Ted Menzies Hosts Local Town Hall Discussion on Retirement Income Adequacy

May 20, 2010

Clarseholm, AB – Ted Menzies, Member of Parliament for Macleod and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance, hosted a town hall discussion yesterday on retirement income adequacy with seniors from the communities of Okotoks, Turner Valley, Black Diamond, High River, and Vulcan.  More than 75 seniors attended the afternoon meeting at the Okotoks and District Seniors Club, and were eager to share their views on issues ranging from public pensions to private investment.

“Canadians work hard to realize their retirement dreams,” said Menzies.  “As your government is engaged in strengthening Canada’s retirement income system through reform, it is critical that we provide seniors with an opportunity to make their voices heard.”

Participants repeatedly thanked Menzies for taking the time to hear their views on this extremely important issue affecting all Canadians regardless of age, sex or income level.m

To support a strong retirement income system over the long term, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Finance established a Research Working Group in May 2009, chaired by Menzies, to expand governments’ understanding of retirement income adequacy issues. While the group’s December 2009 report confirmed the strength of Canada’s existing system, the government has undertaken a series of consultations to analyze the wide range of ideas that have been put forward by experts and ordinary Canadians alike.

The town hall meeting is an important opportunity for Menzies to gather input from his constituents in Macleod to bring forward at the next meeting of federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Finance in June, where Canada’s retirement income system will be a key agenda item.

For more information about ensuring the ongoing strength of Canada’s retirement income system, please visit http://www.fin.gc.ca/activty/consult/retirement-eng.asp.