

Date

April 21, 2021

Statements/Quotes

The NDP has long recognized that seniors are struggling and that they require more assistance through programs like the OAS. We must ensure that the announced supplement to OAS occurs not from the age of 75, but from the age of 65.

Platform

NDP 2021 Platform

Date

Fall 2021 Campaign

Statements/Quotes

Make EI available to people who quit their jobs to go back to school, to provide necessary childcare, or to protect their health or the health of immunocompromised family members.

Extend sickness benefits from 15 to 50 weeks, and create a pilot project to allow workers with episodic illnesses and disabilities to access EI sickness benefits a day at a time.

Bring back the former Extra 5 Weeks pilot project and make it permanent, restore the economic regions in the territories and PEI to their 2014 boundaries.

Bring in a new special leave that allows parents to take shorter parental leave at a higher replacement rate. Allow self-employed workers to opt-into parental benefits at any time before taking the leave, and move to double leave for parents of multiples.

Establish a Service Guarantee that will make departments responsible for establishing and publishing binding service standards for programs like EI, veterans support, Indigenous services, passports, Canada Revenue Agency call centres, and other services. Ministers will be held responsible for delivering on these targets.

Platform

House of Commons Oral Questions

Date

January 31, 2022

Statements/Quotes

The cost of groceries is up, gas and heating is more and more expensive and the price of housing is soaring. In a recent poll 60% of Canadians were having difficulty feeding their families. Liberals are not making it better for Canadians. Especially vulnerable seniors who are told they must wait months for their GIS payment. When will this government help hard working Canadians who are struggling every day just to get by.

Platform

House of Commons Reply to SFT

Date

January 31, 2022

Statements/Quotes

Many working seniors who lost their job because of the pandemic have lost much of their GIS because they have applied for supports. We have seniors who are losing their homes and who are unable to pay for medication or food.

Platform

House of Commons Oral Questions

Date

December 16, 2021

Statements/Quotes

Seniors across the country who had their GIS cut off can't afford food, medicine, heat, rent. Some are already homeless and some are at risk to be homeless soon. For months, the NDPs asked this government to fix the problem. Finally, there was an announcement that gave seniors across this country hope for a 1-time payment. Sadly, today we found out that payment isn't coming until May. This government should be ashamed. Seniors are losing everything, and they are doing nothing. When will the Prime Minister stop turning his back on the seniors of this country?

Platform

House of Commons Oral Questions

Date

December 10, 2021

Statements/Quotes

This government has a pattern of punishing the poor and rewarding the rich. After clawing back GIS, finally the deputy minister committed to fixing this quickly but in many cases this is far too late. Working seniors across this country are already living on the streets. Stop punishing seniors with red tape. Will have this government promise to get it done now so seniors get this much-needed amount of money immediately.

Platform

House of Commons Oral Questions

Date

November 26, 2021

Statements/Quotes

Mr. Speaker, seniors in Canada who received the guaranteed income supplement are some of the poorest in this country. Many work to subsidize their meager income. Like he -- every other working Canadian, they asked for help during the pandemic. Now they are being punished. Seniors like David, 71 years old. $1,000 cut off his income. He cannot afford his food. He cannot afford his medication. How can the minister of seniors sleep at night knowing that these seniors are going hungry and are not getting their medications every day here?

Platform

1. Rachel Blaney and Daniel Blaikie sent correspondence to Ministers Qualtrough, Khera, Lebouthillier
2. NDP News Release
3. Twitter

Date

1. November 2, 2021
2. November 3, 2021
3. November 5, 2021

Statements/Quotes

1. "We have heard from many seniors across the country who were shocked to learn they would be losing the benefits they rely on to get by. Canadian seniors deserve much better than the treatment they have gotten from the Liberal government". Link to letter
2. Jagmeet Singh stated a similar message in a News Release.
3. Thank you to @CanAgeSeniors for speaking out on this GIS seniors crisis hope @KamalKheraLib and the Liberals are listening #SeniorsAtRisk

Platform

Twitter

Date

October 1, 2021

Statements/Quotes

It's #NationalSeniorsDay! Looking forward to returning to the House soon to continue to push the government so that all seniors in Canada have access to the housing, benefits, and care that they need and deserve.

Platform

Twitter

Date

August 20, 2021

Statements/Quotes

Trudeau promises 10 days sick leave for federal workers? Now, when it was needed so much for the pandemic? And makes the promise in a grocery store - workers who have been vulnerable front lines workers during the pandemic, but who will not qualify for this benefit.

Platform

NDP Platform

Date

Fall 2021 Campaign

Statements/Quotes

Advocated for a National Seniors Strategy to make seniors health care a priority, reduce isolation and tackle seniors' poverty. This will include a funded national dementia strategy, and an elder abuse prevention plan developed with seniors to put an end to abuse and neglect in our communities.

Promised a 1-year delay to help seniors at risk of having their GIS benefits suspended for being unable to make the required income statement.

Recommended a Canada Caregiver Tax Credit refundable as well as safe and affordable housing units. Promised to tackle seniors' isolation by improving seniors' access to technology and support to stay connected with family.

Promised better access to quality home care and long-term care, ending private, for-profit long-term care and developing national standards.

Platform

Date

Statements/Quotes

Mr. Speaker, let us be real. The Liberals offered $1,000 for CERB and it was the NDP who moved them to increase it to $2,000, so I would remind the minister of that.

In the next 3 weeks, the government is cutting the CERB support to Canadians across the country almost in half. I am asking the minister how he expects people to buy food, pay their rent and cover their bills on $1,200. That does not pass the test in Canadian cities.

The government gives billions of dollars to oil and gas companies, refuses to tax the ultra-rich, but is fine to nickel and dime everyday people. Instead of working for the ultra-rich and huge corporations, when will the government step up

Platform

House of Commons

Date

June 11, 2021 April 23, 2021

Statements/Quotes

"Right now, the government is setting up a two-tiered system for seniors. We have the senior-seniors, who will receive an increase in benefits, and junior-seniors that get paid less. I believe this is unfair."

Platform

News Release and Letter to former Seniors Minister

Date

April 24, 2020

Statements/Quotes

"A universal approach would have gotten seniors and everyone else falling through the cracks of the CERB right now the help they need. Instead we're now dealing with a whole slate of programming that is confusing and still difficult for people to access, with some being left out entirely. This is not the approach of a government that is truly concerned about the wellbeing of seniors."

Platform

House of Commons C-29, Port of Montreal Operations

Date

April 28, 2021

Statements/Quotes

The right to strike is a pillar that has taken years to build, and we must absolutely protect it. It is a right for workers to improve their conditions of employment and their wages, and creates important things for our whole economy.

