Pension changes won't kick-in without fair notice: PMO

Ralph Goodale, the former finance minister and Wayne Marston, an NDP pension critic discuss how changing the Old Age Security would affect seniors and whether it would cause a crisis.

Power Play: Is OAS sustainable in the future?

Ted Menzies, the minister of state finance discusses whether the Old Age Security will be sustainable for future generations and he also says nobody wants to abandon seniors.

National Affairs: Harper hints at pension change

Bill Tufts, founder of Fair Pensions For All, and Sid Ryan, president of the Ontario Federation of Labour, discuss the possible changes to the Canadian pension plan that Stephen Harper hinted at in his keynote speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

CTV Winnipeg: Reaction to possible OAS change

Some Manitobans are worried over the federal government considering changing the eligibility for Old Age Security. Josh Crabb reports with reaction.

CTV News Channel: Harper signals change to OAS

Mercedes Stephenson says Harper might be making changes to Old Age Security, which has a lot of seniors paying close attention.

CTV News Channel: System won't go bankrupt

The co-host of CTV's Question Period says Canada's pension system will not go bankrupt, as it is in good shape, and explains why the OAS is not really in any great trouble either.

Watch: See all Videos in the Player

A A | Email This Email | Print | Comments (123) Tweet

Prime Minister Stephen Harper shakes hands as he visits a seniors residence in Sanit-Hyacinthe Quebec on April 10, 2011. (Sean Kilpatrick / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

View Larger Image

Selected Comment

How about MP pensions. They should not be able to collect until 67 either. Not after 6 years when they are in their 40's or 50's.

RWR

Pension cut won't impact those nearing retirement: PMO

talking about
Pension changes won't kick-in without fair notice: PMO

Got something to say?

Jered Stuffco, CTVNews.ca

Date: Fri. Jan. 27 2012 10:12 PM ET

A brewing controversy over pensions has forced the federal government to blunt criticism that it plans to cutback on federally-funded plans like Old Age Security.

On Friday, talking points coming from the Prime Minister's Office stated that any proposed cuts were still several years away, and wouldn't affect any Canadians currently approaching retirement age.

The PMO memo, sent to Conservatives across the country, came a day after the prime minister delivered a speech at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland that focused on the need to reduce deficits in developed countries.

In his speech at Davos to world financial leaders, Stephen Harper said that demographic pressures from an aging population could force Canada to "limit" spending on pension programs.

"Our demographics also constitute a threat to the social programs and services that Canadians cherish," Harper said Thursday.

Part of that plan to cut back could include raising the eligibility age on OAS from 65 to 67, CTV News reported Thursday.

But a day later, Harper's office was clear to state that there would be substantial notice given before any cuts are approved.

"We will ensure any changes are done with substantial notice and adjustment period and in a way that does not affect current retirees or those close to retirement, and gives others plenty of time to adjust and plan for their retirement," said Andrew MacDougall, a spokesperson from the Prime Minister's Office, in an email to CTVNews.ca.

"OAS is funded primarily through taxes on working people and is unsustainable on its current course. If we do nothing, OAS will eventually become too expensive and unsustainable."

Despite Friday's developments, the Liberal party called Harper's speech in Davos an "attack" on public pensions.

"Instead of bringing in the changes our pension system needs to ensure sustainable prosperity, this government is stripping benefits from seniors that they rely on and have earned. This is completely unacceptable," said MP Bob Rae, who is the interim Liberal leader, in a news release.

Rae added that Harper hasn't been clear with Canadians on his approach to the pension issue, and he criticized Harper for not bringing his intentions about pensions to the public during the last federal election.

"He didn't have to go to his alpine perch to let us in on the news," said Rae. "He should have told Canadians before the election."

It's expected that by 2035, the ratio of working Canadians to those over the age of 65 will be two-to-one. Currently, that ratio is four-to-one.

Meanwhile, the finance department in Ottawa reported Friday that the government is ahead of schedule for debt reduction.

In November 2011, the deficit was $1.9 billion. In the same month a year earlier, that number was $4.5 billion.

With a report from The Canadian Press

Comments are now closed for this story

John - Montreal
said

Our fathers, uncles, aunts went to war to give us baby boomers a better standard of living. And how convenient when looking to lower the debt. Lets raise the age limit to qualify for OAS. Most likely there will never be another baby boomer situation like again. They (the governments in power) should known there would be problem in the future. This should have been rectified at least 30 or 40 years ago. Lets hope we dont have another world war to cause another baby boom situation....

Dismayed & Disgusted
said

So "boomers" here we are, contributing heavily to CPP and OAS throughout our 35+ years of income-tax deductions and now being fired in hoards so that companies can hire fewer and cheaper replacement employees (who pay less income tax)yet all the while financially supporting MPs who can start collecting from platinum pension plans at age 55 AND civil servants who enjoy the assurance of lucrative guaranteed pensions. But wait, that's not all; the Conservatives who killed income trusts and gutted the financial independence of many middle aged and elderly Canadian investors have also recently decided to burden taxpayers with the salaries and pensions of 30 additional MPs! So fellow Canadians you can tear up that freedom 65 retirement plan and polish off that resume to go get a McJob till you're 67 or dead, whichever comes first.

Bob,Calgary
said

Do Canadians live in such a vacuum that they cannot see what is happening in many parts of the Western world? Many countries in Europe have or will increase the retirement age so why shouldn't Canada consider a similar approach? As long as the government is serious about reducing their costs to a sustainable level we seniors should do our part. Ways can be found to ensure that low income seniors are not penalized, perhaps by changing the clawback provisions and redistributing money to seniors below a certain threshold while seniors at the top end put more money into the pot. It is not as if OAS is financed on a sustainable basis similar to CPP. We cannot have a country where costs of healthcare rise at 6% inexorably and everything else stays the same. I am always amazed about how little most Canadians know about finance and economics. The equation is surplus (or deficit) = tax revenue - expenses.

