Presented by Ken Georgetti on Sunday, 13 June 2010

(Check Against Delivery)

Friends, there are 14 federal, provincial and territorial Finance Ministers meeting today and Monday here in PEI.

Not in the meeting are union members representing the 3.2 million workers who are members of the Canadian Labour Congress!

Outside this meeting are also representatives of seniors organizations, of community groups, of retired workers – and together we represent millions and millions of Canadians.

And I am very happy to tell you that when it comes to retirement and pension security – those millions of Canadians are finally being heard!

On Thursday federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty and Ontario Finance Minister Dwight Duncan confirmed that they are going to be taking our advice – they have announced that they want the Canada Pension Plan to be expanded!

This is great news – for all Canadian workers – union and non-union – and great news for the future of retirement security.

I have no hesitation in saying publicly – thank you Minister Flaherty, thank you minister Duncan.

Thank you for listening to the Canadian people and hearing their serious concerns about the need to reform our retirement and pension system.

And thank you to each province and minister who backs this dramatic proposal to make it happen!

Because we need the support of all provinces as well as the federal government to fix the retirement crisis and let seniors enjoy their golden years with dignity and respect.

But let’s be clear – this is not the end of our campaign for retirement security in Canada – it’s only the beginning.

Ministers Flaherty and Duncan have committed to expanding the Canada Pension Plan – but they have not accepted the Canadian Labour Congress proposal to double CPP benefits.

And much more needs to be done before all seniors can retire in dignity and respect.

The Canadian Labour Congress still believes we must double Canada Pension Plan benefits for future retirees over the next 7 years so that no Canadian will ever again live in poverty when they retire.

Second – we need to immediately increase the Guaranteed Annual Income Supplement by 15% to lift the 1.6 million seniors currently below the poverty line out of that misery.

That would cost the same amount as Canada is spending on G8 and G20 security!

Third – we need to protect our existing pension plans so that no worker can have their pension stolen by irresponsible corporate or government actions.

Friends – thanks to all of you – this is your victory!

Because YOU have helped put retirement security at the top of Canada’s agenda.

So now together we must ensure that the Finance Ministers continue on the right course to retirement and pension reform, and implement labour's plan!

And with your help, we will win!