Overview

• The Bloc Québécois is demanding a 10% increase in Old Age Security (OAS) payments for seniors between the ages of 65 and 74.
• Bloc Leader Yves-François Blanchet has set an ultimatum for the Liberal government to approve the pension hike by October 29.
• The proposed pension increase would cost an estimated $16 billion over five years, adding to the national debt.
• The Bloc has indicated it will initiate discussions with other opposition parties to bring down the government if their demands are not met.
• The Liberal government has survived a second non-confidence vote, with the NDP and Bloc Québécois voting against a Conservative motion.