Fred
said

Dano said "The Latte Lefties believe they are always entitled to their entitlements."Dano, may we assume that you will decline to apply for OAS, since you believe only "Latte Lefties" feel "entitled"?If every CPC supporter declines to apply for OAS, I think there will be plenty left for the rest of us, so everyone will be happy.

Mark
said

I am Conservative, however hell will freeze over before I support seniors being disparaged and thrown under a bus. Seniors have enough of a hard time barely getting by now and require pensions to be increased not decreased. Start slashing government MP's and eliminating bloated civil servant jobs and gravy train management and senior executive jobs and completely eliminate the government gold plated indexed pensions . If necessary cut or axe the F-35 program or certain corporate tax cuts until they are affordable. Seniors are vulnerable and come first if this is the sudden choice being thrown before Canadians. I am only 44, but am seriously outraged at this and it will decimate the Conservatives in the next election, Why? when there are so many other areas and programs to find money from.

Jonathan from Saskatoon
said

Time for everybody to calm down and ease up on the hyperbole. At this point all that has been said by the government is what we already know. OAS costs, like health care, are growing at an exponential rate and will cause a collapse in the system if not checked soon. In truth, Chretian and Martin knew about this 20 years ago and should have done something about it in a gradual fix, rather than waiting for the next government to tackle it.In the mean time, how about we not all freak out until we hear some of their ideas?

George
said

By raising the age for OAS Harper is basically saying, well folks I've thrown away billions of your hard earned tax dollars, I'm stupid I have no plans for Canadians as folks get older I have no plan to help them out in retirement so they will have to work longer & live in poverty in their old age. A compatible leader would be cutting the MP's pensions to match the rest of the Canadians in this country, then he would come up with a retirement plan that works. Harper would rather have the elderly work to their grave.

Frank Buchan
said

I'm in my mid-forties and am fairly certain retirement for my generation will be a pipe dream. I get that message every time I'm told I need to invest more in RRSPs and similar instruments, none of them any more secure than a mattress when global markets tank, all the while seeing my taxes and user fees rising at every juncture to pay for unsustainable systems.The fact is that as life expectancy has risen, and population growth after the baby boom stalled pretty seriously, we have a sustainability problem. We can bitch about our entitlements, or face up to the fact that unless our generations bite the bullet and act, our children's children will be faced at some point by a true crisis. Apparently few of us are willing to suffer for successive generations, as displayed by commentary I read here today.The facts are we can manage change here (and in Medicare), or be forced eventually to some reactionary stance that will hurt a whole lot more than a couple extra years tacked onto retirement. And note that I'm not even saying I necessarily agree with such a change, just that reacting as if someone stole our candy is a puerile expression of greed that will haunt us all.

Gerry
said

Hey...Steve..Say it isn't so. Politicans with big fat pensions have no worries in retirement...They are at the trough. We "the little people" paid our taxes to support the "OAS" and Steve wants to change the rules ! Shame on you Steve.

Mike
said

Better save as if there won't be a pension just in case. At a 2:1 ratio we will end up like Greece if we don't make changes.

bc ottawa
said

Doug On
Harper has already reduced CPP if you take it before 65 so he has touched it whether he said he would or not.

justanothercanadian
said

Would you rather have the feds cut transfers to the provinces like Martin did? There goes your health care. Just wait and see what Mcguinty has in store to balance his budget. For those who don't like spending on jails, maybe the criminals can live with you.

Ken
said

The Harper regime is so dangerous and destructive. I doubt there will be much left of this once-great country when he's through implementing his agenda of dismantling the social structures that so many people rely on to survive- especially seniors. Voters made a HUGE mistake last May.

Prof. Pye Chartt
said

My father (a high-school dropout who started from nothing and became a successful business man in Toronto) advised me at a young age to NEVER count on the government for much of anything, especially my retirement. As a result, I've always lived my life dismissing whatever political "scheme" the federal government had devised to lull me into believing that it was taking care of me until my death. Now, in my late 40's, and financially successful (I busted my ass and suffered failure along the way), I don't need Ottawa's help. Whatever I get, I get. Those who are desperately banking on Ottawa's help, please raise your hand. Thanks. I just wanted to count the number of FOOLS in Canada. (The cost of pensions for the "elderly" -- now at $35.6B -- will TRIPLE by 2030, and the ratio of working Canadians to those over the age of 65 will be two-to-one by 2035. The demographic argument in support of Harper & Company's fundamental fiscal position is clear, and stands supported by most economists. That's a fact. Sorry, folks.

PMinVIC
said

the only way to make this change fair is to say for those NOW entering the workforce the age changes.

KC BC
said

I am about to apply for OAS to make up for a reduction in my public pension plan at 65. i do believe, however that our government MUST take drastic measures to reform the OAS so that something is left for future generations. Otherwise we become Greece or Italy with massive cuts and social unrest in the future. The entitlement crowd will just have to share in the pain and we all have to give a little. Very poor seniors WILL be looked after in Canada. Koolaiders , give your "gimmies" a bit of a rest.,

Brian McAuley
said

It is TIME people.
A Revolution is the only way to get THEIR attention! We have sat back, accepted their lack of vision and policy. The common people are supporting the politicians who are pandering to the rich and corporations. Ontario has become a have not Province, while the rich use shell companies to write off their personal expenses and WE pay them.
STOP THE DISPARITY NOW

Just Saying - Ottawa
said

On Question Period tonight we were reminded about this Pension idea by one of the reporters when Liberal Jean Chretien tried to do the same thing and Brian Mulroney...it didn't work then and it won't work now. The whole idea is to make sure that when those in their 30 and 40's now that this Pension will be there for them to collect even if it is at the age of 67 otherwise you can kiss the now just over $500. a month goodbye.

