June 15, 2010

Ending Entitlements for Prisoners

On June 1, 2010, our government introduced a bill in Parliament that would suspend Old Age Security (OAS) benefits for inmates in federal penitentiaries, and we are encouraging provincial and territorial institutions to do the same. As a result of our government’s action, convicted criminals will no longer be able to collect taxpayer-funded OAS benefits.

When our government became aware that inmates were receiving OAS benefits, we took immediate action. Canadians can be confident that when our government makes a commitment, we follow through.

Our proposed changes will ensure mass murderers like Clifford Olson do not receive entitlements while in jail. This mass murderer is receiving OAS benefits even though he murdered 11 children, forever altering the lives of their families and traumatizing the communities where he committed his dreadful crimes. This is offensive and outrageous to the Prime Minister, our Government and Canadians across the country. Moreover, it is deeply insulting to the victims of his heinous crimes and their families. 

Implementation of these changes will begin with inmates who are incarcerated in federal penitentiaries for two years or more. We will work with provinces and territories to continue implementation in provincial and territorial institutions for criminals serving sentences of greater than 90 days.

OAS benefits are designed to help seniors meet their immediate basic needs and maintain a minimum standard of living in retirement. Since an inmate’s basic needs are already paid for by public funds, Canadian taxpayers should not also be paying for income support through OAS benefits.

This is about the responsible use of public funds and the fair treatment of Canadian taxpayers. We are taking action to put an end to entitlements for prisoners and to ensure that those Canadians who have spent their lives working hard and playing by the rules receive the benefits they deserve. It is wrong and obviously unfair that prisoners who break the rules receive the same entitlements.