Home » Community, Life, Politics & Government » Letters to the Editor » Unlocking Locked in Pension's ( LIF, LIRF, LIRA )
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| Re: Unlocking Locked in Pension's ( LIF, LIRF, LIRA ) [message #43194 is a reply to message #40545] |
Mon, 12 January 2009 18:42   |
 oldman 
Messages: 89
Registered: December 2006
Location: Atikokan |
Member |
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Hi All ;
I have just been notified by Ken Elliott that there is another Private Members bill to unlock locked in pensions 100 % in Ontario .
We can use all the help we can get from concerned Ontario Citizens , or if you are in any other province and hold a Ontario locked in pension . mail your MPP's of all party's , and asking them to support bill 116 on your behalf .
It would also be helpful if you also mailed Dalton McGuinty Premier of Ontario .
Here is the addresses of the MPP's .
http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/members/members_current.do?locale =en&list_type=all_mpps&go=go
If you are stuck for words this is a letter Philip James set out to his MPP.
" Hello Peter.
We have received information that Mr Chudleigh of Halton has introduced a private members Bill to finally level the playing field Re: Locked in Pensions. His Bill states that all should get 100% unlocking as did the 61Mpp,s back in 1999, with some still sitting including Dalton McGuinty. My question Peter is straightforward.
Can we the pensioners of Ontario count on your yes vote for Bill 116. Your response will be appreciated.
Regards Philip James , The Ontario Coalition of Independent LIF Holders . "
As Many of You know these locked in Pensions are Pensions arriving from your own private pension plans and the Ontrio Government has no right to keep them locked in when there has already been a presedent set in 2002 in Saskatchewan when they unlocked 100% for their Citizens , in 1999 61 Ontario MPP's passed legislation to unlock their pensions for them selves 100% .
This is your own money not Government money . This is not CPP or QAS .
Please pass this on to as many people as you can . We need to fight the unjustness of the curent legislation .
Thank You Bill Costello , The Ontario Coalition of Independent LIF Hoalders
-------Original Message-------
Subject: Bill 116
Hi all,
Just received this e-mail this morning ... let's keep the pressure on ... even Chudleigh in his first sentence is acknowledging that MPPs have been given an exemption on locked-in pensions
Ken
----- Original Message -----
From: Ellis, Ben
To: kenneth.elliott@sympatico.ca
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2009 11:05 AM
Subject: Locked-In Pensions
Dear Mr. Elliott,
I have been informed that you are interested in the issue of legislation surrounding locked-in pensions and the exemptions for certain people including the terminally ill and MPPs. As you may have heard, Mr. Chudleigh has tabled legislation recently that would “level the playing field”, so to speak. Bill 116 would amend the Pension Benefits Act to allow up to the entire amount in the account to be transferred into a registered retirement income fund for all Ontarians. The transfer could be made at age 55 or, if the pension plan provides for retirement at an earlier age, at that age.
In drafting this legislation, Mr. Chudleigh is attempting to undo and simplify the complicated laws which rob people of the right to spend their own hard-earned money. As a conservative, Mr. Chudleigh feels that retirees deserve more respect, and do not need pensions rationed out by government like parents giving allowance to their children. Beyond that principle, Bill 116 would act as a significant and timely stimulus to the economy.
Bill 116 will be given second reading some time in 2009, at a date yet to be determined (depending on Mr. Chudleigh's ballot day). At that time, we hope there will be serious debate on this issue both in the House, in the media and in the public. Even if Bill 116 fails to pass, we hope that the Liberal government will take note of the issue and at least introduce legislation that changes the current system.
I understand the frustration that exists regarding this matter but there are several steps that can be taken to increase our chances. For instance, as a private citizen you might start a petition or letter-writing campaign, perhaps in concert with an organization like CARP. If you were able to stir up enough support, Mr. Chudleigh could read them into the record and demonstrate to the McGuinty Liberals that there is real public clamoring for change. I would be happy to help with this process.
Please feel free to contact me anytime to discuss this or other issues.
