Young people will pay price of inaction on OAS: Finley

President of the National Pensioners and Senior Citizens Foundation Barry Thorsteinson, and Richard Meloff, a partner with Hollywood Foods, discuss Old Age Security and the affects it could have on younger generations.

Power Play: Overhauling Old Age Security

Keith Ambachtsheer with Rotman International Centre for Pension Management explains why there is a debate on whether Canada could afford Old Age Security to support seniors.

CTV News Channel: Diane Finley speaks in Toronto

Human Resources Minister Diane Finley says Canada has to adjust to a new reality as the aging population is leaving the workforce.

CTV News Channel: Gregory Thomas, director

The federal director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation says Old Age Pension started as a way to keep seniors out of poverty, but now young Canadians are struggling to pay their mortgages and support their families.

Watch: See all Videos in the Player

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Human Resources Minister Diane Finley speaks to a Canadian Club luncheon in Toronto on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012. (Pawel Dwulit / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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CTVNews.ca Staff

Date: Tue. Feb. 21 2012 10:40 PM ET

Human Resources Minister Diane Finley says immediate action is required to ensure younger Canadians won't be struggling to support the nation's rapidly aging population.

Speaking to Toronto's Canadian Club on Tuesday, Finley stressed the urgency of revamping Old Age Security lest younger Canadians be confronted with higher taxes or fewer social programs in the future.

"We will need to ensure that our government has the fiscal room to meet the various needs of an aging population ... without putting an undue tax burden on younger generations," she said.

The speech signals a marked shift in the way the federal government has been discussing proposed changes to public pension benefits.

Many of Finley's points were directed at younger Canadians specifically. She repeated several times that it was them who would feel the effects of sweeping changes to OAS.

By 2030, she noted that Canada is expected to have more people over the age of 65 than under the age of 14. With the number of seniors slated to double, Finley said Canada must adapt to ensure it has the resources to support its population.

"We need to approach the future on our toes, not on our heels," she said.

Keith Ambachtsheer of the Rotman International Centre for Pension Management says demographic changes in Canada over the next few years will require a difficult discussion on public pensions.

"We are going from four workers per retiree to two workers per retiree. That's a huge shift," he said on CTV's Power Play. "That's a different labour market, that's a different economy."

Ambachtsheer said the labour force will have significant gaps in 20 years, and some people will need to push back retirement.

Finley acknowledged that the next federal budget will involve changes to OAS, which provides $500 a month to 98 per cent of people over 65. She stopped short, however, of outlining how the government intends to change the program.

Next month's budget will reveal exactly how the public pension program will change.

Many anticipate that the retirement eligibility age will be raised to 67 from 65. If that option is adopted, it will be phased in over time.

Regardless, both Finley and Prime Minister Stephen Harper have branded the current program as unsustainable and too costly in light of Canada's growing retiree population.

The word "sustainable" carried through into Finley's speech Tuesday as she warned that Canada's current OAS program can't be supported by a rapidly shrinking tax base.

"If we want to succeed, and indeed win, we have to adapt to the population aging," she said.

Finley's message is at odds with a recent report from Canada's budget watchdog, which suggests that the nation's current system can support the impending wave of retiring baby boomers. Parliamentary Budget Officer Kevin Page publicized his findings in early February, drawing the ire of Conservatives looking to overhaul OAS.

Still, Harper's Conservatives haven't wavered on their public pension stance, stressing that the proposed changes to OAS won't cost current seniors any more money.

The speech is Finley's first major address since she triggered a major backlash in January, with comments suggesting the current system is unsustainable.

Comments are now closed for this story

Mark in Newmarket
said

Look, it is not secret that for years we have been warned about the CPP and the OAS from governments as far back as John Turner in the early '80's. The baby boomers are still the largest part of the population, those post WW2 babies born between 1945 to 1965. We can't blame the baby boomers for this mess nor can we blame the last two governments. Who and what are to blame are those who had didn't have the foresight to realize that taking in a dollar and ending another dollar out the door was not a way to run a pension plan. Instead, governments of the past should have invested the CPP and the OAS into the private markets where money actually makes money. Something needs to be done about it now or there won't be anything at all for anyone.....period!

Daryl in BC
said

Perhaps I am really dumb, but why is there not a means test for OAS, with perhaps any senior with an income over a certain limit (say 60k in today's dollars) see the OAS taxed back, creating a 0 to minimal cost for high income retirees. EI has a cost recovery component built into it, why not OAS? The the people that need the OAS benefit from it and the rest of us that have reasonable retirement funds of our own can help our fellow seniors and the next generation of taxpayers in keeping an important part of Canada's support for seniors in place. I see that as a more reasonable response than lowering the age from 65 to 67. Just a thought? But first before you do anything, end the obsenity of the MPs and Senator's pension plans.

Greg Orbman
said

The Human Resources Minister Diane Finley should be aware that a Labour Shortage will be created as more people retire than enter the workforce. That will reduce unemployment and increase wages for the young people.

Spare Prof. Pye Chartt
said

@ Libertarian: The truth, in the face of partisan lies or sheer political ignorance, never gets old, my friend. The $62B budgetary allocation for stimulus spending is part of the factual parliamentary record. It forms a mere PART of Ottawa's massive spending binge formally approved (read: voted upon) by the Opposition during the Conservatives' minority tenure. (Kindly consult Canada's federal government website.) Therefore, to my critical point, Liberal supporters such as yourself cannot flail their arms, with political honesty and credibility, that Harper & Company singlehandedly blew all kinds of money. That is a propagated myth. You've "debunked" nothing. Thanks. (P.S. I'm firmly on record, on this website, as opposing most such expenditures, even in light of the unprecedented global economic recession. I've been true to my libertarian ideology on the fiscal front.)

Marcel@cirque-sur-mer
said

One wonders what the PM is planning to do after political retirement. I mean, It's obvious from this adventure, that he isn't planning to run in 2015.

James
said

@Spare Me: Ah the tired old argument that because the opposition didn't burn parliament to the ground they are somehow responsible for Harpo spending like a kid in a candy store. It couldn't possibly be the billions that the Cons wasted on planes and prisons. No, no. It must be the dastardly Liberals and NDP! I'd love to see the mental gymnastics required to justify that one.

RB
said

We're already paying the price with higher taxes and CPP contribution rates than those who came before us - how is this different?At least the argument can be made that OAS is clawed back through basic income taxes anyway, so there is no free lunch. Seniors with other income who receive OAS will get it taken back through taxes anyway.

Frank Buchan
said

To all the people taking the line that the young should pay you back for the cost of their education, the next time you look in the mirror stamp the word selfish on your forehead and be done with the rhetoric. Kids are leaving the education system these days with massive debts and less opportunity than existed in the past, because we gutted the manufacturing sector and let multinationals scoop the trades and most services, as well. The argument is so false it makes me shudder some people might actually believe such tripe.We can bury our heads in the sand Federally like people have done in Ontario, or take some small actions now to ensure that we have a social safety net for the future. You cannot borrow against nothing forever. Managed change is preferable to reactionary change under pressure of crisis.

Slightly pissed
said

So, my parents racked up a buttload of debt that I have to pay back, and now I have to contribute more and work longer? The generation that fought ww2 was the greatest generation. The boomers will be known as the first generation who's kids are worse off than they were. I guess they were too busy trashing the planet and running parliament.

My tax dollars not yours
said

I'd head down to the Hill and the House of Commons with a bunch of paint filled ballons to toss in protest at the MPs as they leave (if they were ever there in the first place)...except they would most likely just use tax payer dollars to buy new clothes.

paula
said

Politicians speak like an"aging population" is something new on the political playing field. They need to get their heads out of the sand or wherever they are.Options on that one but I will be polite It's called lifepeople are bornthey age and they pass onIt always been that way.Also the so called "boomers" are not the reason.They as a generation have been financially responsible.Government incompetency is

Scott
said

Reforming programs that impact pensions should be part of a platform at election time. This "problem" isn't something that developed since Harper was elected. Maybe a minority government is better than this BS.

Occupy Parliament!
said

I think it's time that the 99% occupy the hill and show the 1% that their pension plans will be reformed and to get rid of the golden goose throne sitters known as the $enate! Oh I smell Spring in the air.

LMK
said

the torch is passed - it happens to each generation, our parents had to pay for their parents, we for ours and the next one for us. We also have to take responsibility for our own lives and financial independence, birth rates are dropping and the next 20 years are a senior squeeze. People live longer, are healthier and many people already work well past 65, be it in a paying job or volunteering. If one is 30 years old now, having to work until age 67 is pretty meaningless at the moment.

Libertarian
said

@ Pye Chartt. You have used that arguement about the opposition being complicit about the deficit in almost every previous posting. 1. Our debt from the Harper government will be 140 billion by 2015. The 62 billion is actually used as the propaganda machine; "the economic action plan" by Harper to promote his party and government3. Steve had a choice about going into debt as everyone knows and Steve does nothing unless he wants to and which leads me to 4. This deficit and resulting debt was intentionally created as an excuse/mechanism for rebranding Canada in some perverse Conservative framework. We are seeing that with cuts to OAS other social assistance programs, environment, heritage, etc. So Spare us. Your arguement is debunked. Thanks

Lens
said

"If we want to succeed, and indeed win, we have to adapt to the population aging," she said.________________What does Finley have in mind by winning? What is being won?Adapt to an aging population? What does this mean?Who were the invitees to the Canadian Club audience? The young have to pay the price? Who paid the price for their education and their upbringing? You know what I mean... intergenerational justice. I'll give you a newsflash.. Government politicians don't understand the concept.. and neither does the media.

Pat in Mississauga
said

Ms. Finley, I do NOT want to hear any more about decreasing the OAS until the MP pensions and government worker pensions have been reduced dramatically.

Eleanor
said

As there are more older persons in Canada there will also be decreased numbers of younger people. In addition to increased pension costs, this change in demographics will also mean reduced education costs, reduced police and prison expenses etc. The law and order cost of having more older adults and fewer young people will unfortunately be offset by the current plan to incarcerate many more people at increased cost. Why are we choosing to provide housing, food etc for persons on the edge of the law instead of helping those who have built our country over the past generation to pay their modest expenses?EleanorNewmarket ON

Mary Szabo
said

Finley delivered her message to the Canadian Club... how apropos. Who was the audience?

