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Canada’s largest union is welcoming an agreement by the federal, provincial and territorial governments for a modest expansion of the Canada Pension Plan. While significantly less than the proposed doubling of benefits advocated for by the Canadian labour movement, the Canadian Union of Public Employees is pleased the deal will mean a universal expansion to the CPP that will help all workers.

“I appreciate that the Prime Minister, Premiers and Canada’s Finance Ministers have heard the concerns of Canadian workers worried about their retirements, and have finally taken action to help the over 11 million Canadians without a workplace pension,” said Mark Hancock, national president of CUPE.

CUPE and other Canadian unions have supported an expanded CPP since its inception 50 years ago. CUPE has long advocated for an expanded CPP as the most effective, efficient and affordable way to ensure as many Canadians as possible can retire out of poverty.

“I want to thank every CUPE member, activist and leader who has worked so hard on behalf of all Canadian workers to make CPP reform possible,” said Hancock. “Thanks to your advocacy, millions of Canadians will be able to retire with dignity.”

Charles Fleury, national secretary-treasurer of CUPE, added his thanks to CUPE members for their efforts to improve Canada’s public pension system. “The urgent need to improve the CPP would not have been on the country’s agenda if our members and working people had not worked together. CUPE will continue campaigning and advocating for improved retirement income security for all Canadian workers.”

“While this agreement will make a big difference, the CPP is just one part of a secure retirement,” added Mark Hancock. “CUPE will continue working to establish better defined benefit workplace pensions, and fight for more good paying jobs so workers can afford to save more for retirement. There is still much to be done for Canadian workers.”