Best regards,
Ben Ellis
Executive Assistant to
Ted Chudleigh, M.P.P. Halton
P.C. Critic for Economic Development and Trade
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| Re: Unlocking Locked in Pension's ( LIF, LIRF, LIRA ) [message #43196 is a reply to message #40545] |
Tue, 03 February 2009 16:41 |
oldman
Messages: 89
Registered: December 2006
Location: Atikokan |
Member |
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February 2, 2009
To all the people that would like to see LIRA , LIRF , and LIF's Unlock 100% in Ontario .
Great news! The Ballot Day lottery was held today and Ted pulled number 17. That means that second reading of Bill 116 will be held on May 7, 2009, much earlier than expected. There is still a chance that the Liberals will prorogue the house which might affect the number of the Bill and could possibly move the date back a few weeks but all signs indicate that they won’t prorogue.
This is a grassroots cause for fairness, respect and economic benefit. It is a cause for which many of you have been struggling for several years. While Ted Chudleigh is personally dedicated to Bill 116’s passage, he is also acting as your representative as Ontarians so I encourage you to keep in touch with him through me so that we stay united and so that your voices do not get muffled by the usual politics. Your ideas are most welcome. Even if we disagree, our own healthy debate will strengthen our position leading up to May 7th.
Thanks again to all for your continued support. Together, I think we have a real chance for success!
Best regards to you and your families,
Ben Ellis
Executive Assistant to
Ted Chudleigh, MPP Halton
Ben.Ellis@pc.ola.org
416-325-5747
PS . AS always we need your support in contacting your MPP's and Premier Dalton McGuinty and request of them to pass Bill 116.
There will be a site where you can download a petition . I will post it as soon as it is set up .
Regards Bill C
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| Re: Unlocking Locked in Pension's ( LIF, LIRF, LIRA ) [message #43197 is a reply to message #40545] |
Wed, 04 February 2009 12:59 |
oldman
Messages: 89
Registered: December 2006
Location: Atikokan |
Member |
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Hi Everybody ;
This is the site to download the petition if you wish .
www.tedchudleigh.com/petitions
The second reading will be on May 7th and then it will be debated.
We need all the help we can get to try and have this petition accepted by the majority of members from all party's . Mailing your MPP and Premier Dalton McGuinty and requesting of them to pass Bill 116 . The Bill to unlock LIRA , LIRF , and LIF pensions in Ontario .
We also need all of you to download the petition and print out copy's and get them signed ...
Please don't procrastinate and think the next person will do it . If everybody takes that attitude , We are then dead in the water .
If we want these pensions unlocked we have to show that there are a great number of people behind unlocking.
Have your family , children (( There is no age restriction )), friends , neighbors and whoever sign .
There is one restriction however . Only citizens from Ontario may sign , overthought you may hold a locked in pension under Ontario rules . In this case e-mail Premier McGuinty and protest .
If you get at least one petition signed ( Great ) if you can get a hundred . ( Absolutely Fantastic ) . What ever the number it will be a big help in reaching our goal for every retiree , being able to control their own finances in times of need and not have to pay the government a fee and beg for their own money (( This is not CPP or OAS ))
Please also pass this on to any contacts you have and also ask for their help .
We Can Do This !!!
The Petitions can be mailed to . Ted Chudleigh , Room 450 Legislative Building , Queen's Park , Toronto , Ontario , M7A 1A8
Or you can mail to me and I will bundle them up and send them on .
Bill Costello , 6 Chub Lake Road , Box 56 , Atikokan Ontario , p0t 1c0
We would like the petitions sent in by April 10th .
Take Care , Regards Bill Costello , The Ontario Coalition of Independent LIF Holders .
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| Re: Unlocking Locked in Pension's ( LIF, LIRF, LIRA ) [message #43200 is a reply to message #40545] |
Wed, 11 February 2009 15:35 |
oldman
Messages: 89
Registered: December 2006
Location: Atikokan |
Member |
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Bill to Unlock Pensions to be Debated May 7th, 2009
MPP Chudleigh Seeks Fairness and Respect for Retirees
(Milton, ON – February 3, 2009) Today Halton MPP Ted Chudleigh announced that his
Private Member’s Bill 116, the Pension Benefits Amendment Act, will be read for the
Second time and debated on May 7th, 2009.
