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With budget cuts on the agenda, Prime Minister Stephen Harper outlined plans to reduce the deficit, but carefully avoided specifics on possible changes to Old Age Security during the first question period on Parliament Hill after a six-week break.

Harper hinted that changes to Canada’s pension system are in the works while at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland last week, touching off a flurry of speculation as to what those changes might be — including bumping the age of eligibility from 65 to 67 years old.

Opposition parties complained that the Conservatives never mentioned touching Old Age Security when they were on the campaign trail.

“The prime minister stated categorically during the leader’s debate . . . that this government was not going to be touching transfers to individuals and transfers to seniors . . . is the prime minister committed to sustaining seniors or is he committed to breaking his promises?” Liberal Interim Leader Bob Rae charged during question period.

Harper responded: “This government ran on very clear commitments and we are acting on these commitments. That commitment is to reduce our deficit to zero gradually without cutting transfers to individuals or to provinces.

“We have the opportunity to look ahead at the challenges that these programs face in the future and to make sure that these programs will be available and viable to future generations. Everyone understands that there are demographic realities that do threaten the viability of these programs over the longer term.”

NDP Interim Leader Nycole Turmel said budgets are about choices and the Conservatives are choosing to spend money on F-35 jets, mega prisons and corporate tax cuts on the backs of seniors.

Outlining the government’s legislative priorities for the upcoming session, Conservative Party House Leader Peter Van Loan said there are several major pieces of legislation coming.

The so-called omnibus crime bill will be passed within the first 100 sitting days, he told reporters gathered in the House of Commons Monday morning, also noting plans to for the House to pass the law eliminating the long-gun registry by mid-February.

But the government’s primary imperative, Van Loan said, is maintaining fiscal balance in the medium-term.

“Canadians can continue to count on our government to move forward on creating jobs and growth, keeping our commitments and getting things done,” he concluded.

Van Loan said the government is looking at the medium- and long-term for updating social security benefits for today’s demographic reality.

“Twenty years from now, the cost of Old Age Security will be 20 times what it is today,” he told CTV’s Power Play.

Rae told Power Play that a government pension is more important than ever because of the state of the economy.

“We are aging in a different way than ever before, most people moving into post-65 category don’t have a private pension, they don’t have coverage” he said. “(OAS) is a basic income support plan that actually has allowed us to cut poverty to seniors over the past 35 years.”

Addressing reporters Monday, NDP finance critic Peter Julian said his party will be fighting to ensure whatever cuts come don’t impact pensions, health care or job creation.

“We’ll be fighting the Harper Government’s intention to make significant cuts over the next few months,” Julian said.

Given that the upcoming fiscal plan will be the Government’s first since winning a majority mandate last year, it is expected to cut spending and eliminate programs that survived during the Tories’ years as a minority.

That would be a “slap in the face” of Canadian seniors, Julian told reporters on Monday, encapsulating opposition reaction on the issue.

Besides pensions, the government has signalled its plans to make changes to the pipeline review process and the Immigration Act.

After the last session of Parliament was dominated by legislation held over from the Conservative’s minority days, this session gives the government freer rein to pursue its own agenda.

That perception is being fuelled by poll results released Jan. 28, that showed the Conservatives still ahead among decided voters nationwide, with the NDP and Liberals are statistically tied for second-place.

According to the Nanos poll conducted for CTV and The Globe and Mail, the Liberals are gaining some ground at the NDP’s expense.

“That fight is sure to heat up as both parties search for new leaders, with the NDP set to choose the next leader of the Official Opposition at their convention on March 24.

But it will be up to interim Turmel to lead the opposition when Finance Minister Jim Flaherty delivers his federal budget expected in late February or early March.

As the first from this majority Conservative government, the budget will be Flaherty’s first chance to set priorities without currying favour from the opposition benches.

Federal departments have already been asked to cut their budgets by five to 10 per cent, but Treasury Board President Tony Clement has dropped his own hints that the final cuts might go even deeper.

Besides the long-gun-registry and omnibus crime bills the House of Commons also has to deal with a controversial overhaul of copyright law.

And after signalling his intention to “reset the relationship” with Canada’s indigenous population, it remains to be seen whether Harper’s plan to fix the Indian Act without rewriting it will satisfy First Nations leaders.

In the meantime, the first order of business for lawmakers Monday is a debate of bill C-25, the Pooled Registered Pension Plans Act.

Comments are now closed for this story

Cambob in toronto
OAS is just another form of welfare. Are you lefties trying to tell me that senior who can afford to spend winter in Florida must also be entitled to welfare? Poor people, of ANY age require the assistance of society in the form of welfare. People who are not poor, do not.

Pat in Mississauga
Ok, Mr harper, you floated your trial balloon. A lot of us are not happy but understand that it may need to be done. But, understand Mr. Harper, we do not want to hear another word about it until you have dealt with the bloated MP pensions and the bloated government worker pensions.

Wendy
Dear Mr. Harper;Why is it so difficult to look after your own country first? If you are making cuts to funding of various programs because of our budget deficit, then perhaps you should cutting the amount of foreign aid to a more manageable amount and putting the balance of the funding to seniors pensions, education, and health care in our own country. It would seem far wiser to me to take care of your own tax payers/voters first and then help the rest of the world. I am not saying abolish foreight aid I am saying reduce the amount we are sending out of country to look after our own first. If policitians were more serious about actually balancing the budget and helping Canadians instead of lining their own pockets while in government, we would certainly be a LOT better off fiscally in this country. That goes for EVERY level of government in this great land.

DM Ottawa
When Jean Chretian was PM he balance the budget. Yes he cut jobs at PS but remember he cut down his salary. Today Harper is spending out of control, constructing 3 new Gov.buildings for future offices Cesus looks like CIA. Reduces Corporate taxes.
And brings in to many immigration
when Canadian are not finding decent paying jobs. Something is up that the PM is not telling us about. We are probably worst off
like other countries and he’s not telling us about it.
Leave our pension plan alone, I’ve worked over 40 years and paid taxes. Just stop bringing new people in. Stop building nice new buildings for crimminals.

Mary-Jane – Wasaga
Canadians are living substantially longer and are working longer. Almost every other western nation has already raised the age for such a program. Why not Canada, I don’t see the issue

dante
It was great grandstanding for Mr. Harper to offer Canadians who built this country to solve the problems incumbent in Europe. One blunder after another by governments and politicians and they look at Pensions as a way to save money….. So to the youth of the nation who will run this country… these politicians in place today will sell you out so don’t believe them… they are not interested in you as you are a number on some finance persons spread sheet…..One that was used to Grandstand in front of the world before allowing the voting public a peak….. Not fooled by that manipulated sequence.

Concerned on deficit
The number one top priority is too pay off the federal deficit and never allow the government to be in debt again. Then our federal government should eliminate all services by transferring these services into private ownership including old age pensions. Do we really need a governor general, the senate, government workers partying so often? and cut down our MPs to about 100 seats in the House of Commons.

Jutta
I’m 3 yrs away from retiring at 65 and I have been working since I was 15 yrs old. It’s my time to go. Bad enough that I have to start paying cpp again.

TM
The Harper Government doesn’t care about Canadians as they have their gold-plated pensions to rely on. How much is that costing the Canadian taxpayer??

Charlotte Silsly
If you haven’t put any thought into retirement, I am sorry. We did this since the ’50′s. Enjoying life. Sashy

mike beard
Does Canada have an opposition party? Nicole Turmel is no leader and support is heading downhill faster than the crazy Canucks did. And the Liberals, joke. There voice is a quiet as a mouse.

Ottawa jack
This is all about proper & careful planning for retirement. Every Canadian either pays into an employer pension plan and/or has the option of contributing to an RRSP. In addition, working Canadians contribute to a funded CPP plan, which is not being affected. The OAS is seperate from the CPP and NOBODY pays contributions to an OAS. The OAS simply comes out of general government expenses. Unfortunately some people feel the government is ‘entitled’ to look after then through the unfunded OAS system. Enough already. From a senior citizen fully supporting PM Harper in attempts to save Canada from the free-spending unaccountable socialist. Please; no Greece here.

L Rennie
The government should focus on reducing their own pensions and increasing the amount of time they have to work for their own pensions instead of cutting pensions, wages, jobs of the public Service, the workers that actually serve the public, and all those Canadians who have worked hard for 40 years or more and now are being told they have to work two more years!

Diane Ottawa
The next generation has complained about boomers not retiring early enough. I’ve worked for 40 years, and for the first time in my life had to take a job for low wages not in my field of work, because of lack of work for 50 and over. Now when we say the rich get richer and middle class will fall in the poorer I believe it. Got caught up in the financial crisis I had to cash out my RRSP, spend my savings and now this, retire later. What they really mean is retire when you drop dead. Shame on the Conservative Gov.

Philip – Ottawa
If Canadians would spend within their means and save enough for their golden years, we would all be happy that the government is doing what it needs to do to keep the system sustainable. Keep it up Prime Minister, you are on the right track. By the way, if you need OAS to survive, perhaps you should get a part-time job to make ends meet. Or start a business. Or move to another country.

spaz
If it were not for compliaining, what would Rae and Turmel have to talk about ???The excitement in either the NDP or the Liberal leadership race is just………non existent.

