Stephanie McLean
Esquimalt—Saanich—Sooke, British Columbia · Liberal · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, these changes are important to ensure the integrity of the program, but we also want to make sure that all of the wonderful senior-servicing organizations across Canada have the support they need. That is why Service Canada has provided additional resources to ensure that signing up for the business number is easy.”
“Mr. Speaker, seniors across this country know that they can rely on this Liberal government to support them and have their backs. While it is heartbreaking to read about what is happening to some of these seniors, including in Richmond, that party over there would do nothing for them.”
“Mr. Speaker, we announced these changes to the New Horizons for Seniors program almost a month before the applications opened up, and we made these changes, requiring the CRA business number, to ensure the integrity of the program. Here is what CanAge has to say about these changes.”
“Mr. Speaker, we have heard from seniors organizations across this country applauding the changes we have made to the New Horizons for Seniors program, which are ensuring that we have doubled the amount available to senior-servicing organizations but also ensuring the integrity of the program for years to come.”
“Mr. Speaker, prior to these changes, the new horizons for seniors program was the only grant within the Government of Canada that was not subject to these integrity measures. We are putting this program in line with all other grants and contributions across the Government of Canada. By looking at the clock, I can see that it is June 11.”
“Mr. Speaker, in April, we introduced changes to the new horizons for seniors program, including requiring a CRA business number. For most seniors organizations, this change delivers clearer, fairer standards that increase the program's integrity.”
The complete record
Every one of 86 lines we hold for Stephanie McLean, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 2 of 2.
“Mr. Speaker, I was in Rachel Notley's New Democrat government when, in partnership with the federal Liberals, we got the first pipeline to tidewater built in generations. This is a pipeline that helps pay for schools, hospitals and environmental investments and supports good union jobs. Now, as a Vancouver Island MP, I support our Prime Minister 's vision to build Canada strong with indigenous peoples, the provinces and the environment. The Conservatives want to ram things through, never mind indigenous people and never mind the environment. Our thoughtful approach ensures that no Canadian is left behind.”
“Mr. Speaker, as 2025 winds down and we are reviewing our Spotify wrapped, let us look at the Conservatives' 2025 wrapped. In 2025, the Conservatives lost their fourth election in a row, spent Alberta's money on a by-election so they could say they created at least one job, invented imaginary taxes and presented a platform with no plan to support seniors or families. Conservatives need to work on their playlist, because they are not listening to the same tunes as Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, those Conservatives clearly can talk until the cows come home, but they are all hat and no cattle. When their own platform had nothing in it for food affordability, did they vote to put money in the jeans of Canadians? No. Did they vote for the national school food program? No. Did they vote for old age security? No. Did they vote for the Canada child care benefit? No. Did they vote for the disability benefit? No. There we have it.”
“Mr. Speaker, in my riding of Esquimalt—Saanich—Sooke and on Vancouver Island, folks know that the government has the back of the softwood lumber industry and its workers, whereas the Conservatives would do nothing. Their plan is simply to get out of the way, whereas we are providing real support.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Conservative member needs to take several seats. In my riding on Vancouver Island, people know that we are supporting the softwood lumber industry. Whereas the Conservatives' plan is to get out of the way and to do nothing, our government is investing in— Some hon. members: Oh, oh!”
“Mr. Speaker, when the Conservatives voted against budget 2025, they voted against old age security and the guaranteed income supplement. They voted against the New Horizons for Seniors program. They voted against a personal support workers tax credit. They voted against dental care for over six million Canadian seniors. Canadians want to know whom—”
“Mr. Speaker, what Canadians and Vancouver Islanders need to ensure an affordable life is money in their jeans. They need things like the old age security. They need things like the guaranteed income supplement. They need things like the child tax benefit. These things put money in folks' jeans. These are initiatives that the Conservatives have voted against time and time again.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are supporting seniors and individuals across Vancouver Island to ensure that they have an affordable life. For example, I met with the Mustard Seed in my riding of Esquimalt—Saanich—Sooke, where they are running several food programs to ensure food security. This includes a food program called Flourish for children that ensures that they are fed. This takes advantage of the national school food program. They are also ensuring that they can run their programs with the Canada summer jobs program. These are initiatives that are so key to ensuring that people are fed well on Vancouver Island, initiatives that the Conservatives voted against.”