Bill 116 would allow retirees full access to locked-in funds (LIFs, LIRAs, LIRFs) at the
Age of 55. These funds are currently doled out in increments by the government and not
Fully paid out until the recipient is 90 years old. Too often, retirees pass away before
Receiving their hard-earned pensions.
“My Bill seeks respect for retirees first and foremost,” said Chudleigh. “Ontarians over
55 do not need the government to ration out their pensions like parents giving allowance
To their children. At the age of retirement, most Ontarians have raised families, bought
And sold homes, made investments and shown prudent and responsible management of
Their money and property. It’s time to start treating our seniors like adults.”
“An immediate unlocking of pension funds would also act as a timely stimulus to the
Economy,” added Chudleigh. “It would put money in the hands of the people and, while
I’m sure they won’t spend it all at once, I imagine they might use some of it on projects
And expenditures that would ease our provinces current economic trouble and create some
Well-needed jobs.”
Chudleigh has worked in concert with the Ontario Coaltion of Independent LIF Holders
(“The Coalition”) in understanding the issues and garnering public support. This
Province-wide group of activist citizens has been demanding changes to pension laws for
Many years.
“There have been several attempts to unlock pensions but so far the government has been
Reluctant to act,” said Coalition spokesman Bill Costello of Atikokan. “Yet we remain
Hopeful that Premier McGuinty and MPPs from all parties will finally see the light and
Vote for Mr. Chudleigh’s Bill 116 on May 7th. It is simply the right thing to do.”
The Coalition has begun a petition which calls on the Legislative Assembly to pass Bill
116 without delay. The petition can be downloaded at www.tedchudleigh.com/petitions
And sent to Chudleigh’s Queen’s Park office: Room 450, Legislative Building, Toronto,
Ontario, M7A 1A8.
-30-
For information contact:
Ben Ellis - 416-325-5747 or 905-878-1729
Bill Costello - 807-597-6882
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| Re: Unlocking Locked in Pension's ( LIF, LIRF, LIRA ) [message #43202 is a reply to message #40545] |
Sat, 14 February 2009 15:12 |
oldman
Messages: 89
Registered: December 2006
Location: Atikokan |
Member |
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The Ontario Coalition of Independent LIF Holders
The Ontario Coalition of Independent LIF Holders is composed of a number of private citizens assembled from various regions in Ontario who's sole purpose is to lobby the government to unlock all "locked-in" pensions in our province.
We are primarily arguing two issues within one campaign.
The primary issue is that of fairness and equality under one law for all Ontario citizens, regardless of vocation and void of political favouritism.
The secondary issue is that of the unjust government control of Ontarians access to their personal locked-in pension assets. Assets that were generally derived from former employers "wound-up" defined benefit plans and employers defined contribution ‘DC’ plans.
Regarding the primary issue, the current rules and regulations set out in the Pension Benefits Act are discriminatory, as they’re not equally applied to all Ontarians. The MPPs pension assets, derived from their former wound-up pension plan in 1995, fall under the jurisdiction of the MPP's Pension Act. These are two separate acts for the same type of locked-in pensions.
Discrimination, where there are currently 61 MPPs, both former and present, that through an amendment to the MPP Pensions Act, contained within Bill 27 in 1999, exempted themselves from the highly restrictive and paternalistic legislation that governs all other Ontarians LIRA's, LIF's and LRIF's.
Regarding the secondary issue, the yearly maximum withdrawal limits for those who meet the minimum age requirement (usually 55) for access to their locked-in LIF and LRIF pensions is approximately 6.5%, increasing slightly year after year, until age 90. The aforementioned 61 MPP's will have 100% unrestricted access to the same type of pension-derived locked-in assets, at age 55, as compared to the rest of all other Ontarians who will have to wait till’ age 90 to see their last penny (1/2 of 1% ever make it – Stats Can 2007)!
Having a law on the books for 61 MPP's, regardless of when and how it was contrived, and a different law for an estimated million plus other Ontarians for the exact same type of pension assets is unconscionable and a blatant double standard for an equal and fair Ontario.
Our Coalition is dead set against such inequality and obvious discrimination. Discrimination and silence since 1999 that continues to percolate within the ruling Liberal party.