Well Well
Good to see the government working hard to reduce the deficit they created

Canadian Bob
What the conservative groupies along with every other moron who believes that the OAS and CPP need to be trimmed or scrapped altogether is that this sudden rush of baby boomers has been talked about for decades, with no government doing anything about it. The answer is NOT to scrap it, Not to trim it, but put some money into it so it will be there for those who paid into it. Believe me, only the piddly little Rich whiners on here who have a secure retirement all tallied up for themselves support this furher Conservative nonsense. Something can be done. Half of the waste being spent by this ridiculous government an be redirected so we don’t buy those useless jest or build prisons for the unreported crimes. Ministers can stop taking joy rides in helicopters, and billion dollar summits should be a thing of the past. To those who support meddling with OAS and CPP and not putting more money into it, your opinion is irrelevant because you are only speaking for yourselves. “Me, Me, Me” attitudes put this government in place. If you don’t need your OAS or CPP, then donate it to those who do!

Alexandria
What burns my hiney is People who retire with full pension then get another job at minimum wage. Cut their pension by the amount they are earning at their new job.Why does the Government not look into a means test for OAS. Any one who is drawing a pension of more than $100,000.00 certainly does not need OAS. Seems this is the fairest way to go.I know the rules say every one gets OAS but rules can and should be changed.Of course that would exempt all M.P.S from getting OAS.

shawbrooke
Nobody is talking about cutting pension amounts. What they are talking about is starting one of the 3 pensions that some people are eligible for 2 years later than happens now. And apparently they mean several years form now, and there’s another election due in 3 years. Hmmm.

jennywren
Can anyone make a suggestion what I should do with my $1.72 Old Age Pension raise?

Parker Brown
Governments must operate with balanced budgets. Taxpayers must fully fund government programs, or not have those programs. Electing politicians that promise lower taxes, but do not cut spending, is no different than electing politicians that promise programs without raising taxes to fund them. However, at this time these statements by the Prime Minister undermine Consumer Spending. At this time the economy requires increased Consumer Spending to get it out of the liquidity trap. (Liquidity Trap: Canadian corporations have about 0.5 trillion in cash deposits, but unless Consumer Spending increases they have no incentive to invest in increased production.)OAS expenditures are projected to rise from 2.4% of GDP in 2010 to 3.1% of GDP in 2030 (our projected situation is not all similar to Greece.) To present this information on a cash basis, as a rise from $36 billion to $106 billion (including inflation) without accounting for gross GDP growth truly distorts the facts. It is irresponsible for the Prime Minister to manufacture this unnecessary issue at this time when increased Consumer Spending is necessary.

Len D
What is everyone so worked up about? I have heard anything from the PM about cutting OAS or raising the age of eligability. This is only speculation by the NDP and the Libs. they are only trying to scare you and when it turns out there is very little behind thier accusations they’ll claim they stopped the Cons from implementing severe changes.For those of you angry at Harper for the gold plated MP pensions; It was Chretien and Paul Martin who came up with that plan in the early 90′s.

Bud
Good to see Ottawa working hard to reduce the deficit.

Ken in Calgary
It amazes me that there are so many people with entitlement issues in this country. As adults, it’s our responsibility to work to maintain our quality of life now and for the future. CPP is there as an additional aid and we get back what we contribute but Old Age Security should never be considered retirement income. Any government assistance, be it called welfare or OAS, should not automatically be expected. It’s time that people take responsibilty for themselves and not rely on taxpayers to act as their guardians.

ian
There’s no such thing as a civil debate in the house of commons any more. The opposition only wants to scream like bansee’s in order to make nice soundbites for the newscasts at 6:00. If they would actually find out what kind of changes are possible then react accordingly, we might not think of politicians as a bunch of yahoos

Dan
Hmm it’s interesting how the Conservatives talked about making cuts to MP pensions a couple of weeks ago and got an earfull from the opposition. I guess in their world the only way to reduce the defecit is to tax the crap out of us until we can’t afford to pay any more. But at least the poor will be taken care of. Then we’ll all be poor and there will be no more money to take from us.

Trevor H.
Don’t cut the seniors penions. they can hardly make ends meat now. The Government need to raise their cheques. Harper need a good boot out of office. He’s no good. Cut his penion!!!

Mar
First, they took a 6 week break from Parliament, that does not mean they didn’t work in their ridings when they were home. I know my MP was doing work through most of that 6 week break. Second, the pension fund is unsustainable because people are living longer and there is a huge group of people about to retire, meaning that more money than ever before needs to be paid out, with fewer tax payers contributing. Therefore, it needs to be revamped. Wouldn’t you rather a government that tries to sustain this program over the long term given this situation, than not doing anything? Raising the age by 2 years is much better than cutting the program. Many people work longer than 65 anyways. And for those wanting to lower it, if you can’t afford to retire earlier than 65, why should I pay for you to retire earlier? The fund isn’t sustainable now, add an extra 5 years of payments if they lowered the age and watch how quickly it runs out. Third, they mentioned revamping it, not cutting it, so stop panicking until you know what they are doing. Fourth, there are many programs that need revamping, this isn’t the only one, but to believe that the pension fund is just fine is delusional.

Ian
The government hinted that they are thinking of making changes to the Old Age Security. That has nothing to do with the Canada Pension Plan. People don’t even contribute to any fund that the OAS come from. You could be an immigrant who has only lived here for a few years and you’re eligible for OAS. The Conservatives wanted to bring in an increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement which would go the the poorest seniors and the opposition wouldn’t vote for it. Why doesn’t anyone ask them whay not. Every time the government tries to even talk about cost cutting measures the opposition gets all upset, while at the same time telling the government our defecit is too high. Maybe Harper should take a page out of Paul Martin’s book of balancing budgets and simply cut transfer payments to the provinces or raid the UI fund. Yeah that might work. Or maybe they could cut 90,000 public service jobs like Chretien did in the 90s.

Ken from Alberta
Canadians were warned about Harpers hidden agenda well before the last election campaign. Nobody should be surprised that this agenda is now rearing its ugly head. The next 3 years will be a nightmare in Canada.

Carla
The Greeks thought their entitlements would run forever. Financial situations can change overnight; maybe this change to OAS will happen sooner than we think.

ian
The Government “hinted” at making changes to the pension program and the opposition comes a gunnin’. So much for the NDP and Liberals being the parties that want to make parliament work. At the very first sniff of a way to make political points they start getting all excited and take a fighting stance. No wonder our system of government has so many people turned off when all the opposition seems to want to do is get all puffed up in the HOC and start a fight. I think the media gives Bob Rae too much airtime for a 3rd party leader. Interim at that! The opposition doesn’t even want to hear exactly how or if the government is going to make changes. They rely on their buddies in the media to stir the pot and then jump in with both feet.

Albertan
To Jack from Alberta. Why should the people that worked hard to make their money and save for a pension be denied while not all but so many lazy ones only worked as hard as they had to, yet they should get pension and the hard working ones shouldn’t . Also, start by cutting the wasteful welfare system. Welfare is meant for people who are legitimately needing not for lazy young people with good legs and arms sitting in the bar or smoking dope. We have that in a town where I come from and they laugh at the rest of us for supporting them. Drug and alcohol tests on a regular basis for recipients of Welfare. There are many companies that along with their workers that are defrauding the system. Workers only working enough days for unemployment and the employer giving them layoff separation certificates. Unemployment premiums should be a savings. If you do not have to use it then when you retire, you should get the money back and not to keep feeding the useless ones that never want to work

MP Scott, Halifax NS
We are now at the dreaded divide — Canada before Harper got a majority and Harper after he did get one. Why is anyone surprised? There are a lot of pensioners in Canada. They have no real voice because they vote the same way, time after time. To effect change, you have to CHANGE what you do. Four years is a long time to wait. In that time, Harper’s government can undo all the far-sighted things previous governments did. He can even give the USA the right to study your private finances – oh, wait. He already did that.Canada was once a vibrant, healthy country. Now, it’s barely a country at all. And Mr. Harper, before you take money from old people, I dare you to eat the way we do. White bread, hot dogs, donuts, cheap jam and peanut butter and instant coffee. See how you like it. Yes, it’s wise to plan ahead. Just plan with the money from those who can afford doing without some of it. Including MPs.

Colin S
So our changing demographics means less people working paying for more people recieving benefits. What could go wrong ? No, there is no need for reform, just keep the status quo and maybe we can wind up like Greece.

Senior taxpayer
To Rich: listen this a government that has added 30 more Parliamentary seats, do the math and you will be surprised at this additional expense, This is the conservative government that just gave corporations 15 percent tax reduction, do the math and you will be surprised. I could go on and on…now they will be short of cash and want seniors to pay for it, how stupid do you think senior canadians are?

FCS
What a load of BS. Every other party, if they had been elected, would be looking at doing the exact same thing. Either the sytem is reformed or it fails. Who exactly would that benefit?

Charlie
I am so sick of the OAS debate and its just starting….I am 40 and I don’t expect there to be CPP or OAS when I retire. I also don’t expect the MPs to change their pensions in accordance with what is planned. All citizen had better get used to lower wages (like by a 1/3 in Alberta and Saskatchewan) because companies can’t afford to keep paying what they do….I work out west near Ft Mac and immigration is starting to cause our wages to drop….fix that problem first harper!!

Jennifer
I recall comments a while ago that the Greeks should bite the bullet and take their cuts. Now Canadians might be asked to do the same thing, and, just like the Greeks, there are complaints – and nothing final has even been announced yet. Bunch of babies.

mark from breslau
This is not deceit on the part of the conservative government, this is the prize. For those of you who voted for this government last spring and there are many of you, because there is a majority government, this is your reward. This government has worked hard to get us to the position we are all in today. They have worked hard at finding ways to reduce the government revenues. They have worked hard at increasing the size of government with programs and expenditures. They have worked hard at increasing the overall payroll expense of our government. You need to be proud of these accomplishments, not every government in do what this government has done is such a short period of time ( 6 years). Just be very happy every time you hear the Finance Minister stand up and say we have the lowest corporate tax rate, when your working those extra years between 65-67. Think of how much you have saved on the drop in GST from 7 to 5% and how much of that money you now have for your retirement. This was such a win/ win situation hear wasn’t it.

