Goodale defended Bill C-21 on Monday — a pack of amendments to the Customs Act that will monitor Canadians crossing the border to or from the United States. The bill will close a “significant security loophole” in how Canada protects its border from international threats. A thorough travel history will make it easier for border officials to identify which travellers pose a security threat to Canada, he said.
However, privacy experts say Bill C-21 could deprive Canadians who’ve been out of the country too long of benefits like Old Age Security (OAS), Employment Insurance (EI) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
The entry/exit system will show whether or not individuals on EI are actually still in the country or not. Under the current regulation, EI beneficiaries are supposed to stay within the country to show they are actively searching for new employment. If Bill C-21 is passed, Boisjoly estimated the department will be able to save $5 million in overpayments to people on EI who do not actually require the additional money.
The same will go for those on OAS claims. Low income seniors can be eligible for a guaranteed income supplement and pensions for people over 65. For the pensions part, they’re payable to all Canadians who have lived in Canada for at least 20 years after their 18th birthday — so the Customs Act amendments will measure just how many Canadians will actually be eligible for OAS.
No comments:
Post a Comment