We are demanding fair and equal treatment and insist on being included in this exclusive group of 61 privileged Ontarians by receiving the same 100% access to our locked-in pensions.
For the past six years, Premiere Dalton McGuinty and his ministers have continued to ignore the pleas of Ontarians begging for full access to their locked-in pensions, while specific members within their party, continue to have full 100% access to their own former locked-in pensions.
In the Liberal budget back in March of 2007, Greg Sorbara introduced a one time 25% unlocking option to hopefully appease the holders of locked-in pensions. This was an insult to all Ontarians and continues to fly in the face of democracy, and equality under the premise of equality and one law for all.
In 2002, Saskatchewan listened to the will of their people and eliminated these restrictions, granting full 100% access to all locked-in pensions through legislation that applied to all their residents, and not just their provincial politicians. Their belief was that their residents knew best how and when to use their own private pension assets.
In December of 2006, Andrea Horwath of the NDP, introduced Bill 175 to unlock all locked-in pensions in Ontario receiving verbal support in the legislature from Bob Runciman of the PCs. The Liberal party ignored this bill and instead went on to pass a bill for themselves in two weeks, that essentially granted all MPPs a 35% pay raise as well as doubling their contributions to their own RRSP’s, while seniors with locked-in pensions were ignored.
In spite of the ruling Liberal party’s refusal to further unlock pensions, the trend towards full unlocking continues in other jurisdictions as the Federal government recently granted 50% access to all of their regulated locked-in pensions in their 2008 budget. As well, other provinces have increased their access to 50% and are on track to eventually follow Saskatchewan’s lead towards 100% access thus resulting in the elimination of huge unnecessary government bureaucracy and expense.
In October of 2008, Ted Chudleigh, of the PC party, introduced another similar private members Bill 116 to unlock all locked-in pensions in Ontario. It is scheduled for second reading some time in May of 2009, unless it gets scuttled and killed by the Liberal party again.
Our goal is to create an awareness of these issues within the general public. A public with either DC type pensions, LIFs or LRIFs, who for the most part have no idea about the restrictions they will face when they qualify to withdraw their hard earned locked-in pension assets. A public who further, have no idea of the conceived legislation that was created by former and currently seated select politicians, for politicians, leaving the rest of Ontario shackled and begging for equal access to their own pension money.
As our economy withers, generally so does the value of our pensions and thus the yearly withdrawal maximum that those millions of Ontarians count on for survival. The inability of the current legislation to address the overwhelming devaluation of locked-in pension assets, which will likely be with us for a number of years, is precisely the scenario where the current legislation fails, thus creating a proportionately significant reduction in a locked-in pensioners LIF or LRIF yearly payments – in simpler terms, a substantial pay cut.
We encourage you to contact your local MPP to voice your support for Ted Chudleigh’s Bill 116 to unlock pensions 100% for ALL Ontarians and not just the select few politicians as was done in 1999. Inform your provincial member of parliament that Ontario pensioners are quite capable of managing their own money, however they determine and see fit, and to put an end to this ridiculous paternalism over private pension money that isn’t theirs. It’s simply the right thing to do for so many various and personally distinctive reasons, especially in order to keep up with these turbulent and recessionary times.
Having to continue to increasingly pay for more and more services is bad enough as it is, but to now do it with a cut to LIF and LRIF pension income because of outdated, inflexible and complicated legislation, is just plain cruelty and ignorance to the hard-working founders and contributors to our province.
Obviously it wasn’t such a bad idea to some of our elected public servants back in ‘99.
Sincerely,
Grant Fleury
Ontario Coalition of Independent LIF Holders
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| Re: Unlocking Locked in Pension's ( LIF, LIRF, LIRA ) [message #43204 is a reply to message #40545] |
Fri, 13 March 2009 23:48 |
oldman
Messages: 89
Registered: December 2006
Location: Atikokan |
Member |
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Hi Everybody ;
Here is a transcrit of the discussion between Mr. Frank Klees ( Newmarket - Aurora PC Party ) and Hon. Minister Aileen Carroll . ( Minister Responsible for Seniors ) .
I question the title Hon. , but then that is just my opinion.
