VAUGHAN, August 30, 2011 - The Honourable Julian Fantino, Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Vaughan, today expressed disappointment regarding NDP Deputy Leader Libby Davies' recent introduction of a Private Member's proposal that would give expensive tax-payer funded benefits to those who may have never paid any taxes in Canada, and would cost Canadian tax-payers a billion dollars.

Our Conservative government is focused on making further improvements to Canada's strong system of support for retired seniors in the GTA because they have worked their lives for their hard earned pensions.
"I am disappointed the NDP Deputy Leader Libby Davies recently introduced a proposal that would give expensive benefits funded by hard working Canadians to those who may have never paid any taxes in Canada and do not deserve them," said Minister Fantino. "The Opposition proposal to reduce the residency requirement from 10 years to only a few short years is not only unfair to seniors in the GTA who have worked their lives for their hard earned pensions, but would cost Canadian taxpayers an estimated billion dollars. I want to be clear - our Conservative Government is opposed to this costly and irresponsible NDP scheme. "

The NDP has now joined hands with the Liberal Party in asking the government to reduce the residency requirement to receive tax-payer funded Old Age Security. This would mean that someone who only recently arrived in Canada would receive Old Age Security and a Guaranteed Income Supplement, just like someone who has worked hard for 10 years or more, paid taxes, and contributed to Canadian society.

"This scheme would cost a billion dollars at a time when Canadians can least afford it. It is offensive to Canadians who work hard for their pensions and pay their taxes, and goes against Canadians' deeply ingrained sense of fairness and fiscal responsibility," said Minister
Fantino. "I would like to reassure seniors in the GTA that our Conservative Government will vigorously oppose this costly and irresponsible NDP scheme."