June 17 2010

Congratulations!

We scored a major victory over the weekend. Canada's finance ministers recognized that expanding the Canada Pension Plan is the best way to help everyone save more for retirement.

It's more proof that working people can make a difference and change things for the better. All we have to do is talk to the politicians we elect, so they don't forget who they really work for.

But this is just the first step on the journey to winning decent retirement security for everyone.

Big money interests like the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) have launched a campaign of fear to scare politicians away from making any changes to the CPP. They're already out there, telling people their CPP savings are a payroll tax. We can't let them get away with this.

Over the summer, people will need to keep talking to politicians about what a good idea it is to expand the CPP and double the amount people get from it. I'm asking you to help.

Every time you see an article in the paper that calls the CPP a payroll tax, send a letter to the editor to set the record straight. If you hear someone call the CPP a tax on the radio, call the station and tell them they're wrong. Tell them that expanding the CPP is the safest and easiest way to help everyone save more for retirement.

I've asked our campaign staff to write some sample letters and phone messages to help you do this. Look for them on our Website sometime soon.

Thank you all, once again. Be proud of what we have accomplished. Now let's get the job done!

Ken Georgetti - President, Canadian Labour Congress