Presented by Ken Georgetti on Tuesday, 2 March 2010

(Check Against Delivery)

The Canadian Labour Congress is deeply concerned this week’s budget may cut public services or public sector workers’ pensions.

Let’s be clear – Canada’s labour movement will fight unfair cuts.

Cutting needed public services would be another problem, not a solution, to our economic crisis. 

With 1.5 million Canadians unemployed, it’s obvious that we need a comprehensive job creation plan – not cuts that would slow our economy even further.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has an obligation to put this country back to work – not to put more people out of work.

When unemployed Canadians find jobs – they pay taxes, buy goods and services and stimulate the economy.

But cutting needed public services and pensions would be disastrous.

It would not balance the budget – but it would put even more people on the unemployment line.

And in a recession, it’s obvious that people depend on public services more than ever.

I am also very troubled by suggestions the federal government may try to cut public sector pensions.

Pensions are not a “gift” from the federal government – pensions are the deferred earnings of those workers who paid for them paycheque after paycheque and depend on them for retirement with dignity and security.

And if the federal government attempts to cut those pensions, it will be the entire labour movement that fights back as hard as it can – not just public service unions.

What the federal government should be doing is to make the Canada Pension Plan a true pension plan that all Canadians can depend on for their retirement.

The CLC wants the government to phase in doubling Canada Pension Plan benefits over 7 to 10 years.

A lasting legacy that will benefit young Canadians the most, but will also help those who are nearing retirement see some relief.

Ensuring that no Canadian retires into poverty should be a government priority.

So the idea that the federal government might actually cut the pensions of its own workers is repugnant.

Now is the time to improve the retirement security of all Canadians – not to attack the pension plans of workers who provide this country’s valuable public services.

Thank you.