Finance
April 17, 2015

Responding to Residents Remains a Priority

Provincial Government Engages Seniors Advocate ‎to Work with Pensioners on Overpayments

The Provincial Government has engaged a seniors advocate as it continues to address the issue of overpayments to pensioners. Leo Bonnell, seniors advocate and current Chair of the Provincial Advisory Council on Aging and Seniors, will serve as a liaison for pensioners impacted by the pension overpayments as government works to address their individual circumstances.

“I would like to thank Mr. Bonnell for agreeing to work together with us and those pensioners impacted to ensure they are not overwhelmed or face significant financial challenges. I know Mr. Bonnell’s 40 years background in the banking industry and his numerous years as an advocate for seniors will be a major benefit to the pensioners affected as well as government. This government acknowledges that given the age and personal circumstances of some of those impacted, a certain amount of the overpayments will not be collected and we will forgive that amount. We will take Mr. Bonnell’s advice on individual situations and repayment options. We fully recognize the financial impact this will have on some individuals and we want to move forward in a respectful manner that decreases hardship while restoring the pension plans.”
- The Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board

Over the last 10 days, officials in the Department of Finance have been following up and meeting with a number of the individuals impacted. Mr. Bonnell’s work will complement that process.

“I am pleased to be asked to liaise with pensioners who have been impacted by this issue. I have spent a number of years being a vocal advocate for seniors in this province and my background in banking will be aid me in this task. I want to use my financial experience to help pensioners impacted find a solution that will have the least possible impact on them.”
- Leo Bonnell, Chair of the Provincial Advisory Council on Aging and Seniors

Follow up letters outlining Mr. Bonnell’s role and encouraging participation from those impacted are being sent in the coming days. Mr. Bonnell’s biographical information is included in the backgrounder below.

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government has engaged with a seniors advocate as it continues to address the issue of overpayments to pensioners.
• Leo Bonnell, seniors advocate and current Chair of the Provincial Advisory Council on Aging and Seniors, will serve as a liaison for pensioners impacted by the pension overpayments as they work with government to address their individual circumstances.
• The Provincial Government acknowledges that a certain amount of the overpayments will not be repaid and will take Mr. Bonnell’s advice on individual circumstances.

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  Media contact:

  Jennifer Tulk Director of Communications Department of Finance 709-729-6830, 728-4104 jennifertulk@gov.nl.ca

  BACKGROUNDER

  Leo Bonnell
  Leo Bonnell is a retired bank manager and community leader who resides in Clarenville. He has been active in local community affairs throughout the province and has held leadership positions with his church board, the chamber of commerce, bankers' association, Lions Club International, Rotary International, and other organizations. He is currently chair of the Provincial Advisory Council on Aging and Seniors, vice-chair of the Random Age-Friendly Communities Board, and is an advisory member for the Public Health Agency of Canada's Pan-Canadian Age-Friendly Communities Reference Group.

  2015 04 17                             10:00 a.m.