Bloc Québécois to push Liberals on pension pact with opposition day motion

The Bloc Québécois is set to increase pressure on the federal government today by forcing a House of Commons debate on its proposal to raise Old Age Security (OAS) payments for all seniors.

Bloc Leader Yves-François Blanchet has given the Liberal government until October 29 to approve the party’s $16-billion pension plan, warning that failure to do so will prompt him to begin talks with other opposition parties to bring down the minority government.

Even if the Liberals agree, the move would likely only buy them a few months of Bloc support. Blanchet’s party plans to use its opposition day motion to push for immediate backing of the pension bill and is calling on all parties to support the measure.

A vote is expected later this week, which could indicate whether the government intends to meet the Bloc’s demands or risk another political showdown.

Meanwhile, the Conservative Party will launch a separate bid to defeat the government this afternoon through a non-confidence motion, though it is not expected to pass.