“All Canadians will benefit if the federal and provincial governments immediately start constructing a Universal Pension plan – a universally accessible and affordable retirement savings vehicle that is robust enough to withstand demographic and economic challenges like those we are now witnessing. The first step is to convene a Pension Summit at which representatives of retirees have a material role. Is there any doubt now that older Canadians want to have their voices heard?”, added Eng.

CARP is not alone in calling for immediate action and for a Pension Summit.

“Canada’s actuaries have been calling for governments to put pensions on the country’s agenda by holding a National Pension Reform Summit. At this Summit the Ministers responsible for the pension file could discuss critical common issues such as the decline in coverage of pension plans, and develop a road map and timetable for much-needed harmonized legislative and regulatory reforms”, said Mike Hale, President of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries/Institut canadien des actuaires

CARP is a national, non-partisan, non-profit organization committed to advocating for a New Vision of Aging for Canada, social change that will bring financial security, equitable access to health care and freedom from discrimination. CARP seeks to ensure that the marketplace serves the needs and expectations of our generation and provides value-added benefits, products and services to our members. Through our network of chapters across Canada, CARP is dedicated to building a sense of community and shared values among our members in support of CARP’s mission.

For further information, please contact:

Pam Maher 416.363.2277 x. 235 Communications coordinator

Anne Gravel 416.363.2277 x. 230 Researcher, Policy Development

for

Susan Eng Vice President Advocacy CARP, A New Vision of Aging for Canada

or visit our website: www.carp.ca