[xtypo_dropcap]P[/xtypo_dropcap]arliament passed legislation Wednesday that halts Old Age Security benefits to convicted criminals
Human Resources Minister Diane Finley said it was the fulfillment of a promise to end entitlements to some of Canada's worst criminals.
“It is wrong that convicted killers like Clifford Olson were receiving taxpayers’ entitlements such as Old Age Security benefits,” said Finley.
The decision was praised by victim’s rights advocate Sharon Rosenfeldt, President of Victims of Violence.
“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,” said Rosenfeldt.
Now the government must begin negotiations with the provinces and territories to implement the new laws for inmates in provincial and territorial facilities with sentences over 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.