Jordan
@ Donna Thomson:Think you missed the point of Animal Farm. It was a thinly veiled criticism of communism – specifically that promises of paradise are promised but power is owned and controlled by the government. People shouldn’t be relying on their government provided pensions anyhow.People should always strive to be in control of their own destiny. Dependence on the government is always a bad position to be in. One day that pension money will run out. As a young man, I have been aware of this for some time and started saving early so I will be prepared to retire on my own terms.changing the entitlement program is hardly a method to assert control over the populous, quite the contrary – it is ceding control while trying to maintain a social safety net that is in serious jeopardy due to a rapidly ageing population bubble and a substantially insufficient supply of replacement labour.

George
It’s really simple. There is not going to be enough new young tax payers to support OAS for the dramatically large population of old people that is comming. We need to make these cuts now and learn to live with less or we will have nothing in the future. The culture of entitlement of Baby Boomers is ridiculous. It’s just as bad the 20 somethings they complain about yet expect to pay for their “Golden years”.

Patrick
I could get behind changes to OAS if Harper had laid it out during his campaign, however he decided to blow smoke up our butts and wait until we were helpless.None the less EVERYONE who is upset with this should contact their MP

Carl
This kind of article just feeds into misconceptions and cynicism about Canadian politics. MPs have NOT had a “six-week break.” Just because they are not in Ottawa that does not mean they are not working. They are supposed to be helping and consulting their constituents – That’s why all MPs have constituency offices. I encourage everyone to drop by their MP’s office sometime when Parliament is not in session, just to see what their MP is doing. If he or she is not in their office, then ask questions. But don’t automatically assume they are not working just because they are not in Ottawa.

Mike in Pembroke
I wish that all the NDP & Liberal MP’s that are shouting and complaining about the Tory plan to change the old age security would stand up and say, Mr. Harper before you change the old age security we MPs feel that all Canadian MP’s should have their pensions cut first. Yeah, AND PIGS MIGHT FLY SOME YEAR also!

PM
I watched an interview with the NDP critic today (on this site) where in response to a question about the fact that the number of people drawing benefits would increase 3-fold in the next 15-20 years, he said that the NDP would increase payments, which would make the system more sustainable in the long term… (say what?). He also (incorrectly) stated that the government plans to take payments away from seniors, when they actually propose to make some people who haven’t received the benefit yet wait longer before starting to receive it.The NDP is putting cheap politics and ideology before practical good governance. They should realize that being irresponsible fear mongers will not increase their chances of being taken seriously in the next election.

Steve G
The Conservatives set the groundwork for lower wage, part time and precarious work to be the new standard for working Canadians thus reducing tax revenue and putting pressure on our social programmes giving them the excuse to make cuts.The 1 percenters sure have their chosen party in power.

Prof. Pye Chartt
@ Proof Please: The Conservatives have made it clear — at least they finally did today after bearing witness to the expected self-serving partisan dramatics performed by the NDP and Liberals — that they have no intention of “screwing” the current batch of OAS recipients out of their money. As the federal revenue burden of OAS will triple by 2030 (no argument from economists), this entitlement requires financial address. The U.S., Britain, Italy, France, and Germany have already raised the age of eligibility for their “social security.” Japan is currently discussing it. Russia is currently discussing it. Harper & Company are considering, but have not formally committed to, resetting OAS at 67. This would be done in a “grandfathered” manner. While, indeed, I have read the opinion of a couple economists who don’t feel, based upon percentage of GDP, that this measure is “absolutely” necessary “if” our federal government makes “sensible and palatable” cuts elsewhere (how naive of the encompassing politics), I can find no economist of sufficient repute who thinks OAS can cruise for the next 20 years without revenue shifting that accounts for the heavy weight of changing demographics. As far as our universal healthcare system is concerned, I can also find no economist of sufficient repute who believes that it is “sustainable” without major accommodative structural and revenue adjustments. Political patience, and knowledge, are a virtue. (P.S. Some of Bill C-10, but certainly not all, defies sociologic, socioeconomic, and fiscal credibility, and is legitimately disagreed with by many…including myself.)

Dave in F’ton
If you didn’t run on it, I don’t want to hear about it. This is deceit and there’s no ifs, ands, or buts about it. It’s the same reason Gov. Scott Walker is being recalled in Wisconsin.

simone
JamesI believe you are confused. The so called “baby boomers’ aren’t the me, me generation.The vast majority have followed their parents teaching and have worked and contributed all their lives. The financial trimming MUST start at the top and the boomers are not the top. The government is. Boomers have managed their finances and contributed to CPP and OAS for at least 50 years.

Linda in Vancouver
It’s the kind of thinking of people like Generation Ripped Off who got us in the mess. I’m in the same age group,and I don’t feel ripped off.It’s people who work their entire lives, and never think about saving for retirement that are the problem.Now they want people who did save,to come in and pay for them too. The Liberals saw this problem decades ago,so they created the RSP system.It has helped a lot of people,but still,to many refused to help them selves. Recently,Harper brought in another tool in the form of TFSA’s.Another good idea,but one to many don’t understand,or aren’t using.That leaves us with two options.Either throw poor people under the bus if they don’t do something to save for their “golden years”,or find reforms that will cover everyone’s basic needs.The status quo is not working,and we can no longer pass our bills on to the next generation. “Free” programs that are funded from general revenue are our childrens future taxes.Nothing more,and nothing less.We ought to be ashamed of ourselves for even considering taxing our children and grandchildren,just to support ourselves now. I don’t know what kind of an evolution Harper has in mind.But I am listening,because I know full well,that without an evolution that can fund itself,our poverty wlll look like wealth when our children look back.Their taxes will so so enormous that none of them wil be able to afford anything,

simone
The pension changes MUST start at the top. “Do as I say but not as I do” has to END now.Just a bunch of elitists with an entitlement mentality.Get rid of the dead weight at the top. START by dealing with the ridiculous and exorbitant pensions at the MP level then Harper MAY gain some credibility or NOT. The man is an arrogant buffoon at best.

BG in BC
Why is everyone jumping to conclusions before the facts are known? They won’t cut off anyone or reduce anyone now on pension. But the system needs to be sustainable, look at what is happening to Greece now due to spending more than they could afford on socail programs, we need to avoid this from happening here, or we will all be in a real mess with no socail programs.

MJPB
I just read an interesting article …

If a person retires at age 50, he/she is expected to live for another 35 or so years (age 85).

If a person retires in their early 50′s, he/she is expected to live until their late 70′s.

If a person retires in their early 60′s, he/she is expected to live into their early 70′s.

Hmmm … work till you’re 67 and die at 68 … no baby boom getting older problem any more.

I’ve worked now for 30 years with what I had hoped would be another 15 till I retired. I’ve paid my fair share into CPP … contrary to MP’s who do not pay into their pensions … enough already, we can see right through you! Do NOT touch our pensions!

Jason Daniel Baker, Toronto
Nobody should have to tell this government about the perils of alienating its base comprised in no small part of a lot of older Canadians who never saw this kind of thing coming from Harper. Yes I am generalizing and no, I’m not wrong.

Winston
I am a senior and I never had a six-week break! For my last ten years on the job was without a vacation. Now that Im retired and living on a small pension, why should I have to worry if the money will be there for me?If there is any cutting to be done, it should start at the top and work your way down!And if the job is too difficult for Harper maybe he could be replaced with some of the seniors that he wants to pay for his misspending! Winston

Norm in Ontario
It truly is mind-boggleing to realize that our Gov’t, beit current or any as a matter of fact, thinks so little of us seniors. We are the generation who put the money in the coffers that they so freely piss away on “whatever” with no accountability, The Gov’t, Federal or Provincial is so “outta” touch with the real world, it is sad. We, the taxpayers work our butts off 40 yrs and look forward to the day when we can begin to relax and enjoy life with grandkids, or simply enjoy life and they continue to bang away more and more so, for many, retirement is only a dream. If these are the Golden Years, the only thing Golden I see is what I leave in the toilet after I pee. Somehow, this just doesn’t seem fair. It does remind me of pigs at the trough just eating more and more.JMHO

Danny
Emperor Harper ( alias Prof Pie Chart) In your delusaonal world, you likely believe everything that you speak. Sorry Emperor but it appears you may have some of that chart in your eyes.

Rich
How many of you that are criticizing the revamping of the OAS will be the first ones to complain when the Canada is broke like Greece and cannot afford any of the social safety nets that you feel you are so entitled to? The time has come for many Canadians to get their heads out of the sand and realize that the few remaining taxpayers can no longer afford to fund every Canadian from cradle to grave. Contrary to what the NDP would like you to believe, the government isn’t and endless pit of money to be plundered indiscriminately for eternity. I am sure the entitlement crowd will be shocked when they learn that they have to work for a living and save for retirement.

Paul
If 40 is the new 30, so must go the age of retirement? People are living longer and this number must move with it.

Watching – Ottawa
Not sure why all the yelling from the Liberals and NDP across the floor in the House of Commons today..the speaker had to tell members often to allow the member to answer the question. Not sure what Bob Rae Liberal Interim Leader had in his mouth that he was moving side to side but if it was gum spit it out and if a hard candy watch out you could choke on it, something we tell our children and would think he knows better. The upper level was packed with people so hopefully they saw the true colours of some of these opposition members and their antics in the house that we taxpayers are paying for, grow up.