Just Saying - Ottawa
said

Chretien tried doing this and Mulroney and it didn't work then so no doubt will not with Harper...

proud senior
said

denise, before you make these comments get your facts straight. My generation has made a better world for your generation, as the previous generation did for us. Hopefully your generation will make a better world for the next generation instead of complaining about being screwed.

bc ottawa
said

Seriously why does everything have to come from the older people. What about retiring with some quality of life left. Seriously this is his first and last term if this goes ahead, clearly he forgets how many baby boomer votes there are and we are the generation that votes.

How about major reform in MP's pensions first??? Lead by example and it wouldn't be so hard to swallow.

Seriously who gets at pension after 6 years..try 36 years if you are lucky!

John Thompson
said

Let's make it an election issue before it's finalized. Then Harper can say he is acting on the will of the people.

Not a Baby Boomer
said

You soon to be and recent retirees have forced our governments to overspend on your greedy demands for the past 30 years and now that you are retiring you expect those of us left behind working to pay for your mess, debt and now your retirement. Quit blaming governements for your greed and pay your share of the debt you have left us!!!

Daniel
said

The governments of every stripe knew about the baby boomers and because of very short-sightedness chose do do nothing but leave it to the next government.I am fed up with highly paid professors and well fed public servants and rich MP's telling us what to do.I have been paying into this since I was 18 and am now 50. As a roofer/carpenter I'll be wanting to retire at 65 believe me! By the way, just how big is the Indian affairs portfolio going to be in 2030?

WorriedAboutRetirement
said

The problem is not that the next generation doesn't want to pay for the pensions of the people that are about to retire. The problem is that there aren't ENOUGH of them to pay for the retirement that the baby boomers expect. Personally, I was expecting to retire in about 15 years, but because of the baby boomers, my retirement is liable to be at 70 rather than 65, with lower OAS and lower CPP benefits. And my only income will be from funds I managed to save after paying taxes that went to pay for some government union employee's gold-plated retirement at 55 (including the MPs). Excuse me if I'm not too thrilled at this prospect.

stevo
said

Fair notice: the changes should only apply to any Canadian who is not yet in the workforce (i.e. anyone under about 18)

pw lg
said

Here's the thing about making statements about the future...it is unprovable.I have a few solutions for pension reform:1. Make MP's meet the same eligibility requirements to obtain their pensions as others need to do to obtain their Old Age Security (OAS).2. MP's should be eligible to receive their pensions at the same age as others for OAS - 65 rather than 55!

Dave in Ottawa
said

Maple Leaf for Whatever, you should get your facts straight before you criticize others. In fact the OAS is included in deductions at source and in the tax rates. In 1970, the OAS levy of $250, shown separately on a line in the tax calculation up until then, was rolled into the tax rates. It has never been removed and so is still being collected today, although at a much higher rate. Unfortunately, like a lot of other earmarked tax money like the CPP, the government just spent it and now are trying to sell us that it was never really there in the first place. Nuts. You can fool some of the people... but not me.

Darian B
said

I do not retire for 24 more years (sigh).Even if you enact the changes now... that's STILL not enough "fair notice" for my union to change their pension plan, my RRSP's to catch up, and for me to replan my entire future.I've paid my contribution to support others for many years, and will continue to do so (whether I agree with the changes or not, I have no choice). How is it fair that I get less when MY time comes?FOR SHAME CONSERVATIVES

RS in YYC
said

One has to wonder why Harper could not make such an announcement on his home turf, rather than trying to bolster his ego on an international platform.
Or why he would not have made this a platform issue in the last election.
I suspect the Finance Department will be developing a policy document to determine who the "Allies" and "Enemies" to this proposal may be, but I'm hopeful that a responsible NGO will eventually expose such a document.

max power
said

For clarification the OAS is not something any Canadian paid into.It is simply money coming out of general revenue that is paid to seniors. As for the MP's pensions I would be happy if we had half the amount of them and paid them only 3 dollars for every one they put in which is still a generous amount but reasonable iven the nature of their job.

Seniors Need Something to Do
said

Most ot the seniors I know are struggling with the meager amount they currently get from the government. I think the biggest problem in Canada today is that doctors are keeping people alive way past their natural expiry date. Let's be honest about it. Keeping someone physically alive is all well and good but many of these people are not "mentally" happy and most miserable living with nothing to do but feel aches/pains run to the doctor who puts them on more pills, sends them for more tests....billing taxpayers endlessly. I think many older Canadians need something to do on a daily basis to stay mentally happy and in tune with the world. Why can't the government start a work program that matches their physical abilities. I'm not talking working in a quarry hauling rock..but something like making license plates, leather goods, working in hospitals, light work that gives them a litle extra income and self relevancy in society rather than being treated like society's "toss-aways". Creative ideas would not only help seniors but it would also lessen the burden on taxpayers to maintain them until they die.

BG in BC
said

Whoa everyone !He's only raised a trial baloon for a reaction no new policy has been enacted yet !! Calm down.

DP
said

"Experts" keep saying I have to plan for retirement. I have been, but plan A went out the window when they screwed us on CPP, so I made plan B. It now appears that plan will also go out the window if they choose to screw us on the OAS. It's hard to plan for a target, when it keeps getting moved!

DP
said

Norm
said

While they're on the topic of Pension reform - hope they're also looking at Claw-back of their MP Pensions when they start collecting CPP. What's that? They voted not-to Claw-back their MP pensions but it's alright for the working-class!.

I'm thinking whatever they do can only be of benefit to them (Harper and his Cronies).

hugh
said

If OAS is funded through taxes, why is it not invested at a guaranteed 10% return as the MP pensions are now? Don't blame the Conservatives for this rate, blame the Liberals.

