Thank you for the opportunity to speak today on an issue of growing importance for Canadians: ending mandatory retirement.
Just to let you know, I'm the co-contributing editor to the book called Time's Up! Mandatory Retirement in Canada, and I have written on the subject as well. I took part in the recommendations to the Ontario government last year that led to the government's making its decision to end mandatory retirement in the province.
On December 12, 2006, less than two months from now, the Government of Ontario will ban mandatory retirement. This is a step of paramount significance, but it is a step that must also be taken across Canada, in provinces and in those industries under federal jurisdiction.
Members of the standing committee know that mandatory retirement at age 65 is still the rule in this country. With the exception of Quebec, Ontario, and Manitoba, governments permit mandatory retirement. Indeed, the Canadian Human Rights Act includes a special provision that allows employers to dismiss workers on account of age.
Compulsory dismissal at age 65 was never a justified practice. The Charter of Rights and Freedoms forbids discrimination on the basis of age, but the persistence of ageism among powerful constituencies in Canada, including governments, the courts, unions, and employers, meant that efforts over the past twenty years to end mandatory retirement were unsuccessful until the historic decision of the Ontario government.
Forced retirement at age 65 ended in the United States almost thirty years ago. New Zealand and Australia abolished the practice in the 1990s. In fact, the Government of Canada itself ended forced retirement for public servants in 1986, twenty years ago.
There is a growing popular movement against mandatory retirement in Canada that will likely soon end the practice. Let me explain why.
As the baby boomers advance into their sixties, an unprecedented number of Canadians will be subject to rules on mandatory retirement. Previously, workers reaching the age of 65 represented a small, powerless minority. I think with this growing group of older Canadians we will find more pressure to end the practice.
Workers aged 65 will be terminated in most of Canada just as the country is facing a skills shortage of enormous depth. Most Canadians are living longer, healthier lives. In many cases, they have knowledge and capabilities that exceed those of younger workers. There is absolutely no sense, in my opinion, in expelling them from the workforce.
I think the members of the committee know, as many others do, that pension plans across the country are under pressure, and many Canadians do not have the financial resources to afford a lengthy retirement. Forcing them from work under these circumstances is an extremely cruel and senseless destiny.
Older Canadians no longer accept the stereotypes of aging. They are forging brand new lifestyles that require continued participation in the workforce. Governments ought to encourage this exciting new development by abolishing barriers against full participation by older workers.
To conclude my presentation, I believe the committee should recommend that the federal government set an example in ending what frankly is the shameful practice of forced retirement.
As a first step, the Canadian Human Rights Act must be amended to exclude age discrimination in employment. A proactive program to encourage longer working lives should be a priority at the federal level.
The human rights of older Canadians deserve to be fully recognized. People over 65 should no longer be treated as second-class citizens.
Thanks for your attention.