Mr. Speaker, since the beginning of this Parliament, I have been listening to seniors from my riding and from across the country and this is what they have been telling me: Seniors need retirement income security guaranteed throughout their retirement years. Seniors need an OAS and GIS income that will keep them above the poverty line. Seniors need an end to the clawing back of GIS when there is a cost of living increase to CPP. Seniors need a national pension insurance plan to protect their company pensions.
Over 60% of today's workers have no pension and no retirement savings. These workers are facing a bleak retirement unless the government moves to significantly increase CPP with a goal of doubling it over 35 years.
That is why when the federal, provincial and territorial finance ministers meet next week in Kananaskis, Alberta, the NDP urges the government to follow through on its commitment to expand the CPP.