The first time I sent a letter to Ms. Carroll concerning the issue with locked in pensions . She was so kind to let me know that I was not in her constituency . I then wrote her another letter asking her if she was the Minister Responsible for Seniors , If so , was she not supposed to be responsible for all seniors in Ontario and again asked her to help correct the unjustness of locked in pensions .
I received no response . I am also aware of others of you that had the same problem with this minister when asking for her help in unlocking locked in pensions .
After reading her answer to Mr Klees even after he asked her the same question twice . This is what she came up with "I have not had an opportunity to speak to the Minister of Finance at the federal level; I leave that to my colleague in cabinet to do so. "
It is very obvious that the letters that were sent to her concerning locked in pensions were thrown in the garbage , She obviously never even looked at the issue .
If she had she would have known that there are a few hundred thousand Senior Retire's in Ontario that have locked in pensions under Ontario Provincial Rule . NOT Federal Rule ,
Just plain incompetent and she is being paid by us the tax payer to represent Seniors in Government .
If any of you would like to drop a letter to Minister Carroll and let her know that we are taking notes . Please feel free to do so .
Below is the Transcript and I think we owe the Progressive Conservative Party a big thanks for taking this issue on .
You all Take Care Bill C
Senior citizens
Mr. Frank Klees: To the Minister Responsible for Seniors: Seniors across the province are not immune to the economic downturn. They’ve worked hard to put aside funds in a retirement account and they’re counting on that income to pay their day-to-day living expenses.
Many of those retirement accounts are eroded. The income from those retirement accounts is considerably less than it has been. My question is this: Has the Minister Responsible for Seniors advocated with the Minister of Finance to allow seniors in this province to have access to 100% of their locked-in retirement accounts, and if not, why not?
Hon. M. Aileen Carroll: I can assure the honourable member that, the Seniors’ Secretariat being part of my portfolio, I am cognizant of the pressures of this economy on seniors in Ontario. I take every opportunity to convey to the Minister of Finance my concerns on issues such as elder abuse, and the fiscal impact as well. The property tax initiative, of course, was a response to that very dilemma, and it was done by this government in advance of the current economic malaise that we are now dealing with.
Be assured, honourable member, that I will continue to advocate on their behalf to the best of my ability.
The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Supplementary?
Mr. Frank Klees: My question was very specific. Seniors from across the province are asking for the right to their own money. This is money that seniors have put aside through their hard work for the day that we now have, and that is when they are in need. This is their money. Under current legislation, they cannot access their own retirement funds. It will take an act of this Legislature to open up those locked-in retirement accounts.
I’d like to know from the minister, has she specifically made the request of the minister to include that measure in the next budget, and if she hasn’t, will she commit today that that will in fact be her request of the Minister of Finance on behalf of seniors across the province?
Hon. M. Aileen Carroll: As I assured the honourable member, I have and continue to convey my concerns and those of seniors in Ontario to the Minister of Finance. As the honourable member knows, we took measures to allow seniors more access in the budget of 2007. Unfortunately, the honourable member chose to vote against it.
There are indeed a number of aspects of this particular dilemma that belong in the federal domain. I have not had an opportunity to speak to the Minister of Finance at the federal level; I leave that to my colleague in cabinet to do so. But I can only assure the House and the member that many of the initiatives that we have taken are assisting these seniors in these turbulent times. I would look for his support when we bring in a very, very excellent budget in a couple of weeks’ time.
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| Re: Unlocking Locked in Pension's ( LIF, LIRF, LIRA ) [message #43205 is a reply to message #40545] |
Mon, 16 March 2009 11:41 |
oldman
Messages: 89
Registered: December 2006
Location: Atikokan |
Member |
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Hi Everybody ;
Here is a statement from Mr.Ernie Hardeman (Oxford ) that was read in the Legislature today . As Mr Hardeman says .
"In the budget on March 26, the McGuinty government has an opportunity to do the right thing and ensure that people who worked hard for their money have access to it when they need it."
I wont hold my breath as we have been asking them to unlock these pensions for the Seniors and Retire's of Ontario for the past 5 years . It appears that the Liberal Party is not concerned with the struggles of their seniors and those close to retirement wanting to bridge the gap to 65 when they lose their jobs in troubled times .
