Hon. Andrew Cardozo: My question is for the Government Representative, and it is regarding the disability benefit. You may be aware that on May 1, Senator Pate, Senator Petitclerc, Senator Coyle and I wrote to the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Social Development, and we asked them to reconsider the announcement that had been made in the budget a couple of weeks earlier.

I was at the briefing this morning by Food Banks Canada on their annual report, where they indicate that levels of poverty are growing drastically. Federal and provincial governments were given poor grades in terms of what they are doing in response.

A significant number of people — and a growing number of people with disabilities — are using food banks. Will the government reconsider its approach and bring in the benefit earlier, such as October of this year instead of October of next year?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you again for your question, and for the continued and legitimate attention that many senators are bringing to this important issue. I’m aware of the letter that you and our colleagues in this chamber sent. I’m aware that you are still awaiting a reply. In that regard, I will certainly bring it to the attention of the minister as quickly as I can.

With regard to your question, I’m not in a position to announce, much less predict, what steps the government might take going forward, except to repeat that much work is being done, and still needs to be done, at the federal level in terms of the regulatory process, and also in terms of the work that is ongoing with the provinces and territories — to say nothing of the ongoing discussions with members of the disability community.

Senator Cardozo: Thank you.

My supplementary question builds on the question that Senator Coyle asked a few minutes ago.

Would the government consider a consultation with disability groups to discuss and evaluate the amount that is being put forward? Certainly $200 a month doesn’t make that much of a difference. One of the key messages we received this morning at the briefing by Food Banks Canada is that this issue is extremely urgent.

Senator Gold: Thank you for your question. There are ongoing discussions between the minister and department officials, and there will continue to be ongoing discussions with members of the disability community. The government is very aware of the concerns and preoccupations, and will continue to be responsive to them.