Pensions

[Topaz]

A report out today says that 47% baby boomers will be able to retire at 65. The Feds are doing something for the Federal and Provincial public workers but its the private pensions that are causing the problems. Tom Clark said yesterday,that the youngest member of the Tory's now be able to collect his pension of 167,000 yearly when he turns 55 because he has been in government for 3 years, I thought it had to be 6. It seem its a double standard when it comes to pensions. Do you really think someone in politics less than 5-10 years should be paid 167,000.00?

[Michael Hardner]

Shooting fish in a barrel with that question.

Of course, the Reformatories refused to accept their pensions... until they became eligible.

[ToadBrother]

A report out today says that 47% baby boomers will be able to retire at 65. The Feds are doing something for the Federal and Provincial public workers but its the private pensions that are causing the problems. Tom Clark said yesterday,that the youngest member of the Tory's now be able to collect his pension of 167,000 yearly when he turns 55 because he has been in government for 3 years, I thought it had to be 6. It seem its a double standard when it comes to pensions. Do you really think someone in politics less than 5-10 years should be paid 167,000.00?

Quite frankly I think we should pay every MP some large number, say $400,000 a year plus an annual increase indexed to inflation, maybe double that for cabinet ministers, but the upshot is that we don't pay for their offices, housing, medicine, pension plans or anything.

[Topaz]

Perhaps with the more Canadians knowing the the pensions are of these politicans, more young people will run for office. After all, since the new conservatives arrives , question period is just one big party. Its a game of who says the most smart-mouth personal attacks or the most jokes!

[fellowtraveller]

I'd prefer that they drop the pensions entirely, and just give them a lumpsum related to their time in office equivalent to what pension payments would have been, a form of severance. Then they can top up their own plans, or buy a boat, or whatever. Just like many others today.