June 12, 2009

Thank you for the focussed and thoughtful debate in the House of Commons on Thursday June 11th, 2009 on the immediate action needed to address the retirement concerns of all Canadians but especially today’s retirees. The vote on the motion is scheduled for Tuesday June 16th, 2009.

CARP members, in particular, will be encouraged by your willingness to find a solution for their plight.

Retirees ravaged by this economic downturn cannot wait for more studies. Government can act immediately to give them help now by increasing OAS, GIS and CPP and better protecting the interests of those with pension plans. It is also time to act for those without pensions.

All Canadians will benefit if the federal and provincial governments immediately start constructing a Universal Pension Plan - a universally accessible and affordable retirement savings vehicle that is robust enough to withstand demographic and economic challenges like those we are now witnessing. The first step is to convene a Pension Summit at which representatives of retirees have a material role.

CARP is therefore calling on you to support yesterday’s opposition motion on pensions to increase OAS, GIS and CPP benefits and better protect the interests of those with pensions. In addition, we encourage you call on the government to convene a Pension Summit to address the urgent need to provide a better pension system for all Canadians.

Sincerely,

Susan Eng
Vice President, Advocacy
CARP, A New Vision of Aging for Canada

advocacy@carp.ca