August 9, 2021

The Liberals cut help to seniors, leaving them unable to get by

Many seniors in Canada have been shocked to learn their Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) has been partially or completely cut after receiving CERB or CRB. Seniors, who have been incredibly hard hit by this pandemic are now struggling to pay their bills and put food on the table because of this undisclosed rule by the Liberal government. New Democrats are fighting to make sure seniors get the supports they need.

“As the NDP’s Critic I’ve heard from seniors across the country who are in desperate situations after their monthly income was cut drastically without any forewarning,” said NDP MP and Critic for Employment, Workforce and Disability Inclusion, Daniel Blaikie. “We are urging the Liberal government to come up with a solution to this pressing issue, so seniors aren’t left figuring out how they will pay the bills this month.”

For over a year, New Democrats have been fighting so that all seniors receive additional financial support during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the government continues to refuse to help. While the Liberals rushed to give money to the richest corporations without any strings attached, they cut help for seniors who are waiting to work again in provinces still under stay-at-home orders and lockdowns.

“It is unacceptable that the Liberal government has decided to further place seniors in a vulnerable position by cutting GIS payments. This is not acceptable,” said NDP MP Leah Gazan (Winnipeg Centre). “Many seniors across the country are already forced to live in poverty and already have to choose between medication and rent. These callous Liberal callbacks directly attack the human rights of seniors and place them further at risk of becoming unsheltered and food insecure. It is critical that Justin Trudeau and the Liberal government immediately rescind their decision.”

“Seniors have been disproportionately affected by this pandemic, they deserve a government that will help them when they need it. Instead, the Liberals are cutting a big chunk of their monthly income,” said NDP MP Niki Ashton (Churchill-Keewatinook Aski). “Unlike the Liberals, New Democrats are fighting for seniors.”

On Tuesday Daniel Blaikie, sent a letter to Liberal Minister asking them to find an urgent solution to this problem. He has yet to receive a response.

Unlike the Liberals, New Democrats are working hard to make sure seniors are not left behind by the Liberal government. Seniors deserve a government that is ready to give them the help they need, when they need it.

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Contact:

Claire Johnston

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