Platform

House of Commons

Date

April 28, 2021, second Reading

Statements/Quotes

This bill is very similar to others that the NDP supported in 2007, 2009 and 2011. We introduced 2 similar bills ourselves. We may not agree on the process or way of doing things, but we do agree on the objective, which is fundamental for any francophone in Quebec and North America.

However, I do want share some valid concerns from the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada, which wonders whether the approach taken by the Bloc Québécois might open the door for other provinces to give precedence to their own provincial laws on official languages. This could ultimately undermine the rights of francophone linguistic minorities elsewhere in the country. Would it not be wise to look at this issue from the perspective of ensuring that workers have equal rights in the workplace, regardless of whether the workplace falls under federal or provincial jurisdiction?

It might be much simpler and safer for the Canada Labour Code to give Quebec workers the same protections laid out in Quebec's Charter of the French Language without compromising the potential recourse available under the Official Languages Act to minority francophones.

Platform

House of Commons

Date

April 28, 2021

Statements/Quotes

If I recall correctly, in the Saskatchewan case, in 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada declared that the right to strike and to take job action is a fundamental right, even a constitutional right. Why would my colleague want the Liberals to violate the constitutional rights of workers when pressure tactics are part of modern labour relations?

Platform

House of Commons

Date

April 26, 2021

Statements/Quotes

The Liberals have upset this balance in the Port of Montreal strike. As usual, the Liberals have threatened workers with special legislation even before the strike gets under way.

Platform

House of Commons

Date

September 24, 2020

Statements/Quotes

The crisis has shown how important sick leave is. People who do not feel well and have COVID symptoms should not to feel forced to go to work. They should be able to stay home, because that is a fundamental right in terms of workers' health and safety.

Platform

House of Commons

Date

December 4, 2020

Statements/Quotes

With regard to the design and implementation of programs and spending measures relating to COVID-19, broken down by program and spending measure: (a) have contracts been awarded to private-sector suppliers and, if so, how many; and (b) what are the details for each contract in (a), including the (i) Date the contract was awarded, (ii) description of goods or services, (iii) volume, (iv) final contract amount, (v) supplier, (vi) country of the supplier?

Platform

NDP 2021 Platform

Date

Fall 2021 Campaign

Statements/Quotes

We believe that it's time to update the Canada Labour Code to enhance safeguards for workers so that everyone can stay safe and healthy at work. We urgently need to do more to make sure that people can access paid sick leave when they need to take time off from work due to illness.

Platform

House of Commons Debate on Bill C-8

Date

February 3, 2022

Statements/Quotes

Poverty is a human right violation, which is even more appalling when it is a policy decision.

Many places in the world have embraced guaranteed liveable basic income and it would be a game changer for people in my riding.

Platform

House of Commons Oral Questions

Date

February 3, 2022

Statements/Quotes

Mr. Speaker, under the liberals soaring food prices are squeezing families who are struggling to make ends meet. This is resulting in children across Canada, including my riding of Winnipeg centre going to school hungry yet we are the only g7 country without a national school meal program. Mr. Speaker, no child should ever have to go to school hungry. Will the liberals commit today to implementing a national school meal program?

Platform

House of Commons

Date

February 2, 2022

Statements/Quotes

It's no secret that the pandemic continues on and that it is getting harder for families to make ends meet. Families are struggling, yet the government has cut back supports and in fact has clawed back supports from seniors. The Liberals have not gone after their corporate friends. They have actually gone after seniors and families trying to make ends meet.

I am wondering where my colleague is on the current cutbacks that have been made by the government, and whether he is willing to at the very least give a one-time payment in the interim to seniors who have been impacted by GIS cutbacks, some of whom are actually ending up on the streets. As our colleague for North Island – Powell River indicated, we actually lost a senior due to poverty yesterday.

Platform

House of Commons

Date

December 16, 2021

Statements/Quotes

Introduced Bill C-223, An Act to develop a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income.

This enactment requires the Minister of Finance to develop a national framework to provide all persons over the age of 17 in Canada with access to a guaranteed livable basic income.

Platform

House of Commons Oral Questions

Date

December 14, 2021

Statements/Quotes

In the last 2 months, food banks across Manitoba have seen a 70% increase in individuals accessing services compared to last year. Instead of the Liberal government choosing to help people, it continues to claw back GIS and CCB payment from individuals and families already living in precarious situations. We are in a food security crisis. When will the government implement a national food strategy and immediately end claw-backs to GIS and CCB? choosing to help

Platform

House of Commons Oral Questions

Date

December 3, 2021

Statements/Quotes

Madam speaker, this week a Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) report showed women are still not being paid equally in Canada and many won't see pay equity until 2029. That is 8 years from now. Remember when the Prime Minister said gender equity was important because it was 2015? 6 years later, this Liberal government and women are still waiting for pay equity because of their failure to act. Incremental justice is unacceptable. When will the Liberals correct course so women get pay equity?

Platform

House of Commons Oral Questions

Date

November 29, 2021

Statements/Quotes

Last week campaign 2,000 released a report that showed that 4,000 children in Winnipeg Centre live in poverty. Now, instead of addressing high poverty rates, this government is clawing back benefits from low income families causing food and housing insecurity. The liberals didn't claw back pandemic supports from rich corporations that doled out bonuses to their shareholders. So why is this government cutting CCB payments from the lowest income families in Manitoba?

Platform

NDP News Release MP website

Date

October 28, 2019

Statements/Quotes

NDP MPs in Manitoba, Leah Gazan, Niki Ashton and Daniel Blaikie are calling on Justin Trudeau to get back to work before November 22 and to reverse his decision to take away help for Canadians to get through the pandemic in the middle of the fourth wave.

"I've heard from families and seniors in my riding who are at risk of becoming unhoused for the first time as a result of the CRB being cancelled. The impacts of the pandemic are not over," said Gazan. "1 constituent, who is immunocompromised, is unable to work as a result of the pandemic, jeopardizing his ability to provide for his family. He was shocked when the Prime Minister provided only 48 hours' notice before cutting the benefits he depended on. The Prime Minister needs to immediately reverse this callous decision."

At least 900,000 people discovered last week that their benefits would be eliminated and replaced with a patchwork solution, but details still need to be released and it's unclear if those people would even be eligible. New Democrats have committed to push to extend help for people like the CRB until we are no longer in a pandemic.

Platform

NDP Platform

Date

Fall 2021 Campaign

Statements/Quotes

Introduce legislation that enshrines Canada's commitment to high-quality, public child care in law. Public early childhood education and child care that is affordable and available to all families.

Build a universal, $10 a day child care system that's there for all parents.

