National Union Lobby & Educational Session

Posted May 14, 2010

Canadians are facing difficult times when it comes to Retirement Security. We, as social activists, have grave concerns for the many Canadians, sixty-three (63%) percent, who will enter their golden years without the security of knowing they will be able to live comfortably.

The labour movement has been working diligently holding town hall meetings, meeting with politicans, writing letters to politicans and holding demonstrations, to raise awareness on the issue of pensions. Predominately, the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and the Guarantee Income Supplement (GIS) has fallen well below of what is required for Canadians to retire without living in poverty. Additionally, we have concerns that many Canadians do not have a pension plan to rely upon for their golden years which is the result of many employers not offering a pension plan during employment.

As PEI UPSE activists, we ask that you join us June 13-14 to show Islanders that we care about the future of our retirees and that something needs to be done to divert the poverty which our social programs are creating.

A meeting will be held at the Delta Prince Edward on Sunday, June 13, from 2:00-4:30 p.m. This meeting will provide a background to understand the issue and what we, as labour activists, are suggesting to fix this problem.

On Monday, June 14, we will hold a pension rally at the Crowbush Beach Resort where the Provincial Finance Ministers will be meeting. Bus transportation will be provided for all PEI activists wishing to attend. More details will be posted as they become available.

For more information about the pension crisis, check out this link on the National Union's website, NUPGE Pension and Retirement Security.