Bert
said

Has any thought been given to the tax us old people will be adding to the pot when we convert our RRSPs to RIFFs etc.

James, Ontario
said

@Saskmike you might want to know someone better before making such a vulgar personal attack. I have no idea what you're talking about with this minimum wage garbage, maybe you should read my post again. For the record I don't need to worry about OAS because I've already made personal sacrifices to protect my personal future. If you understand what I'm saying, I'm the guy that shouldn't get the payments. That's by far the most pragmatic post I've ever put here, I'm surprised it provoked such a loony attack.

Spare Me
said

@ libertarian: Thanks for the reply. However, after reading it no less than three times, it merely seems that you're pretending to somewhat disagree with my perspective for the traditional partisan sake of it. Based upon your viewpoint, we appear to agree: those who don't need OAS shouldn't receive a dollar of it. (Asking people not to "take it" is rather goofy, and akin to asking people to pay additional taxes if they can technically afford to.) Thanks.

Denise in Alberta
said

It is my hope that the Conservatives are opening a big enough can of worms with this issue that people might begin to question where we are going with this government. This is a government where the MP's do not respond to letters/emails (I have written many), they refuse to address their own pension plan, make election promises they don't keep (remember income trusts?). OAS could be revamped very easily by simply reducing the clawback threshold over say 10 years to perhaps around $50K a year (at 10 years from now, that would probably be a reasonable low income threshold) instead of the nearly $70K it is now. But adding an extra two years to everyone, especially those who can't work anymore, who are low income, is pretty unfair. I thought we were a better country than that. And still, they refuse to even comment on their own pension plan which is really and truly unsustainable, far more so than OAS. Consider who you vote for next time people.

bikerborz
said

This is not "new"s; it's been known for decades. Harper is not to blame for this -- we've had how many Liberal governments since the '70s? This is a government failure, and the remedy has been put off for far too long. Many of us in our 40s have suspected for many years now that we'll never have the opportunity to retire -- with the baby boomers hitting OAS now, it'll all be gone before I hit that age. Nothing new.

julie
said

Waiting until the threshold of retirement is so narrow for so many people is exactly what makes the Reform Party, ( aka Harper's Conservatives ), so chilling as a virtually unstoppable majority government in Canada. We have not seen the full potential of one sided idiotic politics unleashed in this manner for a great many years because we have had more balanced representation, with an ability to always put the brakes on this run away train. On the other hand, Mr Harper has few years left ... and counting. Godspeed.

Senior taxpayer
said

To Young Canadian: congratulation, well said. Are you aware that the Harper Conservatives have also approved adding 30 parliamentary seats. Does that seem like a government concerned with future costs.I don't think so Tim.

Kipper
said

Canadians have to wake up to the fact our nation has changed to a "Greedy Corporate State" & we need a new political system beyond the 3-4 party crap since they all have a great situation looking after each other at the vast expense of hard-working tax-payers. Democracy has to be reformed to allow all Canadians a voice on new laws, those jets & lavish MP pensions & benefits. True democracy is referendums on major decisions like war etc & our elected PM was not elected by vast majority of Canadians. We need a new system that engages all Canadians, maybe from Internet voting to stop the abuse of power & have our voices heard on issues that cost us untold billions & future debt to a younger generation. It should be the Canadian taxpayer setting the agenda, not rich lawyers that will revolve in the corporate boardroom with huge pensions.More ordinary Canadians should be running in elections & less lawyers & maybe Canada can save itself from becoming a very divided society or the next Russia if we have fairness on all levels of society. In a fair society when people work, pay taxes & FEEL THE WORK IS WORTH IT than you do feel safe & people are happy that they can live a decent lifestyle. As a cook for $12.75/hr in Calgary over 25% is tax & I work 6/days per week & make about $1500 with $900 to rent & double utlities & maybe $100 per week to live on. In Canada we have millions working POOR that cannot afford a dental bill yet illegal refugees have more benefits than we could imagine. I had no Xmas since paid $200 to get a tooth filling; is that fair ?

Dano
said

The Latte Lefties would rather hike taxes, like a 20% HST in England.

Bob in Courtenay
said

There is no need to change the OAS system. Just don't spend billions on prisons when the crime rate is going down. Don't spend billions on jets that will never fly. Don't spend billions on new subs when we haven't even paid for the old ones. Problem solved.

Right as Always
said

@Andrew in Vancouver: I couldn't have said it better. You might add the dismantling of our health care system (Harper's hands-off approach means he can literally let the system die and blame the provinces for it). I am really starting to believe that the right-wing just truly hates anything good in this country. Destroy for the sake of destroying.

i
said

"more" government mis-management of $$$, maybe they should take it out of there pentions!!!

Old Ted
said

What it all boils down to is bringing work back. We can't compete with the Chinese slave laborers working for much less than $1 per hour. The alternative is to force companies to manufacture here if they want to sell here. They don't have to make everything here but a percentage will have to be set up. Otherwise, we are going down the tubes in a big way. The government waste throwing money at make work projects that create no permanent jobs could be better spent elsewhere. You CAN'T make jobs. You have to create a demand and have the work done here. There is all kinds of demand out there, but it does nothing for Canada if the manufacturing is taken elsewhere. We have the manufacturing plants sitting empty waiting to be used. The Oshawa GM truck plant alone is something over 3 million square feet sittin doing basically nothing. Selling our natural resources such as iron ore and oil to foreign countries at rock bottom prices does very little for our economy either. Something has to be done soon and cutting pensions isn't the way to go.

Diane
said

@intelligent liberal (oxymoron), If Paiken is representative of liberal youth in Canada then all they will want to do is sit home and smoke dope. You're over you head on this issue bud.

JD
said

Don't forget that Bush tried this too. Fear, uncertainty and doubt about their social security system. To make their system look worse off they amortized it "across the infinite horizon". The Harper Gov't is talking about the future in future dollar, not in 2012 dollars. It looks way worse than it is. Here's what we do: we raise the retirement age to 67 today. Then every year we raise the retirement age by 3 months. No need to cut benefits, or raise rates. It'll work out fine by extending retirement age gradually over time.

Josh
said

What I can't believe that is never address or brought up is a change to the GIS program. Now the GIS residence eligibility is 10 years in the country. A senior with zero income and with only 10 years of residence in Canada will get more $$ than a senior with zero income and who has been here for their whole life. UNREAL. 10 years?!?!?!?!? It should be at least 20 years!!

Lucy
said

..surely there is an alternativeNot everyone has had an indoor, cushy, or easy job all their adult lives.. Many people DO work harder than others, and at jobs that no one else wantsAnd for many long years.... They supported family members etc etc and didn't go to work to earn money for non necessities. Haven't they worked long enough? Many worked from age 16 to 65.... A lot in declining health and barely made it to their first OAS cheque.Next they will want us to work til 70 then 75 .......When workers retire they free up a job for a younger person tooI am totally against OAP at 67 ENOUGH ALREADY!!

Dave in Edm
said

Sounds like the future is already going to be paying for this... I do know for sure, Harper will pay for this in the next election like Mulroney paid in 1993...

Bren in Ottawa
said

Sorry but this is extortion! The Harper government is determined to spend 100's billions on jets/prison/social engineering programs ... and then tells Canadians 'we're either going to screw you on OAS or screw you on taxes - take it or leave it. Screw them!

testy
said

If you want to know what OAS cuts are really about, go read Rick in TN's post. Right wing-survival of the fittest ideology. That's what the Reformers are all about. The OEDC, the parliament budget watchdog and pension experts all question Harper's claim that OAS is unsustainable. Why? Because it's completely bogus. OAS cuts are based on ideology alone. With this new government, the corporations get help. The individuals are left to fend for themselves.

Kipper
said

Maybe rich retirees should not receive OAS, but just pay back what they paid back into the system with interest & same as with the millions of people that paid into UI that never collected. Those programs should be optional for me & my employer to pay into. As far as all these illegal refugees flooding the country, they should be detained in some complex & since when does the average poor Canadian worker enjoy free Dental care & all the benefits not available to most Canadians. Since when does the average Canadian get free education courses & good education & gov;t job ??? I can see why so many small business is paying under the table & many low income people work for cash only; maybe thats the only way to survive this corrupt gov;t

Hilton Shand
said

The retiring demographic will create job vacancies and reduce unemployment. More people will retire than reach employment age or immigrate. This creates employment opportunities and higher wages for young people. The projected OAS expenditures are expected to rise from 2.4 %GDP to 3.1 %GDP in 2030. This is not the crisis the Conservative claim it is. The Conservative agenda is to cut social programs, and that is why they have fabricated this issue. At present, about half the government deficit is due to reduced revenues. Since the Conservatives have been in office aggregate government debt has increased to more than 85 %GDP. This is what creates a future burden for younger taxpayers.

This is what you get with CONs
said

Welcome to Harpers Canada.

