In our weekly telephone call, my mom in London, England is outraged with the British government. One of the programs on the government chopping block is senior’s free bus passes. Mom says they are going to do away with them - her beloved “freedom” pass. Her pass allows her to travel not only locally, but to journey to other parts of the country to visit family or just get out and about for a day. She served notice that if the government goes ahead with their proposal, she will march, along with hundreds of thousands of others, to Westminster and camp on the grounds of the British parliament buildings. “They won’t get away with it. It’s all we have left. They’ve taken everything else from us.”  My mom at 88 - a militant activist.

Prime Minister Harper is making threats in this country against our seniors as well. (Well, he made the announcement in another country actually). This government is considering pushing the retirement age to 67. Also under the “future sustainability” microscope is the Guaranteed Income Supplement. Cut backs to senior programs and those most in need seems to be an international solution to balancing the budget. 

All government programs and departments are coming under scrutiny as this country looks for ways to keep our head above the waters of financial collapse and debilitating recession. Parliament is back in session this week. Mr. Harper, look very closely.  Further cutbacks to our seniors and other low income Canadians would bring thousands to  Ottawa to camp out in your back yard.

Jan Cox