Hon. Alice Wong, P.C.

On June 7, 2011, Alice Wong answered the following question in Question Period regarding Seniors:

Hon. Judy Sgro (York West, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, after months of talk about the difficulties facing seniors throughout Canada, I am clearly disappointed in budget 2011. The $1.67 a day for the poorest of the poor and non-refundable tax credits just do not cut it.

Given the increases on gas, hydro, food, et cetera, it is making it very difficult for people to cope on a day-to-day basis and stay in their homes. I heard this on the doorsteps in Toronto, but clearly the Conservatives did not.

Where is the vision, the plan to make a difference in the lives of seniors? Do they not deserve better? Are they just going–

The Speaker:
The hon. parliamentary secretary.

Hon. Alice Wong (Minister of State (Seniors), CPC):
Mr. Speaker, since this is my first time to rise in the House, I would like to thank the voters of Richmond for voting me back in with 58.4%.

I would like to correct the member on some facts.

With the next phase of the economic action plan we are enhancing the GIS in the new horizons program. We are also ensuring the strength of the retirement income system and introducing a new family caregiver tax credit. In fact, when asked about these measures, CARP’s Vice President of Advocacy said that their members are “happy and thrilled with these issues–

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