MikeW
Opposition parties complained that the Conservatives never mentioned touching Old Age Security when they were on the campaign trail. Oh isn’t this rich, Bob Rae you are a piece of work and should do your homework. Paul Martin tried this years ago and Crouton fried him cause he knew it would have cost them votesWhy dont you and your team offer to reduce your monster pensions and lead by example. Ya I didn’t think so

Ottawa Jack
Why is anyone surprised that the budget will contain cuts that affect all Canadians? Surely everyone mustl recognize that unchecked social spending can only result in the socialist problems that have already taken place in countries such as Greece & Portugal. PM Harper & Team are on the right path to a balanced budget.. PS: Harper was elected into a majority government by a larger percentage of Canadians than Leberal Chretian had been.

reidjr
Rick
I would not hold my breath on the Liberals winning the next election.

Lane
I would like the government get rid of the OAS and CPP completely. Why should the government take my money from me throughout my working life and give me back a fraction of it after I retire? Let me keep my money in the first place, and I will do a far better job of saving and investing for my own retirement. And for those who are unwilling or unable to save for their own retirements, you still have options: keep working, live with relatives, or go on welfare. But don’t expect me to pay for your retirement as well as my own.

Always Right
@Mark from Brampton: I assume you’re being sarcastic? You are certainly referring to the “Corporate Socialism” that Steven Harper is implementing – the one where he takes our hard-earned money and gives it to his rich country club friends? You’re absolutely right. He is running out of our money for golden faucets, and now he needs your pension so someone can upgrade their yacht (I mean an 80-footer is just so inconvenient). Thanks Mark for making a great point, in your very special way.

Purrsun
When are Canadians going to admit that everything from healthcare and education, to Parliment needs an overhaul/updating. We do not want to go the way of Greece. I believe Canada can be a world leader if we do the work , make changes now. Canada is a rich nation in so many ways that, with reforms, we could be an example of effective reformed government for other nations. Right now there are too many inefficiencies ….in our area approx. 80 per cent of our school budget goes to teachers wages and pensions, is that sustainable for the future? Tax payers fund community services for many things, that maybe volunteers, or charities could help with …there are people out there that may have many creative ideas/ways to help make things a lot better , more efficient than the government can, and still give us a great quality of life. We need leaders that have the will and foresight to motive people toward those kinds of goals and make Canada the best nation in the world! Any one out there ready to take on the challenge?

Niagara George
With the number of people Harper has in the PMO scrutinizing every word he says, it will be tough for Bob Rae to catch King Steve on his words. If Harpo said he would not cut transfers to any individual, a careful listener knew he meant anyone already collecting was safe, but those who hope to collect in future are out of luck. Hopefully, this will be enough to make Canadians turn up their hearing aids and actually listen to what this man says. I sometimes muse about the ‘Hidden Agenda,’ but the truth is it isn’t hidden at all. It is all in the words Harper has said. It might not be in the party platform, but it is in his words. Hang on to your hat, the changes will be coming fast and furious and the answer will always be some version of…”The people of Canada elected us with a majority and we are implementing the program they asked for.” The extremists in blinders will shout their praises. The mindless pack will call any questioners; whiners and socialists. Those who can read and understand will worry about the future of our once-great nation. In the end, we all will suffer. Well, not the 1%, but that’s a different story.

Bob in YYC
Gotta love the opposition. Last year they complained that the Conservatives have no control of their spending and this year they promise to fight against any budget cuts.

Salor Girl
63-65 is a time to retire. MP’s have the luxury to retire whenever they want. MP’s benefits are a discrace when compared to average people having to work for 40-50 years. The formula for pensions whould take into account the lenght of work years as more important factor than amount of earnings for just few years.

Baz
Harper does not have the mandate to do any kind of major change to our social security . Why, because he did not campaign on it. He should leave it and run on this next time. Basically he is a coward and this is a smash and grab.

jen
why did the govenment give haiti so much monies when they were struck by the eartquake? these funds could have been used here in Canada to fund OAS without having to up the age for retirement to 67 and making whatever other changes they have in mind.

Always Right
Harper responded: “This government ran on very clear commitments and we are acting on these commitments. That commitment is to reduce our deficit to zero gradually without cutting transfers to individuals or to provinces.” Well, he’s already cut transfers to the provinces, so obviously individuals are next. Nothing can be believed from this man.

Mike
Despicable attacking the meager pensions of the old and poor while cutting the taxes of the rich and corporations.

Pathetic
Good to see our hardly working MP s back after their 6 week paid vacation to get back to their overpaid work (BS) try doing something to benefit the working poor

Mot
I for one think that the MP’s of the Torie gov’t should start looking at cutting their expenses and lucative pension plans before they start attaching the poor seniors who hardly get enough pension to get be for a month. Year ago there was no pension plans and a lot of our senior worked in them years, so the old age security is all they get, because they also did not have such a thing as CPP back then. Come on Tories if you want us to keep you in power you had better start be cutting your expenses before cutting what goes to the provinces and pensions to the aged. after all it was them that built the county

Canadian Bob
Comments about oppositional rhetoric and the media stirring this OAS situation up is beyond silly. The PM was clear with his announcement while out of the country attempting to impress his wealthy friends. Too often when this man speaks out of the wrong side of his mouth, his followers here never seem to hear, which explains their misguided attacks of non conservatives and their childish diatribes that stem from their fear that this losing leader in Ottawa is slowly cooking his own goose. The MAJORITY of Canadians understood Harpers intentions with the OAS. As part of that majority, I could care less about what Harper’s groupies hear and react than what the Prime Minister hears and reacts to. He has backed down on one of the most ridiculous plans from his government yet (and that’s hard to determine since so many of them are ridiculous), and that decision was to raise the eligibility of OAS. Sorry Conservative buckaroos, name call all you want, but the egg is on your face.

John Ermanson
Our MPs need to be reigned in. Their excessive pensions, subsidized meals and lavish spending is offensive to taxpayers. This is where spending cuts should be made. Of course cutting a few dollars from the wallets of millions of Canadians of lower incomes is easier, more effective and doesn’t impair the lifestyle of our elected aristocracy.

Stargod
@ John … they get away with all the time & money they waste cuz u don’t keep putting your valid complaints b4 either your MP and/or the PM’s office. TAKE NOTE JOHN and OTHERS !!!

alan smithee
Well….you get what you vote for.

Roxy
It is incomprehensible why our Prime Minister would make policy statements in Davos Switz., that will have such far reaching impacts on Canadians rather than in our own capitol , Ottawa . It is evident that Stephen Harper & the PC government are proxies for the global corporate interests looking to crystalize the current distributions of wealth & disparities in living standards that are occurring throughout the world today ….

M.M.B. Ont
John.. if you feel you are being robbed blind, then why did you not let your name stand in the last election and if elected you could be enjoying the perks the MPs are getting .. like the 6 week Christmas break, trips around the world, free lunches and so on. You chose not to run in the election so you have to live with what you have. sorry !As for the Opposition, they are opposing things that are not even on the table yet. Bob Rae rants off by twisting everything Mr Harper has said to suit his own agenda. We in Ontario know all too well the damage Bob Rae can do politically! So please read or listen to discussion period to hear what Mr Harper is saying without having the Opposition twist things. Get informed !

don garrow
One of the most important issues that should be at the top of any politicians agenda is their own pension and other benefits they have awarded themselves. Between now and the next federal election, I will propose to my representative that they make monumental changes to their current pensionable benefits structure and bring it in line with the rest of the Canadian working force.I would like to challenge any Canadian voter to do the same, contact your member of the house, and insist that the changes take place before the next election. If changes do not take place insist they remove their name from the ballot. There should not be any compromises over this abhorent and offensive money in the bank scheme designed by past politicians to make them wealthier beyond their means.Stay true to your word and get rid of this Madoff payoff.Canadian Citizen

J.D.
Stop wasting our money and that should bring everything back to order. Spend it like it belongs to you.

Seniors have worked hard to get what they receive. Start with yourn own rich pensions.

Canada Pension Plan be reformed so that individuals want to put more in then they can. Lots of people don’t have a pension plan at work.

Howrd
OAS should be pro-rated to how many years you have contributed as a worker/citizen of Canada.With those just coming to Canada who have not worked a day in their life in Canada, they should not be eligible for any pension. Those newcomers that are working now, must contribute at least 10 years before being given this pension,. Other words if you have worked to build this country then you should be eligible for the pension cheque each month. This would stop the free loaders coming into the country and putting the burden to our pension and health care system. Time to put a STOP to all this. Harper , yes we need reform, but in the right direction.

sundance 2
The government likes to keep their people in the low bracket and just getting by.

I do believe they use this as a compainge tool and prey on the most vunerable. They get up on the podium and make promises and the most vunerable will vote for them……

The more people that are in the poverty catgegory, the politicians will make promises after promises and use us as a voting tool..all the blabbering on and on….they give us optical illusions and nothing more……

Montreal Diane
Cut out all the over spending you guys do,Half my pay check goes to taxes and you guys spend it like its your, we pay taxes so you guys can have great penion plan after 5 years of working and we get a shitty penion that pays for rent and Some food and nothing else.Put someone in as our gouverment that knows what it is like to have no money left in the middle of the month not these gouverment people that rip off all the tax payers.

Ron S
If the Conservatives cut Pensions and Services to Seniors ( the most vulnerablein our society) while cutting Corporate Taxes; non of them should ever be elected again.

Mark from Brampton
Go harper. The only problem with Socialism is that eventually you run out of other people’s money.

