Marston calls on government to hold emergency summit on Pensions

Mr. Wayne Marston (Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, Canadians know that our major pension plans in this country are facing an unprecedented crisis.

In its most recent study on the issue, the Conference Board of Canada stated that the number of seniors living in poverty has doubled since 1995. The minister must publicly acknowledge this crisis in order to begin the search for solutions.

Will the finance minister acknowledge here and now the severe pension crisis in Canada? Will he support the New Democrats' call for an emergency national summit on pensions?

Mr. Wayne Marston (Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, NDP):
Mr. Speaker, in June, this House, including the entire Conservative caucus, voted unanimously in support of the NDP opposition day motion calling for major reforms to pensions. Was that just a cynical move?

The will of Parliament is clear. With two-thirds of households unable to put together enough resources for the bare necessities in retirement, the time for real pension reform is now.

A road map is already in place. Will the minister commit today to work with Parliament to move forward with real and comprehensive pension reform?