All Seniors deserve Old Age Benefits
Seniors from all walks of life, countries and backgrounds deserve economic security during their old age in Canada. This is their right and yet it is being denied to them from a government that continues to enforce discriminating policies.
Immigrant seniors who want access to Old Age Benefits face a struggle because certain countries, such as China and India, do not share a reciprocal Social Security Agreement, where its citizens can immediately apply for benefits in Canada. Countries such as the United States or England, and even countries such as Latvia, Iceland and Mexico, do not face lengthy wait times.
It is unfair to hardworking Canadians who immigrated here for a better life yet are lied to and treated like second-class citizens.
Our NDP MP Penny Priddy (Surrey North) is actively working on addressing this double standard. She has put forth a motion in the House of Commons to remove the unjustified 10-year residency requirement.
The Social Security Agreement is a reciprocal policy between Canada and certain countries that grants benefits to select people from select countries based on trade and economics between governments.
Sadly, this discrimination has been prevalent for nearly 30 years and letting it continue means letting racism and discrimination continue in Canada. Presently, any seniors coming from non-agreement countries are denied old age security, pensions and benefits for the first 10 years of their life in Canada; whereas an individual from an agreement country is given the same security, pensions and benefits, in some cases, after only one year in Canada. This has been in effect since 1977 and we cannot allow it to continue.
The NDP fights for all hardworking Canadians, especially seniors. We understand they are the backbone to society and the pillars of family and community.
We strongly urge the Conservative government to review this current policy of discrimination against our seniors and implement a fair and equitable system so all seniors can enjoy their old age with financial security and peace of mind.
Jack Layton, NDP Leader