“Mr. Speaker, these Conservatives voted against lowering the cost of living for seniors when they voted against budget 2025. They voted against old-age security. They voted against the guaranteed income supplement. They voted against the new horizons for seniors program. They voted against anti-fraud measures that would protect seniors from scams. They voted against a tax credit for personal support workers who support seniors who need care. They voted against dental care for the over six million Canadians who are currently taking advantage of that. Canadians want to know who these Conservatives are fighting for, because it clearly is not them.”
“Mr. Speaker, these Conservatives voted against lowering the cost of living when they voted against budget 2025 because they voted against food in schools for children, against a tax cut for middle-income Canadians, against $75 million in apprenticeship training and against a refundable tax credit for personal support workers. They also voted against $45 million in funding to address gender-based violence. Canadians and seniors want to know who these Conservatives are fighting for, because it certainly is not them.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives voted against food in schools for children. They voted against an income tax cut for the middle class. They voted against $75 million in apprenticeship training. They voted against a refundable credit for personal support workers. They voted against $45 million to address violence against women, and they voted against crucial support for seniors, like old age security. Canadians want to know who—”
“Mr. Speaker, they say they are fighting for youth, but they plan to vote against a national school food program. They say they are fighting for families, but they plan to vote against a middle-income tax cut. They say they are fighting for workers, but they plan to vote against $75 million in apprenticeship funding. They say they are fighting for our borders, but they plan to vote against a much-needed pay raise for our service members in our armed forces, including in my riding of Esquimalt—Saanich—Sooke at CFB Esquimalt. Canadians want to know who the Conservatives are fighting for, because it is certainly not them.”
“Mr. Speaker, they say they are fighting for youth, but they plan to vote against the national school food program. They say they are fighting for families, but they plan to vote against the middle-income tax cut. They say they are fighting for workers, but they plan to vote against the $75-million apprenticeship training fund. They say they are fighting for our borders, but they plan to vote against a much-needed pay raise for service members in our armed forces, including in my riding at CFB Esquimalt. Canadians want to know who the Conservatives are fighting for, because it certainly is not Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, if Conservatives vote against budget 2025, they vote against old age security, they vote against the guaranteed income supplement, they vote against the New Horizons for Seniors program, they vote against anti-fraud measures that will protect seniors from financial crime, they vote against a tax credit for personal support workers who care for seniors and they vote against the dental care that over two million seniors rely on. Canadians want to know who the Conservatives are fighting for, because it certainly is not seniors.”
“Mr. Speaker, if they vote against budget 2025, they will be voting against food in schools for children, voting against an income tax cut for Canadians, voting against $75 million in apprenticeship training, voting against a refundable tax credit for personal support workers, voting against $45 million in funding to address violence against women and voting against crucial supports for seniors, such as old age security. Canadians want to know who these Conservatives are fighting for, because it certainly is not them.”
“Mr. Speaker, what will make a real difference in fighting food insecurity is seniors being able to access the benefits they are entitled to. That is why we are going to make it easier for one million lower-income Canadians to access the benefits they worked so hard for, with automatic tax filing. We are going to make sure Canadians, especially older Canadians, keep their hard-earned money, with the first national anti-fraud strategy. What does Alma from Marathon, Ontario, say about this strategy? “Great news yet again by our amazing government! Thanks for always taking care of the things that matter to Canadians!!” We will continue to protect and empower Canadians like Alma.”
“Mr. Speaker, Canadians know there are no taxes on their food, so while the Conservatives talk about imaginary taxes, the government is taking real action to support seniors in this country. We are cutting red tape. We are building homes faster. We have introduced dental care, which more than two million seniors now have access to. We are building an economy that works for everyone. The Conservatives, however, have a record of pushing the retirement age higher, cutting benefits and leaving seniors behind. While they are voting against every support for seniors and threatening to do that with the upcoming budget, we are empowering older Canadians. We are protecting them, and we have their backs.”
