Statement made on 09 December 2010 by Senator Art Eggleton
Hon. Art Eggleton:
Honourable senators, my question is directed to the Leader of the Government in the Senate. Bill S-216 has been defeated, but the problem remains. The minister commented on dealing with LTD employees, but from what I heard in her answer, she is talking about the future. There are still 400 Nortel workers who are looking for a just settlement and to live out their lives in dignity, despite their disability, and I present their case again today, as I have all week.
I have an impact statement from Marc Girard. He says:
. . . I am 45 years of age and I live with my wife in Blainville Quebec with our 3 adolescents. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1998. In 2002, following a major MS crisis, I was declared totally disabled and started receiving LTD benefits from my employer Nortel.
During the last 8 years, my physical condition has worsened after several MS crises. I started to use a cane and since the last 3 years I must use a wheel chair for my daily usage. This rapid deterioration of my physical condition has greatly affected all members of my family. It has become a psychological burden for my wife and children.
In 2002 when I was declared totally disabled, I thought that my financial situation would be preserved by receiving my LTD benefits till age 65 as defined in my benefit package, benefits that I was contributing personally in addition to the portion covered by Nortel.
At the beginning of this year, I was informed by Nortel that the final payment of my LTD income would end in December 2010. It has become evident that our family financial situation will be very critical in January 2011. The main family income to support our needs will come from my wife's salary which will barely cover the basic needs of our daily expenses. The scholarship cost for my children's education will suffer and the access to superior studies will be compromised by the lack of LTD income which will end in December 2010. It will also be difficult to financially support my medical services and drug expenses.
It is very difficult to live with a physical limitation and not being able to work and take care of my family obligations and that is why I must seek help from the political instances who have been elected or appointed to take the necessary decisions to help me and all those who face a similar situation.
Please help to correct this injustice.
Tony Clement said in the House of Commons in response to similar questions, "We are for solutions that will work." That is fine. Will the leader make representation to Mr. Clement to sit down with representatives of the Nortel disabled and their financial and legal advisers to work towards a solution for these people before time runs out at the end of this month?
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