The NDP will restore the retirement age to 65

New Democrat critic for Pensions John Rafferty (Thunder Bay – Rainy River) tabled a motion in Parliament calling on the Conservatives to restore Canada’s age of retirement to 65.

“Young people and parents concerned about their children’s future are worried public pensions just won’t be there for them. Instead of making retirement more secure, the Harper Conservatives’ increased the age of eligibility for the Old Age Security Pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement from 65 to 67. We know OAS is sustainable. The Conservative move was unnecessary and unfair,” Rafferty said.

The text of Rafferty’s motion (M-586) is as follows:

“That, in the opinion of the House, that the age of eligibility for the Old Age Security pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement should be restored to 65 years of age from 67 years of age.”

Rafferty said this motion is the first of several to come this spring that will outline his party’s strategy for dealing with Canada’s pension and retirement saving crisis.

“Conservatives keep telling Canadians that they need to work more, and longer, for less. Tom Mulcair and the NDP believe Canadians are entitled to a secure and dignified retirement, but that this is simply not the case for many today. Raising the age of retirement will only push more seniors into poverty. Canadians deserve better.”