Bloc motion on seniors’ benefits passes, Liberals oppose [Video]

OTTAWA –

A non-binding motion from the Bloc Quebecois seeking money to boost seniors’ benefits passed with the support of the other opposition parties on Wednesday.

The Liberals voted against the motion, despite it being tied to an ultimatum from Bloc Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet that could now compromise the separatist party’s willingness to back the government on future confidence votes.

The motion calls on the government to “take the necessary steps to ensure that a royal recommendation is granted as soon as possible” to a private member’s bill proposing a 10 per cent increase to Old Age Security (OAS) payouts for seniors ages 65 to 74. It passed 181 to 143.

While the majority of MPs supported the Bloc’s proposal, the motion does not compel the government to issue the royal recommendation needed for the legislation to be passable.

This is a breaking news update, previous version follows…

The Liberal government will vote against the Bloc Quebecois opposition day motion regarding …