SF Thomas
said

If Harper wants to increase age eligibility from 65 to 67 for pensions he should have included it in his election platform. Announcing this plan now so soon after the most recent election, even if the actual age increase won't take place for a couple of years, is kind of cynical.

Alexis in Victoria
said

Thank you, Maple Leafe Forever, for saying exactly what I wanted to say!

debbie in alberta
said

very thankful that my husband has a pension from his job, b/c he is forced to retire at 60, and sometimes the body just can't keep going.

abra kadabra_1
said

Now you know how the income trust people felt after harper said he would not tax them.

Ric
said

It has been said so many times before: the MPs ought to change thier unreasonably fat pensions. They are public servants, payed by the public purse, so they too must follow the same pension rules that other federal public servans have.

Dano
said

The Latte Lefties believe they are always entitled to their entitlements.

Keith
said

I'd like to thank those who voted for " The Harper Government" and I'd really like to thank those who didn't bother to vote. We have corporate increased handouts it seems, a ridiculous 2 percent reduction in GST, unreal stories of waste almost daily and record deficits. Now guess what, the little people who think they are powerless will lay down and take it again and probably still won't vote against this, but will believe the Harper propaganda machine against the other parties.

ray
said

That was quick. Now if he can stop the billions on those jets and stop worrying about the poor when the rich seem to be getting richer. Tax the rich, leave the poor.

Old Ted
said

It's a hard sell to those of us who have worked for 35-40 or more years with the promise of a pension at the end only to have the rules changed. However, with a deficit and debt that are growing, something has to be done. We all will have to share the pain of getting out of this mess. Firstly, outlaw deficit spending. Then we get down to paying off the debt. The farther we allow this country to slide into debt, the worse it is going to be to try getting out. Check out Spain, or Greece, or Southern Ireland, or the US if you want to see where we will end up if we don't do something RIGHT NOW.

terry
said

The prime minister Stephen Harper and his conservatives don't care about the ordinary people ,he doesn't care how much some may suffer, All he is concerned about are millionaires, big banks ,corporations and wealthy people.
He will make 233,000 a year on a pension they took from us, the ordinary working people.
Those who voted for him and his government you can now suffer the consequences.

Harper no better no worse
said

So many people saying,Why do I have to pay my parents pension? well I'm saying Where is the money I paid for 43 years?And Who paid to cloth and feed you the first twenty years of your life?Who paid the $800 phone bill because you were not responsible enough?Why do the politicians get to live like kings off our money?Why does McKay get to spend more for 1 nights accommodation than I get to live for a full month?It is not the baby boomers that are responsible but rather the lying,stealing politicians that have hoodwinked us for the last 40 years.Make them accountable in no uncertain terms.Harper is no better no worse than all who have come before him.Oink Oink.

Cameron
said

I have to agree 100% with Jack. Let the fools that voted for this government reap the "benefits" of working longer in their lifetime for less. And, I have to agree with Bob Rae also (something I don't often do). Why does Harper make public these important decisions or policies from a mountain perch in front of the elites of the world instead of in front of Canadians and in the House of Commons where debates on issues concerning Canadians USED TO occur? Is he just trying to get an invite to the next meeting of the Bilderberg Group?

Outraged
said

This is pretty rich coming from King Steve. Nice of him to announce it to a bunch of entitled types that will never have to worry about making ends meet when they're old like most of us will have to.As someone who has worked and paid in to this system all my working life and am approaching the age when I will soon need it, it makes my blood boil to hear him spout this crap. All while they spend our tax dollars like drunken sailors and give themselves nice bloated pensions. Sucks to be us, right Steve?

Shane
said

They had better not decrease what myself and others have been told is our piece of the pie. I have been paying into it 26 years and am about to hit 40, long time to go but I'll be damned if I will be paying for other to get more then I am allowed to take when ready to draw on it.Can anyone say voted out of party status?

oddmerlin
said

maybe they should take away the big pensions the MPs get after 5 year service--why take away from the measley pension we get now. Also I do not think people coming here as refugees should get pension for at least 20 years they did not pay into it. Cut down on welfare some people on it can work but they are so used to being on welfare --why work--seniors should also get free dental.

J.A.
said

I say they should lead by example ... after you, Mr. Prime Minister. Everyone understands the need to cut expenses, just do it fairly accross the board. Cuts for all your MP's too. Oh, and they should have the same age eligibility for their pension and cuts above a certain wage level - no warp-time triple-dipp special !! Taxpayers don't need to pay pensions to guys with jobs !!

mmmm in edmonton
said

Perhaps the Liberals of past, should not have taken the money out of the pension fund so they could balance the budget for that brief period. That is hte only way they could do it and the pension fund is where they got the money. So thank you to all those who have voted liberql in the past.

Old gizzard
said

If Harper is going to make that change, then he should make the OAS and CPP not taxable.

Kunfu Fighter
said

Yes, MP pension plans are very generous however if you cut back on those, it isn't even a drop in the bucket. We have to challenge and engage our government to come up with better solutions when it comes to the CPP and OAS. However, we as Canadians have to start getting use to listening to the truth, we have this terrible habit of only wanting to hear what we want to hear and not what the actual truth is. I don't want to see the age increased, none of us do but how is this government going to resolve this situation when there are going to be so many Canadians who are retiring and turning 65? Maybe we should have the government stop trying to manage CPP and the OAS and allow money mangers to invest more then what is being invested in the market place so that actually grows.

