OTTAWA, ONTARIO -  “I was very pleased that our Government managed to ensure that Bill C-31, the federal legislation that stops the payment of Old Age Security (OAS) benefits to convicted criminals, became law before the end of 2010,”  states Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament for Vegreville-Wainwright.

“As the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development made clear, it was wrong that convicted killers like Clifford Olson were receiving taxpayers’ entitlements such as OAS benefits,” said Benoit. “Our government made a commitment to Canadians to end these entitlements for prisoners, and we delivered.”

Benoit points out that the move was received in a very positive manner by many organizations, including Victims of Violence.  “As their President, Ms. Sharon Rosenfeldt, confirmed, ‘It’s great to see that this government is putting victims and taxpayers first, ahead of criminals,’” explains Benoit.

“I know from the recent economic consultations I held throughout Vegreville-Wainwright in January that my constituents certainly feel it is common sense that prisoners who are already receiving taxpayer-funded room and board should not also receive OAS,” says Benoit.

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.