NDP proposes expanding pensions benefits

With the Conservatives dragging their feet on pensions, New Democrats have introduced an Opposition Day motion to expand the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) benefits to give middle-class families a fair break.

“Canadians depend on the CPP and QPP for retirement security and experts agree that the Conservatives’ blocking progress on this issue could result in a financial crisis for many Canadians,” said NDP Pensions critic Murray Rankin (Victoria). “Ensuring that all Canadians are able to retire in dignity is a priority for New Democrats and with this motion we’re working make that happen.”

Rankin’s motion reads as follows:

“That the House call on the government to commit to supporting an immediate phase-in of increases to basic public pension benefits under the Canada and Quebec Pension Plans at the upcoming meeting of federal, provincial and territorial finance ministers.”