Monday November 10, 2025 | OTTAWA, ON [Posted in VICTORIA, BC – 7:43 am PT]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
On Friday in the House of Commons, NDP MP Gord Johns (Courtenay–Alberni) tabled legislation in the House of Commons to repeal a discriminatory provision that denies survivor benefits to the spouses of veterans, RCMP members, and federal public servants who married after the age of 60.
Johns is the NDP critic for Veterans Affairs.
Commonly referred to as the ‘Gold Digger clause’, this restriction prevents surviving spouses from receiving pension benefits if the marriage occurred after their partner’s 60th birthday. The policy dates back over a century and is rooted in outdated, sexist assumptions about women and marriage. It also doesn’t recognize the longevity of people today.
“This archaic rule punishes people for finding love later in life,” said Johns. “Veterans and their families deserve dignity, compassion and fairness. It is unacceptable that this discrimination continues in 2025.”
The bill would amend federal legislation so that all surviving spouses are eligible for pension benefits regardless of age at marriage.
Continued attention by NDP:
The NDP points out that despite a commitment made in 2015 by the Liberal government to eliminate the clause, it remains in place.
Johns acknowledged the work of former NDP MPs Rachel Blaney and Irene Mathyssen, who championed the issue in previous Parliaments, and thanked Alexandre Boulerice (Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie) for seconding the legislation.
New Democrats says they will continue working alongside veterans, their families, and advocacy organizations to ensure that federal policy reflects fairness and respect.
NDP in the 45th Parliament:
As a result of the sentiment that the Liberals under Carney were what’s needed to stand up to Trump, many NDP loyalists shifted their vote to the Liberals (and some to the Conservatives) in the April 28, 2025 federal election. That has left the NDP with seven MPs in the 45th Parliament, down from 24 at the end of the last session.
It is generally anticipated that NDP votes will be needed to cover the two-vote shortfall that the Liberal minority government finds themselves in, toward passing the Budget 2025 legislation next week.
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- NEWS SECTIONS: FEDERAL NDP | 45th PARLIAMENT OF CANADA | BUDGET 2025