(OTTAWA) Today, the National Citizens Coalition is pleased to see the federal Conservative government taking a serious approach to MP pension reform.
"We were very concerned after the initial announcement that MP pension reform would be a part of a larger omnibus Bill," says Peter Coleman, President and CEO of the National Citizens Coalition. "We have always thought that MP pension reform is an important issue and it should stand on its own."
The federal Conservatives have now backed away from this choice, and have voted on MP pension reform as a single piece of legislation.
Under the revised legislation, MPs will split their pensions contributions evenly with taxpayers - but not until 2016.
"The next step is for MPs to do the right thing and implement these changes right now," continues Coleman. "Our MPs are asking public servants to accept an immediate wage freeze, why should our elected officials receive special treatment?"
The federal Conservative government and opposition parties worked together in concert to whip the revised MP pension legislation through its first, second, and third readings. They did not, however, adjust the implementation date of 2016.
"Our federal government is still struggling to eliminate a $21-billion deficit this year," says Stephen Taylor, Director of the National Citizens Coalition. "There is simply no justification for any delays."