Cheryfa MacAulay Jamal
said

Meaning: Because Canadians have reduced their offspring to suit their lifestyles, now their spoiled 2.5 children refuse to care for them in their old age, despite the fact there aren't enough Next Generation to contribute taxes to keep the "Welfare for the Aged and Destitute" afloat.So maybe now all those NAMBY, "If you come to Canada, leave your religion, culture and language at the gate" whiny armchair judges will finally realize that immigration is the only solution to their problem. Remember all those "UnCanadian" ways you find so disconcerning? The Government is letting you know now that you won't be able to afford to live in the neighborhoods that sheilded you from them. They will be the ones spoon feeding, diapering and medicating you in your last days, because you will have to be warehoused to keep government costs managable.

kipcalgary
said

Well if this gov;t does not want to pay benefits than it should be an individual choice to opt out of paying into the pension plans & UI programs. Whatever we as working taxpayers have paid should be reinbursed for all the $$$$ we paid into the system. I paid a lifetime into UI & will never collect it which is unfair. Why pay pension if it will be unavailable when I hit 65 ? Total bull since very few Canadians live past 70 & we all have experiences with Cancer or people dying after retirement. As far as I know Canada is bringing in so many immigrants & many that are old (they should be forced to contribute to get a pension) some actually collect pensions from there native nations.We have to much Fat in the gov;t that needs to be trimmed & regardless of the party in power they should be forced to work a 40 hr week with the same legal holiday situations other hard-working Canadians face & finish they expensive junkets to sunny chines when video conference can do the job. The "Gravy Train " has to end & if not our nation will be another failure with class war-fare (maybe that is why we need new prisons?)

libertarian
said

@Spare me. The bulk of people collecting OAS are, generally, people with limited means, which is the intended target group. Clearly your father is not in that group, by your description. Your father then has a choice about accepting that money, if it's simply "play money" or an "out to dinner with friends fund," For some, who have been raised and taught by their parents to never rely government for anything, this raises a troublesome moral dilemma. They shouldn't have to be burdened with that dilemma. I think, in light of the discussion going on, and your argument, the system needs to be addressed. And, as you mentioned, there are seniors who truly need assistance. But they shouldn't be denied the help they need, when they need it. People with lesser means forced to wait longer is not the answer. Thanks

James
said

MP pension reform before OAS reform!!

Mark
said

I guess the young people will be paying back the old people for funding their education and welfare. This is simple: Scrap OAS and eliminate the taxes that are supposed to fund it. Let people actually TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEMSELVES and stop living off the avails of others.

Dixie from Alberta
said

My tax dollars paid for the education of these young workers so you would think they would show a little gratitude and not just complain about us baby boomers. I've worked for 40 years. The young workers had better start saving for their retirement as soon as they start work...maybe the government should given them more insentive to save and not reply on government handouts,

NS
said

MP pensions cut before OAS cut, or the government will fall at the next election, Period.

Montreal Cynic
said

I've spent my entire Working life paying for the Elderly. And at this rate by the time i'm ready to retire in 30 years there won't be any left for me... I'm going to base my retirement on the Giant Class Action Lawsuit against the government for decades of miss-spend Pension funds...

senior taxpayer 2
said

Senior Taxpayer. The Federal Budget Officer appears to have trouble making up his mind. In 2010/2011 the Federal Budget Officer made statements in the Toronto Star and Globe and Mail which would agree with the Gov'ts position in 2012. In 2012 the Federal Buget Officer has done a complete about face and now disagrees with the Gov't.

Howard in Brampton
said

Well it seems that the Parliamentary Budget Officer Kevin Page and the Harper Government have given us conflicting stories about the need for reforms of the OAS. My support is for Mr. Page who has considerably more experience, in better financial positions in budgetary matters than most of the Conservative MPs collectively. But it matters not whether The Cons are right about the numbers, they will press on with this, driven by blind need to remain congruent to their political ideology. I think a great analogy to this would be "My father was a bachelor, his father was a bachelor, and I'm remaining one too, no matter what my children's mother may say".

kipcalgary
said

I think it is very unfortunate to say Canada is very divided & we now have the "Corporate class" paying less tax, the Political class (all levels of gov;t) that seem to over tax the average Canadian into endless economic hardship, Most working Canadians lost alot in RRSP.s & none of us working pay get a guaranteed 10% return on our investments like MP.s do from public tax dollars.Since when can the average person retire age 55 with a full pension almost equal to the actually wage with only a few years in public service. As we all know once your in power it is the "Gravy Train" better than winning a lottery & lose an election & like a revolving door your rewarded in the corpoate sector to sit on some board or work as a lobbyist.Up to average Canadians to rise up to the challenge & demand change how we govern ourselves as a great nation. This dictorship gov;t loves to paint a rosy picture about our nations finances & for a small population; make me wonder why we need extra MP,s & more prisons, jet fighters that don't fit our needs, more MP,s & more legislation & gov;t workers to spy on us ???. Well maybe Canada is democratic in nature, but were coming more like China & Russia. Hope Canadians wake up because once you lose your freedom it is hard to get it back,

Raymonda
said

What a clever new Conservative strategy. Let's try to pit young Canadians against the old by suggesting seniors are draining the OAS pot and nothing will be left if they don't take quick action. Fortunately, Canadians of all ages recognize political vomit when they hear it. Like me, they wonder if maybe, we are spending too much on military toys, foreign adventures, corporate tax cuts, Tony Clement's riding, and numerous other money pits too numerous to mention!. The Conservatives had better learn to use words like prioritization before eviscerating programs that are truly important to Canadians, such as the OAS, the CPP and a functioning national health care system.

Spare Me
said

@ Right as Always: It amazes me that so many of you anti-Conservatives think that our deficit ballooned without the formal complicity of the Opposition Liberals and NDP under the Conservatives' minority government, during which, among other items, a $62B stimulus program was approved in the House along with $1.1B for a G8/G20 summit. Your gang voted in favor of this allegedly "reckless" spending. Kindly get hip to the truth about our federal finances. Thanks.

Cam
said

I think there should be a mandatory limit of years to how long someone can draw a WELFARE cheque. There is generations of them living on the system and they have had years to figure out ways to shaft the system. I think it's pathetic. I see lots of people that are on it and perfectly healthy and no desire to help support our country.....That's my opinion....I will shut up now. Leave the old people alone and let us that work now enjoy it in time to come.

Tom
said

We have all heard about the Baby Boomer blip but nobody has talked of what happens after the blip passes when the boomers die. Presumably the demographics will go back to normal. Why are we taking drastic measures for a temporary situation. Why aren't we talking about the post-boomer situation too? Isn't this short-sighted?

don
said

Hey everyone CPP was changed It started this Jan. Less money

Russ
said

Most of you people seem unaware that you will never see OAS......It's really just there for those that never attained a pension, didn't work a day in their life, or were too self absorbed to save for retirement.The average person will have the OAS amount clawed back by the government each month.

Larry I ontario
said

This is nothing more than lies of the Harper government. If they did not waste 50 million on a three day g8 summit and waste our money on silly jets and mega jails that no one wants nor do we need it, we would not be in this position!!This is a disgrace that they would even think to touch our social programs , which by the way Harper prommised not to do! I am one very upset and angry voter that voted for Harper and I am sorry I did and I will never forget the out and out arogance of this Ms. Findley and her government! She should be fired for the disgusting way she is handling this file and Harper must never be allowed a majority again!!Every single person should flood your MP's office with letters protesting this disgusting act!!

westhillplace
said

i don't hear any one talking about the crazy high public sector pensions

Munro - Brampton
said

I see some comments here and agree 100%. The government knew for decades that the baby boomers would start to retire; why didn't they save some of the GST money or plan for this ?

goodapple
said

A proactive government would say: this is what we will do to lower the OAS eligibility age from 65 to 62 so that more and more Canadian will enjoy an early retirement.

Schpid
said

Funny but I'm feeling like I'm paying for the young gerneration right now with no end in sight. From perpetual welfare and professional students, the sense of "me" and entitlement doesn't bode well for anyone's future

Bob,Calgary,Alberta
said

@Wendy For goodness sake put some thought into your comments and stop just spouting anti-conservative rhetoric. OAS is not a funded program but comes out of general revenue i.e. immediate tax revenue from taxpeyers, and is not funded like CPP. Future payments from OAS will have to be paid by all taxpayers so putting OAS on a sustainable basis is a very valid objective for the sake of future generations.

Carolyn Brandner
said

The Harper government is being very shortsighted.
Life doesn't stop at retirement. Retirees pay mortgages, rent, strata fees, utility bills, property taxes, GST, HST, gas taxes, carbon taxes, every-kind-of taxes, buy food, clothing, eat in restaurants, buy clothing, cars, furniture, gifts, they travel, stay in hotels, they bowl, golf, swim, etc, etc, etc. They pay for all this with their CPP, OAS, Guaranteed Income Plans, company pensions and personal savings. The government claws back money from the seniors at capped levels so many, if not most, retirees continue to pay income tax.
Money from the government to retirees doesn't vanish out of the economy, it sustains and stimulates it. It pays working people�s salaries.
As well many retirees use their time and money to volunteer in and contribute to countless charities and organizations to give back to the communities they live in.
I know seniors are signing petitions against the cuts to OAS. I encourage 30 and 40 year olds to sign as well. They may need it even more than we do. The government wants to phase in cuts to OAS and guaranteed income plans and is telling them that they have to save for themselves in low interest RRSPs etc, do not encourage companies to provide pension plans and now encourage seniors to keep their high paying jobs to themselves for extra years. The next age group is the one that is going to end up working till they're 90.

Johnny LaGlue
said

The hordes of baby boomers heading into retirement have been paying taxes and pension contributions all their lives. What has the government done with this money that we should now have to rely on taxing the next generation to sustain these pensions? The ratios they keep spewing out 1 like retiree to 4 workers, etc is or should be completely immaterial if the pension contributions were being managed competently.

peter in mb
said

Okay all you anti-cons and haters out their listen up. This news is nothing new, back in the 1990�s when I was going thought school and the liberals were in power they told us back then that their was not likely going to be a CPP or OAS in 20 years. Why because Paul Martin raided the funds just like he did with health care to balance the books and pay for their social programs. Its not the Tories fault that the liberals stole all your money and mine as well. When I turn 65 in 25 years their will be nothing for me and the Harper government will be long gone replaced by left wing liberals who will do nothing to solve this problem that they created during their 13 years in power

LorraineH
said

Anyone with half a brain knew that a whole bunch of people would be ready for retirement starting in 2011. Now, all of a sudden there's a wake-up call to try and ensure there's enough money.

Where have all these financial experts been hiding for the past 10, 20, 30 years when they should have been getting the government ready for the onslaught on our Medicare System and Pension Benefits.

Before they touch any of my money MP Pensions have to be changed drastically. Retirement for MPs should be age 60 (with penalties) or 65.

Let them contribute to their own pension plan. The % of taxpayer dollar contribution should be the same as any employer, in the Private Sector, contributes to his employee's pension. Their pension should be as protected from the stock market as mine is. After all we pay them a darn good salary for the job they do for us.

