News Benefits & Pensions
Alberta holding telephone town halls starting next week to gauge public interest on quitting CPP

Alberta has announced a series of telephone town halls to gauge public interest on abandoning the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and setting up an Alberta Pension Plan (APP) in its place.

“Now that the LifeWorks report is out for discussion, our panel has been tasked with listening to Albertans and hearing their thoughts, views and concerns about a provincial pension plan. For something this big, Albertans deserve the benefit of a rational, adult conversation,” said Jim Dinning, former provincial treasurer and chair of the APP Engagement Panel.

The telephone town hall sessions start next week on Oct. 16.

“Albertans can listen live to every session online by clicking on the link provided on the website, regardless of where they live,” the province said in a press release.

“The report suggests an Alberta Pension Plan could secure Albertans’ pension benefits and achieve substantial savings with lower contribution rates and higher benefits for families and retirees,” it added.

Once feedback is gathered, a report will be submitted, it said. An Alberta Pension Plan would have to be approved by referendum before it could be implemented.

The townhall dates are:

• Northern Alberta – Monday, Oct.16, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Southern Alberta – Tuesday, Oct. 24, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Calgary and surrounding area – Thursday, Nov. 9, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Edmonton and surrounding area – Thursday, Nov. 16, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Central Alberta – Wednesday, Nov. 22, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For details on how to participate visit AlbertaPensionPlan.ca.