Mulcair announces plan for stronger pensions and retirement security

Will convene First Minister’s meeting on CPP/QPP and pension security in first six months of mandate so provinces have a reliable partner

NDP Leader Tom Mulcair announced his comprehensive plan to ensure Canadians have stronger pensions and secure retirements now and for future generations, at a campaign stop in Toronto today.

“Under Stephen Harper’s Conservatives, Canadians are increasingly worried about their pensions and their retirement, with many young people worried the Canada Pension Plan won’t be there for them,” said Mulcair. “Whether you are entering the workforce or nearing retirement, an NDP government will ensure the Canada and Quebec Pension Plans are there for you.”

Mulcair said that an NDP government would convene a First Ministers’ meetings on Retirement Security in its first six months, with a goal of strengthening the CPP and QPP for the long term. He announced additional measures to provide for secure retirement, including:

• Protecting pension-income splitting for seniors and Registered Retirement Income Fund enhancements
• Setting the Old Age Security eligibility age from 67 to 65
• Protect existing retirees from having their accrued pension benefits reduced by their employer
• Helping to lift 200,000 seniors out of poverty with new funding for the Guaranteed Income Supplement

“In the last election Stephen Harper never told Canadians he would cut benefits to seniors, but six months later he raised old age security eligibility to 67 and has blocked every attempt to strengthen the CPP,” said Mulcair. “A secure retirement and stronger pensions for Canadians are my priority and I will work with premiers, business and labour to make sure we get the agreement we need to get it right.”