Let's all get on the same foot and then talk Pension reform.

paul may
said

Why are we not hearing more of the 23-to-1 ratio that the mp's enjoy with their contributions for their pensions. That's criminal, thevery. We can't imagine enjoying a ratio like that, put in ten thousand and the tax payer puts two-hundred and thirty thousand, WOW that sucks for us.

Marty in P.A.
said

Wow - again, a lot of angry people. I guess we should never have a Majority government - or Dictatorship as some would say. A lot of Me, Me, Me out there too. There are a lot of hard decisions that governments have to make. If people are so against these, then what is the solution? What about running for office so you can put your official seal on a decision - that many might like or dislike.

true north
said

And the Harper sales job begins, not in the House of Commons but in a rich right wing environment. What ever happened to democracy in this country, it's gone and replaced by a little dictator and his henchmen. When he is done with this country we will be a third world country, give aways to the rich and powerful, more poor and disadvantaged will be the result. As a person of sixty three years of age I fear for my children and their children in this country. Yes I do - no Harpies need reply, our Canada is rapidly falling into the status of a third world right wing dictatorship or left wing dictatorship depending on which law is brought in. Snooping on our citizens, police breaking the law at every turn, Ministers of this government stealing and acting as though they are the new elite and all the while a Prime Minister who marginalizes our citizens. I wonder why I worked hard, served and provided for my family to see this little puppet master destroy it. Remember no Harper supporters need reply, just an old citizen voicing my opinion and saying to all you young folks- god help you , you will need it in the years after these criminals are done.

Lorne-MTL
said

To the Harper government: When you've first made cuts to your own pensions and started scaling back on the generous tax breaks that you have given big corporations (tax breaks shown to have increased our deficit without giving us quality jobs in return), then we can talk about OAS --- But you have a habit of giving to big corporations and your friends the 1%, and taking from ordinary Canadians to pay for it.

Right as Always
said

"Young people will pay the price for OAS inaction"... Actually, to be more accurate, ALL of us will pay the price for the actions of this government, for the rest of our lives. If you hadn't run us into a $60B hole, this wouldn't be necessary. Yep, from a $14B surplus to a $46B deficit in 4 years - you just can't blame it all on the recession. Say bye bye to health care, pensions and just about anything else that used to be good about this country. Brought to you by the Harper Government.

Young Canadian
said

As a YOUNG person I demand you stop spending money on military expenditures, Corporate tax cuts and more prisons! I also demand you cut MP pensions and make them payable at the age of 67 to keep in line with your OAS recommendations.

Terry Wasik
said

isn't it interesting that our so called children and grandchildren will have to pay another tax to support government money.
but when it comes to stupid wars and polluting this planet and killing other taxpayers and mother nature creatures,no one crys the blues about all the money needed to finance war machines !!
woohoo bombs away,apparently wars and killings is normal behavour
on this planet

Don, MTL
said

Everyone is focused on OAS because it hurts. Have you noticed how the Gov., is distracting Canadians away from cutting the pensions of the MP's. When MP's pension was the main focus Harper went oversees and mentioned OAS then what happened. All energy is now being focused on OAS.Cut MP's pension first and then we should talk about OAS.

Andrew in Vancouver
said

If young people play it smart they will believe nothing of what they hear and half of what they see. What they and everyone else can see is an attempt by the government to begin to dismantle the entire old age pension system. Of course the government is going to deny that. (I refer back to the part about not believing anything that we hear.) Our experience indicates that these things like the growth of taxes are done incrementally.

gregoryd
said

Re; Kurt. You must be young. hmm I wonder if you thanked all the seniors for your education or the health care you enjoyed through out your life. As far as spending how is it the fault of our generation? Every government we have had spent money to buy their way into power and we let them do it. Do we really have a say? When has any of our governments listened to us. Go to the us and see what it costs for an education or healthcare and their economy is in the toilet as well. The problem is: Corporations now run the world and we do not have a say in how they act or who they lobby. Wake up; everyone knew this was coming but nobody, and I am sure it includes you, was willing to give up anything. I would bet if this affected you, your comments would be less supportive of the government. nuff said.

Debbie
said

Many of these comments describe babyboomers as spoiled, deadbeats and a drain on the country. I'd like to remind you people that we babyboomers worked our whole lives and paid taxes which amounted to a lot of money, put you brats through university and are now dealing with our own aged parents and often providing financial support for them. Don't begrudge us our own retirement and if you aren't happy suck it up or get a job. Apparently our only mistake was raising a bunch of spoiled and selfish kids!

Tom in Calgary
said

Yes just like the cost of more prisons, jets, Tony Clements, and corporate welfare.

Matara
said

"Young people will pay price of inaction on OAS: Finley" Give your toque a twirl Finely! If all the elderly don't retire and give up their jobs. Less jobs will there be available to those poor suffering young people you are talking about? Further more I have paid all my working life and if your Government mismanaged the funds why should it be on the back poor working sap that is about to retire. We have paid all our working lives why do we need to continue paying one way or another? A much bigger question what about your cronies and your pension? How much of that are all of you Politicians willing to give up or wait until your 70 to start collecting your pensions. I will venture a guess none of you are willing to do so! Practice what you preach. Set the example!

Pick on someone your own size
said

And who the hell do you think has been supporting them till now? We raised our children, we worked hard supporting this country paying our taxes and helping to make this country what it is. Now we need the support and you want to take it away from some make it smaller for others. How about offering jobs to those who won't be able to retire with your new rules. How about Lowering MP's pensions and retirement packages? How about lowering ALL CROWN CORPORATION CEO'S sweet retirement packages. No, you have to go after the most vunerable again again and again. Wolves do that too.

Pedro
said

There is such a simple solution to it....and it depends on what you make as a retiree....if you make enough to survive without OAS you should not receive it.....vote for Pedro....

Spare Me
said

People. People. People. OAS is a universalized entitlement originally designed as a social safety net for seniors. It is, indeed, as some have said, "welfare." A highly significant contingent of Canadian retirees don't actually need it. (My father refers to it as "play money" or a contribution to his "out-to-dinner-with-friends fund.") Cutting up loaves of bread into thin slices, so that everybody can nibble on one, regardless of hunger, when there are starving people in the crowd, is asinine. We should be applying OAS (in a renamed form) to the welfare of needy seniors only, and intelligently modifying the eligibility structure, along with its general-revenue funding. (@ Jamie D: Your crabby anti-Conservative retort is devoid of "content" and another waste of forum space.)

Jazz
said

It looks like a lot of our commenters may have some Greek Heritage in them. Let's just plug our ears and ignore the fact the Country cannot pay out this much in OAS without putting more into the troughs.

Rick in TN
said

OAS is just another socialist program that would threaten to drown the country in debt. It's just like social security in the US. Public funded OAS needs to be scrapped and replaced by one managed by the private sector. Either way, people these days need to learn about hard work and personal responsibility and not rely on government subsidies.

Gregory Wollf
said

@Len: What does your comment have anything to do with what is being presented? How is this person not worthy to be in government? Do you know her?

matt
said

everyone forgets that in 10-15 years most of the boomers will be dead..... problem solved?

Intelligent Liberal
said

I agree with my fellow Liberals who disagree with the notion that the youth shouldn't bear the burden of supporting aging baby boomers. There will be more retired people than those working, and Finley is dead wrong to suggest the youth shouldn't have to pay for all that. She needs to stop worrying about the future so much since the future doesn't matter to the majority of Canadians who didn't vote for Harper. The time is NOW to do NOTHING and leave OAS alone.

Len D
said

Kevin Page and some economists have said our OAS is sustainable. Many politicians and economists in Greece also said their system was sustainable.

Says I - Ottawa
said

One can think they will do what is right with their own benefits. The Federal 64 flying days a year allowed brought down to 52..but with the 64 don't forget that 12 of those flights can be used by family, eliminate that...Justin Trudeau and family for "Family Week" are in Paris according to the Ottawa Citizen today, how many even went to the corner store and have what you buy paid for by taxpayers...time to start right in the House of Commons and cut cut cut...

kg1
said

Nothing like fear promotion. Perhaps the MP's should claw back their own public/taxpayer funded golden parachutes before they start telling other people how to prepare for an aging population. They keep saying that at this rate yada yada yada, they have seem to forgotten to mention that people will be dying as well...lets factor everything into the equation before we pander to these fear mongerers

Drew P. Ballz
said

She has a good point. It is ridiculous that so many young people are inclined to support parties that promise to borrow more money for them. Can they not understand that it is the younger generation that is going to be stuck with the bill, just as Gen X and Y is now stuck with the bill from the over spending boomers? Congratulations, you have inherited a mountain of debt.

senior taxpayer
said

Nice try Diane, I will call my son who is 33 years of age and tell him don't believe one word Diane Finley said on OAS, she is trying to use you just like Vic did. The Federal government budget officer said the OAS is sustainable, it will not cost you later. Harper and his conservativives are just trying to fool the youths to get his hidden agenda in.

Rogue - Ottawa
said

I am a Senior and like most want the younger to be able to benefit like we are as Seniors. To work until the age of 67 making more then collecting $500. a month which is only $6,000. and a bit a year so one knows most earn more then $6,000. Years ago the age to collect OAS was at 75 and then down to 70 and now 65 so raising it to keep some of the benefits like we all want..e.g. even in Ontario McGuinty keeping (all day kindgerten) these are all things many want so keep it or lose it..we as seniors are living longer so we want the health benefits and whatever else we get to keep on getting it.

Jeannine
said

Parents today need to teach their kids, from day 1, to save, save, save. Plan for their future and not rely on anything from the govenment... plain and simple!

