News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

November 4, 2016

Manitoba Government Launches Public Consultations on Canada Pension Plan



As part of the national conversation on enhancements to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Manitoba’s new government is launching public consultations to hear ideas and suggestions from Manitobans, Finance Minister Cameron Friesen announced today.

“We believe Canadians will receive the most benefit from the Canada Pension Plan if the provinces and the federal government work to make it better, not just bigger,” said Friesen.  “Our government wants to ensure the suggestions we are putting forward to strengthen the CPP reflect the priorities of the Manitobans who contribute to this as employers and employees.”

In June 2016, federal and provincial finance ministers signed an agreement in principle to enhance the CPP with modest, phased-in and fully funded increases in contributions.  The minister noted Manitoba did not initially sign the agreement and consented only when acknowledgment was given that Manitoba’s proposals to strengthen the changes be given consideration at the upcoming finance ministers meeting in Ottawa next month.  Provinces and territories must also agree to any further changes to the CPP.

Manitoba’s proposals include:

  • indexing the CPP death benefit,
  • undertaking a comprehensive review of CPP survivor and disability benefits, and
  • eliminating the claw back of guaranteed income supplements for widowed seniors’ CPP survivor benefits.

“The Canada Pension Plan is a key pillar of Canada's retirement income system, but more research and analysis is needed to modernize it and ensure that it addresses the realities facing Canadians,” said Friesen.  “These public consultations will ensure all Manitobans – employees, business owners, retirees and young people – have the opportunity to share their ideas for how the plan can best benefit everyone who contributes.”

Written submissions can be made until Nov. 27 online at www.gov.mb.ca/cpp/index.html or mailed to:

Office of the Minister of Finance
450 Broadway
Legislative Building
Winnipeg, MB R3C 0V8

For more information on the June 2016 agreement, visit Finance Canada at:
www.fin.gc.ca/n16/16-113-eng.asp.

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