Rick
Emperor Harper will ensure a Liberal return to power and we will repeal every piece of ridiculous legislation put in place by conservatives.. We will restore Canada to greatness and away from Fascism

Jeremy in Thunder Bay
I’ve voted for the Conservatives since I was able to vote. These old age cuts has changed my mind and really angers me. Either he cuts the MP’s pensions along with this or there will be an uprising in the country. Whoever puts in the motion to cut MP’s pensions will be the next Prime minister of Canada. Are you listening NDP?

Mq
“After their 6 week winter break” That folks say’s it all. They do not exist in the real world. How can we expect them to make honest, good real world choices.

Donna Thomas
As I heard the federal government announcement that would change the age of eligibility to retire from 65 to 67, I was struck with an image from George Orwell’s Animal Farm. When the pigs took over the farm, there were grand promises of being put out to pasture after a lifetime of contribution to the collective well-being. Boxer, the workhorse of the farm, was the first to learn that his labours were in vain. Of course, the pigs in charge of the farm eventually sold Boxer off to the glue makers, a fate that to this date still rattles me. Out of respect to the citizens – the workers – who make this country what it is, I think that before this government takes aim at the common tax payer to take a retirement hit, it should reflect on its own policies and practices – how many new positions has Harper created? How are MP and Senator pensions structured? When do they collect? Maybe it is time for our leadership to take the lead and change their own pension qualifications before they tamper with ours. How much would Canadians save if politicians (federal and provincial) couldn’t begin to collect their government pensions until they hit 67?

Spiznik
“I seem to remember that the budget was balanced back in the days of Paul Martin….”

The only way Paul Martin balanced the budget was by stealing $35 billion from the Public service Pension fund. I agree that the OAS should be reduced or eliminated but also agree with an earlier comment that it should be “grand-fathered” in for those close to the current 65 year threshold.

Proof Please
Professor. It would be great if what you say is true, but time and time again this government has shown it ignored the experts in the field over their narrow minded ideology. Want proof? There is a plethora of examples of them ignoring ALL expert testimony (Bill C-10 for example. Find me one expert who has not called it foolish). In fact, why don’t you name one expert agreeing with the Cons on this issue? They have none. When they do consult they do it behind closed doors away from where we see it. Find me one professional or expert on the subject they have consulted with and I will eat my words. But the sad fact is they are doing what they want, how they want, and the “debate” you refer to does not happen as they ignore and step around all questions and repeat the talking points the PMO provided (for more proof watch any question period in the last 5 years, they actually in many cases say “how dare you ask that, you did ____ 10 years ago” and sit down) after making a unilateral decision with no input from anyone else whatsoever. Prove me wrong Prof. prove me wrong.

Bombers over Pensions
We could cut the pension plans, or we could, you know, not buy the most expensive fighter jet on the planet, that is unable to fly in the arctic, is incompatible with Canada’s current refueling stations (so it can’t fly across the country, not even half way), is UNABLE to be used anywhere on the planet without the use of an aircraft carrier, and has bomber capabilities. Just my two cents. Why are we buying fighter bombers for the sole purpose of bolstering the U.S. military? They can only be used in tandem with the American military as they are useless to us otherwise. Why not buy a plane that is less expensive, actually useable in Canada and keep our pension plans funded and accessible? They say they are to replace the F-18, yet neglect to mention they cannot do so. They are inferior to the F-18 for the purpose of defending Canada, and CANNOT FLY IN THE ARCTIC. What are these people thinking. How can anyone support us paying for American war toys at the expense of OUR social programs?

reidjr
Generation Ripped Off
It does not matter the party they all spend money.

john
All politicans are robbers and thiefs. Look I get 3 days off for Christmas The Politicans get 6 weeks with pay . If I need to take vacation outside the country I have to pay . The Politicans there’s is free.I have to buy my lunch They get it for free. I start working at age of 16 now I’m 54 I have 11 years to get my pension The Politicans the robbers they have to work only 5 years and they get a pension. People Canada wake up they are robbing us blind and they get away with it Oh CANADA

PBW
I have only heard the term “pension reform”, not any specific pension, being mentioned. Availability of a contributory pension for every worker who wants to contribute, and pooled with others across the nation to make a sizable, sustainable fund, is a must. Changes to OAS so that there is no need to send out that $500 per month only to claw some or all of it back at tax time, also a must. This in particular is a most inefficient use of funds, requiring multiple processing of the same money. Other nations are examining non-sustainable pensions too: riots in UK over it, but then they feel they are entitled to everything free anyway. Japan, too, is looking at a population crunch (see today’s CTV article) that will mean modifying their plan. Pensions are necessary ,more so today than ever before, given longer lifespans; BUT, they have to be paid for, one way or another. We contribute to CPP and private/business pension plans, but not to OAS, which comes from general tax revenue. OAS should be for those who NEED it, not for those who want it as an entitlement, and whose pension is probably higher than the national median earned income anyway. And by all means, return to the provinces those powers removed or severely curtailed by previous Liberal governments!

LorraineH
To maintain any credibility Harper first needs to make substantial changes to the pensions enjoyed by Members of Parliament.

Start by reducing the amount contributed by taxpayers which should reduce the total amount collected.

Raise the number of years Members of Parliament have to work before they are eligible for this pension. Six years is a joke. If the leave Government before the time they become eligible any money accrued should be put into an RRSP (one time contribution).

Raise the age they can start collecting from 55 to at least 60.

Then and only then should they look at budget cuts in other areas.

sundance
My question is:
When we recieve our paycheques the gross amount will have tax deductions, including our CPP.

Question: when we call in our CPP when we are 65 years old, which is not much to live on..why do we have to pay taxes on CPP when we had already paid the taxes on it through deductions. Are we being doubled taxed here.

The money that the government takes from our pay checks on a monthly bases and collects interest on that over the years and they have the nerve to tax us on our pension money…..total insult…if I am wrong please set me straight (double taxing)

Paul
Ladies and GentlemenIf 40 is the new 30 and 60 is the new 50 and people are living longer then the age of retirement must go up. It make purfect sense.

Wildwoman 39
We already know where they will cut. Service Canada will take a few more hits, and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Affairs will take huge cuts. And Canadian Heritage, Environment will take more hits if needed.Health Canada never know, cuts could be there too.Anything that was in the spotlight from the years of the Liberals will be under threat to more cuts.Sad too,because we need the services.People need their jobs.Very simple really, the Conservatives will focus on security, RCMP, CSIS, Corrections, Justice CanadaBill c-10 ,Harper crime bill to build mega prisons.Meanwhile, the provinces don’t want to pay for it.Talk about shoving the dirt in peoples face or what!

Cut the CF
Cut the military by half. No more money for training the Taliban (a.k.a. Afghan soldiers) and building buildings that they will eventually take over.

Generation Ripped Off
Another interesting thing about these conservatives is their omnibus crime bill. They apparently have billions to spend building prisons at a time when crime statictics are going down, yet when it comes to paying seniors their dues there is no money. That’s Harper logic. More Harper logic is striving to tie Canada closer to failing governments like the EU with Free Trade Agreements. Then Free Trade with India. Take a look at the manufacturing laws, environmantal laws, labour laws of India and then compare them with Canada. Not such a good idea for Free Trade ! Then they said they wouldn’t tax income trusts, yet after elected they did just that ! This Conservative crowd has got ot go !

fed up
I would love to see this Harper gov. keep there promise of the right to die in this country. But I know many of our politicians do not have the guts to force this conservative gov. to keep this promise and talk about it in the House of Commons.

Generation Ripped Off
One year before I could collect CPP and work I now have to remit CPP if I stay working because the Cons changed the rules. Now they are telling me that I will have to wait to 67 to collect OAS. Everytime my generation , 55 to 60 years old, gets near to a deadline the government of the day chages the rules. Throughout our lives we have had to watch our elder siblings and their crowd get the cheap educations, the good jobs, the pensions, etc. All through our lives the rules kept changing from one thing to another to exclude us. We have paid into these programs for over 40 years and now we are getting ripped off. I will not vote for the conservatives because of their latest schemes. Remember, they just raised EI payments as well. Another scheme we will never benefit from because we won’t be entitled because we retire instead of get laid off. I will vote for the first politician that reverses these changes. My wife and children will vote the same way. I hope the Liberals win next time around and they will if they say they will lower the age for OAS to 60 and reverse the working and paying CPP for the over 60 crowd. My generation has paid dearly over their entire lives for these programs and we deserve them. Remember, those over 65 started paying CPP and EI well after they started their working lives. They are collecting on far fewer years of contributions than any generation that came along after them. That’s 8 votes for the first politician that reverses these changes from my family alone. There are hundreds of thousands more families in the exact same position as mine. Get on it , Liberals !

Sal – sad
Budget cuts – start with “extras” like who pays for plane trips and food. I pay for my own travel expenses AND THEIRS. I can not afford to travel at all!And pensions – young people in parliment can get a full pension for as long as they live, after -what? five years of service??? I am getting to the age of retirement. I have always supported the Conservatives, but now I will be giving my vote the the NDP – by 65, we NEED to retire if we have worked at job that requires blood sweat and tears!Stop cutting back on the Baby Boomers because someone mishandled the funds collected to pay us. They were supposed to grow that money, not fund your other things. A separate pension fund should have been quite enough to take care of us under the laws set when we were putting money into it!And with the way the markets have been we have lost a lot that we were expecting to live on – what a quandry.You people have no souls.

charlie
Ah, you have to love the Opposition. The Government is spending too much money they say – look at the size of the deficit, they say. Wow, that is unsustainable, and it must be reduced before all is lost, they say. The Government must reduce spending, they piously intone. Well, where would you like to have that spending reduced? What should be reduced or eliminated? That’s not our job – we will tell you all the places not to reduce spending, after all we are the Opposition! We Oppose. Ideas to contribute? Not likely, as it is so much easier merely to Oppose, tell you all the things the Government is doing wrong, raise the level of fear and confusion among the electorate as much as possible and then come forward as the saviours of the Canadian way – oh, and do exactly what was being condemned when in Opposition. Hypocrites – heavens no. Before the Opposition opens their usual chorus of whining, perhaps they could come up with some real ideas for change, announce them publically, and be part of the solution rather than continue as part of the problem. Canada cannot be allowed to become another Greece – and the socialist policies of many European countries which are coming back to haunt them are road signs that we have serious issues to address. At least we have a Government that is willing to look at the difficult choices and actuially do something, rather than just talk.