Respect, support and resource Indigenous jurisdiction over child welfare systems and commit to ending discrimination against Indigenous children, young people and families by fully implementing the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal orders.

Cap and reduce tuition fees, and build towards making post-secondary education part of our public education system, and move away from loans and permanently double non-repayable Canada Student Grants.

Funding to expand training options. Large employers will be required to spend at least 1% of payroll on training for their employees annually.

Build towards a guaranteed livable income for all Canadians starting this work immediately by lifting every senior and person living with a disability out of poverty.

Make affordable, quality cell phone service and high-speed broadband for all, declare high-speed internet an essential service, and put in place a price cap on cell phone and internet bills.

Remove barriers for persons living with disabilities such as guaranteed livable income, publicly funded pharmacare and dental care, restore door-to-door mail delivery and created affordable, accessible housing in communities across the country.

Create at least 500,000 units of quality, affordable housing in the next 10 years, with half of that done within 5 years, and provide immediate relief for families that are struggling to afford rent in otherwise suitable housing, while we bring forward long-term solutions to the housing affordability crisis.

Platform

House Debate

Date

June 15, 2021

Statements/Quotes

"Can the member comment on the lack of supports for seniors since the beginning of this pandemic?", fueling CPC member Alice Wong to elaborate on her speech on seniors who she claims have been isolated by the pandemic and unable to seek assistance, making them more vulnerable to fraud, underscoring that the government has done nothing to combat this issue.

Platform

1. House of Commons MP website
2. HUMA study on the Impact of COVID-19 on Seniors

Date

1. May 25, 2021
2. May 25, 2021

Statements/Quotes

1. Presented unanimous consent Motion 46 which has a broad base of support from MPs and Senators from all parties, unions, health leaders, seniors, academics, the music and creative sector, small businesses, farmers, young people, students, Disabled persons, faith groups, Indigenous Peoples, and civil society. Individuals across Canada have been mobilizing in support of M-46, including the over 40,000 Canadians who have signed the petition.
2. Questioned why the Government is paying $90 million for the Age Well at Home program rather than paying people a living wage.

Platform

HUMA study on the Impact of COVID-19 on Seniors

Date

May 25, 2021

Statements/Quotes

Questioned the Government's choice to rely on a "chosen" volunteer and asked why they didn't introduce a guaranteed livable income instead.

Questioned how the Government will achieve it goals of attaining autonomy with its Age Well At Home initiative. She asked for the deadline for a call for proposals, who will be targeted for eligible funding, and what type of activities is the Government considering for funding eligibility,

Platform

HUMA study on the Impact of COVID-19 on Seniors

Date

May 25, 2021

Statements/Quotes

Consistently advocating for more support for seniors, questioning research models that led to the determination that only seniors aged 75 and older needed additional support, asked the Seniors Minister:

"Why do you believe that it's appropriate to provide seniors with such little direct support during the pandemic when they've been the most impacted, yet you have millions and millions—in fact, billions. There was $18 billion for TMX pipeline of support for big oil and big corporations."

"If the government is trying to target seniors most in need, might I add mostly women who don't benefit from a pension, why have you not specifically aimed OAS increases to low-income seniors?"

Requested the research and data that was used to withhold payments for seniors aged 65 to 74, as well as gender specific data and specific research with BIPOC communities with respect to poverty amongst senior women.

• The department provided the committee with a written response. Note that data on the impact of this measure on Indigenous and racialized communities are not currently available.

Platform

HUMA study on the Impact of COVID-19 on Seniors

Date

May 25, 2021

Statements/Quotes

Took an interest in the one-time, $400 million investment to help charities and non-profits adapt and modernize. She got the following questions on record for when the information becomes available: breakdown of enrollment across the country, which colleges are running the program, how he department will be tracking completion rate, how the program compares with other investments in training like the Ontario accelerated PSW; and if these programs are complimentary.

Platform

HUMA study on the Impact of COVID-19 on Seniors

Date

May 25, 2021

Statements/Quotes

Because the rates of poverty within certain groups of seniors are higher, asked "Has been data collection on the social determinates on health and the impact of the pandemic on Indigenous and Black seniors."

• This data is not currently available.

Platform

House Debate

Date

March 23, 2021

Statements/Quotes

"Covid-19 has been an especially tragic time for the people working and for the people living in long-term care. 12,000 persons living or working in long-term care has died since the beginning of the pandemic."

"Many persons living with disabilities have been denied proper care due to the profit model. There must be a care guarantee for seniors and for persons living with disabilities."

"Young persons with disability are often in the situation where the only facilities that can meet their needs are long-term care homes."

"Disability advocates are right to say that disabled Canadians are denied their dignity in many ways, such as housing. This also true with regard to the lack of proper access to home care."

"It is alarming that while for-profit care homes only have a quarter of senior care facilities, they account for 44% fatalities in the context of the pandemic."

"Long-term care workers deserve safe working conditions, the availability of sick leave and respect."

"National care standards with accountably systems tied to federal funding are needed. We must put an end to for-profit long-term care. "

"When we look at expenditures that could save lives, such as implementing standards in long term care, I believe such measures are overdue and seniors deserve better."

In response to LPC MP, Lamoureux who recognized that long-term care needs national standards but also recognized that the provinces, as providers of services, have a critical role, asked if the NDP received any provincial support for this particular initiative: "There is nothing stopping the federal government in establishing those standards to protect disabled persons and seniors."

"We often speak about the vulnerabilities of seniors, and it is too rare we mention their value."

Platform

HUMA Committee Business

Date

February 7, 2022

Statements/Quotes

Moved that – pursuant to Standing Order 108 (2) the committee invite the Minister of Housing, Diversity and Inclusion and the Minister of Indigenous Services to provide an update of progress on Indigenous housing; that we hear from each Minister for 1 hour and officials from both departments for 1 hour. Debate on the motion was adjourned.

HUMA adopted her amendment to include affordable housing programs to Mr. Long's study on improving access to federal programs and services for persons with disabilities.

Platform

House of Commons Debate on Bill C-8 Economic and Fiscal Update Implementation Act, 2021

Date

February 4, 2022

Statements/Quotes

The member spoke today on health care. Yesterday, I took a study request to HUMA about the care economy. I am hopeful that the Conservatives will support recommendations that come out of that study in the future. I anticipate that there will be an ask for new investments highlighted that we require for health care.

HUMA Motion: "That pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertake a study of the labour shortages and workers' conditions within the entirety of the Canadian economy, including but not limited to the care economy, including health care workers, personal support workers and child care workers who had been in the front line of covid-19; to examine how the Government, in collaboration with provinces and territories, could improve working conditions in the care economy; that committee proceed to an overview on the impact of labour shortages in the Canadian workforce on the first meeting of the study; that the committee invite the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, experts and departmental officials to testify; that the committee hold at least 6 meetings; that the committee report its findings and recommendations to the House; and that pursuant to Standing Order 109 the government table a comprehensive report."

