Too many seniors getting the short end of the Liberal stick

Re Canada’s most trusted party leader might be the one most of us can’t vote for, Aug. 15

That was an illuminating column in the Star about the poll on voters’ impressions of the federal leaders. I agree heartily about NDP’s Jagmeet Singh and the Bloc’s Yves-François Blanchet seeming the most authentic and trusted. They have some sensible and progressive ideas and the Libs should listen to them more.

Bloc leader Blanchet hit the nail right on the head when he went after the Liberals’ recent raise given to some seniors. Why in the world would the Trudeau Liberals give a nice increase in the Old Age Security (10 per cent starting 2022) plus a $500 lump sum, times two if you’re a couple, to only those seniors 75 and over while other seniors aged 65-74 get absolutely nothing?

So one pensioner with five times the income than another will get the increase while the vastly poorer senior gets squat. We do not look after our elders in this country, with millions struggling below the poverty level.

The Liberals talk about inclusiveness and equality but often do things like this, which is the exact opposite. This is pure discrimination and one of the most unfair things I’ve seen in years. What tall forehead in Ottawa thought this was a good idea? Was it to save money?

My message to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is this: please rectify this unfairness, or you will lose a good portion of the seniors vote. And maybe the kids and grandkids will see it the same way. Douglas Porter, Peterborough, Ont.