Harper Government ends Old Age Security benefits for prisoners

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, January 1, 2011 - The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, highlighted the Government's commitment to putting victims and taxpayers first. Beginning today, inmates in federal prisons will no longer receive Old Age Security benefits, as Bill C-31, An Act to Amend the Old Age Security Act, comes into effect. "It is wrong that convicted killers like Clifford Olson were receiving taxpayers' entitlements such as Old Age Security benefits," said Minister Finley. "Our government made a commitment to Canadians to end these entitlements for prisoners, and we have delivered on our commitment."  "It's great to see that this government is putting victims and taxpayers first, ahead of criminals. The suspension of Old Age Security benefit payments to inmates does just that," said Ms. Sharon Rosenfeldt, President of Victims of Violence. "I commend Prime Minister Harper and Minister Finley for taking leadership on this important issue and ending entitlements for convicted criminals." "It is common sense that prisoners who are already receiving taxpayer-funded room and board should not also receive Old Age Security. That is why Canadians are upset and outraged. This bill is important for the principles of fairness," added Ms. Rosenfeldt. In addition to suspending Old Age Security benefits for federal inmates who have sentences of two years or more, the Government of Canada will begin negotiations with the provinces and territories to implement these changes for provincial and territorial inmates who have sentences exceeding 90 days.  Low-income spouses and common-law partners of prisoners will not lose their entitlement to the income-tested Guaranteed Income Supplement and the Allowances. Old Age Security benefit payments will be suspended the month following an inmate's incarceration. Benefits will start or resume the month the individual is released.