QUESTION PERIOD — Employment and Social Development
Common Benefit Delivery Platform
February 3, 2026
I would like to take this opportunity to say that I hope things are going splendidly for everyone now that we’re back. My question is for the Government Representative.
Government Representative, the new computerized pension management system, which will cost three times more than anticipated, is causing problems for many seniors in Canada.
Some are waiting months to receive their first pension cheque, while others are receiving a cheque despite having chosen to defer their pension. According to departmental staff, data migration, lack of training and unclear procedures are to blame. These failures are reminiscent of the unacceptable service delays we experienced with employment insurance and passports.
Can the Government Representative explain what the problem is so our seniors won’t be penalized by organizational problems at Employment and Social Development Canada?
Thank you for the question, Senator Forest.
To explain the problems with this program, senator, I would have to be a computer expert. Basically, from what I understand, 7.4 million files were transferred from the legacy system to the new one last March. That created a huge overload. Despite this, the current data show that over 98% of all cases related to the OAS benefit were resolved and that these people promptly received the payments they were expecting.
I’m told that the department is actively working to resolve the small number of cases still pending, the remaining 2%. Like you, I’ve read the information. I know that some people have been waiting a very long time, but I also know that the department is actively working to correct the situation, which represents —
Thank you, senator.
It’s encouraging to hear that.
When the government finds itself in a situation where Canadians owe it money, I think that a lot of diligence and haste are brought to bear. When the tables are turned, Canadians waiting for a pension cheque or financial support from the government should be able to expect the same thing.
I would remind you, Senator Forest, that the information I have is that the department is actively working to find a solution to resolve the small number of cases still pending. It is important to remember that 98% of the 7.4 million files that were transferred have been resolved. I understand that for the 2% of people whose files didn’t transfer smoothly, this is a real issue. Everyone wants to be in the 2% when the government is trying to claw money back, and everyone wants things to move more slowly when that happens, but that’s not the case here. However, the department is working on finding solutions.
