The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is urging the Nova Scotia government to sign on to a federal government bill that will stop prisoners from receiving Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and Old Age Security (OAS) payments. The bill was dubbed “the Olson bill” after it was found that serial child-killer, Clifford Olson, received thousands in taxpayer money while serving life sentences. The bill was passed with all party support. The measures take effect January 1^st, 2011.

Provisions within the bill allow GIS and OAS payments to be taken away from criminals serving in provincial jails, providing provinces sign on to the bill. Several provinces have already signed on (Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and Newfoundland and Labrador). But Nova Scotia still has not said where it stands.

“It’s time for Justice Minister Ross Landry to say whether he will protect the interests of criminals or those of taxpayers,” said Kevin Lacey, Atlantic Director of the CTF.  “The payments are intended to assist seniors with living expenses. Since the living expenses of inmates are already fully paid by taxpayers, these additional federal payments are unjustifiable.”

By signing on, the province would agree to provide the federal government with information pertaining to inmates so that the federal payments could be withheld from those inmates covered by the bill.

“The province is being asked to perform a simple administrative task that will stop taxpayer money from being wasted on those who are legally not entitled to it -- what is the Justice Minister waiting for?” adds Lacey.

The CTF has worked for the past few months to help pass this bill. The Federation delivered a petition with 46,000 signatures to Federal Human Resources Minister Diane Finley.