Misty
said

I challenge Harper to live on what most seniors live on per month. I worked with seniors for years before retiring, they didn't have much, & neither do I. Pay the rent, bills, groceries, & not much if any left for what was supposed to be my golden years. I truly challenge Harper & all high payed MP's to live on what most seniors do. Don't forget Harper & cronies we worked & still work harder than you. Times were tougher back when, but we did it, now you want or are thinking of taking away from us who put you where you are, literally. The challenge is on

Bigbore
said

Run that up the flag pole and see if anyone salutes it....hold it now....forget about that.....the old ones are rebelling. What the heck happened to Freedom 55?

George
said

It's two years! Is it really so much to ask that in a world where we live to be in our 80's that we don't retire at 65? The entitlement of some people is astounding! This step needs to be taken or the whole thing will collapse and younger people now will get nothing when they are old.

Island Man
said

Interesting that Harper can make announcements but the PMO makes the retractions...coward

Seems Harper has learned that we boomers have lots of time on our hands, we have computers and we are not afraid to call our MLA and complain. We also have pretty good memories and we will remember this threat...Mulroney took the Cons down to two seats for less.

George V.
said

Can new immigrants applying for citizenship after 5 years of living in this country draw full Gov't pensions and make full use of our OHIP programs, equally as those Canadians who have contributed into these systems all their lives like myself 50 years.Immigrants in a lot of cases can also draw pensions from their country of birth at the same time drawing pensions from their new found home. In Canada it is called double dipping.

Dan S.
said

Isn't anybody upset that Stephen Harper explicitly said he wouldn't do this during the election? He said he would not reduce transfers to persons. OAS is the biggest transfer to persons. What exactly has changed so much in the last few months that he now has to break that promise?

Andrew
said

This is disappointing. It is simple math. Canadians are living longer. The life expectancy was 63 when the retirement age was originally set. Life expectancy is now in the late 70's. You cannot bankrupt future generations so that you can retire while you still have earning potential.

Jack - AB
said

Lifespan in this country is about 81 years on average. If you do the math you see the govt is now paying for 16 years of senior retirement. The Tories want to reduce this to 14 years. How long before Harper decides to move the age to 70? Instead Tories should be scaling down or excluding OAS for those with higher incomes and increasing the contributions by 15 to 20%. For some crazy reason, people with incomes as high as $110K get OAS. No wonder the money is going to run out for OAS in about 20 years time.

min reyes
said

Does it not seem like that our government is intent on impoverishing us to the last penny while our politicians and corporations are sitting in their comfortable cushions made of our hard work? Why do Canadian families have to struggle while those claiming to represent us fail to live the very material lives we have to survive? Do these politicians know of waiting for sales at grocery stores? Do these politicians and lobbyists know of the anxiety of having to wait for the next paycheque to pay the most basic bills? Having ensured multi-million pensions they would soon qualify, what do these politicians know of our daily sacrifices? How can they claim to represent us?

Tom in Calgary
said

Well the cat snuck out of the bag on this one, backrackiing notwithstanding. I wonder what else is on Harper's agenda? What else did he keep from us during the election? I guess we will have to wait until his next overseas trip to find out.

Island Man
said

Maybe Harper will think twice before he makes policy announcements in other countries...an issue as important as this should be debated in Parliament

Island Man
said

Get Harper to lay out his plans for pension cuts as part of his next election platform...Mulroney's 2 seats will look like a lot compared to what Stevie leaves behind

NS
said

The public sat back quietly while our injured veteran's pensions were slashed by 50% with the New Veteran's Charter. Next on the chopping block, our seniors OAS. At what point will you make a stand? What part of society is next on the list? Why do prisoners get more money spent on them than our injured vets? This government is FLAWED, and that's putting it politely.

Helene
said

You can not avoid the inevitable.....In fact many countries have already successfully increased gradually their retirement ages (eligibility age) over years; slowly but it will have to be done to ensure these social programs remain sustainable and can be maintained for future generations.Savings will need to be found in other areas also to deal effectively with the burgeoning boomer group and longer life cycles.This is not a political football; all sensible parties are well advised to get behind and encourage solid discussions rather finger pointing and trying to score cheap political points.Prime Minister Harper should be commended for having the courage to address this situation now and not wait till it's to late.

Robogr81
said

January 27, 2012, Well there is notAccountability in the Government, They do what they want when they want without "measureable" feedback from the majority of the public, (and not just from the MPP's) that say they represent the people especially if the MPP's know the delay in OAS increase revenues so they can get a bigger bite.Gov't is like a reverse Robin Hood, (this tme the Rich rob from the Poor and give to the rich.) Today they say push out the very (modest ) OAS for another 2 years without giving those at Age 60 to 65 or 67 time to adjust and save more so they now can be ready at 67 to retire. Next year they may push it out to 69 or 70 nice round number. I wish there was a way to fight back regard what Party was in power. Rob who feels robbed again

Canadian Bob
said

It's time for Canadians to begin doing more work "under the table" for cash, and to wherever possible to negotiate their own trades and bartering opportunities for goods and services. The more money we put in the hands of this government, the more they waste. Hurting our seniors like this, and stealing $10,000 plus from me by forcing me to wait two more years to collect my old age security means I will have to capture that money somewhere else, and It's going to be through tax-free income.

Mq
said

Myself, my mother and father, most of my uncles and aunts emailed the pmo's off this morning. No doubt 70% of the country did. Outraged over hearing and learning about this while overseas. I voted conservative. Not next time. Balancing the books on the backs of the most vulnerable. DISGUSTING!

are they NUTS!
said

If they are even considering cutting pensions, they need to start at the top! Each MP that has served at least 3 years as MP gets a ridiculous amount of money. Each of theirs would cover 9-10 "regular" canada pensions cheques. CRAZY!

Doug On
said

I need some enlightenment as to how economic and financial chaos was created in Greece by raising the age of pension entitlement. Also, I need help understanding exactly what fund some of you say you have paid into all these years, considering that the PM says he is not going to touch CPP.