Platform

House of Commons Reply to the STFT

Date

February 1, 2022

Statements/Quotes

Would my colleague endorse a greater support for the care economy as a way to deal with the labour shortages, such as through more supports for daycare and through health transfers?

Platform

House of Commons Reply to the STFT

Date

February 1, 2022

Statements/Quotes

Salaries must increase in Canada.

The employment rate for people living with disabilities fell from 24.8% all the way down to 13% at one point during this pandemic. We need to protect the income of our most vulnerable workers and would the member support a guaranteed liveable income for Canadians, starting with people with disabilities?

Platform

HUMA

Date

January 31, 2022

Statements/Quotes

During the HUMA study on Service Standards for Employment Insurance Claims, Ms. Zarrillo enquired about victims waiting over the 4-week service standard time and if there is a unique liaison phone number where the claimants can reach out to.

She also asked about the dedicated teams addressing integrity issues and whether there are proactive educational material on identity fraud for constituents.

Platform

House of Commons Debate on Bill C-2, An Act to provide further support in response to COVID-19.

Date

November 29, 2021

Statements/Quotes

I stand for affordable housing. Too much housing stock has been redeveloped into luxury condos, and the federal government has not invested enough to keep and build co-operative and non-market housing.

I stand for people living with disabilities. People living on provincial and federal disability payments were already struggling before the pandemic, and it has gotten worse.

We can work together to build a better Canada for all, and repair the eroded safety nets.

The government cut support for almost 9,000 Canadians and began clawing back GIS and the child tax benefit.

When you factor in the cuts to CRB and the claws back to GIS and CCB, the only options for too many people will be to seek help from already stretched food bank charities.

What workers need now is the extension of the CRB to $500 per week.

I talked on enhancements to C-2 and the gaps. We cannot send workers to work if they are sick, we need these 10 paid sick days for workers.

Platform

NDP Platform

Date

Fall 2021 Campaign

Statements/Quotes

Uphold the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and strengthen the Accessibility Act to cover all federal agencies equally, with the power to make and enforce accessibility standards in a timely manner.

Expand income security programs to ensure Canadians living with a disability have a guaranteed livable income. While the Liberal government spends years talking about a new federal disability benefit, New Democrats will get to work immediately to deliver it.

For Canadians facing a serious illness, we'll make EI work better by extending sickness benefits to 50 weeks of coverage, and creating a pilot project to allow workers with episodic disabilities to access benefits as they need them.

Canadians living with disabilities shouldn't need to worry about the cost of prescription medication, dental work, how to find housing, or how to get their mail. In addition to putting in place a universal, publicly funded national pharmacare and dental care program that will offer full benefits to all Canadians, we will restore door-to-door mail delivery, and create affordable, accessible housing in communities across the country.

Work with Autistic Canadians to develop and implement a national Autism strategy that will coordinate support for research, ensure access to needs-based services, promote employment, and help expand housing options.

Provide better access to quality home care and long-term care by ending private, for-profit long-term care, and by developing national care standards.

Platform

House of Commons Reply to the SFT

Date

December 2, 2021

Statements/Quotes

As everyone knows we are currently batting inflation. There are 2 solutions right now, specifically, child care and affordable housing. What is the government doing? It seems to be dragging its feet.

What do you plan to do to help this situation, to help families buy their first home? Will you, the government, finally do something to fight inflations?

Platform

Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee

Date

1. June 17th, 2021
2. June 15th, 2021
3. June 10th, 2021

Statements/Quotes

1. "I'm going to continue along the same lines as Mr. Powlowski. You talked about colonization, systemic discrimination and support for communities."

"According to your research, what can we do to better support communities in response to human trafficking?"

1. "The article does not mention indigenous women and human trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation. Can you give us any data on human trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation?"
2. "Minister, in Winneway, Chief Steeve Mathias has been negotiating with the federal government for several years to have his community recognized as a reserve within the meaning of the Indian Act. Even though no one here likes that act and it is kind of a perfect example of systematic discrimination, it has to be admitted that such recognition could allow the community to get better funding and to get public utilities. In this case, the problem revolves around the Oblate lands."

Platform

House of Commons – Debates

Date

May 12th, 2021

Statements/Quotes

"Experience shows that lack of consent to project development is often the cause of indigenous crises. That is what happened with the Oka crisis and again this winter with the Wet'suwet'en."

Platform

HUMA Committee Business

Date

February 3 and 7, 2022

Statements/Quotes

Moved that, pursuant to Standing Order 108.2, the committee undertake a study on the effectiveness of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and on the processing of Labour Market Impact Assessment; that the committee invite the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion; that the committee hold at least 4 meetings; and that the committee report its findings and recommendations to the House.

She later withdrew her motion because the committee's previous report, and because they passed a motion to have ministers speak, adding that maybe this is not the time to have a broad study on the TFW program.

Platform

House of Commons Debate on Bill C-8

Date

February 3, 2022

Statements/Quotes

The government has implemented a two-tier system for the main universal plan for seniors, the OAS.

Platform

House of Commons reply to the SFT

Date

February 1, 2022

Statements/Quotes

What should the government's priorities be to support workers hurt by the pandemic?

Platform

HUMA

Date

January 31, 2022

Statements/Quotes

During the HUMA study on Service Standards for EI Claims, Mme. Chabot asked when the Ministers become aware of the issues and when were they briefed on it, as well what Service Canada is doing to address payment delays and the number of files pending processing beyond the 4-week service standard.

She addressed the need for solutions for those currently without income focussed on solving the payment problem in the short and long term.

Platform

House of Commons' Oral Questions

Date

December 9, 2021

Statements/Quotes

Emily lost her battle with cancer in 2020. The fight for employment insurance that supports seriously-ill workers until the end of their treatment continues. 2 years ago tomorrow, Emily met with the prime minister who promised her to increase the number of weeks of benefits. But since, nothing's changed. Mr. Speaker, 15 weeks is not enough. 26 weeks is not enough either. When will the government realize that sick people need 50 weeks?

Amongst the people who are continuing Emily's fight is Jessica. She is here in Ottawa. And she is in good position to see if this government takes its commitment seriously. The prime minister promised Emily that he would increase the duration of benefits. He has the duty to honour that promise for all the other sick people like Emily. They need 50 weeks of EI coverage to recover. Will the government finally meet their needs?

