CAW Lauds Possible CPP Improvements

TORONTO, June 11 /CNW/ - CAW President Ken Lewenza called the news of possible improvements to the Canadian Pension Plan "encouraging and historic," as announced yesterday by federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, in a letter to Ontario Finance Minister Dwight Duncan.

Lewenza urged finance ministers from other provinces to support critical changes to the CPP legislation, in advance of the finance ministers meeting on Monday in Prince Edward Island.

Lewenza said that the indication that the government is willing to increase CPP benefits is a clear sign that Canadians' concerns around retirement security have been heard by their elected officials.

"Citizens from right across the country have spoken out about the need to increase CPP in town hall meetings, forums and rallies," said Lewenza. "We are hopeful that this means the CPP improvements will seriously address the income shortfall hundreds of thousands of Canadians are faced with once they retire."

Lewenza called Flaherty's rejection of the proposal to double the CPP "disappointing," but he said he looks forward to the release of the details of the changes.

"A very minor improvement to CPP will not have the desired effect to ensure no senior lives in poverty. We await the details of these important changes."

For the last year, CAW members have lobbied their municipal, provincial and federal elected officials, urging changes to the CPP legislation, as part of the Canadian Labour Congress campaign to double the CPP.

For further information: CAW Communications, Shannon Devine, (cell) 416-302-1699 or CAW Director of Membership Mobilization and Political Action Jenny Ahn, (cell) 416-271-3489