Art
said

I thought Harper had his act , sort of together. Didn't any of his MP's say " don't touch pensions " except for a possible increase ? This is political suicide ! He's just given the Libs / NDP a potential win in the next election. With the aging baby boomer population and actually even the 30 - 50 yr. old population ( both huge numbers ) he's just walking off a cliff. Makes me wonder AGAIN , just how stupid are politicians really ?

Hugh
said

And what does Bob Rae and the Liberals propose to do?

Steve T
said

What a cop-out by the PMO. This country SHOULD be looking at raising the age of pension eligibility. The age of 65 was set when most people died by age 70. Now people easily live to 85 and beyond. We can't realistically fund people's retirement for 20 or more years (1/4 of their life).We need to take a hard look at this, or we risk becoming like parts of Europe.

MC in BC
said

I am 33 years old and know very well just like anyone today in their 20's and 30's, that i will never see a dime of the thousands of dollars i have put into this ponzi scheme. I would like to thank the generations before me for creating these underfunded entitilement programs. In a few years your going to have 20% of the population paying for the other 80% promises.

Bill
said

For people like Harper who have never had to break a sweat to earn their high class living, a couple of extra years tacked on before retirement is no big deal. We're not all bureaucrats. Many of us have punished and worn ourselves out to the point where we struggle to last to 65 in the workforce. What the hell are we supposed to do with broken down bodies for two more years beyond 65. If I can't manage to do my current job what do you reckon my prospects are for other employment at that age. Hello welfare. My job requires more physical exertion in a week than most of these milk-mouthed civil servants have logged in an entire career. This makes me furious and believe me, I will not be alone. To everyone who helped give these creeps a majority so they can wreak this havoc, I hope you are satisfied.

Bruno
said

Of course there's billions for jails that we don't need and boats and helicopters, but not for retirees or future retirees. The longer people have to work, the less jobs there will be for younger Canadians.

roy
said

Intelligent Liberal this is the same thing that Mr Harper's predessor thought of doing,He must have been looking through Chretiens files.

Maple Leafe Forever
said

Geniuses like "Denise" really need to get their FACTS straight before they start bitching. Old Age Security money is NOT paid for by a specific payroll deduction (unlike CPP, which IS). OAS money comes out of general government revenues, so it's not a question of "opting-out", or feeling that your specific individual "payments" for your own benefits are being denied or delayed. Oh, and originally the age at which you got OAS was SEVENTY...it was only incrementally reduced to 65 between 1965 and 1969. IF the government ultimately increases the age to 67, it will be SLOWLY done, and only because otherwise the cost to the treasury would ultimately be unsustainable...no matter what you Harper-haters may want to assume.

Dixie from Alberta
said

You can't move the finish line just as we are nearing it. You have got to give us a little more warning that you are changing the end game and not spring this upon us when we have calculated old age pension into our retirement planning. What I have a real problem with is those making decisions for me (and others like myself close to retirement) will themselves never ever have to rely on the old age pension. Even those 18 year old NDP MP's who will probably not be re-elected will never have to worry about $$ again given their big salaries over their 5 year term. And the other MP's who have served for 6 years are left with enormous pensions even if they are fired by their electorate. Not fair indeed. As a CPC supporter I will have to rethink my allegiance and will certainly be talking to my local MP about this disaster.

Canadian Bob
said

Just so you know, I still think Harper is a flipping moron. MP's after just six piddly little years in office collect over $30,000 per year, and Harper & Company think it's OK to steal over $10,000 away from our seniors? Just when you think Harper can't go any lower, out comes another Conservative shovel to clear his path. Well, if we know one thing, it's that Conservative sure knows how to use a shovel!

Don
said

With the average life time expectancy of Canadians approaching 81years you can be sure the Government will respond with measures to ensure less pay out of pensions. It''s already been implemented in other countries so don't expect anything different here.

Dave
said

Anne hit the nail on the head. Those are my thoughts exactly. Why are announcements made by Harper in Europe, that impact all of us Canadians, not made in Canada first? As mostly a life long Conservative, I am having real problems with whom to support in the next election. There is nothing left. I'll be dead in the next decade (failing some miracles), but I really fear for my grandchildren.

roy
said

To Denise,you say you are tired of paying into OAS for your parents generation,listen sweety maybe your parents are tired of paying school tax for your generation,I know I am and that sure adds up to a hell of a lot more than what is coming out of your paycheque so before you talk too loud sit down and look around.

5th Generation Canadian
said

Ah, Stevie, Stevie. It's not wise to try to fool the grey panther crowd. Sorta like trying to fool mother nature.....oh, wait a minute, you have been trying to fool mother nature over the tar sands snd so many other environmental concerns! Wouldn't want to be you Stevie ........

Weyoutwest
said

While I do agree that this government needs to cut program spending, this cut is laughable. The cost of this program wil only rise by less than 1% till the year 2030, quite reasonable really, when compared to the cost of health coverage going up by 12 % in that same time frame. There are plenty of things that could be cut before this program, stelth fighters, wars in foreign countries, summits with 20 carloads of Canadian dignitaries attending (must have been a party),....... our defence minister probably arrived by helicopter from a fishing camp). Perhaps, they could roll back the MP's pension plan to a sane level, I don't suppose that was even considered. They can start with the above and then maybe those of us who are in the "Boomer Age" would consider this proposal, otherwise "Good day, Mr. Harper."

Kirk
said

Making Canadians work longer for a smaller pension that what an MP will receive after only 'working' 6 years is disgusting.

senior taxpayer
said

Listen, Harper wants to limit growth of retirement benefits for baby boomers, well if he was so concerned about the future impacts he should have thought about the impact of increasing parliament by 30 seats and 15% corporate tax, and 50 million campaign for Tony Clement,,,, and now he wants babyboomers to wait to age to 67 for old age security payment after having payed federal taxes for 45 years. they think that in 4 years we will have all forgotten, well canadians are not that stupid, remember what happened to Brian Mulroney, well Harpers Reform Conservative party will be reduced to hopefullly 0 and I can't wait..