Platform

House of Commons Debate on Bill C-2

Date

November 29, 2021

Statements/Quotes

The government is saying the bill is essential and urgent. Urgent is not the right term. The government waited until the last minute to get this done. The situation became urgent because they waited too long.

In 2020, another Bill C-2 for pandemic measures was adopted and because the House was prorogued for 5 weeks, we were in such a rush to pass the bill to support workers. Once again, rather than continuing the work we were doing in parliament, the government decided to hold and election, and here we are in an urgent situation again.

The problem is that anyone who works in the performing arts are freelancers and are not entitled to those supports, so those who are not in a lockdown situation need support.

This bill does nothing for the independent workers.

There are 2 types of solutions: We need to overhaul the EI system. In C-2 we have the opportunity to help those workers. We can't abandon them.

We would like to take the time to study this properly is committee and come back to the House with a more serious and responsible bill.

Platform

BQ Platform

Date

Fall 2021 Campaign

Statements/Quotes

Proposes coverage to self-employed workers and improved coverage for seasonal workers, two much needed improvements to the EI program in Canada.

Proposes to increase the transfer for workforce training by $1.4 billion a year.

As part of a proposed package of measures to fight the labour shortage, the BQ will propose measures to encourage the work of seniors with their invaluable expertise, by allowing low-income seniors to work more without penalty and by involving Aboriginal nations, in addition to encouraging the settlement of newcomers and graduates in the regions.

Platform

House of Commons Debate on Bill C-30

Date

June 22, 2021

Statements/Quotes

Sick workers relied on the government to take action and increase special sickness benefits from 15 to 50 weeks. There was no reason to miss this opportunity. The government abandoned 150,000 people by taking only half a step by increasing the duration of benefits to 26 weeks.

Wait times for the unemployed have been enormous and the EI system needs to be reformed.

The budget proposes a single eligibility criterion of 420 hours for the duration of a year. That is not enough.

HUMA did a broad study on Employment Insurance and the government will have all the solutions and information to testify to the flaws in the system.

Employment Insurance's computer system is so out dated that the minister responsible has stated that a reform of the system will take at least 7 years. This is unacceptable.

The pandemic is still having an effect on several sectors and the government has no short-term answers for the most affected people.

We must establish a real EI program that does not discriminate against workers.

There are measures in this budget that we support and we will vote in favour of C-30. It is unfortunate, however, that the measures in this budget are mostly temporary measures.

Platform

House of Commons

Date

June 15, 2021

Statements/Quotes

For language of work, for businesses under federal jurisdiction, isn't the best solution to apply Bill 101?

Platform

House of Commons

Date

June 14, 2021

Statements/Quotes

Second Reading debated: I will not comment on the substance of the matter, because a guaranteed basic income, or minimum income, has potential advantages. However, I have to point out that it is up to each province to introduce it. The social assistance programs we are talking about, the income assistance programs, ultimately, and other social programs are a provincial jurisdiction. Rather than reflecting on these conditions for the 21st century, there are 2 things the government could do right away. First, it could strengthen and reform the employment insurance system for workers. Second, it could stop discriminating against some seniors and increase old age security for all seniors aged 65 and over.

Platform

House of Commons

Date

May 31, 2021

Statements/Quotes

Madam Speaker, federally regulated workers have long been unfairly treated. I want to talk about the lack of provisions in the Canada Labour Code preventing employers from hiring scabs during strikes or lockouts.

Striking is an essential tool that allows workers to stand up for their fundamental right to free collective bargaining. Allowing employers to hire scabs deprives workers of that right. This practice has been banned under the Quebec Labour Code since 1977. It is high time that it was banned at the federal level.

I join my voice to those of the workers at Unifor, who launched a campaign on May 13 for the enactment of federal anti-scab legislation. It is high time to address this injustice and join the 21st century.

Platform

Raised a question on EI Reform House of Commons

Date

May 26, 2021

Statements/Quotes

The Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion said something rather disturbing recently. She said it would take 7 years to reform the EI program because the computer system could not support it. In another life, I used to say that sometimes you have to make what is politically desirable technically possible. It is politically desirable to reform the employment insurance system, which leaves workers in seasonal industries, women and young people out in the cold. If we want this to be just temporary, we have to improve these temporary measures, at least.

Platform

HUMA Seniors Minister & ESDC

Date

May 25, 2021

Statements/Quotes

Questioned if any studies were done on the impact of the pandemic on seniors aged 65 to 74, and asked for data the Government used to draw a distinction between expenses for seniors expenses over and under age the age of 75. ESDC confirmed that the work was conducted based on the Minister's mandate, being for seniors aged 75 and older.

Asked about policies on action plans that exist in the provinces for elder abuse and if the Government thought about consulting the provinces so that they could assume the responsibility.

Platform

HUMA Seniors study kick-off mtg.

Date

May 13, 2021

Statements/Quotes

Reminded of the BQ position, which remains against the Government imposing any long-term care standards on provinces. In addition, they have renewed calls for additional health transfers to provinces.

Sought opinions on PHAC not having up dated guidance prior to pandemic, and how we could have been better preparation and reduced the level of death and injury.

Sought opinions on financial security for seniors and on the government's proposal to increase OAS for seniors 75 and older.

Platform

House of Commons

Date

May 11, 2021

Statements/Quotes

The Minister of Labour is implementing a mandate commitment to amend the Canada Labour Code to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour. This is a good signal for workers.

With respect to contract flipping, the Canada Labour Code will include the word "airport". This was an important demand for workers in the airport sector. However, it is a half-measure because it would only protect wages. We must go further and protect working conditions, union recognition, insurance plans and pension plans.

Platform

House of Commons

Date

1. April 28, 2021
2. April 29, 2021

Statements/Quotes

1. The Bloc Québécois is all about finding solutions. We are not voting no just to be contrary, and we are not voting no for ideological reasons. We are voting no because this is not the right solution. What is happening is quite a harsh solution, because we, as parliamentarians, are denying workers their rights. There are other solutions.
2. Those in favour of heavy-handed back-to-work legislation often claim that it will improve the social climate. I think the opposite is true.

Ensuring peace requires balance, and workers, along with unions, play a major role in social justice and balance.

How can the government justify saying that this special legislation will ensure a balance of power between the parties?

Platform

House of Commons

Date

April 19, 2021

Statements/Quotes

Do we want to be seen as a society that abandons the most vulnerable, or as a fairer and more equitable society, one that provides support and comfort and is compassionate and humanitarian towards workers and the sick? It is with the latter image in mind that I ask for the unanimous support of the House for this bill to extend EI sickness benefits from 15 to 50 weeks. Not only is it a question of fairness, but it will allow people to take care of themselves with dignity.

