Manitoba is launching public consultations to hear ideas and suggestions on enhancements to the Canada Pension Plan.
The province had originally opted out of the agreement struck in Vancouver on June 21 by federal, provincial and territorial ministers. In July, Premier Brian Pallister said Manitoba had joined the other provinces in working towards enhancing the CCP, though he noted the agreement with the federal government would include additional research and analysis on several proposals it had set out at the end of June.
Read: Manitoba wants CPP deal to go even further
Read: Manitoba joins other provinces in efforts to reform CPP
“We believe Canadians will receive the most benefit from the Canada Pension Plan if the provinces and the federal government work to make it better, not just bigger,” said Finance Minister Cameron Friesen, in a news release on Friday.
“Our government wants to ensure the suggestions we are putting forward to strengthen the CPP reflect the priorities of the Manitobans who contribute to this as employers and employees.”
The minister noted Manitoba did not initially sign the agreement and consented only when acknowledgment was given that Manitoba’s proposals to strengthen the changes be given consideration at the upcoming finance ministers meeting in Ottawa next month.
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Manitoba’s proposals include:
- Indexing the CPP death benefit;
- Undertaking a comprehensive review of CPP survivor and disability benefits; and
- Eliminating the clawback of guaranteed income supplements for widowed seniors’ CPP survivor benefits.
“The Canada Pension Plan is a key pillar of Canada’s retirement income system, but more research and analysis is needed to modernize it and ensure that it addresses the realities facing Canadians,” said Friesen. “These public consultations will ensure all Manitobans – employees, business owners, retirees and young people – have the opportunity to share their ideas for how the plan can best benefit everyone who contributes.”
After considering feedback from an online consultation it launched in July, British Columbia confirmed it will support the CPP enhancement. All other provinces, except Quebec which has the Quebec Pension Plan, have agreed in principle with the enhancements.