Crass politicking threatens Ontarians' retirement security: Unifor

TORONTO, July 30, 2015 /CNW/ - Unifor is reiterating its call on the Conservative government to support the creation of a provincial pension plan.

"Prime Minister Harper's refusal to enter a service agreement to support the implementation of the Ontario Retirement Pension Plan (ORPP) is undermining the retirement security and democratic will of the people of Ontario," said Ontario Regional Director Katha Fortier.

Today, the Ontario government called on the federal government to reverse its position not to help implement the ORPP, noting that there are at least 28 CRA administered programs and 88 data exchange agreements that exist between the federal and provincial governments.

"This is not a special request," said Fortier. "Establishing a contract with the federal government to assist with the implementation of the ORPP would be similar to at least 100 other current contracts. It is very upsetting to see the crassest political games threaten Ontarians' retirement security."

Unifor has been a strong supporter of the ORPP, as a first step to expanding the CPP. The Harper government has opposed any plan to expand public pensions.

Fortier said Unifor will continue to push for a mandatory, universal, defined benefit ORPP that mirrors the CPP/QPP.

For more on Unifor's ORPP and CPP efforts, go to unifor.org/pensionscampaign.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 305,000 workers, including 158,000 in Ontario. It was formed Labour Day weekend 2013 when the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers union merged.

SOURCE Unifor

Sarah Blackstock, Communications Director, at [email protected] or 416-949-1072.