JR
The deal was and still is, that I contribute an amount and my employer contributes an amount and the total is remitted to the government to invest for future pension payments to the contributor at the age of 65. I kept my end of the bargain and so did my employer. I expect my government to do the same. And yes, I am ENTITLED to it. That was the DEAL.

Doug ^^^ BC
You have it pretty much right “Reality Check”.If we don’t act to reform some of our entitlement programs,they will be gone before our children are old enough to use them. I am no “neo con”,and I WAS a life long Liberal until they went off the rails.The “conservative” finance minister Paul Martin took his eye off the ball when he had surpluses,and went on a spending spree to become PM.He didn’t spend on infrastucture that will serve our children for decades.He didn’t lower taxes in a nation that everyone knows is overtaxed.Nor did he pay down debt.He just threw more money at inefficient social programs,rather than work to make them efficient., I give Harper credit for having the cajones to tackle some “sacred cows”.I believe there are ways to reform them without cutting anything from current recipients.Changes would come in over a longer period of time.But PM Harper will have to deal with MP and civil service pensions at the same time.,He cannot ignore the disparity between government workers,and private sector workers. What concerns me,is an oppositon already opposing.with nothing on the table.If they want to be serious players,they must come to the table with serious proposals.Not like Olivia Chow and the NDP,who favour OAP for immigrants after only 3 years of Canadian residency.We can no longer afford that kind of generosity to people who have paid almost no taxes in Canada. And “no”,I will not be swayed by lefties who claim Canada does not need a justice system or a defense system.That kind of left wing lunacy is just “spin”.We need both of those,AND reforms to programs created decades ago.

ian
I think some of us are forgetting a few savings we missed: fighter jets, prisons for unreported crimes, a gazebo, faek lake, battle ships, chopper rides. There is a lot of fat, but it isn’t in the pensions of our retirees, or in the public service, it’s in the senate, house and PMO.

John Lethbridge
If Harper did actually raise the eligible age for OAS to 67, I am certain that no Liberal government down the road would lower it. They certainly would promise to, just like they were going to kill the GST, but frankly this may just be a necessary action, like it or not. I am supportive of this, but then I would also support cuts to MP and Senate pensions, cuts to most other Federal department, cuts to transfer payments, completely cutting out the CBC, etc. If my personal finance sheet looked anything like the federal finance sheet, there would certainly be significant lifestyle changes. As a country, I find it bizarre that we would intentionally leave the next generation with our ‘debts’, rather than at least a balanced set of books.

Bob in YYC
Here are some numbers. Currently OAS is costing $36 Billion a year (36 times what new jets would cost). This is expected to rise to $105 Billion a year by 2030. Where is this money supposed to come from? That is a huge amount right now!! Shouldn’t the responsibility be on people to make sure they are setting themselves up for retirement? Or do people just want to push all personal responsibility on the government?

Likarok
Let me be perfectly clear.

Although I have been a life long supporter of the conservative party I will never vote for them again if they screw with the pension plan.

Canada’s pension plan is part of what it means to be a Canadian. And I mean a Canadian that has paid into it all his life. I can think of numerous other things that could be cut. Don’t touch it!!!!

SunCoaster
What’s to battle. The Conservatives have an overwhelming majority. Just introduce the motions, allow a little debate, and pass the legislation.

Yvonne
Cut down expense of the Senate. Trim the “extra’s that the MP’s receive and especially the committee pay when the committee does not even meet. Otherwise, Mr Harper, you are doing a great job.

Gord from Ottawa
@James. There are still a lot of people around who served in the military and other organizations who were willing to fight for their country throughout the Cold War. This was the situation they faced. Because they had to contribute to their military pension fund, they had little or no room to contribute to RRSPs.The limit of contributions for them or anyone else who had a company pension, teh contribution limit was $3500. The pay was such that there was little room for savings or investment. Thus, they arrive at forced retirement age with only their military pension and very little savngs.. They have about 10 years to go to age 65 retirement. Then when they start receiving CPP, their military pension is reduced by about the amount of CPP payments.And for those who advocate reducing or eliminating welfare, read the Constitution. Welfare is a provincial responsibility, so you are talking to the wrong level of government.

Jack – AB
Today Harper wants to reform OAS by increasing the age to 67 which is paid out to anyone earning $110K or less/year. Why does any retired senior making $65K/year or more in income even get OAS? Govt pension systems should only be for those people that are getting income on the lower side. ie, for anyone that has income less than the average or median. Trying to pay govt funded pensions to people in upper classes already making $65K with private pensions is what will cause the system to go broke real fast!!! The upper middle class has money to put into RRSP or already get corporate pension. Why do they believe the govt should give them a pension on top of that?

Older Gal – Ottawa
So extended the age from 65 – 67 it would appear that anyone from the Liberals, Cons. or NDP don’t mind this as there are many apart from the NDP already in the Senate well over this age, an NDP who recently crossed the floor to the Liberals over 70 years old, the Interim Leader of the Liberals pushing 70, Ralph Goodale, McCallum and many more in the Parliament closing in on 65 or over and don’t seem to mind at all so this may be the new norm to work a little long and make sure that the younger ones coming up get to enjoy the OAS when they reach that age, otherwise no change now there will NOT be any $$$ left for them, but to some here it doesn’t seem to matter as long as they get what they want.

Frank
With all the cuts backs going on who is picking up the slack for the people who have been laid off.But of course the Unemployment Insurance system just got a bigger influx of people.I am a Military Reserve soldier and I have lost my job due to cut backs along with 8532 other military reserve soldiers,so if you want to cut back on people do the MPs and,Senate pensions.

MARG MM
WOW, the media sure has stirred up a lot of contraversy. Obviously there will be cuts coming, and so there should be, but at this time we don’t know with any certainty,( just speculation from “hints”), where exactly they will be. It would be hard to imagine any party including the Conservatives altering the OAS age requirement without also addressing the MP’s pensions as well as the public service pensions. That would be the only right thing to do. Meanwhile we should all take a step back, wait until there is something concrete on the table , then make our judgements. The media loves putting people in a frenzy, and it seems many people have already become caught up in it. Talk about putting the “cart before the horse”. When it all comes out as to exactly what cuts are being made, we will have our chance to protest or agree depending on the situation, and the ultimate protest or agreement will be at the time of the next election.

Michael from the real world
Here go the ‘Dippers, yet again, with the selective memory–while the Tories may not have explicitly campaigned on adjusting the OAS, the issue is one that has been confronting governments of whatever political stripe for quite some time now. Government is, for the most part, made up of responsible people; always has been. Certainly the civil service has been forthright in making the pending crisis known to their political mistresses & masters. By reforming that entitlement now, the government can make sure it is available in the future to all who qualify [aka the right thing to do]

reidjr
Jack – AB

The copy right bill more then anything is presure from the studios it has to be done the job cuts that number is just a left wing think tank guess most agree it won’t be any where near 68,00 more around 20,000-30,000.

mike
i dont usually like the cons but any cutting of government services is great!!!!! i’m definately a net loser to date, as i definatelty pay more in taxes than services i receive year over year

M.M.B. Ont
I have not heard P.M. Harper mention one word about the OAS pension that it would be reduced. What I did hear was that there will be Pension Reform ! I think we have to wait and see what is meant by pension reform before we get our knickers tied up in knots over something the media and others have decided that Pension reform means that seniors will have their pensions reduced.In fact it was the NDP who announced that Harper will raise the age to receive OAS to 67 from 65. Until we hear these facts from the Conservative gov’t, it is all heresay. I do believe that cuts have to be made in many areas including programs and people have to give up this gimme attitude they feel so entitled too !! Cuts need to start at the top first because that is where the bigger savings begins.

Jane
Perhaps the first place to make the cuts is in the Senate! Next should be the departments with top heavy management with managers who do little if anything to earn their salary. Also, MPs should not be getting their pensions until they reach retirement age.

And, a close look at what is being paid to the First Nations.

As for bill C-25, that would be very interesting. Perhaps another liberal like Mr. Martin would be able to get his hands on the pension money and poof it will all be gone!

D in L
Once again, it appears the drones don’t get it, our public debt is not the result of the government giving too much money to poor (or as they say until its them needing help “lazy”) people. Our government is broke because it gives too much money to RICH people (or more precisely “corporations”).Just because they work so hard to convince people in the middle-class that social programs are the problem – and not corporate handouts and tax breaks and bailouts to lobbyists and companies – doesn’t mean you have to fall for it. Historians will marvel at the stupidity of a large segment of the middle class who rails against services for themselves – while they endorse handouts to the rich corporations and friends of govt. It is all part of the “someday” delusion (an aspect of the now indredible defunct “American Dream): “I want breaks for the rich because someday that will be me!” Stop buying it! Here comes Pye Chartt! bbaaaa.

