Seniors across the country were shocked to learn that benefits they rely on, such as the guaranteed income supplement (GIS), have been cut because they received pandemic supports, according to North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney.
In a media release, Blaney stated that New Democrats are calling on the Liberal government to fix this devastating situation that has left many seniors worried they won’t be able to afford their rent, food and medication.
On November 2, Blaney, critic for seniors, and critic for employment and workforce development Daniel Blaikie, sent a letter to the government asking for immediate action to address this crisis facing so many seniors.
“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,” stated Blaney. “Canadian seniors deserve much better than the treatment they have gotten from the Liberal government. We are ready to work with the government to find an immediate fix so we can help the seniors they have turned their backs on.”
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh stated that seniors have had to endure a lot during this pandemic, whether it’s been poor living conditions in long-term care homes or being more vulnerable to COVID-19.
“Now, some of Canada’s most vulnerable low-income seniors have lost the GIS help they relied on simply for following the government’s advice,” stated Singh. “The Liberal government can’t abandon our seniors like this. We’re urging Justin Trudeau to act immediately and ensure Canadian seniors have the help they need.”
In August, NDP MPs sent a letter to the Liberal government asking for an urgent solution to fix the problem they have created for seniors, the release stated.
“Was it not enough for Liberals to drag their heels getting financial support to seniors in the early days of the pandemic? Now they’re trying to claw back some of the support that actually made it to seniors in need,” stated Blaikie. “While the Liberals rush to give money to the richest corporations without any strings attached, they are nickel and diming seniors. It’s just not good enough.”
