Goderich, Ontario - Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb plans to vote against Bill C-428, An Act to Amend the Residency Requirements for Old Age Security.

On June 18th, 2009, Liberal MP Ruby Dhalla (La Brampton--Springdale) introduced Bill C-428, a Private Members’ Bill to amend the Old Age Security Act.  If this bill became law it would essentially reduce the residency requirement for entitlement to a monthly pension from ten years to three.

“I have heard from an overwhelming number of constituents on this issue and as your Member of Parliament, I can assure you that I will not vote in favour of this Bill”, said Lobb.

Currently, In order to qualify for OAS, there is a 10 year residency requirement after the age of 18.  If this is met, eligible Canadians can start receiving benefits at age 65.  The 10 year requirement period strikes an appropriate balance between an individual’s contribution to Canadian society and the economy and his or her access to a lifelong, publicly funded benefit.

At a cost of over $700 million, this proposal is costly and irresponsible and would be paid for by Canadian taxpayers.

It is reasonable to expect that a person should be required to live in Canada for a minimum period of time before being granted the right to a lifelong public benefit. Our Conservative government is taking a fair and responsible approach to providing benefits to seniors. 

For more information on Private Members Bills in the House of Commons or to follow Bill C-428 please visit: http://www2.parl.gc.ca/Sites/LOP/LEGISINFO/index.asp?Language=E&list=agenda