“Mr. Speaker, Halloween has come early for the Conservatives this year with their imaginary taxes and their ghoulish views on Canadians. They are calling Canadian school food programs disgusting, calling the RCMP despicable and demanding a $56-billion cut that would gut the OAS and the GIS that seniors rely on. Today, seniors will see in their bank accounts an increase on the OAS and GIS deposited right into their accounts. This is Canada's largest anti-poverty initiative. Canadians know they can trust us to ensure that we have their backs.”
“Mr. Speaker, this government is the only party in this House that can be trusted to have seniors' backs. We returned the age of retirement to 65 when Conservatives wanted to push it up to 67. Through this government's actions, we are ensuring that Canadian seniors have access to one of the largest social programs in the country, and that is old age security and the guaranteed income supplement. Through that, we are ensuring that folks have up to $1,086 per month for the most financially vulnerable seniors. It is things like this that ensure seniors have—”
“Mr. Speaker, Food Banks Canada has highlighted the importance of federal government action that is helping Canadians, such as the national school food program and the Canadian dental care program. This is helping more than two million seniors. We are building an economy that works for everyone. Conservatives have a record of pushing the retirement age higher, cutting benefits and leaving seniors behind. I say, “not again”. The Canadian public trusts us, not the Conservatives. That is why, while they are voting against every measure for Canadians, we are empowering older Canadians and protecting not only their dignity but also their peace of mind.”
“Mr. Speaker, the government has taken, and continues to take, real action that supports the people of Canada. We have instituted the national food program. We have instituted the Canadian dental care program. We have instituted a number of things that help Canadians, whereas the Conservatives cannot be trusted to help anyone. They use this as a speaking point instead of really caring about Canadians and whether they have the resources they need. These programs help seniors across the country and ensure they have what they need to retire with dignity, whereas the Conservatives push the retirement age higher with every vote.”
“Mr. Speaker, Halloween is coming up, but the only thing scary in here is the misinformation coming from the Conservatives. We are cutting red tape. We are building homes faster, and we have introduced dental care that now more than 2 million seniors have signed up for. We are building an economy that works for everyone, while Conservatives have a record of pushing the retirement age higher. I cannot think of anything scarier than that. While they are voting against support for seniors, we are empowering older Canadians. We are protecting not only their dignity but also their peace of mind.”
“Mr. Speaker, we are investing in Canadians. We are investing in the future to ensure that Canada is at the top of the G7 countries fiscally, whereas the Conservatives want us to achieve their economic goals, which would ensure that children do not have food in their bellies when they are at school. They want us to achieve the economic goal that they are looking for on the backs of Canadians. These are real programs, not like the imaginary taxes that they keep referring to. These are things that Canadians really rely on. We will ensure that all of us have what we need to position ourselves for the future.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives keep talking about cuts they want to make to programs Canadians rely on. They keep expecting us to make decisions that would take food out of children's mouths and would ensure that seniors have no old age security. We know from their record that they vote against increases to seniors' benefits. We know they have a record of pushing the retirement age higher, cutting benefits and leaving seniors behind. This is what they want us to do on this side of the House. We will not do that. We will stand up for Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, while the Conservatives continue to suggest that imaginary taxes exist on food, we are ensuring that there is real food for real bellies, that children in schools get fed. The Conservatives vote against feeding children, while on this side of the aisle we are ensuring that children have the food they need and that Canadians have the support they need. The Conservatives continue to suggest imaginary taxes and to work against Canadians' interests.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have a background in law, and I started my career doing criminal defence work. I also had the good fortune of spending a summer in the Crown prosecutor's office as a law student. During that time, I had the opportunity to volunteer with a great organization called the Elizabeth Fry Society, an organization that helps women who are at risk of becoming criminalized. Through that experience, but particularly my time with the Elizabeth Fry Society, I learned a lot about those who are at risk of criminalization. I learned that the indigenous population is at a higher risk of criminalization. My question for the hon. secretary is this: What can be done and what are we doing to ensure that folks are not at risk of criminalization and not subject—”
“Mr. Speaker, this government is taking action to empower Canada's seniors. With the Conservatives' plan, folks would not have been able to retire until 67. I think it is important to point out that on this side of the House, we are ensuring a strong, stable future for our seniors. We have crucial programs that provide more than $1,000 per month to the most financially vulnerable seniors, and we are focused on ensuring that they receive every dollar they are entitled to. We are steadfast in our mission to protect the dignity of seniors, those who built this country, and they—”
“Mr. Speaker, I am so glad the Conservatives are showing interest in Canada's seniors. This new government is taking action to empower Canada's seniors, and we are steadfast in our mission to protect the dignity and security of those who built this country through a lifetime of hard work. That is why we are taking action to ensure that low-income seniors receive the guaranteed income supplement. This is a vital support that helps those with little or no income beyond their old age security. We are focused on ensuring they receive every dollar they are entitled to, because supporting seniors is not just policy, but a promise we will always uphold.”
