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TORONTO, Sept. 3, 2015 /CNW/ - Unifor applauds the NDP decision to back an expansion of the Canada Pension Plan and restore the retirement for the Old Age Security pension to 65, and urges all parties and provinces to get behind the idea.
"Dignity in retirement begins with a secure and sufficient pension," said Unifor National President Jerry Dias.
"Unifor has consistently supported expanding the CPP to help more Canadians achieve that goal, and is glad to see the NDP do the same."
In an announcement this morning in Toronto, NDP Leader Tom Mulcair said an NDP government would convene a meeting of Premiers within six months of being elected to work out a timetable to expand the CPP, and would reverse a Harper Government plan to raise the eligibility age for the OAS pension from 65 to 67.
The Harper government has consistently rebuffed any effort to expand the CPP, proposing a voluntary plan for Canadians to add to their CPP if they wish.
"Voluntary plans don't help those who need help most. Only a universal and mandatory pension plan can ensure a decent retirement income for Canadians," Dias said.
"Canadians are already not saving enough."
The CPP is recognized around the world as a model pension plan, with strong returns and low management fees, providing Canadians with a secure and dependable income in retirement.
"Boosting the CPP is the best option for improvement retirement incomes in this country," Dias said.
Restoring the retirement age for the OAS pension to 65, combined with an enhanced CPP will ensure more Canadians can enjoy their retirement rather than continuing to work, and will open more jobs for Canada's young people, Dias said.
To see more about Unifor's pension polices, go to Unifor.org/pensionscampaign.
Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 305,000 workers. It was formed Labour Day weekend 2013 when the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers union merged.
SOURCE Unifor
