With revelations convicted criminals like serial-killer Clifford Olson, who are over the age of 65 and reside in federal and provincial jails, are currently eligible to collect Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) payments from the Canadian government, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation launched a petition drive and facebook group calling for an end to the practice. Citizens are outraged at the current policy, as shown by a Global BC report on this petition and by a national EKOS poll.

UPDATE

On April 26th, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation continued its efforts to end the injustice of paying Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) benefits to prisoners, including the likes of Clifford Olson.

Federal Director Kevin Gaudet and National Research Director Derek Fildebrandt delivered over 46,000 names on the petition to Parliament Hill and Human Resources Minister Diane Finley.  On behalf of the Harper government Human Resources Minister Diane Finley accepted the petitions. The Minister says the government intends to take action on the demands of the petitioners in the coming weeks.