Why Canada needs to expand its public pension system
OTTAWA—The Prime Minister’s recent musings in Davos about raising the age of entitlement for Old Age Security (OAS) from 65 to 67 start an appropriate discussion—but are too simplistic. In fact, the idea of raising the age of eligibility for public pensions in Canada is not new. It was proposed to the Trudeau government […]
CPP offers financial model for covering elderly drug costs
TORONTO—In almost all developed countries, health-care costs have grown faster than the economy over the past few decades. Canada is no exception. From 1982 to today, Canadian health-care costs grew on average 6.9 per cent a year, while the economy grew on average by 5.7 per cent. This growth, coupled with tax reductions, has […]
Lies, damn lies, and statistics
WATERLOO, ONT.—The debate around raising the age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) has only just begun and already we are up to our necks in misleading information. Unfortunately, some commentators have decided to use statistics the way a drunk uses a lamppost—more for support than illumination. Recent examples from well-known and highly-respected […]
Time to have open discussion on fiscal, health, social implications of aging population Canada
The Prime Minister surprised Canadians, including his own caucus, when he proclaimed from the high perch of Davos that Canadians’ pension system was about to change. After first denying what he had said in Davos, it became clearer that the next budget will include a plan to change the age at which Canadians qualify […]
Liberals’ centre plank is the Supplemental Canada Pension Plan
Statistics Canada says the population over the age of 65 could reach 10.9 million by 2036. With this, as the population continues to age, new financial challenges will emerge. So what exactly does this mean for you and your family? On Jan. 26, Prime Minister Stephen Harper intimated that these challenges would necessitate dramatic […]
Canada desperately needs a national plan to deal with Canada’s aging population
Seniors are a priority for New Democrats and we recognize that our country desperately needs a national plan to deal with Canada’s aging population. We are dedicated to developing a concrete plan to ensure that no senior is left behind as our country’s demographics shift. There are many among us who have concerns for […]
Seniors issues emerge as a policy priority for federal government
The federal government has been hard at work assuring the public that it supports the country’s growing population of seniors, and has taken significant steps to consult with seniors on policy issues. When it comes to pension reform though, the Conservatives aren’t open to suggestions. Seniors issues have been a hallmark of the Conservative […]
Leading economic forecasters back PBO’s report on the long-term sustainability of Old Age Security
The federal government’s declaration that Canada’s Old Age Security program is unsustainable has raised the ire of the opposition parties. While the Tories are adamant that the eligibility age for OAS must be raised by two years, economists with the Conference Board of Canada and the C.D. Howe Institute back the PBO’s assessment that […]
PM, Finance and Industry to make innovation a top policy priority in 2012
The federal government has been signaling its willingness to take bold steps to foster innovation in Canada, but industry insiders say there needs to be a commitment across partisan lines if the country is to reap the long term benefits of such policies. Innovation has been a trending topic in official government statements after […]
On the ‘rightful place’ for innovation and science policy in our governments
GATINEAU—When U.S. President Barack Obama came to power three years ago, one of his priorities was to re-establish the “rightful place” of science in his administration. This has meant restoring science as a tool for crafting smart policies to strengthen the nation; getting the best available evidence to decision-makers; hiring highly-qualified public servants to […]