Prof. Pye Chartt
The so-called “debate” surrounding federal pensions reminds me of our universal healthcare “debate.” Mostly anti-Conservative rhetoric and hyperbolic, melodramatic partisanship masquerading as informed argument to create farcical political theatre. On the one hand, you have a government listening to economists and pension/heathcare experts, and intelligently grasping that demographic realities, in fact, render these prized social programs (entitlements) unsustainable on present course. On the other hand, you have the lefty me-me, gimme-gimme, take-take crowd of fiscally hypocritical whiners and gripers who don’t give a damn about the fiscal facts and, in turn, don’t feel the least bit guilty selfishly yelling and clawing for every nickel they think they “deserve” and have an allegedly god-given right to. No care for the future; no care for future generations; even no acknowledgement of the Opposition’s approval of all major budgetary spending conducted by Harper & Company to this point. Rather pathetic, in my estimation. Even the most eloquent pandering and grandstanding on Parliament Hill by Liberal and NDP MPs (stagily focused on the “sick” and “elderly”) isn’t going to mitigate the truth, and Canadians will be worse off for it.

silvertex
I totally agree with most of the comments posted here. The govt should get rid of cbc, we don’t need the senate,downsize the govt,the pensions of the mp’s should be at par with the average canadian worker and should get at the same time as anybody else.Stop playing with the pensions and old age benefits.We do not need more prisons or military jets. We need jobs and healthcare .

mike beard
MP’s back to work……stop, my sides are killing me from laughing.

STAN
Challenge to the News Media
only two specs have been displayed to argue the reason for change on the pension matter. AS there is
no Opposition other than nay say “chanters” It would make sense that the media up their research departments to verify if the Elected
Government needs to change anything.
Give us something worth Reading
for once. After all It is your pension too. The result just might be a much needed education for the opposition parties.

chris paul
It may not be popular, but raising the age of OAS eligibility is a good and necessary idea. The fact is, Canadians are living longer than they used to and the system has to reflect the reality.

H
Lets hope that he and his cohorts have gotten the msg. that you don’t fool around with basic seniors benfits.The MP’s will of course reduce their benfits also to make it look good , but lets call this the way it is BASIC MP’s salaries are $157,000 add travel allowance 20-30 a yr. trips from OTT to home and return, office expences and other benefits that people don’t even know about.If you are more than just a basic MP IE: cabinet memeber,ctte memeber etc , there is extra money for that as well.An MP who is in the cabinet and is in the inner circle probably makes over $220K.And then on top of a MP’s pension they can contribute to their own RRSP.18% of earned income less any other pension plan you belong to, but i don’t know how they calculate MP;s contributions but you can be guaranteed its not a lot that affects the RRSP room so 18% of $160K is a lot more than someone who is making $40, $60K or even $80K.And with that income they can actually afford to contribute to their RRSP were someone making $40 or $60 probably after taxes can’t afford to contribute.But they keep on saying that you have to save for your own retirement, how and with what after taxes and the cost of living???
Just calling it the way it is.

Jack – AB
Harper is making very big changes. 1st, his crime bill that will put more people in jail. But how will he pay for housing and securing more prisoners when law is passed? Tax increases? Spending cuts? 2nd, copyright reform where anyone caught with illegal content will pay massive fines and could even be jailed. 3rd, he wants to pass health care off to the provinces which none of them went for. 4th, changing the Indian Act where again he wants provinces to be working with and giving money to Aboriginals. Next Harper is cutting down 10% of govt; up to 68,000 jobs but still adding MPs & Senators to it. Now his govt is increasing OAS retirement age. What will Harper do next?

M. Campbell
PLEASE Prime Minister Harper – lead by example. Show us your willingness to reduce your own pension, percs and allowances and those of your fellow polititians. Cut out the Senate. Make the MP pensions in sinc with time of service like the rest of us. Live more like you ask Canadian taxpayers to live.

Jarrett
This gov’t is more interested in pushing through its misguided ideology rather than, truly and meaningfully, balancing the budget and creating jobs.

bill
it is very easy to restock the pensions just make everyone on welfare and ei submit to monthly drug tests i have to in order to keep my job so these freeloaders can use up my tax money

Lorne
Well, it’s back to work we go. Now, the charades begin.First on the agenda should be a freeze on adding any additional seats in Parliament. This will definitely save some money.Second – MPs’ should have their travel expenses, tax free allowances, and pension benefits all reduced. An additional saving. Senators should also be included.Third – When a vote is taken on the OAS eleigibility, the citizens of this country should be told who voted for the change and who voted against the change in age eligibility. This should be put in the newpapers.The people can then decide if they want that MP back in Parliament or they want him/her out.Then, those people who still vote for the MP that voted in favor of the age eligibility increase, have no room to complain.Better yet, why not riot in the streets if the age eligibility is increased? It’s been done in other democratic countries, why not here?Simple – Canadians are too passive.

Libbe
Gotta love that 30-second attention span. See or hear the word pension and so many start turning circles and babbling about their entitlements. Prime Minister Harper is trying to plan for the future. Pay attention for more than 30 seconds and you might just find common sense is alive and well.

Dano
The Latte Lefties will again just glorify their taxing and spending policy, aka the Europen model.

Michael from the real world
I am sure that all MPs have only 1 pension on their minds as they return to Parliament this week. The government however, led by our PM, has a long-term view to make sure that all pensions are actuarily sound, so that they are there for citizens as they retire. Politica–even if you hadn’t mentioned your town one would have known that it is a government town, where people such as you have grown used to looking to government to solve your problems for you.

Always Right
Let’s see. How will this session of Parliament work? Well, we’ll have our ‘stable majority’ ramming their ideology down our throats, while mocking the other parties (which is really us) at every opportunity, as they put up the most innefective opposition ever (will the provinces step up?). Stephen Harper has again promised that this session will focus on the economy and jobs. Unfortunately, that’s exactly the same thing he said last fall, just before announcing a spending spree (jets, boats, prison, corporate tax cuts, etc, etc, etc). This session will be about Stephen Harper ‘fixing’ the big-government, big-deficit hole that he alone has dug us into, by cutting and reducing services we all want. I mean who needs a comfy retirement, right? Answer: only those that are ‘entitled’ (i.e. rich).

Karl fm Ottawa
There are so many things the Government can do. But dropping it all on the Tax Pay is just crazy. We Canadians have so many “welfare” programs we can’t afford. I understand there are less fortunate than I but I also see no reason to support people who have no desire to support themselves. Welfare was meant as a helping hand, not a lifestyle. Get rid of those kinds of programs rather than messing around with OAS and CPP. I also agree with some of the posts about MP pensions and perks. Those should be the first to go. And public service pensions should also be looked at. Find one private plan that’s so sweet! There is also nothing wrong in making business pay a bit more. The profits some of them make are staggering. If my income was so high Revenue Canada would be all over me like white on rice. I understand that happy business means full employment. But the Banks could certainly afford to pitch in a bit more, given they make Billions of profits on the backs of average Canadians. Let try to level the burden a bit.

Reality Check
A huge problem is the entitlement attitude of many Canadians who feel that the government should take care of them from cradle to grave. This attitude has been prevalent for several generations and has been getting worse as the public keeps demanding more social programs the country cannot afford. A reality check should have been taken back in the late 70s when John Turner brought forth Canadas first deficit budget. Unfortunately people at the time thought it was a good idea as their taxes didnt increase to support social programs they enjoyed. Now many of these same people are crying foul that their pensions may be cut back even though back when they were working they enjoyed the lower tax rates that underfunded these same pensions.
The bottom line is that there should be no untouchable golden goose when the government reviews social programs. Every social program should be under scrutiny including MP pensions, child tax credits, old age pensions, welfare, special interests group handouts etc.
Here is a suggestion for the government: the last census showed that there are over 2 million active social insurance numbers than there are Canadians. Sounds like a lot a fraud could be going on so how about re-issuing new SIN numbers to all Canadian?
Our other option is, in about 5 years, to be in the same position as Greece.

politica,edmonton
The opposition parties tried to tell Canadians about the
conservatives hidden agendas to no avail. Fear mongering it was called by the tories. Stephen Harper runs a party and the government for the rich and big corporations on the backs of the poor, the disabled and seniors. How incredibly shameful.

Marisha
The Politicians cover their own pension arses first and make sure that they are covered. The government is expecting you and I to bite the bullet again!

Please send a clear msg to the Harper Gov’t. NOT with our pensions, NOT THIS TIME!

Every government previous to this one backed down when they brought up pension reform. Let this one do the same.

Hypocrits want to reform everyone’s pension buyt their own

Robert B
I can’t wait for this session to open we will truly see some highly capturing discussions on the Majority governments real governance laws that will surely shake & wake up this jaded country, not just election promises but real ideas, and mark my word they will come to pass!!!!!! There will be salivating, knashing of teeth and beating of breast by the opposition parties and the Governing parties detractors, but hang on to your seats it will be interesting to say the least.

Norm in Ontario
6 weeks winter break? full, fat pensions after only a few years service, unlimited funds to spend at will, unaccountable expense allowances, cars with drivers, private jets, private helicopters.AND WE SENIORS AND TAXPAYERS HAVE TO CUT BACK?You must have your Mickey Mouse ears on backwards. GET REAL, OTTAWA

Tim
I hope the Harper government do something good for Canadians and future generation. Stop playing politics and show Canadians they are worthy of the majority government that Canadians have entrusted upon them. Be accountable and clean-up the waste and abuse of tax payer’s money.