Diana in Edmonton
said

I am a baby boomer want the Pension plan sustainable for when I am going to need it. But having people work longer, wouldn't this give us an increasing problem with unemployment. It would be hard those in low paying menial job to work for another two years. Not to mention having the younger ones keeping asking you when you are going to retire!!! Politicials need to look at revamp their own salary, unfair to pick on the little people all the time just because you seem to be abl to do this. Our house speaker in Alberta, just retired with almost a million dollar payout with 3 months per year of service. Who the hell approved this, oh right its the politicians themselves! No government employee gets this kind of payout at all. You just retire and leave! No million dollar or even half or quarter million payouts. Maybe the politicians need to also work until 67 yrs old before they get their pensions too! We cannot sustain these LARGE pension packages that the politicians receive. The OAS is being cut back, when are the politicians going to be cut back?? Sure claw it back on the working man, while the fat cats we elected lap it up. There needs to be some fairness here on how these decisions are being made. I bet any changes to government pensions are going to happen any time soon, if ever!

Mike
said

29 billion dollars on jets and the youth have to be taxed to support the old? What a joke.

DMA
said

I an 65 and have paid taxes all my working life and now that I am retired I still do. 2/3 of my property taxes go to education. I have more than paid my share there. Yes, as people retire, it frees up more jobs for the young people to move into. If nobody retires, where are jobs for the next generation going to come from, how do younger people climb the ladder if the older ones stay where the youger ones go ahead to. Yes the Government at all levels have to start cleaning their own houses first.

Len
said

Have not even read the article, but, take offense at the person who is being quoted. I take NO credence in what ever this MP says: Ms Finley. When the 10%'ers were still allowed and sent out she was so blatant - we received 1 letter a week for months from her touting how great she is and her government is. I just wish she would resign and go back to knitting. She does not deserve to be in government.

shawbrooke
said

Ministers should demand evidence and present it to the public. The civil service must provide some data to back up their statements that there is a problem, and secondly that the proposed solution will work. Repeating "doom doom" will not work.

Yvette
said

There has been no debate on this during the election. Not even a peep. Harper and his gang of reformers never talked about it because they knew they wouldn't get elected. And now they are forcing this on us. OAS is sustainable according to experts and should be maintained. Start by getting corporations to pay there fair share of taxes, and we will have more than enough. It's all about priorities.

Saskmike
said

UP YOURS James, Ontario. There fault for not putting away!!!!!! Boy are you misguide in thought. If it were not for the minimum wage earners, you wouldn't get your Tim's, Macburger, or Walimart garbage. You might want to get off that HIGH horse and figure out how you would live off that amount per year. YOU COULDN"T DO IT. By the way, I'm not there yet, but I'm finding it hard to find any extra money to put away.

mike
said

I have never read so many supid comments, and many on this comment list dont even know what the topic is.It is not CPP that we pay into it is OAS which is old age security at the age of 65. You dont pay into this like the CPP plan.Boy no wonder the left wings are out to lunch.As for the people who are negative about the baby boomers, too bad so sad. We have work hard and saved and many of us will probably will not be eligible for OAS anyway.But because of you younger sour pusses I hope they jack up the age to 70. before your eligible.This would be a way to get you young people of your butts and start making an honest living.By the way my four children are doing great. Must be a good baby boomer.

Jamie D
said

@Spare me: Spare us the pseudonym surfing. It really takes away from the content you spouted off. Characteristic 'Harper & Company' use can only come from one CPC bootlicker in the entire country.

senior taxpayer
said

To Mia: of course her fake smile does not look sincere, how can it be when she is lying to canadian seniors that the OAS age will be raised to 67 to sustain the program. She has not even read the Federal Budget officer report on the OAS and niether has Harper or Flaherty. They have their own experts, the PMO office staff. They think seniors will forget all of this in 4 years. Well sorry but seniors don't forget and we will make sure our children, nephews, nieces, grandchildren don't forget either. By the next election not even the pandas will want to play with Harper.

Eric R
said

I was always a Conservative supporter NOT ANY MORE!!!!

Steve in Manotick
said

This government is "Unsustainable" this should be an election issue and put to the country to decide.

AC in NB
said

How can anybody agree that giving "welfare" to a household earning over 100K is good for our economy, just because you're over 65? OAS is not a pension, it's a social service. I truely believe that something has to be done about the gold plated MP pensions as well. I really despise gready people. If we as a Country only helped people in need, we wouldn't be in this mess. Stop giving money to people that don't need it.

Jeremy
said

To "Bob in Cornwall": We don't have to go anywhere to experience living at the hands of a dictator, we already have Harper. And in case your english is not so well, here is the definition of a Dictator: "1) A person who tells people what to do in an autocratic way or who determines behavior in a particular sphere. or 2) A ruler with total power over a country.Now, under a majority gov't, Harper doesn't have to listen to anyone in the minority. He has full reign to do whatever he wish's, which is evident from some of the moves he is pulling with our privacy, taking away our retirement future, or treating our returning wounded Veteran's so horribly. I would argue that we already live under a Dictator, and you should open your eyes to the same revelation. Stephen Harper is the most oppressive, secretive, and intimidating Prime Minister Canada has had in the last 100 years.

Kurt
said

I am getting sick of all these people who can't realize that we cannot maintain our spending habits. Our debt between federal and ontario is going to be 1 trillion within a few years. Think about it for a second!Cuts are needed and taxes need raising!And for all the people who complain about having to put money into this pot for 30 years and not to use it. How about you pay down your deficit you left over that 30 years first, then you can use your precious OAS.

Paul
said

A lame excuse! Don't believe the hype!

Immediate Action is Needed
said

OAS is essentially welfare but most of us have come to depend on it. I agree that people with salaries over $80K should not be eligible for OAS. Most of the people in this category are government workers or teachers and they have more luxuries than most of us could ever dream of, not the least of which is a guaranteed income when they retire.

I sincerely hope that people agree that we need to start living in a different way than we have been for the past few decades.

Social programs are nice but, as we are seeing now, they come at a cost - in particular to our children. I do not want to see my children pay the rest of their lives for mistakes of the past.

This is not to say that we should do away with all social programs (we do pay taxes for a reason) but much more thought and accountability has to put into which ones are supported.

Cut the free daycare, I mean all-day kindergarten, stop topping up the teachers pensions with our tax money (they already make more than most of us), cut the government budgets. I worked for the government for a short time and there is a celebration lunch every time someone gets hired, leaves the department, retires...it's just crazy, careless spending of OUR money.

D in Wpg
said

The government is showing true leadership here (sarcasm). They are using a divide and conquer strategy to create tension between the young and elderly in order to deflect the blame from themselves. Very mature approach.

H
said

.The PM miscalculated the reaction he was going to get when he first announced the proposed changes and has had to backtrack. Now they are pitting the old against the young saying the young are going to pay more taxes to support the older generation. Unbelievable !!!!!!

Chris V
said

When has the system really been Sustainable? When you have people living in starvation, living on the streets, this is not sustainability. A sustainable system involves enough food for everyone, shelter for everyone, education for everyone; these are the basic fundamentals that help sustain Human life.

rikki
said

I read about 50% of the comments here and I only have five things to say. Most of them come from people that apparently didn't go past grade 5 in elementary school.Terrible spelling,terrible grammar and no idea about how the OAS and CPP are completely different.Sorry six things. When you people get a life and realize all the whining in the world here won't change anything it will be one small step towards humanity becoming as intelligent as the animal world is already...I has disincluded myselves from the fourgoing cuz eye is just a dog with a gud pensioner frend dat takes kare of me mosts of the times ...speshally wen i needs to poop and eet.

Mar
said

People need to realize that its not only OAS that will be impacted by our aging population. Its also healthcare. To keep OAS sustainable, and to be able to provide continued healthcare for an aging population, something has to change. Most people are much healthier at 65 than they have been in the past, so what is the big deal if people work 2 more years? Many people do anyways. I am one of the people that will have to work those extra 2 years and I think its a small sacrifice to ensure our social programs for seniors and our healthcare are still around by the time I make it to that age. To believe everything is just fine and nothing will have to change is just hiding your head in the sand.

m
said

Why not have it mandatory to pay into OAS but you can only get it if you only receiving a certain amount per month......

Realistic Anne
said

When seniors are living longer and longer, we just can't have the same OAS policy as before. Why is it so hard for some of you spoiled brats (or adults) to understand? Stop blaming the government for these plain facts of life. I don't care if it's the cons or libs or ndp who raise the age for OAS. I'm not going to blame them for being realistic.

Karin_Lee
said

I was born in 1942, so while technically I am not a boomer, I have felt all my life as if I was, as things that pertain to them basically pertain to me. I had a pretty good life, but then got divorced. My financial world fell apart. So I downsized big time before any thoughts of retiring. I also worked till I was 68 and would have worked longer, except I became ill (nothing really serious & I'm in good health now, on no meds.) Anyway, the main reason ultimately that I didn't go back to work was I was working in a call centre & couldn't face going back there. Worst job of my life. Sometimes I wish I was still working, but preferably at something i enjoy. (been there, done that, so know what it's like).Anyway, just another perspective on this whole issue. And, some of you, pls. stop confusing CPP with OAS. Totally different animals, as has been explained. Park of the reason I worked beyond 65 was to bulk up my CPP.

Bucko
said

When this Minister is first in line to revamp their over the hill pensions I might take heed but until then she is just another Political Hack spouting the Party Line which basically is not credible regarding OAS.

voice of reason
said

Again the baby boomers get their way AGAIN. The generation whose parents gave up their lives in World War 2 and went through the depression. The generation whose children are facing another depression, unemployment, and lower wages than their parents along withhigher housing prices. Thanks baby boomers. If you are going to take old age security please quit your day job and retire. Baby boomers are old and out of date... move aside grandpa and let the kids drive a while. PS don't expect your children to take care of you when your old and gray. You didn't give a damn and nwither will they.

Matara
said

Excuse me I am about to retire in six years and guess what I have been burdened with paying into the Government CPP and OAS. So I have a right to my retirement and if it is a burdened to the younger generation could that possibly be because of our Governments waste and poor management???? Further more, I have been paying into these pensions for years and someone else has been collecting so next is my turn. So on and on it goes......

Lying Politicians Make Me Sick!
said

Finely looked more trustworthy when she wore sunglasses!

