Residents let MP Hillyer know how they feel about OAS reform
Katie May
LETHBRIDGE HERALD
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Concerns over Old Age Security benefits were at the top of many Lethbridge residents' minds when they met with local MP Jim Hillyer to give their input on the 2012 federal budget.
About 20 people attended a public forum hosted by the MP at the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization Saturday morning, the second in a month-long series of weekly consultations Hillyer is holding across the region to find out what people in the riding think should be incorporated into this year's budget and what should be cut out.
Aside from some bitterness over Canada's contribution to corporate bailouts and inflated financial executives' bonuses, there wasn't much talk of cutbacks among those in attendance Saturday. Many argued in favour of government backing for renewable energy sources, veterans' services, more workforce training and long-term investment in schools.
But the issue of the hour was retirement planning, which has become a subject of national debate after Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced last week he plans to reform OAS benefits, possibly by gradually raising the eligible age from 65 to 67.
The government has said changes to the plan are necessary to keep it from running out of money, but politicians and economists have so far only floated ideas - no official plans - about what the reforms would entail, except that they wouldn't affect those already receiving OAS payments.
Still, Lethbridge residents weren't short on opinions about the matter - some called for the government to scrap all reform plans outright, while others said they recognized that change may be necessary.
Retired chartered accountant Bob MacPhail urged Hillyer and the Tories to give Albertans and Canadians enough time to prepare for their retirement before implementing any changes, suggesting a minimum age increase might be a 20-year process.
"You have to give people time," he said. "There's too many uncertainties in retirement planning to make radical changes."
The Lethbridge resident said he was also concerned about how the Conservatives' tough-on-crime bill might affect the federal budget, as a predicted future with more people in prison could put more strain on tax dollars.
"If we don't voice our opinion, we don't have the right to complain," MacPhail said.
Elwyn Holmberg, a retired government meteorologist agreed that it was important to be part of the consultation.
"You write them and nothing happens," he said. "I see so much waste in the way the government is handling funds."
Veteran Tom Walton, who served with the Canadian navy and armed forces for 27 years, brought up widely wondered questions about the government bailouts in the past four years since the global recession hit in mid-2008. He said he wanted the government to stop giving handouts to corporations and instead to treat everyone fairly, including veterans.
"One big concern I have is, what's happening to the tax dollars?" he said after the meeting. "Who's looking after who? There's too much of them looking after themselves."
MP Hillyer said he would take the feedback to the finance minister in Ottawa as the government prepares the budget.
"It's not government money; it's taxpayer money," he told the Lethbridge Herald. "I think it's essential that I consult with my riding. Not just because it's the right thing to do. Some of the best ideas will come from the people," he said.
"Taxpayers are on the front lines, fighting the battle," Hillyer added. "I think it's important that when I make decisions I respect the taxpayer."
Further pre-budget consultations are set to take place in Picture Butte Feb. 11 and in Milk River Feb. 18.