Most MPs Choose Principles Before Pensions
-- CTF Campaign Brings Disclosure & Transparency To Pension Issue --
OTTAWA: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) announced today that 37 of a possible 48 MPs have held steadfast to their principles by remaining outside of the gold-plated MP pension plan. Four MPs will re-enter the plan and seven MPs have chosen not to disclose their intentions. These results were compiled from MPs statements', a survey conducted in mid-July, and media reports.
"We commend the leadership and financial sacrifice shown by 37 MPs. Turning down over $20 million in future pension income is courageous and principled," stated CTF federal director Walter Robinson. "Unfortunately, this courage is tainted by the actions of four MPs who have decided to re-enter the richest pension plan in the country and seven others who chose not to disclose their intentions to taxpayers, even though they've had the entire summer to do so."
In 1995, 61 MPs voluntarily opted out of the gold-plated MP pension plan. The passage of Bill C-47 this past June allowed 48 of those sitting MPs (38 Reform, 6 Liberal, and 4 Bloc) to opt-back into the pension plan. Today is the deadline for MPs to "opt-back in" or "stay-out."
"Our August radio ads brought visibility to this issue and reminded Canadians that a majority of MPs still view themselves as an aristocratic class according pension benefits to themselves that are illegal for ordinary taxpayers," Robinson fumed. "And the spin-doctoring and misinformation spewed by those MPs who have opted back in insults the intelligence of Canadian taxpayers."
Next week, the CTF will distribute supportive letters commending those MPs who remain as non-participants in the plan. These letters will be sent to daily and weekly newspapers in each of the 37 constituencies where MPs have stayed out of he pension plan.
OTTAWA: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) announced today that 37 of a possible 48 MPs have held steadfast to their principles by remaining outside of the gold-plated MP pension plan. Four MPs will re-enter the plan and seven MPs have chosen not to disclose their intentions. These results were compiled from MPs statements', a survey conducted in mid-July, and media reports.
"We commend the leadership and financial sacrifice shown by 37 MPs. Turning down over $20 million in future pension income is courageous and principled," stated CTF federal director Walter Robinson. "Unfortunately, this courage is tainted by the actions of four MPs who have decided to re-enter the richest pension plan in the country and seven others who chose not to disclose their intentions to taxpayers, even though they've had the entire summer to do so."
In 1995, 61 MPs voluntarily opted out of the gold-plated MP pension plan. The passage of Bill C-47 this past June allowed 48 of those sitting MPs (38 Reform, 6 Liberal, and 4 Bloc) to opt-back into the pension plan. Today is the deadline for MPs to "opt-back in" or "stay-out."
"Our August radio ads brought visibility to this issue and reminded Canadians that a majority of MPs still view themselves as an aristocratic class according pension benefits to themselves that are illegal for ordinary taxpayers," Robinson fumed. "And the spin-doctoring and misinformation spewed by those MPs who have opted back in insults the intelligence of Canadian taxpayers."
Next week, the CTF will distribute supportive letters commending those MPs who remain as non-participants in the plan. These letters will be sent to daily and weekly newspapers in each of the 37 constituencies where MPs have stayed out of he pension plan.