On June 1, 2010, our government introduced a bill in Parliament that suspends Old Age Security (OAS) benefits for inmates in federal penitentiaries, and we are encouraging provincial and territorial institutions to do the same. As a result of our government’s action, convicted criminals will no longer be able to collect taxpayer-funded OAS benefits.

When our government became aware that inmates were receiving these benefits, we took immediate action. Canadians can be confident that when our government makes a commitment, we follow through.

OAS benefits are designed to help seniors meet their immediate basic needs and maintain a minimum standard of living in retirement. Since an inmate’s basic needs are already paid for by public funds, Canadian taxpayers should not also be paying for income support through OAS benefits.

We have also made sure that low-income spouses or common-law partners of prisoners will not lose their individual entitlement to the Guaranteed Income Supplement and the Allowances as a result of the proposed amendments.

This amendment to the Old Age Security Act is about the responsible use of public funds and the fair treatment of Canadian taxpayers. We are taking action to put an end to entitlements for prisoners, and to ensure that those Canadians who have spent their lives working hard and playing by the rules receive the benefits they deserve.