Dave Van Kesteren, MP for Chatham Kent-Essex, introduced yesterday a private members bill entitled An Act to Amend the Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security Act: Pensions and Benefits that would end the ability of those convicted of murdering their spouse or parent to collect survivor benefits.
In Canada when someone’s spouse or parent dies, the individual is eligible to receive a number of survivor benefits including: Allowance of the Survivor, CPP Death Benefit, CPP Orphan Benefit, and CPP Survivor Benefit. However, there is no provision in law that prevents those who murder their spouse or parent from receiving these benefits. This goes against the long-standing and just principle that individuals should not benefit from their crime.
“This bill will restore fairness to the victims and their families by ensuring that those convicted of first or second degree murder will not be entitled to these benefits”, said MP Van Kesteren, “It’s not fair to the families of murder victims to see the murderer collecting these survivor benefits.”
“I hope that this bill is passed through Parliament quickly and receives support from all parties”, said MP Van Kesteren, “It is in line with the government’s agenda of being tough on crime and supporting victims.”