Platform

Written Question

Date

April 12, 2021

Statements/Quotes

With regard to the Canada Summer Jobs program: (a) for each of the 338 ridings in Canada, how much money, how many positions and how many hours of work were requested for fiscal year 2019 to 20; (b) for each of the 338 ridings in Canada, how much money, how many positions and how many hours of work were allocated for fiscal year 2019 to 20; (c) what is, in mathematical terms, and defining all variables, the formula that was used in fiscal year 2019 to 20 to determine the funding allocated to each riding; and (d) what is the share of overall funding, expressed both as a percentage and in dollars, that has been allocated to ridings in Quebec, broken down by fiscal year, since 2015 to 16?

Platform

HUMA study of Estimates

Date

March 16, 2021

Statements/Quotes

Will there be permanent EI measures starting in September or will there be strengthened measures, and how did you determine the amounts?

Will additional funding be provided for the Canada Summer Jobs program?

Are there any substantial measures to help disabled individuals aside from the amounts they received up until now?

Training and skills has decreased by $20 million in the Main Estimates. It's essential to have literacy skills.

Platform

Oral Questions

Date

December 7, 2020

Statements/Quotes

Madam Speaker, this was already a problem before the pandemic. It is unacceptable that new mothers are not entitled to EI if they lose their employment at the end of their parental leave. They are workers like any other and deserve to be supported. In some cases, it is already possible to count weeks worked in the past 2 years instead of the past year in order to qualify for EI. That is the case for prisoners. Will the government do the same for new mothers?

The problem is that EI has never been adapted to the Quebec parental insurance plan. The mothers being abandoned by the federal government are Quebeckers. Because Quebec is feminist and has a more generous program so that Quebec women can balance work and family, Quebec women are being abandoned when they lose their job. This government claims to be feminist. Will it fix EI so that it stops penalizing mothers who are benefiting from a feminist parental leave program?

Platform

House of Commons

Date

October 6, 2020

Statements/Quotes

Mr. Speaker, my question relates to some of the member's comments on the throne speech.

He talked about numerous solutions introduced to transition from the CERB to a more flexible employment insurance system or to the 3 new economic recovery measures. He and I both know that these measures are temporary because they are only going to last a year.

Here is my question. Will the government commit here and now to completely overhauling our employment insurance system? It is Canadians' primary social safety net, and it failed during this crisis.

Platform

House of Commons

Date

September 28, 2020

Statements/Quotes

In my speech, I wanted to show that even before the CERB was introduced, we knew that the main social safety net, the EI program, would not meet needs in the event of a crisis. The program has been slashed repeatedly by government after government over the past 25 years. If we had taken the time to have this conversation, we would not be in the situation we are in today, neither when the CERB was active nor today.

Platform

Question Period

Date

February 28, 2020

Statements/Quotes

Madam Speaker, the work is seasonal, but the workers' needs are not.

EI needs to become a true insurance plan for the families in Quebec's regions that depend on seasonal industries. It is also important that the eligibility criteria reflect the reality in those regions. Workers should qualify after 420 hours of work, and benefits should be based on the workers' 12 best weeks. This would improve the pilot project.

Will the government make its project permanent and adapt it to people's reality?

Platform

House of Commons

Date

February 18, 2020

Statements/Quotes

This is a motion we need to adopt, but the EI system needs a complete overhaul. There are other types of benefits, such as those for seasonal workers. In the previous Parliament, the government promised to overhaul the system, which has not seen substantial change in 40 years. An in-depth study could be done in committee, but I think we can take action now on sickness benefits without pilfering from the fund.

Platform

House of Commons Debate on Bill C-8

Date

February 3, 2022

Statements/Quotes

As early as August, the Bloc Québécois wrote to the Minister of Seniors to denounce the cuts to the GIS for seniors who received the CERB. What does my colleague think of the proposal to provide assistance to seniors and increase OAS from the age of 65?

Platform

House of Commons Debate on Bill C-2

Date

December 16, 2022

Statements/Quotes

The Bloc Québécois supports Bill C-2.

It has been announced that the loss of income from SRG by seniors due to the fact that they received CERB will not be settled until next May. Seniors are impoverished more than ever in the light of Christmas. May is too far away.

Seniors on GIS are the most vulnerable seniors and waiting until May to offer them compensation means they won't have any flexibility for months.

Poverty does not wait 75 years. OAS must be increased from age 65

The government is in denial about the financial situation of seniors. Spot checks are not enough. It is necessary to set up recurrent and reliable aid from the age of 65.

Platform

House of Commons Oral Questions

Date

December 10, 2021

Statements/Quotes

There are too many seniors being left behind. The government is refusing to help those under 75 and attacking working seniors getting the guaranteed income supplement or GIS. It's cutting benefits for those who lost their jobs in the pandemic and who got CERB. We have the figures. We're talking about more than 183,000 seniors who will have to lose $3,500 on average. The government is cutting all of the GIS for 83,000 people. 83,000 people who are going to be in a precarious financial situation while food costs are exploding. Why is the government attacking those who are most vulnerable?

We learned yesterday that groceries will increase by 7% next year. It being it will cost nearly $1000 more for a family. This is extremely bad news also for seniors between the ages of 65 and 74. And the government is refusing to increase the old age security for them. With the increase in prices they're creating 2 classes of seniors. Literally forcing people to take groceries out of their cart and putting them back on the shelves and go line up for a Christmas basket. What will it take for the government to understand that it needs to increase the pension for all seniors?

Platform

House of Commons Oral Questions

Date

December 1, 2021

Statements/Quotes

The lowest paid seniors have been plunged in to poverty by Ottawa. Those who lost their job during the pandemic and who had to claim the CERB are getting their GIS clawed back because CERB benefits are treated differently from employment income even though they're supposed to do just that, replace employment income. For example, for the same $10,000 in income, a worker who would have had 100 clawed back from the GIS now loses over 400. That is $300 less per month. Will the prime minister fix this injustice?

The Bloc alerted the ministers of seniors and finance months ago. Nothing has been done. The Prime Minister has to get involved. The CERB should be treated like employment income and all seniors should be allowed to have their benefits recalculated based on their current income. It is simple. This administrative mess is plunging people into poverty. And some are suffering a decline in their health. There are even some seniors who are having to choose which of their medications to skip because they can no longer afford them. Is the prime minister going to take charge of this file?

Platform

House of Commons

Date

November 26, 2021

Statements/Quotes

I would like to hear my colleague come back to the issue of seniors. The government is sending the wrong message to seniors by cutting the GIS for seniors who have worked and those who have received CERB.