“Mr. Speaker, first, I would like to take a moment to recognize the tremendous contribution of seniors in this country. They built this country, and we assure them that this government is working hard to deliver the benefits they deserve. Service Canada is streamlining applications, increasing automation and improving communication with clients. We have an action plan to improve the speed and quality of service for seniors in this country, and we will implement this plan. For example, the 96% of seniors receiving GIS are now automatically renewed, ensuring continuity of service. This is the kind of work we are doing to ensure seniors are getting the resources they have worked so hard for.”
“Mr. Speaker, today we mark National Seniors Day. I want to point out that our government has taken action to ensure seniors in Canada can age with dignity. We are cutting red tape. We are building homes faster, and we have introduced dental care, which more than two million seniors have signed up for. We are building an economy that works for everyone, while the Conservatives have a record of pushing the retirement age higher. It is very rich coming from them, given they are interested in cutting benefits and leaving seniors behind. While they are voting against support for seniors, we are empowering older Canadians.”
“Mr. Speaker, seniors who built this country should never have to choose between paying for groceries or heating their homes. I speak to seniors in my home riding of Esquimalt—Saanich—Sooke in British Columbia all the time, and they are proud of what this government is doing, that we have taken action that actually helps seniors in this country to age with dignity. We are cutting red tape. We are building homes faster. We are providing dental care for seniors that more than two million have already signed up for. On this side of the House, we have a great record. On that side of the House, they have a record of pushing the retirement age higher, cutting benefits and leaving seniors behind. Over here, seniors can trust this government.”
“Mr. Speaker, seniors, who built this country, should never have to choose between paying for groceries and heating their homes. That is why our government has taken action. We are cutting red tape, and we are building homes faster. We have introduced dental care, and more than two million seniors are already signed up to get benefits. We are building an economy that works for everyone. Let us be clear, Conservatives have a record of pushing the retirement age higher, cutting benefits and leaving seniors behind. While they are voting against seniors, we are empowering older Canadians and protecting their dignity and peace of mind.”
“Mr. Speaker, this government is protecting Canadians, and that includes seniors: their safety, their right to housing, their retirement security. Seniors are living longer. They are living healthier lives than ever. This government will always support and empower Canadian seniors. They are an important part of this economy. We are showing action, such as cutting red tape and constructing purpose-built housing so seniors can age with dignity in their own communities. We are ensuring that seniors have the funds they need to retire and to be able to afford groceries through such programs as old age security.”
“Mr. Speaker, our new government continues to build a strong system for Canada's seniors. We know that seniors deserve to retire with dignity, and we work closely with our provincial counterparts to ensure that they have access to long-term care beds, as well as other forms of housing, and are able to age in place. We are working really closely with the Minister of Housing to ensure that seniors are housed, but also we are ensuring that they retire with dignity, with access to old age security, which we increased by 10% in July 2022.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for her advocacy. Our government is committed to ensuring that seniors can age with dignity. We have introduced several initiatives that are making a real difference in the lives of seniors. We have provided an OAS increase of 10%, increased the guaranteed income supplement for low-income seniors, made dental care available to seniors aged 65 and older and invested in projects under the new horizons program. We will continue to work with provinces, municipalities and community partners to ensure that every senior from Pickering to Vancouver Island has what they need to thrive.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise in this House for the first time as the member for Esquimalt—Saanich—Sooke. This government is doing important work to ensure that we are protecting vulnerable Canadians, including vulnerable seniors, and that is why we continue to stand up for seniors. We are restoring eligibility to age 65 with the old age security program, and this is an important step to defend vulnerable seniors from falling into poverty. This policy also helps to protect low-income seniors who depend heavily on OAS and GIS—”