S
The increase to 67 is no big deal?? It is to those of us that have worked hard for 40 years and persevered though many job losses, mainly due to poor economic management, and spent savings to get by, still found work and not abused EI. Despite continuous effort, not everyone has fat bank accounts.

Dirk Diggler
Wait a minute, I was an MP for two full terms, I deserve that pension. “I am entitled to my entitlements”.

MJ
The refugees get more than a pensioner how about we lower that amount and not give them free furniture to boot. Plus cut the MP’s pensions – that should amount to a lot!

Grey Owl
Our government needs to start cutting on services that we do not need in this country and one of them is the CBC. Privatize it, scrap it or sell it, but the CBC is obsolete accept for Hockey Night in Canada which I’m sure could be picked up by CTV, TSN or Sportsnet.

Anti Pye
Is it a Canadian value to have a Nation with the lowest corporate taxes in the world driving other hard pressed Nations to do the same or would Canadians rather be known as the Nation that has the lowest poverty rate among seniors? I would prefer the latter and I am positive a majority of Canadians would as well. Until we change our democratic system to represent all Canadians we will have Conservatives dictating our priorities.

rock farmer
If anything they should be reducing the age to 60 and not raising it. If they are looking at reducing government spending here are a few suggestions. Cut the Senate by 50%, trim trim and trim some more off the excess fat in Public Services. Pay equity should not just be gender based, make it Provincial from coast to coast. Put the 2 percent back onto the GST, get the economy on track where assets once again surpass debt and stop selling our natural resources in a fire sale.

eddytoronto
Peoples retirement(pensions) are a convenient source of revenue for Governments that dont want to reduce spending…You will remit your individual retirement savings to the state or lose the right to the basic state pension (but still have an obligation to pay contributions for it)…In this extortionate way the government wants to gain control over Billions of individual retirement savings….In the future you will start hearing horrific stories about people who are taking their own lives when the plans they have made for their senior years dont work out….For those Canadians who have worked for decades with the hopes that their pensions, health care and other benefits would be there when they retire and I cant offer a glimpse into what the future may hold because its just so ,so bad…Hay Harper I dont want a Pension so please stop stealing my money I want to opt outa this Ponzi Scheme…

M
I seem to remember that the budget was balanced back in the days of Paul Martin. Hmmm, now we need austerity cuts to my pension to pay for Harper over spending? How is it that sheep keep electing wolves?

Wendy
Once again Harper & his neo-con reformers are talking out of both sides of their mouths. On one side they’re telling us Canada’s economy is doing great, the other side they’re telling us, sorry folks we’ve been spending like drunken sailors were going to have to take 2 years of pension money from the poor elderly folks to pay for our massive spending. Sorry Canada Harper & his neo-con reformers have been a huge failure. A competent responsible government would be looking for ways to improve the system so the elderly could retire earlier not later. Harper’s 30 new senators are going to cost tax payers 4.2 million per year & Harper has increased the size of government by more than 12% so he’s taking care of the neo-con reform party but not the Canadian people.

MikeW
I have no issue with raising the age to 67 for OAS, but it should be grandfathered to perhaps those under the age of say 50. Those under 50 would still have the ability to adjust to these new parameters. And the comment about the Liberals in a tie with the NDP, this is laughable. Once Rae is annointed as the leader, the adds will hit the air waves and Rae’s popularity will drop like a stone. We in Ontario have memories that we dont want repeated

James
@rmbinontario: The seniors who actually fought and sacrificed for this country are now few and far between. What we’re seeing here are the baby boomers and their MEMEMEME philosophy coming home to roost.

there back
This flick should be titled “return of the fascists”.Expect more rewarding of the elites at the expense of the middle class and poor in this sequel and many more to come.

Gerry
Get on with the cuts start with the C.B.C. and on and on or we may start looking like Portugal Spain Greese etc.

boudreau
Tax Cuts for Corporations. Pention cuts for the tax payer. Does this sound fair????

Dave
Lets get over this Me, Me atitude, we have spent way to much on social programs. We cannot afford them, it is about time to take responsiblity for our selves. Do we not think of the future of this great country and of our children. So the old age security is bumped up a few years, why did you not put away for your retirement. I worked hard and saved, not buying toys and other luxuries, I stayed within my means, so that I would not have to depend on the Government. When you pay out more than you receive in taxes, then it is time to cut back, or do you want this debt to accumulate and have our kids pay it off. So lets stop this “it is all about me attitude” and think of our future.

Kathy
Who would this proposal affect the most? The vulnerable. Instead of attacking seniors the feds should look at other wasteful areas of spending. Examples would be their pension, cbc. The average OAS is $500 – $600 per month over 2 years the government would save $12,000 to $14,400 per person. Wow, compare that to scrapping funding to cbc @ 1 billion per year.

Intelligent Liberal
It will be fun to watch Nycole Turmel as Leader of the Opposition, I have not heard her speak yet. I don’t have an issue with addressing OAS, the fact is it is not sustainable. Ignoring that fact with our aging demographic would be irresponsible government. Although MP’s pensions are generous, that is a drop in the bucket compared to the billions of OAS liability.

jen
Yes I agree with Harpers decision but I also think the MPs pensions should be clawed back considerably. No one should be entitled to a pension like this unless they want to contribute to it themselves and not the taxpayers.

Rob in NB
Only last week I received a survey by mail asking the question, “Who is on the right track to help Canadian seniors?”. This was sent by our local MP who is Conservative. Boy does that sound hypocritical now. What are they doing to us now? Doesen’t the right hand tell the left what is going on. I have only 23 months to 65, and I need the OAS to survive. I think a phone and letter writing campaign againt this, to let them know what a politically suicidal move it would be for them to touch peoples’ pensions, would be most effective. Just look at what public opinion did here in NB when the goverment wanted to sell NB Power .

javajim in nb
TANSTAAFL – There aint no such thing as a free lunch! We are in the financial crunch we are because too many people thought lunch was free. But TANSTAAFL says the lunch has to be paid for by somebody sometime, and the time to pay is getting closer. Look what is happening to all the free lunches that the Europeans are now finding they have to pay for. We don’t want that to happen here! If raising the pension age makes it possible to pay for the lunch and keep us afloat, then maybe it’s time to bite that bullet. Just because nobody wants to do it doesn’t mean it’s not necessary.

Lanny
If one million Canadians, would and could retire, it would create about 750,000 jobs. But the corporate world does not want to have to train new employees and is not happy with the work ethic of a lot of the new generation, so Stephen is only doing what he’s told.

Original Canadien
a) the MP’s pensions had better be on the chopping block first. b) those very pensions being looked at may be needed by today’s seniors, however they were built upon the back of the middle aged and younger generation now trying to build their own pensions. c) The whole pension thing is a “legal” pyramid scheme run by the government as there is no way we will ever build sufficient funds for CPP to be self run. time to just end the d$@# thing and get back tot he way it was before. If someone ends up suffering, I am certain people will put together charities like the Salvation Army has done for the poor now. (btw I will never have enough money for a pension of my own, and thus I expect to work until the day I die- not kidding)

Stay Away – Ottawa
So we have Turmel NDP Interim Leader anxious to get back to talk about the budget, health care and aboriginal poverty (which are important) but what about jobs and the economy ..would this not be 1st on the list (NDP keep writing cheques). We have Interim Leader Bob Rae of the Liberal Party pushing 70 years old and out West for a “photo-op” so what are his priorities? No doubt has to offer what he did to the people of Ontario as NDP Leader and we here in Ontario know how that worked for us…shame on him then and shame on him now.

joe canada
If this pension is moved to 67 fine. But Mp’s retiring and getting their fat pension after a short term and drawing it from their 40′s until whanever they go is a bigger waste of money. Sure you can have that fat pension, but wait like the rest of us. After all it is all comng from our tax dollars.

A Koster
I have one question.. if we are soooooooo well off compared to other countries and if our banks are soooo sound, then why in hell are we enduring more and more austerity cuts? Someone is lying..

Free The West
Get on with dumping that idiotic gun registry…

Anthony
The first thing they should tackle is to make the changes to their exorbitant, obscenely high pensions they pay to themselves !

rmbinontario
Leave the seniors alone. They are the ones who fought for freedom for our country, so that the MPs can serve the taxpayer, not the other way around. It has been tried in the past to raise the age for pensions. Didn’t work then, won’t work now.

Paul ~ Kitchener
Canadians better prepare to tighten their belts when it comes to the Federal Government handing out money, here, there, and everywhere.Our National deficet is such that “REDUCTIONS” in all area’s will be necessary. Yes ~ I know the public will holler and cry when our Prime Minister and Finance Minister announce the way to make serious reductions to spending. We have to maintain or improve our National Financial situation and that means custs and some could be deeper than we would like but that is life today.We all enjoyed the benefits of spending, now we must endure some financial pain, to reduce that practice. It won’t be easy, but, it will be right. The NDP & Lieberals will holler like a hog at the slaughter house ~ who cares, we have ear plugs.CANADA FIRST !

Bill
These pension cuts the conservatives are touting, they will affect the MP’s with their ‘gold plated pensions’ as well, wont they? NOT!!Next thing we know they will be ‘sticking it to us’ and attacking our RRSP’s.

Tootall
There are studies recommending retirement at age 55 so that youll live longer averaging another 33 years after retiring at this age. The average life expectancy falls dramatically to an average two-year life expectancy if one puts off retirement to age 65.Raising retirement ages on CPP and OAS will not only increase the amount of contributions that people will have to make (either directly or through taxation), but it also will put people in an earlier grave and therefore lessen the amount they will draw from these schemes.If it makes you feel better, just think of such changes as sort of a fiscal incarnation of Soylent Green

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