Enter your email below to receive weekly updates from the Ashton College blog straight to your inbox.
By: Alex Nikotina
Published On: October 4, 2016The Canadian Government has reached the decision to move forward with strengthening the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). The CPP enhancement will be introduced through a 7-year gradual process starting on January 1, 2019.
The Canada Pension Plan gives Canadians predictable lifetime benefit as partial substitute of earnings in the case of their retirement, disability or death. The CPP operates throughout Canada, with the exception of Quebec, that has their own Québec Pension Plan (QPP) system.
In Canada, individuals can start receiving their CPP retirement pension at the age of 65. The pension amounts vary depending on the individual’s contribution, the number of years working, the time of retirement (before 65 or after 70 years of age) or other benefits (disability benefit).
As of July 2016, the average retirement pension at the age of 65 was CAD$642.45, and the maximum payment amount was CAD$1,092.50.
The Canada Pension Plan enhancement was first introduced and discussed in 2015, but the agreement was not reached that year. The conversation continued into 2016, with the federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau voicing out his commitment to the CPP enhancement.
On October 4th, 2016 the Canadian government has announced that the nine participating provinces (with the exception of Quebec) have agreed to take part in the new CPP plan enhancement. BC province was the last one to sign the agreement, with many people still being concerned about the impact of the enhanced CPP on the Canadian small businesses.
The Canadian government strongly believes that the new CPP will be beneficial for the Canadians in the long run. Once fully in place, the new strengthened CPP will contribute up to 50% more into the pensions of future retirees.
“This stronger and more stable pension program will help middle class Canadians enjoy their retirement years as they should – enjoying their health and families – instead of worrying about making ends meet,” shares Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“We're focused on how we can improve the retirement security for Canadians and do it in a way that's going to enhance our economy over the long term,” says Bill Morneau.
View All Comments