Grandma in B.C.
said

I would like to add @ DIANE....if some of us worked hard, saved our money for retirement, went without all the GOODIES of life so we could have the same comfort after retirement that we had before hand don't penalize us more. We are not all wealthy. As a recent widow I will receive OAP of $540.00 a month and $600.00 from my husbands C.P.P. No OAP from him. I am lucky that he worked long enough that I could receive the death benefit of $2,500. This would not have bought him a cardboard box and a shovel to bury him and it is illegal to do that soing your pennies what do you suggest? It was over $10,000 and that was a very simple service. Start saving your pennies girl and go after the government to quit letting companies shut down in Canada and send the jobs overseas. Read my previous comment ( if they print it ) and give that some thought.

Gen X'er
said

It funny how all the Baby Boomers, did nothing to ensure that CPP and OAS would be fully funded for their generation, but they have no problem screaming when someone threatens to cut or delay the benefits. It is such a shame that they are all so self centred, and very comfortable burdening their kids, their grandkids, and grandkids kids, with their opulance, and desire to live beyond societies ablitity to pay. Even if it means that the same benefits will not be avalialbe to future generations, while they continue to pay off the Baby Boomers debts.

Josh
said

Bob in Cornwall
It comes down to some just don't know how good they have it in canada.

Mike in Pembroke
said

@ Aaron, give it a rest will you. If only 37% of Canadians voted and elected PM Harper then that shows 63% of Canadians do not care who leads this country and have no right to complain about what the government does. As for you claiming Harper is a dictator it just shows how small minded you are since he was elected as our PM. I for one feel he is making the right moves to better Canada and the Canadian people who have been living high on the hog far to long and now it is time to pay the piper. Far to many people in this country always have their hand out demanding more and more free hand outs. It has to stop sometime.

Grandma in B.C.
said

Entitlement� ?, I paid cash for my insurance!!!! Just because they borrowed money, doesn't make my benefits some kind of charity or handout !! Government benefits, aka free healthcare, outrageous retirement packages, 67 paid holidays, 20 weeks paid vacation, unlimited paid sick days, now that's welfare, and they have the nerve to call my retirement, an �entitlement� !!!!!! What the HELL's wrong with us??? WAKE UP CANADA !!!! Someone please tell me what wrong with all the people that run this country!!!!!! We're "broke" & can't help our own Seniors, Veterans, Orphans, Homeless etc.,??????????? In the last months we have provided aid to Haiti , Chile , and Turkey . And now Khanistan , Pakistan ......home of bin Laden. Literally, BILLIONS of DOLLARS!!! Our retired seniors living on a 'fixed income' receive no aid nor do they get any breaks while our government and religious organizations pour Hundreds of Billions of $$$$$$'s and Tons of Food to Foreign Countries!They call OAP, CPP and Healthcare an entitlement even though most of us have been paying for it all our working lives and now when it�s time for us to collect, the government is running out of money. Why did the government borrow from it at 0 % in the first place? We have hundreds of adoptable children who are shoved aside to make room for the adoption of foreign orphans. CANADA: a country where we have homeless without shelter, children going to bed hungry, elderly going without 'needed' meds, and mentally ill without treatment -etc, etc. They have a 'Benefit' for the people of Haiti ships and planes lining up with food, water, tents, clothes, bedding, doctors, and medical supplies. Imagine if the *GOVERNMENT* gave 'US' the same support they give to other countries. Sad isn't it?

TheLaughingMan
said

Stephen Harper, John Baird, Rob Nicholson and Vic Toews should be tarred and feathered, then banished from Canada!

brent regina sk
said

What are the numbers going to look like in 2055 when most of the baby boomers have passed on and the system has evened out. something tells me they picked 2030 because it had the best numbers to create the fear that was needed.

KJ in Calgary
said

To Hobbes, the most spoiled generation was and is not the boomers,...it is the boomer kids that benefited from all of our efforts! I find it very funny that the majority (70% ) students in my financial planning classes mostly incorporate their potential inheritance from their boomer parents into their current financial plan. By the way I am at the tail end of the boomers, inherited nothing from parents or grandparents, have worked over 32 years and still at it....

Arni
said

I am getting sick of all the clawbacks. I am 68 years old and 1st) The company I retire from two years ago decided to charge me a monthly premium of $118.00 for heath and life insurance that was supposed to be paid by them. At the end of last year I got a letter from Canada Pensions saying there calculation was wrong when I started taking it at age 65 so now I'm getting $40.00 less a month. What is next?Elections fixed at four years and MP not getting a pension until serving 9 years would make sense.No one should draw OAS or MP pension while still working and MP should only start to draw pension at an age where we are eligible for OAS.

Glen
said

This "BS" my grandkids will be hurt by this Gov. and any other, who soul objective is to put more money into their own pocets. Low to middle income will have to pay, so the top can play.
Is't time we put a stop to this, we can if we "Vote" for the party who gives to Canada, NDP gave but they have to change and the rest well, we know where they put OUR money. Just thank, if the LIB's had not changed the working age to (70) then Harper could not do this to us,. and we thought they didn't get along..

J.C.
said

First off we do not pay into OAS other than taxes. We pay into CPP which is not being changed. That being said, I do hope that MP's pensions are cut and not just OAS, since their pensions take far more taxes than OAS and cost a lot more per person. OAS should not be cut for lower income individuals as they rely on it just to survive and costs keep rising. Since OAS is based on income then it only makes sense to lower the income for people to obtain it. Currently there are many who do not need this yet they get it. I do not necessarily agree with the raise in age to 67 from 65 but people are living longer now and some can work longer but some cannot. This should be taken into account as well. Before I get all wound up I will wait to see what is being proposed. Living on a fixed income is very hard and politicians really have no idea what it is like. Many who are close to retirement were caught up in several recessions and have lost most or all of the savings they had due to job loss and having no income for a long period through no fault of their own, lost their homes or sold at no profit etc. Some could not work due to illness, yet did for many many years before that. All things have to be considered by these parliamentarians. They certainly cannot base any changes on their experiences alone that's for sure!!!

Elizabeth
said

Geez, Aaron, the Liberals never got elected with more than 37 or 38 percent of the vote either. Would you people give it up already! And to others posting here, if you don't know the difference between CPP and OAS why are you posting any comments at all! CPP is in good shape and yes, it will be there when you retire. OAS is nothing more than elderly welfare and there are a lot of elderly people who do not need it, my parents being two of those.

Miranda Giles
said

As if young people need extra cash flow to spend and support the Global Elite's "Made in China" factories to make fat cat's richer. This is what this is all about loosening the wallets via tax-cuts so that people shop more for "Made in China" junk that all these wealthy types around the world are invested in. It has nothing to do with altruistic concern..just their greed!

JACK
said

All we are hearing about is unsustainable OAS and CPP. When are they going to talk about MP and civil servant pension costs that are also skyrocketing? They get to collect their pensions as young as age 50 but the rest of us have to wait longer and longer to get less and less. Something is wrong here

Karen
said

I could not agree MORE with Francine. I am in mid '50's and I know that I am going to have to work harder and longer. I also have no faith in the CPP. Being at the end of the Baby Boomers, I just don't think we are being told the truth. I have always been told that it won't be there in the end. We have up to date been the generation that has received the most from government, but the new generation (the Occupy Class) think they deserve even more. We all need to give our heads a shake and brighten up!

KJ in Calgary
said

To Bob in Calgary, I have no problem with lowering the clawback amount to say $35,000 after all when you are retired, have a paid off home, other toys and savings why do you need to collect OAS. You expenses are minimal in that you have basic expenses, no kids to look after, no post secondary to fund etc. I also would like to see the government better invest because the investment performance long term on all of these government pooled funds is dismal at best. By the way I am in my 50's and have paid into this pot for at least 32 years....

Bob in Cornwall
said

@Aaron - You live in a democratic country where the leaders are voted into power by the majority. You also live in one of the best and free countries in the world. I am sick and tired of hearing people like you refer to our prime minister as a dictator. Go and live in a country run by a real dictator and lodge your complaints there and see how long you survive..

James, Ontario
said

As much as I hate progressive systems, I have to agree with Carl. The best way to save in this program is to eliminate or reduce it where it's not need it. I'd normally call for its elimination all together but that's a bit idealistic. I don't want hordes of old people in the street because they couldn't plan for retirement properly as many reports show is a frequent problem.

Cliff
said

In reading the first rush of comment, it is obvious that change to the OAS is going to be difficult. So much waste in the past, as politicians from both right and left bought our vores with our own money, has put us in this invidious position. If the government cuts back on unnecessary spending, maybe no drastic changes will be necessary? Will the Canadian left react to austerity like the Greek left? People are sick of political lying. People want more benefits without paying--it's always the other guy who should pay! Should Harper and Co. cave in like Mulroney did? If they do, goodbye financial stability and the questions posed above may well get answered.

Lise
said

I agree with Alan's comment. Either reduce the clawback threshold or better yet, base the threshold on net family income rather than individual income, so that single seniors still get most of their benefit.

Larry in BC
said

It's interesting that the hogs we elect to political office have no problem bellying up to their pension cash trough and at the same time can stand before us with straight faces telling us they have problems with the costs of the OAS pension plan.It's absolutely ridiculous that we continue to allow politicians, Federal or otherwise to collect fat pensions at the tax payers expense for the minimal contribution they actually make in comparison to what the rest of the population must do to have a few dollars for retirement..

Cecelia D. Cazakoff
said

Just watched part of Finley['s speech to the uber conservative Canadian Club. Her reasoning seems logical . Sadly, Finley sullied her presentation with her not too subtle shots at the opposition parties. Dirty pool, Ms. Finley, dirty pool. You have reaffirmed my low opinion of Conservatives.

sal!
said

He said that they get money back from OAS via income tax - so let things alone! Thanks to the markets and timing, we will NEED the most OAS that we are allowed. And CPP - the gov't took my money since I was 17 years old - there should be a hefty amount for next year - and I get about $300/month - the gov'g sure took more than that!!!!!

Smitty
said

Kevin Page, parliament's budgetary officer, Edward Whitehouse, head of the OEDC's pension experts looking into Canada's system, and other Canadian pension experts are all saying that our pension system is sustainable. It is a matter of choice and ideology on the part of Harper. He has fabricated a crisis to justify restricted a program he believes should not exist. Google it.

