The Bloc Québécois' tireless cause to ensure fair and equitable treatment for all seniors eligible for old age pensions took a crucial step forward on Wednesday, October 18, when the principle of the Bloc Québécois' Bill C-319 won the support of a majority of MPs.

Claude DeBellefeuille says she is encouraged by this successful first step, which comes at a time when inflation persists and poverty threatens an ever-increasing number of Quebec seniors.

"I am extremely pleased with the support shown by Parliament for seniors, who have long been calling on the government to put an end to this injustice. Today, parliamentarians have clearly spoken out against the injustice created by the Liberal government, that of creating two classes of seniors. Since the pandemic, the cost of living has continued to rise, and rising prices also represent a financial headache for many seniors on very limited incomes, particularly those aged 65 to 74 who were excluded by the federal government from the increase in old-age pensions. Persistent inflation has only exacerbated their difficulties, and some no longer have sufficient resources to meet their basic needs, such as food and housing. Our bill will re-establish fair treatment for all old-age pension recipients, and at the same time, provide much-needed relief for the many seniors who have been forced into poverty", says Ms. DeBellefeuille, MNA for Salaberry-Suroît.

With the support of retirement and seniors' advocacy groups such as AFEAS, AQRP and AREQ-CSQ, the Bloc Québécois MNA reiterates the importance of her bill. One in 5 people in Salaberry-Suroît is aged 65 or over.

The Bloc bill would also increase to $6,000 the income threshold used to calculate the guaranteed income supplement. "In other words, seniors who still have the desire to work, here and there, maybe a few hours, will be able to do so without having their benefits cut. I'm sure that seniors and companies looking for experienced employees will welcome this measure. It's up to all of us to assume our responsibilities towards seniors, and to keep on working until this bill is finally passed - there are still a few steps left before we can celebrate, including convincing the Liberal MPs", concludes Ms. DeBellefeuille.