Neo-Conservative view on Old Age Security

The principles and ideologies of the neo-conservative government are clearly being demonstrated in the change of the old Age Security program by our federal Government of Canada. The aging population in Canada brought on the change as the number of Canadians over 65 will greatly increase in the next few decades (Service Canada, 2012). According to the government the Old Age security is unsustainable because it is projected to increase in a whopping 108 billion by 2030 and they want to maintain this program for future generations (Service Canada, 2012). This change can be seen in the roots of this ideologies view of the need for social welfare, the focus of its inefficiencies rather then the effect it has the people (Straka, 2012). This lack of focusing on the effect of people neglects those who are truly in need.


Through reading the articles I have found that an increasing number of older adults approaching retirement age” are unable to work due to disability, declining job skills or other reasons” (Milligan, 2012). This creates a bigger gap in the amount of years that would eligible to receive their pension and this greatly saddens me because of the fact they are one of the most vulnerable communities. I was always taught to respect the elderly and I can’t imagine making them work longer and for their hard earned pension, which in my opinion is pretty minimal to begin with.



Hoda



Kevin, Milligan. "Does Harper really need to raise the retirement age?." Globe and Mail [Toronto] 27 02 2012, n. pag. Print. <http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/economy-lab/the-economists/does-harper-really-need-to-raise-the-retirement-age/article2316982/>.




Federal Government of Canda. Service Canada. Old Age Security Program. 2012. Web. <http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/isp/oas/changes/faq.shtml>.