Josh
said

Aron
Like it or not he was voted in as for he needs to be removed and replace him with who the liberals or ndp who would do no better.

Hobbes
said

I can hear the screaming already!! I am sure the OAS needs adjustment but it is such a sacred cow that any changes except increases will lead to the usual turmoil in Parliament as the opposition tries to claim the government is out to take the bread from the mouths of the retired.
REmember that the "boomers",the most spoiled generation in history, are beginning to retire. Their votes were bought by overspending in the past and it is unlikely they will want to pay for it now!

Francine
said

Let's be fair - How's about we also, at the same time, look into the extremely lucrative pensions our elected officials make, AND those of the Public Service. If the entire public service retired tomorrow - our country would be poorer than Greece! Think about that, if every baby boomer working in the public service retired tomorrow - we'd be more than broke, we'd be begging for money. What does that say about our pension system?So, while I agree the current OAS system is unsustainable, there has to be a better way to solve it. And if those of you my age (early 40's) actually believed you'd have an OAS when you got to 65 - give your heads a shake and start saving bigger now. I've always assumed it wouldn't be there - that the baby boom generation would clean us out. Not to be mean, just because there are more of them.But if the government wants me to work two years longr - I suggest, they take a long hard look at their own gold plated pensions, and the pensions of the rest of the Public Service before you tell me, after I've paid into it for more than 25 years, I can't have access to any of it. Until you can show me your money is on the line, why should I trust what you say is good for me?

makesomesense
said

Seems everyone is mixing up CPP (Pension) and Gaurantee Income Supplement. All of you will still get the CPP that you contributed to all your life. But GIS is the extra $400-500 on top of your CPP and RRSP (if you have any). If you are diligent when you are young, saving for retirement.... most people would just do fine without GIS. Keep in mind GIS just come from our tax money, no direct contribution from your paycheck like CPP.

Eric
said

Two words come to mind: Soylent Green :-)

Bob,Calgary,Alberta
said

I have two grandchildren and I agree with many of the young people who have blogged here. Why should the young people have to pay ever increasing taxes to support an OAS system that is indexed to inflation and only clawed back at $69K(2011). Stephen Harper is to be given credit for having the political courage to tell people that changes must be made. He has done the same with Health transfers, cutting the future amounts and forcing the Provinces to get off their collective ars-s and do their jobs. Next we must look at equalization and rather than base these transfers on revenues we must base equalization on purchasing power. If equalization changed Quebec would have to think twice before having social programs paid for by the rest of us and Ontario would get a fairer transfer to make up for their costlier economy. The Liberals in their many years in power swept the problem of a rapidly aging population under the rug and used that old Chretien refrain "don't worry be happy".

Aaron
said

Was it 37% of Canadians who voted our new dictator into power !? We are the people !!! We should make sure he does not do anymore damage to our country and it citizens. Mr. Harper is just starting with his demolition of our great country, he is for corporations not people and our enviornment !! He needs to be removed from office before any more damage is done!

Wendy
said

Ridiculous to say the least. Perhaps we the people should be reviewing the pensions these Ministers have voted to give themselves! Did their increased pension come at our expense? Likely! We the 'Boomers' paid into this pension fund our whole working life, so I ask, was this money so mismanaged that there isn't enough to pay us our due? If it had been invested properly, every Boomer turning 65 would and should have a comfortable pension to the end of their days. Even a modest return of 2% over the time we have all paid into this fund should have yielded enough to keep us al above the poverty line. The Old Age Security Pension (designed to prevent Seniors from living below the poverty line), has never kept that promise. There are many Seniors right now living below the poverty line!! A few questions:1) Why not reduce the amount of foreign aide going out of the Country to bolster protection for your own citizens?2) Why wasn't the money invested properly to be sure the funds would be available?3) How much of the Government Officials pensions are they willing to kick back to protect their voting Seniors in light of the many, many years of mismanagement.4) Who is paying their pensions? Oh right, we the taxpayers and every single 'Boomer'.A Conservative Government that wishes to maintain its majority has just shot itself in the foot I suspect. There won't be one single Boomer that would think this in any way is the way to go and given the large number of them coming online pre-election we can wave good-bye to the Conservatives and vote for the Party that is serious about protecting the citizens of our country.

Norman
said

Now Harper is throwing women under the bus. So much for his maternal health initiative. On another note, "Spare me" sounds a lot like "Pye Chartt". We were wondering where you went to. Good to have you back. ;)

arvlsra
said

Folks, this is NOT the CPP. I know some people are confused about it but the OAS doesn't have allocated funding like the CPP does. It comes from tax payers. CPP is invested so its there when we retire. I don't mind government making changes to the system as far as GIS is the for the very poor retiring. Also the government needs to cut a lot of fat,

Frank Buchan
said

To Betty: OAS is not a pension program, it is an income supplement program (welfare) program. CPP is in reasonably good shape, and no one is talking about changing it. The issue is with a supplement funded out of general revenues.We can have this conversation now, or guarantee that when the taxpayers of the future are fed up with our entitlements, they will simply obliterate them.And make no mistake this is an entitlement issue, because we certainly have generations of taxpayers who never paid in at a rate high enough to sustain the services they embedded in our society. If they (and I'm one of them now) had paid to create sustainable service models, we wouldn't have a multi-million/billion dollar deficits at every level of government, and massive debt.

Kim
said

The message is lost when you talk to people in a condescending manner. Have some respect for the people who put you in office.

eddytoronto
said

@Betty...Please Understand You have a Criminal Govenment...You /Everyone will Pay for Greece...Lol

josie2050
said

@John In KingstonI volunteer at a local food back About half of our business is seniors. Mostly elderly women who's husbands have died and no longer get the benefit of his pension. Shame on you, your comment is showing your lack of knowledge of the situation , open your eyes and really see what is going on.

Jeremy
said

To Spare Me: Are you an expert? The reason I ask is that "EVERY" expert, or watchdog group, or provincial Ombudsperson I have seen have said the same thing, that the OAS is sustainable. They system is only required to handle that jump for a short period of time and there is a surplus there already designed to handle the bump. So, again I ask this gov't why are you attacking the most vulnerable of our seniors. A society is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable, and Harper is failing miserably.

AL
said

Why has this Goverment stopped conducting Canada's business in the house we pay to run our Country. Why are they so affraid of their policies that they only preach to the already plush converted who pat their backs?What a sad state our State has become........The goverment has known about me since I was born in1951. It should be no surprise to anyone that we will soon be collecting the very funds we have been promised for the past sixtyworking years. I want the clawback of all wages I paid for with my tax dollars for all the goverment "bean counters" and administrators etc. who should have know about all of the seniors coming to collect the programs they promised us. A lot of people have not done the job they were paid for!!!!!

Ross
said

This pension crap all started when Brian what's his name from the Conservatives was in power most of us may never get a chance to have a good retirement thanks to his party. please don't say it was not him it all started back then some of you may have not been born then and did not see all these problems back then.

Raymond
said

Up the eligibility age to 67. Anyone in their right mind who is ~20 years away from retirement should plan on funding their own retirement. Sad but true. Socialism has bankrupted us.

David ON
said

Diane has her hand out that's not a good thing.

L
said

The goal is to protect OAS for seniors now and for the future. Some of the comments from seniors do not seem to acknowledge that the next generation will be senior at some point. While I respect these people have been contributing their whole lives, we can't just shovel the problem 20 years down the road to let my generation handle it then. Let's stop sweeping things under the carpet, and come up with a plan that works for this generation and the next one as well. It means we cannot be selfish and look at what's best for everyone.

Saskmike
said

@ Betty. You as well as others have been contributing into CCP, (Canada Pension Plan), from your/our paycheques. The OAS, (Old Age Security), is a little something extra for being good Canadians. I hope this helps without getting technical.

Bubba: You MP's and the PM FIRST!!!
said

YOU FIRST! Yup, if the government wants to reduce our pensions, then they should lead the way. No more pensions after 6 years, they have to work for 30 years to earn a pension. And they get what we get, CPP, and OAS, plus a Defined Contribution Pension, no more Defined Benefits.

What? You guys can't do that? Well, perhaps you shoulda thought about that BEFORE YOU SUGGESTED WE GET LESS HUH????

Nope, what you give us, you get, and YOU FIRST. YOU LEAD THE WAY!!!

(and Vic, if you are reading this, go ahead and come for me. I'll tie your ass up in court for years)

RB
said

Once again, the single people will get hit. They don't get the taxbreaks families or couples get.

Paul
said

Hmph?! Online Police State "security" bill that our dumbass Public Safety Minister hasn't even (apparently) read himself....pinching seniors on OAS...canning several thousand public servants, blaming them(US!) for overspending compared to the useless gluttons on the Hill.....unfortunately, still 3 years, 7 months and 29 days until we boot these CONS out forever!!! Bye, bye! Head west and DON'T stop til you smell crude and cowdung !

Josh
said

What i would like to see is it stay at 65 but have a means test people 65 and over whoa re well off should not get it.

ronbrunet
said

What happens when all the baby boomers are dead? Will the Canadian governement change their tax policies and age back to 65 to reflect the gap it leaves or will they keep making Canadians pay more taxes for it even after it has corrected itself so they can take advantage of the extra cash for themselves.

Lz in Edmonton
said

Oh look, the greece mentality is alive and well in Canada. For all of you who don't already KNOW this, originally, OAS was for people over 70. The average age of death at the time was 72. However, to bribe voters, they changed this to 65. Guess who changed it and when?

Spare Me
said

The cost of OAS is projected to go from $36B to $142B over the next 25 years. While we can have a quasi semantic debate about literal fiscal "sustainability" given the forthcoming demographic drag (eventually only two prime-age, sub-65 workers will exist for every 65-plus eligible recipient, and the number of people receiving basic federal pensions will nearly double over the next 20 years), it seems to me that only a fool could, or would, assert that this increased burden, along with others, including and namely healthcare, can merely be absorbed without specific budgetary and program preparedness (read: financial alterations). On this particular issue, I respect Parliamentary Budget Officer Kevin Page's differing assessment; however, it doesn't adequately address the real "issue" at hand and almost comes across as another one of his overeager and bureaucratically obstinate efforts to "defy" the government in order to professionally preserve the notion that he is utterly independent and entirely politically unbiased. (It's as if he makes it his mission to muster a contrarian argument to that of Harper & Company in order to bolster his "credibility.") The bottom line is that most opposing experts are superficially disagreeing with the Conservatives by cleverly playing with the word "sustainable," and are not accounting for the underlying need for Ottawa to cover the undeniable cost-burden, and get the cash somewhere. Structural eligibility changes are required.