Platform

BQ Platform

Date

Fall 2021 Campaign

Statements/Quotes

Reclaim the hike of health transfers for the provinces. It reminds the provinces to insist on making health transfers cover 35% of provincial health expenses instead of 22%. That increase would add around $30 billion of expenses to the federal budget. The Bloc argues that without these changes, provincial budgets will remain unsustainable.

Proposes to increase old age security to $110/month, indexed, and to abolish some discriminatory restrictions against people who marry after 60. These measures would add over $7 billion a year to federal government costs.

Proposes a tax credit for caregivers that would cost about $650 million a year.

As part of a proposed package of measures to fight the labour shortage, the BQ will propose measures to encourage the work of seniors with their invaluable expertise, by allowing low-income seniors to work more without penalty and by involving Aboriginal nations, in addition to encouraging the settlement of newcomers and graduates in the regions.

Platform

House of Commons

Date

June 22, 2021

Statements/Quotes

The increase in OAS from age 65 is a request from seniors and the Bloc Québécois. Precariousness does not wait 75 years to strike the elders.

Platform

House of Commons Statements by Members

Date

June 15, 2021

Statements/Quotes

"It is an opportunity to speak out about the suffering that some seniors experience. It's a problem that tends to be under-diagnosed. Many people suffer abuse and mistreatment, but they do not even identify their situation and are afraid of reprisals if they report their abusers.

Therefore, June 15 is an ideal opportunity to raise public awareness of this social issue, to encourage people to recognize it and to prevent all forms of elder abuse. The 7 types of abuse include physical, psychological and financial abuse, as well as ageism.

We know that COVID‑19 has caused a lot of isolation and additional financial stress for seniors. In addition to being the main victims of the health crisis, they were at increased risk of poverty and age discrimination. Seniors have the same rights as all other citizens, and we must allow them to age with care, compassion and dignity."

Platform

HUMA

Date

May 25, 2021

Statements/Quotes

While replacing Louise Chabot at HUMA, expressed much frustration over the OAS increase not extended to seniors aged 65 to 74, arguing that in order to age well at home, younger seniors need the financial support.

"Madam Minister, seniors are still angry. What you are proposing is clearly not good enough for them. I have heard you talk about aging with dignity. But seniors' groups, including FADOQ in my community, are telling me that, in order to age with dignity, to live and not just survive, the old age security pension for all seniors must be increased as soon as they turn 65.

You said yourself that their savings are depleted. That happens from the time they stop working, which is at 65. You talked about the number of people working, but there are also people not working. Do you know what it would cost to give people the 10% increase in the old age security pension at age 65 instead of age 75? Do you have any figures on that?"

Platform

House of Commons

Date

May 6, 2021

Statements/Quotes

I would remind you that my party will vote for this Bill C-30 at second reading.

We are calling for an increase in OAS for seniors from 65 years of age. There is unanimity of frustration among seniors over the government's choice to create 2 senior classes.

The monthly increase of $63 in OAS is insufficient, and it will not be implemented until 2022. The BQ is more in favor of an increase of $110 per month.

A one-time payment of $500 will be paid to seniors over 75 in August 2021, but this is an election approach and seniors are not fooled.

Financial vulnerability does not wait 75 years and OAS should be a universal power for all seniors.

Increasing OAS for all seniors would have cost only $4 billion more.

Platform

House of Commons

Date

May 6, 2021

Statements/Quotes

The expenditure authorization for the daycare services program does not appear to be valid until the next fiscal year. Is it a question of being able to cover the costs of establishing and improving the childcare program while awaiting the signing of asymmetric agreements with the provinces?

Any agreement with Quebec on the issue of child care must be accompanied by unconditional compensation for the total costs of the program measures

There are attempts in this budget to interfere with the provincial government. In Quebec, we have developed expertise on the issue of day care centers and we do not need this interference.

Platform

House of Commons

Date

1. April 22, 2021
2. April 21, 2021

Statements/Quotes

1. The government maintains its election commitment to only increase OAS allowances for seniors over 75. This increase will not be applied until 2022, when the only new amount planned for 2021 is a one-time payment of $500 this summer

It is important to increase the number of residential models providing care for the elderly. I urge caution, because what is currently being proposed by the government is to impose standards on Quebec when it comes under provincial jurisdiction

1. I would like my colleague to tell Quebec seniors frankly that seniors aged 65 to 74 have received sufficient federal assistance and tell them that they are not vulnerable enough to get help in a future budget

How can this member from Quebec ignore the demands of the elders of Quebec? What do they think of the fact that FADOQ deplores the fact that seniors aged 65 to 74 are also vulnerable and will not receive the increase in OAS before the age of 75. Why are seniors under 75 excluded from the one-time payment of $500?

Stéphane Lauzon (LPC) responded: I am proud to be a member of Parliament from Quebec and the 2021 budget will help seniors a lot. I have met FADOQ and AQDR and I can tell you that they are very happy with the progress we are making. FADOQ also told us that any gesture to help seniors is welcome.

Platform

House of Commons

Date

March 22, 2021

Statements/Quotes

National standards are dictated by the federal government and long-term care does not apply to this level of government. We have seen a decline in health transfers for years.

Platform

FEWO Pay Equity study

Date

1. February 04, 2021
2. February 25, 2021

Statements/Quotes

1. Took a keen interest in the status of pay equity in federally regulated workplaces, focussing on economic recovery and the extent to which pay equity in the government sector is expected to influence pay equity in the private sector

Concerned with the delays with the implementation of the Act, asked how the government decided on 3 years for employers do develop a pay equity plan. She asked how stereotypes and myths may have delayed the implementation of the Act, and questioned what tools and guidelines are available for employers to develop plans, educational tools and training

1. Stated her support for the bill moving forward

Sought solutions from ESDC to accelerate the timelines and the process to implement pay equity in federally regulated workplaces

Platform

House of Commons

Date

February 25, 2021

Statements/Quotes

We note that the elderly have been the people most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. We also recall that too many seniors live in financial precariousness.

We are calling on the government to increase the OAS pension to $ 110 for people 65 and over as of the next budget.

During the 2019 election campaign, the Liberal Party pledged to increase OAS benefit amounts by 10% for seniors 75 and over. Nothing has been done and we consider this proposal to be insufficient. Poverty does not wait 75 years.

The OAS program is the federal government's primary vehicle for supporting seniors. The 2 main components are the OAS and the GIS. A recipient of these benefits would have an income of less than $18,648.

The problem is twofold. The amounts of seniors' pensions are so low that they condemn anyone who has only this income to live on to be pushed below the poverty line. As of October 2020, an individual receiving OAS and the maximum amount of GIS will have an annual income of $18,358.92. It's a minimal substance that barely hits living costs.

