Media Advisory - CAW Calls for Doubling of CPP at Federal Pension Roundtable

LONDON, ON, April 16 /CNW/ - The CAW will be making a presentation at the pension roundtable organized by the federal Department of Finance in London, Ontario on Monday, April 19, calling for the doubling of the Canadian Pension Plan benefit, among other reforms.

The union is urging the federal government to take serious action to repair the country's retirement system.

The roundtable will be held at the University of Western Ontario - London Hall, Room 100.

Presentations will take place from 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

CAW President Ken Lewenza commended the federal government for its attention to the issue of retirement security, through the public consultations, but urged the government to add more consultation locations to the agenda.

"The federal government is clearly hearing Canadians say that we need pension reform," said Lewenza. "Up to 72 per cent of employed Canadians do not have a workplace pension plan, and as many as 70 per cent do not have RRSPs - this points to a very obvious shortcoming in the retirement system which leaves people to fend for themselves in their senior years. The CPP is the one plan that most Canadians do have and it must be strengthened."

Improving the CPP will result in a net gain not only for retiring Canadians, but it will also decrease the strain on social services and government as fewer seniors will have to live in poverty," said Lewenza.

CAW Director of Pensions and Benefits Sym Gill will be presenting on behalf of the union.

A number of concerned citizens of all ages will be demonstrating outside the roundtable.

For further information: CAW Director of Membership Mobilization and Political Action, Jenny Ahn, (cell) [phone]; CAW Communications, Angelo DiCaro, (cell) [phone]