Betty
said

I want to know where the pension money has gone that comes from our pay. Now people have been putting this in all their working lives and now that it is their turn to retire there is not enough money. Something does not add up here, if you have been paying in for 45 years there should be enough and what difference does a couple more years make, still going to be the same amount of people retiring plus the new people..are they planning to drop the oap plan all together?

Sean C
said

How in all the is politically proper was this NOT an election issue? I am sorry, I don't care if you are a partisan right-wing hack or a left-wing communist sympathizer, there is absolutely NO WAY that these kinds of measurers should be brought in less than a year after an election when they were not discussed and debated and chosen by the people thereon! This absurd, it is completely undemocratic and it is unheard of that such a budget would ever be rammed through by a majority government in its first year without prior discussion... this unbelievable! This issue isn;t new, the problem didn't just get discovered, this could have, should have and without question was not brought up in the election just 10 months ago! If this was a Liberal gov't, Conservatives would be through the roof angry at such an electoral bait and switch.

Guelph Observer
said

I hope the rich old boys in that club don't sore so loud as to drown out her big speech. If what she has to say is so important, why doesn't she give the speech to an audience that is going to be impacted by OAS changes. Maybe some near-seniors should go down there and give direct voice to their concerns. It seems that these neocons have a hearing problem.

Brian
said

If you lower the income level for clawback,what's next? Means test for drug coverage? Medical coverage? Where is it going to end

Robert in beaconsfield
said

With all due respect to JB in Ontario, we tried mandatory retirement and it simply did not work for two important reasons. 1) Not all people are ready to retire at 65 and frankly even given the choice many are not able to do so financially. Mandatory retirement would condemn those over 65 with minimal income to a life of poverty. Do you think those seniors working in fast food chains do so because they like the cuisine?2) Forcing someone to retire due to age is discriminatory according to the Charter and rightly so. It is not up to society to tell seniors when they need to retire so that others can have jobs. Seniors have just as much right to contribute to society and support themselves as any other Canadian.Do we need more high paying and meaningful jobs? Yes, but the answer does not lay in denying senior Canadians a piece of a smaller employment pie, the answer is to bake a bigger one so that all Canadians can get a sliceHarper's policies and government priorities have failed miserably in this regard.

Greg
said

Everybody age 45 and under who doesn't have a big nest egg coming from their parents should be in favour of reducing OAS. Enough is enough to all these baby boomers having put us in debt and spending our money like drunken sailors from the 1970's to the current date and beyond.

Alan
said

My two cents...Reduce the income threshold for OAS clawback. Leave the eligibility age at 65.Don't touch CPP.

mac
said

I hope common sense prevails with the Minister`s plans/bill...stop the rhetoric - bottom line we have to ensure that today`s 50 year olds will have an OAS when its time to retire...plus the generations after that !

Guy
said

If its not going to be there when I'm 65 then stop charging me for it and let me use that money to invest in my own future. For a democratic country we sure get force to do alot of thing we don't want. Please let me worry about my future I only have 15 years left to do this so stop taking my money and my future.

Big Bob in Ottawa
said

What Carl said. I did not ask to be a worker in a low paying job. Why on god's green earth should I work longer because somebody who makes , on their pension, over what I get now as a paycheque is eligible for OAS? Conservative voters are rich and don't care about OAS as long as they don't have to pay for anyone else's retirement. Poor folk should never vote conservative like electing a hang man to do your taxes.

Debbie
said

I think this is great because it's mostly seniors who vote Conservative and this will make them really angry which will mean the end of the Conservatives which will benefit all Canadians! Hopefully the next government will be more intelligent (couldn't be stupider) and will actually care about the citizens of Canada.

mike
said

Its about time that a government took this OAS seriously not like the Liberals whom were in power for so long that all they cared about was staying in power.Looks like steve being Liberal or NDP only cares to bash the Conservatives for doing their job and this is why we elected them.Maybe steve you should get a real job and stop living off the government hand outs.

Deborah Ann
said

I agree 65 is old enough to work. I have worked all my life and I want to be able to have my health and enjoy some years of not getting up to go to work. Putting it to 67 will really have people in a uproar. On top of that why do MP's have big pensions that dont even work 35 or 40 years for the government. Something is wrong with this picuture.

john in kingston
said

If this benefit is not universal, scrap it, as a tax payer, I am fed up with paying for things that I have no hope of ever using. Claw backs are BS and a disincentive to those who properly save and prepare themselves for retirement. Last I checked, we didn't have any starving seniors lining up at food banks in Canada.

Josh
said

steve
I don't think this will be the end of them the simply reason is the 2 other partys are no better.

Diane
said

Old Age Security should be for those who NEED it not for the wealthy who use it to pay the gas for their boating fun.

mike beard
said

Whatever she says it won't be good. Please explain to me why we needed a little Stevie Harper majority government? This is what you get, her and the Big Vic......

ron
said

What about the people that planned to retire within the next couple years, if you raise the age to 67 we're screwed

alma
said

i think if you make over a certain amount of money you should not be entitled to it. let's say over $80k per year because people who make over that don't need and then use their OAS and put it back into the system. that would increase the amount for people who actually need it.

Sam
said

How fitting the corporate cons will be announcing cutting the poorest of the poor pensions with their elitist masters.The drinks will cost more than many pensioners spend in a month on food.The fools are so out of touch with Main street the irony goes right over the corporatist head!

Chris in Edmonton
said

It is so easy for everyone to lip flap about it. I for one however would like the assurance that there will be funds available for when I retire down the road. So some people might have to wait 2 years extra. I want the guarantee that 25 years from now there will actually be a fund to draw from. The amount of people hitting retirement age is huge. One of the only other ways to sustain the payments as is would be to raise taxes across the board. Then you would have something else to whine about.

Mia
said

Her fake smile does not look sincere.

Feudalism Canadian Style!
said

Will Finley and the other pigs at the taxpayer trough in the House of Commons be scaling back their own pension/medical and salaries??? Or do the elites in Canada get a big exemption from what the 99% are expected to swallow?

David in Dartmouth
said

Looks like Stephen Harper conveniently forgot about his post election promise....no suprises....well surprise surprise.....the Conservrative/ Alliance/ Reform Agenda has reared its ugly head....let the seniors starve in the dark...!!! They don't work...so they don't pay taxes....so cast them adrift..we got everything from them that we could....Sound policy??? Mr. Harper...just remember what happened to your predecessor Mr. Mulrooney and Mr. Bernard Lord....when they saw fit to tamper with Seniors.....we have votes...lots of them....and have demonstrated when needed... that WE will use them..!!! Give us what we paid for..!!! No more..no less...!!! Tread this one at your peril....!!!

Jeremy
said

I want to hear when MP's pensions are going to take a hit. All these cuts are coming, but don't dare touch MP's budgets. That is the only way you can get partisan support from all sides. Our gov't is out of touch with the average Canadian.

Carol in NB
said

You can make changes by starting to re-think the politician's retirement package - 8 years of service with a golden handshake...ridiculous. Also, for immigrants that have only been in the country for a few years....

ian
said

I don't see any mention of the cost of Pensions to inept MP's and cabinet ministers....This woman and many of her colleagues continue to slop at the Taxpayer Trough of plenty, and in the same breath have the gall to say pensioners and associated costs through OAS will be unsustainable in the future....Perhaps she should give her eyeglasses a cleaning and have a look around her...The current waste in all levels of Government should be her focus, and her bedfellows should follow suit...I wrote to my MP with many questions about OAS and government largess, and to date have only received a scripted answer designed to hopefully placate myself and the other unwashed taxpayers in Canada....I voted Conservative last election, but this sheep won't be repeating the error...

Bmac
said

A simple solution to this issue may be to allow a tiny increase in corporate taxes....say by 1%. I would like to know what this impact would have on Canada's bottom line.Perhaps with this tiny increase our seniors and soon to be seniors wouldn't have to go through the angst this proposed policy is producing.I think the average Canadian would go for this, but the multinationals would not.

eddytoronto
said

They will start seizing pensions...How?Easy..Just by raising the age of retirement ...Now its 67 yrs then 70 yrs and after that 72 yrs...This is Not a Joke ...I will say it again Your pensions are Not Yours....Hay Harper Where are the Jobs..Lol

Deborah in Montreal
said

If you are 50 or older - please take action and DO NOT VOTE FOR THE CONSERVATIVES in the next election. This is the ONLY way we can make our voices heard.

Ray K, Ottawa
said

What a thoughtful choice of venue! I am sure the genteel members of the Canadian Club (most of whom, if not all, will never be dependent on OASP or CPP) will give her remarks the nodding approval Ms. Finley so desires.

I wonder if other audiences - the Parliamentary Budget Officer, a few thousand average 50-somethings - would be so agreeable.

JB in Ontario
said

We need jobs so that we will be able to support OAS for those Canadians retiring this generation and next. I don't know what the plan is in the budget, but I think a good mandatory retirement age should be 65. There is so much more to life than work and I think at 65, Canadians should enjoy their retirement. I also think a 40 hour work week is sufficient.

steve
said

this will be the death of you cons. good riddance. nobody ever accused the cons of being intelligent.

Keith
said

In my opinion the headline would have been much more appreciated by Canadians if it had said: Finley to outline new direction on Members of Parliament pensions and perks.

Carl
said

I hope her approach includes drastically reducing the income level at which OAS is clawed back. There is no excuse for taxpayers being forced to give money to people earning six-figure incomes just because they're over 65 years old. If you want to save money without harming low-income seniors, the fix is obvious.

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