James
said

@Pye: So because Harper isn't going to rob the pensions of the people retiring tomorrow everything is just peachy? I'm sure that had the Liberals proposed something like this you'd rise to defend them? This is like a critical mass of partisan hackery; I'm waiting for you to implode in a shower of childish name calling and conspiracy theories. Stay classy you wacky shill.

Len
said

Harper never mentioned anything about pension cuts while campaigning. He has not said he would do anything about the high MP pensions. He is showing that he can not be trusted. France, Italy, and Greece have raised their pension years and it has brought a lot of chaos into their governments and economies. That being said Harper is being a copy-cat. He lectures the Europeans as if he is the economic savior of the western world.He says that it will not affect those near retirement. What does that mean? One year, two years. Where is the cut off point. Don't leave us dithering in possibilities. If Harper wants to do the honorable thing he would inform everyone that this would be an election issue in four years when the next federal election is supposed to be held. But, then, Harper has not often chosen the honorable way!

Donaldbain
said

Just like I said yesterday, the first pensions on the line should be the monster MP pensions. It is ridiculous the eligibility is only 6 years when regular public service pensions are 30 . I realize most MPs don't serve this long and it shows disregard for taxpayers to pension them after such a short period.

Jack
said

Hey, I'm all for it as long as it only applies to people like Prof Pye Chartt below and those who actually voted in Harper and his ship of fools.

Realist
said

I have no problem with changes being made to the plan, for those who are born, start contributing taxes from the day the changes become law. Anyone who has paid taxes to support the current plan should be entitled to at a minumum the benefits as they stand now.

Stefan p
said

Where they should cut is people coming into this country and right away go on welfare like what happen a couple years go with them coming in on the boat. Everywhere in this world say go to Canada the pay you for sitting on your behind. If you want to come to Canada pay your way, my parents came to Canada for a better life and that was finding a job and they did. So there you cut is close the door, if you want to come here pay your way and not the cry me a river,its time we tighten the belt in the right area.

Fred
said

First turn a surplus into a structural deficit. Next announce that there is not enough money and cut back the benefits that Canadians have been working towards for decades.I don't seem to remember him mentioning there would be OAS cuts when he was touting those GST reductions ....

Dave - Retired
said

For years and years, people plan their retirement. If the govermment is running out of money, don't take it put on retirees (or future retirees). If you want to save money, don't host G-20's etc., Don't buy $B's on helicopters, boats, hot rod jets YADA YADA YADA.

SM
said

Most of the comments on here are indicative of the nanny state mentality of many Canadians. Keep dreaming that no changes are needed and you can eventually next kiss goodbye your without user fee free Medicare and other so called social programs which should be called socialist programs. The 25% will not keep paying for the 75% forever.!

Chris
said

Politically one of the dumbest things I think I've ever heard from a leader who had been cruising along very well, but this will be the PM's biggest political mistakes todate. Let's take money out of the hands of older Canadians that are basically in their last decade of life because .. "Well there just old they don't need the money" . Let's cut our loses with those in senior citizen homes we can save tones of money. I think this is pretty disrespectful of older Canadains who have contributed their entire life to Canada.

Kyle
said

Denise, You are incorrect. The average Canadian lifespan is nearly 81. This is nearly 3 years more than in 1995. So with that in mind is it that ridiculous of an idea to increase benefit eligibility by 2 years??

MP
said

@Denise
As a late 30's person, I've come to the conclusion the Generations before us only served themselves (OAS / CPP, Medicare, etc.), which has the effect of screwing our generation.

But don't fret, we in turn will certainly screw the next generation in some way, shape or form.

Pinkito
said

This has got to be a joke ! Oh well, I guess just carry on like the sheep that we are ....... lower our heads and take it.

Forever 21
said

The Idea is to work till we drop dead.

shawbrooke
said

Seniors on average are paying more taxes than their children, who on average have less money. Mostly, seniors are funding OAS for other seniors. There will be a time, some 25 years hence, when the smaller generations following the baby boom will be funding late baby boomers, the older baby boomers having mostly gone to their reward. Even that must be discounted because generations following are mostly inheriting from their parents. There's media driven frenzy about seniors, about their health care costs, how they need to be looked after in expensive places, and need pensions. Where are the facts? How do health care cost increases for seniors compare to the health care cost increases for drug use? Or obesity? Where are the programs urging adult kids to stop demanding unneeded nursing care because the kids are embarrassed that the senior takes the bus or doesn't renovate? Where are all the facts?

Sad Observer in Ottawa
said

This is in no way a light matter. People's lives are on the line. Reducing any dollar amounts...if that ever happens is beyond comprehension...they are so very low already. Also, how do they expect someone to keep working until 67 when it is hard enough to find suitable work at age 50 if you are laid off. Getting work if you are not young is very difficult. With Harper's attitude, I am afraid some very difficult times lie ahead. Austerity measures here in Canada in relation to pensions can in no way be compared to Europe...their pensions have always been very comfortable and allowed for travel and extras...here it is for subsistence and now they want to cut. Who are you trying to impress Mr. Harper? Make these changes and you won't be forming another government after the next election.

sassy
said

I have retired early, after working for 40 years. Part of my plan was to collect OAS to top up my CPP.It"s about time the MPP"S and CEO"S took a cut.Are seniors to eat bread and drink water in their golden years?They try this and there will be a huge protest in this country.

