Bills and Motions

Glen Co-Sponsors Motion in Support of Seniors

February 14, 2008

I ran for public office on the promise that I would work with anyone who is willing to find solutions to the problems we face in London North Centre and across our country. One of the most effective ways I found to keep that promise are the series of symposiums I've held in the last year. The London North Centre symposiums are founded on the principle that solving problems begins with asking the right questions, followed by free and open discussion amongst people from a variety of perspectives moving toward a common goal: finding answers that work.

My office recently organized a symposium on seniors' issues. One issue we heard about was a dilemma faced by many seniors who are collecting the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and who also want to continue to work. As the legislation currently stands, every dollar earned through employment is deducted from the GIS payment. As a result, there is no net benefit. Where this becomes a major issue is when a senior loses a partner and finds him or herself living on half the previous pension income. For these people, a few extra dollars can make all the difference.

I am happy to report that we are doing something about it, and at the same time putting into action the promise I made to work with members from any political party. Over the last months I have come to know and respect Quebec MP Louise Thibault, who was moved to the desk beside mine in the House after she chose to leave the Bloc Quebecois caucus on a point of principle and sit instead as an Independent. Through our many conversations I have come to know that seniors' issues are of as great an importance to M. Thibault as they are to me. I suggested we come together and co-sponsor a motion on the GIS clawback in the hope of bringing further attention to the issue. It worked. I rose in the House of Commons to speak on this motion in late January. Through the motion, we are asking that any senior who wants to work should be allowed to work 15 hours a week without having their GIS benefits clawed back. We are now waiting for the motion to receive second reading in the House of Commons. If you would like to express your support for the motion, please call my office at (519) 663-9777 or email me at pearsg1@parl.gc.ca.