• Protect pension funds by requiring fund surpluses to be paid into contingency accounts, rather than used for contribution holidays, to help weather market storms like this one.

• Provide access to defined benefit pensions for the one in three Canadians without any retirement savings through a universal pension plan that supplements what people can get from the Canada Pension Plan [CPP].

So make the politicians work for your vote in this election.

1. raise the issues that matter to you in this election and tell them you will follow up if they win
2. encourage your family to raise these issues with their candidates
3. consider naming the priorities CARP has articulated CARP Priorities Click here
4. you could use the checklist: Click here for checklist
5. write a letter to editor to respond to the Globe and Mail article: [this link will tie your letter into the article – keep it to 250 words and include your name and phone number] Globe and Mail Letter to the Editor Click here

Remember that your votes count. In the 2006 election there were 58 marginal seats – those that were won by 5% or less. Check: www.sfu.cafor a list and to see whether yours is one of them. And let’s have some fun and see if your voting preferences in our poll will predict the final outcome.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving and here’s hoping for many more even happier ones!