SENIORS’ MONTH

Mr. Gerry Martiniuk: It is with much pride that I rise today to pay tribute to the senior citizens of Ontario during Seniors' Month. Allow me to begin by stating that our seniors deserve and have the right to live with dignity, honour and respect and we must all work together to ensure that they receive no less.

The seniors of today, whether they're our mothers and fathers, our grandmothers or grandfathers, our uncles, aunts and neighbours, deserve much of the credit for the freedoms we enjoy today. They helped build this great country for us and future generations, and many defended the honour of our country in the armed forces.

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Sadly, our seniors are neglected by the McGuinty Liberals. Instead of acknowledging the needs of senior citizens, this government has abandoned them. The latest hit levelled at our seniors by this government is the McGuinty new sales tax. Ontario seniors will be among the hardest-hit people in Ontario by this tax grab. According to a report by Wernham Wealth Management, a retired couple earning an after-tax income of $41,000 will face a tax increase of $1,500 a year when purchasing items such as heating oil, Internet services, haircuts and coffee. Mr. McGuinty should be making life easier for our seniors, not bullying his way into their pocketbooks and diminishing their golden years. Shame on you, Dalton McGuinty.

This government also continues to keep a tight rein on the pensions of our seniors who worked for many long, hard years to earn that income. How can this government justify holding back money these seniors have access to in order to improve their quality of life? Last month, this government voted against a private member's bill by MPP Ted Chudleigh that would have given Ontario retirees access to 100% of their locked-in pension money. After all, it is their money.

Interjections.
The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): I just would ask the members that-this is ministerial statements. The minister gave her statement and there was some noise but very little heckling taking place. I would just ask that the honourable member has the opportunity to respond to that statement and you allow him to respond. I would appreciate those members to be sitting in their seats as well.

Mr. Gerry Martiniuk: Senior citizens deserve better, and Dalton McGuinty is not meeting their needs. More than 25,000 Ontario residents are waiting for a long-term bed and this government continues to ignore this growing problem.

Ontario is currently home to 1.6 million seniors. What's going to happen in 2028, when the number of seniors in Ontario doubles? What is the plan to assist those who need to move to a long-term-care facility? Senior citizens deserve better and Dalton McGuinty is not meeting their needs. This government continues to ignore our seniors' right to a secure and comfortable home by refusing to build new long-term-care beds. Instead, seniors end up in acute care beds in our hospitals that are in short supply. How would you like to live out your days, months and years in a hospital? Shame on you, Dalton McGuinty.

Those seniors who are fortunate enough to get a bed in a long-term-care facility are not receiving the amount of personal care they require. Despite repeated pleas from long-term-care homes, this government has refused to provide residents with the three hours of daily personal care they need. I have heard many horror stories about residents lying in their own waste for hours or not eating for hours after the usual mealtime. Shame on you, Dalton McGuinty.

And many of our seniors must shake their heads in disbelief when they see the unfairness of Dalton McGuinty and his $4-billion bailout of the GM pension plan. He plays a reverse Robin Hood, taking from the needy and giving to the prosperous. The $4 billion will be used for a small, select group in our province, without similar assistance being given to thousands of other pension holders whose pensions are also underfunded and failing, and absolutely no thought to helping the 70% of seniors without private pension plans whose small savings have been ravaged by the recession and must struggle every day to pay the bills. Yes, it soaks the middle class and gives to the rich, and it gets worse. Each and every senior in Ontario, without regard to their needs, will be called upon by the McGuinty government to pay an amount of $700, being their share of the $4-billion bailout. And please remember, the $4 billion does not save one job. It is a gift to former employees.

Seniors' Month is an important annual event in our province, and it's an ideal time for us all to thank seniors for their contribution to our communities, province and country. Thank you.

Hansard-Official Historical Record of
Debate in the Legislative Assembly of
Ontario – 39th Parliament
Presented by: GERRY MARTINIUK, MPP
June 3, 2009