The indexation of benefits is not representative of the cost of living of seniors, who have to face expenses separate from current products which are taken into account to keep up with inflation.

A good percentage of elders work, especially for older women, which illustrates the need for the reforms requested. This shows that the current benefit amounts are insufficient.

FADOQ people consider the government's small increase in OAS as insulting.

The Bloc Québécois is asking for the GIS of $50 per month for individuals and $70 for couples.

Yes, there was a one-time payment of $300 for those collecting OAS and yes, there was a GST and HST credit, but these measures were only one-off. We need lasting measures.

Indexing existed before the pandemic.

Seniors are severely isolated and more at risk.

Seniors do not want national standards imposed on CHSLDs (centres d'hébergement de soins de longue durée).

When will you get vaccines for seniors from 65?

Seniors must have more decent incomes and have their purchasing power increased.

The governments of Quebec and Ontario do not want federal standards for long-term care.

Platform

House of Commons

Date

December 1, 2020

Statements/Quotes

These are not national standards that CHSLD staff really need. They need more resources.

Platform

House of Commons

Date

November 27, 2020

Statements/Quotes

Isn't the issue of lack of care for people with disabilities linked to the lack of funds transferred to the provinces by the federal government?

Platform

House of Commons

Date

October 20, 2020

Statements/Quotes

Women were hard hit by the pandemic - especially senior women. We have a motion to incorporate the work we did in the summer and now the government wants to go to the polls. Why not let us do our work on the WE scandal so we can get to other important work

Platform

House of Commons

Date

September 23, 2020

Statements/Quotes

Why not increase old age security from age 65 rather than from age 75 so as not to create 2 senior classes? During the pandemic, the only support measure for seniors was a one-time payment. We want an increase from age 65. Why 75 years?

Platform

House of Commons

Date

July 20, 2020

Statements/Quotes

Last month, the Bloc Québécois proposed splitting Bill C-17 to provide people with disabilities with financial support. Does the member agree that it is too bad that the refusal of elected Conservatives to vote for this measure delayed this support?

(Cheryl Grant (CPC): It was the Liberal's attempt to force other legislation within C-17 that stopped it from getting our support.)

Platform

House of Commons

Date

June 15, 2020

Statements/Quotes

Improving the purchasing power of seniors decreases their chances of being abused. That is why increases in old age pensions and GIS must be extended beyond the pandemic. In 3 weeks, seniors will receive a first check when they should receive a second. We must also announce a date for the "New Horizons" program.

Platform

House of Commons

Date

May 19, 2020

Statements/Quotes

The aid announced by the government to help seniors has several issues that raise questions. Are the one-off payments of $200 and $300 taxable, therefore included in the old age pension program, or will they take the form of a non-taxable tax credit? We also want to know when the check will arrive. (Min. Deb Schulte: It's a tax-free payment made to OAS and GIS recipients.)

Can the government assure us that it intends to improve the GIS supplement so as not to penalize beneficiaries who have received the additional old age pension payments next year? (Min. Deb Schulte: Those that are already on the GIS did receive a top-up. I also want to say that seniors that are on the OAS and GIS will receive a tax-free payment soon.)

Platform

House of Commons

Date

April 29, 2020

Statements/Quotes

Financial challenges faced by seniors, especially for women even before the pandemic. Will the government agree to increase OAS, including a GIS boost?

Seniors are the most vulnerable during the pandemic. Will the Government commit to increase the health transfer?

Seniors living at home struggle financially and during the pandemic, their expenses also increase but are on fixed income. Will the Government commit to help them and increase their benefit by $110?

Platform

House of Commons

Date

February 18, 2020

Statements/Quotes

The coalition of the sans-shirts calls on the government to go further in its reform of employment insurance.

The coalition also called for an increase in the number of weeks of sickness benefits.

7 bills have been introduced to address this problem, but nothing has changed yet.

Agrees with Alexandre Boulerice's suggestion to consider hours worked over a longer period when a woman has recently been on maternity leave in order to compensate for the weeks that have just been used.

The choice of 50 weeks is based on the principle of equity

Platform

House of Commons Reply to the SFT

Date

January 31, 2022

Statements/Quotes

Processing times for EI applications are too long. However, I was pleased to learn that more resources would be allocated to Service Canada to deal with this problem.

Reform of the EI program is needed.

Many citizens contact me because of EI delays. People are in distress and it is our responsibility to offer these people solutions. (translated)

Platform

Youth and COP26

Twitter

Date

Nov 12, 2021

Statements/Quotes

Really a pleasure to have met the youth delegates of @YMCAQuebec whose participation in #COP26 was made possible thanks to @AQOCI. Great talk

Platform

House of Commons Debate on BIA, 2021

Date

May 25, 2021

Statements/Quotes

When I see all the different Canada-wide programs that are being announced, such as the national child care program, I realize that it may be good news for the provinces that do not have this type of program. However, Québec already has a day care program.

The government is increasing pensions for seniors aged 75 and over, but only by roughly $60. a month, which we think is not enough. We in the Bloc Québécois have been asking for an increase of $110. per month, and we will continue to lead that debate.

Platform

House of Commons Debate on Bill C-2

Date

November 26, 2021

Statements/Quotes

The Bloc Québécois is very concerned about seniors. The Bloc Québécois is fighting to put an end to the 2 age groups being used to determine eligibility of the benefits. As members know, the pandemic hit seniors hard, in terms of both finances and their health.

Platform

House of Commons Debate on Bill C-2

Date

November 26, 2021

Statements/Quotes

The self-employed in the field of culture are the great forgotten of this law. They are no longer covered by the emergency measures.

The Bloc Québécois is also very concerned about the labor shortage. Although this situation existed before the crisis, we know that certain measures such as the PCRE have aggravated this situation. That is why we are calling for more targeted measures, because we still need to help workers in hardest hit sectors.

The government is sending mixed signals by abandoning certain sections of the population. I would add that the Bloc Québécois has been asking for a reform of Employment Insurance for a long time. We need to have a system that is accessible to self-employed people.

The Bloc Québécois is campaigning for there to be no more two sections of seniors. We want to study the bill in committee to address these issues.

Platform

BQ Platform

Date

Fall 2021 Campaign

Statements/Quotes

Proposes improvements t the EI program, offering coverage to self-employed workers and improved coverage for seasonal workers.

Platform

Interview with news outlet

Date

October 22, 2021

Statements/Quotes

"One thing I'd like to see is more targeted initiatives and programs for entrepreneurs, for businesspeople. I think they've received a lot of help, but actually some of the help was counterproductive,"

"The wage subsidy is one thing, but then on the other hand, the individual help that some people are receiving is actually making the shortage of workers even worse."