It seems that the McGuinty Liberals are only concerned about them selves and to hell with the older population.
As I have said in the previous letter we owe the Conservative Party a Thanks for taking up this issue of unlocking locked in pensions 100% for the 55 plus in Ontario .
Please pass this on to your contacts and also the previous letter .
Take Care , Regards Bill C
Mr. Ernie Hardeman (Oxford):
Imagine being a senior who is struggling to make ends meet, and being told by the government that even though you have money, you can’t use it. Imagine needing to repair your house or buy a new car, and being told by the government that you can’t spend your own money to do it.
That’s the situation that many seniors across the province are facing. They are owners of life income funds or locked-in retirement income funds. Both of these types of accounts severely restrict the amount of money that can be withdrawn. In fact, to access the account because of severe financial hardship, you have to apply and actually pay an application fee to try to get access to your own money.
Unlocking these pensions is a simple step the government can take to give people the flexibility they need to manage their own finances. Other provinces already allow significantly more flexibility on when people can withdraw money from these funds. Saskatchewan allows 100% to be withdrawn any time after the age of 55.
Like these other provinces, Ontario should recognize the importance of giving people access to their own money, and allow seniors to withdraw 100% of their life income funds or locked-in retirement income funds. These people worked hard to save for old age. Now that it has arrived, they should be entitled to access these savings.
This change wouldn’t cost the government anything. In fact, people who are finally making much-needed purchases will help the economy.
In the budget on March 26, the McGuinty government has an opportunity to do the right thing and ensure that people who worked hard for their money have access to it when they need it.
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| Re: Unlocking Locked in Pension's ( LIF, LIRF, LIRA ) [message #43206 is a reply to message #40545] |
Mon, 23 March 2009 14:43 |
oldman
Messages: 89
Registered: December 2006
Location: Atikokan |
Member |
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Hi Everybody ;
The time is getting closer to hand in the petitions to unlock locked in pensions Bill 116 . We would like them sent in by April 10th .
If you haven't downloaded a petition yet . It can be downloaded at Ted Chudleigh's web site .
www.tedchudleigh.com/petitions
Please don't procrastinate and think the next person will do it . If everybody takes that attitude , We are then dead in the water .
If we want these pensions unlocked we have to show that there are a great number of people behind unlocking.
Have your family , children (( There is no age restriction )), friends , neighbors and whoever sign .
Please also pass this on to any contacts you have and also ask for their help .
We Can Do This !!!
The Petitions can be mailed to . Ted Chudleigh , Room 450 Legislative Building , Queen's Park , Toronto , Ontario , M7A 1A8
Or you can mail to me and I will bundle them up and send them on .
Bill Costello , 6 Chub Lake Road , Box 56 , Atikokan Ontario , p0t 1c0
With the economie the way it is there are more and more people everyday that are ending up in locked in pensions .
If these pensions were unlocked it just may help some people bridge their way into retirement instead of having to rely on social assistance .
Thank You and Take Care , Bill Costello , The Ontario Coalition of Independent LIF Holders
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| Re: Unlocking Locked in Pension's ( LIF, LIRF, LIRA ) [message #43353 is a reply to message #40545] |
Sun, 16 August 2009 11:44 |
oldman
Messages: 89
Registered: December 2006
Location: Atikokan |
Member |
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Hi All .
It has been pretty quiet lately as we are waiting until the next election draws closer.
In the meantime I thought I would post one of the letters sent out to let you all know we are still here .
Regards Bill C.
Good evening Liz Sandals, Liberal MPP, Guelph
Here is a small test for you. The subjects tested will be math and history.
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Part (A) - Math
1.) 100% = 50% [TRUE or FALSE]
2.) 55 = 90 [TRUE or FALSE]
3.) $0 = $millions [TRUE or FALSE]
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Sorry Liz Sandals, you failed part (A).
By voting NO to Bill 116 (Pension Benefits Amendment Act (Unlocking Pension Funds)) on May 14th, 2009, you told Ontarians that each of the above equations is TRUE.
By your vote you said ...........
