MPs taking slow road to pension reform

OTTAWA -- Today, the National Citizens Coalition was pleased to see the federal government commit to pension reform for both public servants and MPs.

---

"MP pension reform is long overdue, and MPs have desperately avoided even discussing this issue for more than a decade," says Peter Coleman, President and CEO of the National Citizens Coalition. "It is time to bring MP and public sector pensions in line with private sector norms." MPs will be required to contribute fifty percent of their pensions - starting in 2016. "While this is an encouraging announcement from the federal government, it is extremely disappointing that they are taking such a gradual, incremental approach," continues Coleman. "Our MPs are asking public servants to accept immediate wage freezes, so why are MPs seeking preferential treatment?"

---

---

Taxpayers currently contribute between $10-$24 to MP pensions for every $1 that MPs contribute themselves once all benefits and remuneration are factored in. "Our federal government is still struggling to eliminate a $21-billion deficit this year," says Stephen Taylor, Director of the National Citizens Coalition. "We need to see decisive leadership - there is simply no justification for any delays." Peter Coleman and Stephen Taylor are available for comment. Peter Coleman President and CEO National Citizens Coalition Email: pcoleman1@rogers.blackberry.net Stephen Taylor Director National Citizens Coalition Email: staylor@ncc-on.org

---