Simplifying the Red Tape for the GIS
It Only Makes Sense That Those Eligible for the
Guaranteed Income Supplement Have Easier Access to it

When they reconvene this month, members of Parliament should act quickly on a bill that would make it simpler for low-income senior citizens to apply for the guaranteed income supplement. It's a matter of justice.

According to Island Senator Percy Downe, a bill introduced in the House of Commons in November would allow seniors the option of applying for the GIS at the same time they apply for Old Age Security. Downe, who a year or so ago expressed concern about the many eligible seniors not getting the GIS, says applicants would merely have to check a box expressing their interest. If this bill is passed, it would also mean seniors wouldn't have to reapply each year.

These would be fair and reasonable changes because they would ensure more of those Canadians eligible for the GIS would actually get it. The guaranteed income supplement is intended for Canadians getting Old Age Security who have little or no other income. It only makes sense that those most in need of this extra money should have easier access to it.

Yet apparently this isn't the case. According to Downe, the federal government in 2002 identified more than 134,000 low-income seniors who should have been getting the supplement, but weren't. And since then he's been pushing for changes to make it more readily available. In his view, there's much work to do to make this happen, but the bill before the house, if passed, would certainly help.

MPs should take the hint and give this bill the nod as soon as possible. They should also take a greater interest in working out the other flaws in the system that might be posing an obstacle to this money getting to the people who need it.