(I) 100% access to locked-in retirement accounts for 20 Liberal MPPs is equal to 50% access to locked-in retirement accounts for all other Ontarians
(ii) 100% access at age 55 (and retired from the Legislature) for 20 Liberal MPPs is equal to 100% access at age 90 for all other Ontarians
(iii) $0 collected by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario from 20 Liberal MPPs who are allowed 100% access at age 55 is equal to $millions collected by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario from all other Ontarians who are forced to beg for additional access to their locked-in retirements, given they are denied 100% access until age 90
Liz Sandals, the numerical values in these equations are not equal.
Let's see how you do on part (.
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Part ( - History (Quotes)
1.) "I want to make it perfectly clear in this House today that I and my party will have none of it." [ACCURATE QUOTE or MISQUOTE]
2.) "Let me repeat again: It is wrong and it is immoral." [ ACCURATE QUOTE or MISQUOTE]
3.) "There's absolutely no reason in the world why members of Parliament should get access to a retirement benefit that is not available to everybody else in this province should they be in a position to have a retirement benefit."
[ACCURATE QUOTE or MISQUOTE]
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Sorry again Liz Sandals, you failed Part ( also.
By voting NO to Bill 116 on May 14th, 2009 you said the statements above were all misquotes. They are not.
They are accurate quotes of what Dalton McGuinty, Sean Conway and Michael Gravelle respectively told Ontarians in 1999 prior to the passage of Bill 27 (An Act To Amend The Pension Benefits Act And The MPPs' Pension Act).
These quotes are straight from the Hansard.
In 1999, 61 MPPs including 20 Liberals, courtesy of Bill 27, were allowed full unlocking of their own locked-in retirement accounts. No other Ontarians were, or ever have been, allowed this same privilege.
In 1999, your party called such privilege for MPPs only ...... Totally unusual, totally outrageous, totally beyond belief, inequitable, hypocritical, wrong, immoral, offensive, a double standard etc. (See attached quotes from the Hansard .... Spoken on the days indicated)
In 2003 when your party became the government, instead of honouring your words from 1999 and revoking Bill 27 just as fast as you invoked the new health tax, you chose just to keep silent about the incredible unlocking privileges given in 1999 to 20 Liberal MPPs including Jim Bradley (former Minister Responsible for Seniors), Michael Brown, Sean Conway, Bruce Crozier, Monte Kwinter, Dalton McGuinty, Lyn McLeod, Gerry Phillips and the list goes on.
Today these 20 Liberal MPPs still have their fully unlocked locked-in retirement accounts despite Dalton McGuinty having told Ontarians on December 15th, 1999 .......... "I want to make it perfectly clear in this House today that I and my party will have none of it."
Having observed you in action for many years, first as a school trustee, then as a Board Chair and finally as President of the Ontario School Boards' Association I never thought you capable of voting down legislation (Bill 116) that would guarantee equality for all, in this case equality for pensioners who own locked-in retirement accounts.
Even more disturbing is your silence since 2003 as elderly couples under the age of 90 have repeatedly been refused full access to their locked-in retirement accounts by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO). Sadly, after the spouses who owned these accounts have passed away though, FSCO immediately unlocks them for the surviving spouses.
Wow! By your silence you deem it proper that only a widow or widower be allowed full access to a locked-in retirement account, not full access for the elderly couple while both spouses are still living.
Such treatment of seniors is cruel beyond measure given 20 Liberal MPPs including Jim Bradley, the former Minister Responsible for Seniors are still allowed 100% access to their own locked-in retirement accounts at age 55 (and retired from the Legislature) even though your party voted NO to such privilege and your party called such privilege ...... totally unusual, totally outrageous, totally beyond belief, inequitable, hypocritical, wrong, immoral, offensive, a double standard etc.
Your colleague in both politics and education, Kitchener-Conestoga Liberal MPP, Leeanna Pendergast saw through all this hypocrisy. She voted FOR Bill 116. The question is ... why didn't you?
If you choose not to reply, be assured many times before the next election you will be asked publicly why you support a double standard regarding locked-in retirement accounts.
"There's absolutely no reason in the world why members of Parliament should get access to a retirement benefit that is not available to everybody else in this province should they be in a position to have a retirement benefit." Liberal MPP, Michael Gravelle ... December 14, 1999
K. Elliott
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