Sad Senior
said

I am soon to reach pension age and believe changes must be made. A major reason is this - After WW2, our soldiers came home, married and started families en mass. This was known as the "baby boom", a huge population bulge that has worked it's way through the age brackets and is now ready for retirement. When us people in this boom were younger, we outnumbered pensioners 17-1. However, as we all retire en mass, we will end up being outnumbered by younger workers by only 2-1.Past Liberal governments set up the pension plan when the burden on younger workers to support pensioners was small, but soon, by demographics, it is going to become very onerous. We retirees can't realistically expect our children and grandchildren to suffer to pay all their bills, plus interest on our existing national debt, and then each pay for one half of a senior's pension.Past governments (i.e. - Liberal) turned a blind eye to the future and now it's here and has to be dealt with. I am glad we finally have a government who is now honest with us and has the courage to try to deal with it.

D in L
said

@Chartt: rather than being a shameless partisan shill for wherever you happened to have pitched your tent on the spectrum, why don't you entertain the notion of looking at facts and then when they are bad ideas disagreeing with them. Likewise, if they are good ideas agree with them. It's called objectivity. Pragmatism is another word that comes to mind. Really you should try it. I mean come on man - the pretzels you tie yourself into to try and stay where are must be painful - even you must sometimes know what a shameless partisan hack you are. If the Liberals or NDP or communist party did this - you'd be on the other side and you know it! Your kind of politics is what's wrong with politics. Grow up! You embarrass yourself.

Unemployed at 60
said

Shame on Harper...shame on him! How dare he reduce the pensions of the electorate while politicians bask in obscene pensions at the tax payers' expense. First trim the MP salaries by 30%, then kill off their pensions and make them deposit their healthy earnings into RSP like the rest of us and wait for that aweful reconing we call living on pension...2 years later of course..

Prof Bar Graph
said

PM Harper is right again! The markets have spoken; if you aren't wealthy by the time you retire then you deserve to eat cat food. Those namby-pamby, bleeding heart, commie Liberals would like nothing better than to support the elderly with your hard earned tax dollars. Pull yourself up by your bootstraps grandma, the free ride is over!

stupidities
said

Well, perhaps if the government managed the money properly and we had more honest politicians who weren't bribed and feed corruption (cough cough Quebec's third world roads), then perhaps there wouldn't need budget cuts. All of us regular folks are paying for their cushiony salaries and we'll all have struggles when we're older while they sit on their piles of money. Awesome.

RWR
said

How about MP pensions. They should not be able to collect until 67 either. Not after 6 years when they are in their 40's or 50's.

Just Saying - Ottawa
said

For anyone relying on this money and who is NOT ready at 65 to retire on what they have will NOT be ready at 67 either. Liberal Ruby Dhalla wanted to have a Bill put through that would limit Seniors who come from other countries to only have to wait (3) years as opposed to the (10) they now do, that would have had a large impact on the Old Age Pension. As a Senior we need to wait and see just what the Prime Minister is planning before getting excited and thinking and planting ideas in anyones head.

Denise
said

So the average age of death is still in the mid 70s right? And I'm supposed to pay into a system for my entire working life so that I can have ridiculously low benefits for about 5 years? I'm in my 30s and I say if the government wants to look at adjustments, let's make this an opt-in plan. I'm tired of looking ahead and seeing that I'm paying for my parents generation who has more to begin with than mine! Call me selfish, but with the rate of declining reproduction in this country no ones gonna be there to pay into the system for me when its my time.

Prof. Pye Chartt
said

Ah, shucks. This might put a damper on all the anti-Conservative wig-outs, hissy fits, temper tantrums, and general melodramatic rants that flowed in yesterday's story forum, which collectively amounted to entertaining political theatre based upon loose and speculative media inferences.

Niagara George
said

I had a bit of a health issue a few weeks back. After talking to my wife, I told some friends about the problem. It didn't take long for my children to explain things to me. Problems at home, should be talked about at home, before telling the world. Steve didn't get that memo. He bragged to the world about his cutbacks for seniors. I suppose he didn't have the nerve to say it at home. Perhaps he knew it would be impossible to get a group of seniors to stand behind him and cheer when he made that announc ement.

Steve in Nepean
said

I am reminded of Kipling's saying: "Them that takes cakes
Which the Parsee-man bakes
Makes dreadful mistakes"

Beware afraid, be very afraid the might of the BOOMERS!

Anne
said

Be that as it may, the PM should NOT have announcement something like this to businessmen in Europe before speaking to the very Canadians who will be impacted. Very disrespectful to us, and highlights a certain arrogance on his part. I'm not impressed.

sask515@hotmail.com
said

Remember... you voted for him.They have their big pensions. We paid for them.

Intelligent Liberal
said

Harper thinks he is so smart, changing OAS from 65 to 67. What I'm going to do is live two years longer and still collect what I'm entitled to! Just to pi$$ Harper off heh heh heh

Today's Canada Stories

Defence Minister Peter MacKay stands in the House of Commons during Question Period on Parliament Hill, in Ottawa Tuesday Feb. 14, 2012 (Fred Chartrand / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Canadian Forces, U.S. military need closer ties: MacKay

Two prominent Cardiologists in Montreal are disciplinary hearings before the Quebec College of Physicians over allegations they took money from a patient in exchange for future medical services.

Mtl. cardiologists under investigation for payments

More 1

Graham James is seen exiting the courthouse in Winnipeg, Wednesday, Feb. 22. 2012.

Graham James apologizes to victims, hockey community

More 3

Most Viewed News Stories

View More News Stories

Most Talked about Stories

Now we should be politically correct in paying homage to these feminists by dropping the "miss" as if that is somehow derogatory?? ..... It amazes me on how trivial the causes are that people will devote their life to. They obviously "Miss" the point to life.

Diane

Call me 'madame': France phases out 'mademoiselle'

Got something to say? Share on CTV News

Pick your location

Canada -

News Sections

News Programs

Features

Browse: