Let no aid source go untapped

In last week’s report I referenced higher CPP premiums, which will increase from 4.95 per cent up to 5.95 per cent gradually between 2019 and 2023, resulting in lower take-home pay for many Canadians.

If you have been watching television, it is possible that you may have even come across commercials from the CPP Investment Board that state “you started saving for retirement with your first paycheque.”

I have received complaints over the fact that a true savings account is one that citizens can voluntarily withdraw from, whereas CPP contributions do not offer this flexibility.

I have also received enquiries and comments about CPP and other federal government retirement programs.

For those who may be unaware, here is a summary about the programs the federal government administers.

These include the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement. CPP is generally funded equally by you and your employer during your working years.

CPP can provide benefits for loss of income created by disability or retirement.

The benefits are ultimately calculated by how much you have contributed and over what length of time.

You can start collecting CPP as early as 60 or as late as 70, however different rates would apply.

In contrast, OAS provides a modest pension to most Canadians at age 65, if you have lived in Canada for at least 10 years.

The maximum OAS payment is for individuals with 40 years or more of residency after their eighteenth birthday.

Seniors with earnings in excess of roughly $77,580 per year will gradually receive a lesser OAS benefit that ultimately is eliminated for an income in excess of $125,696 a year.

The GIS is specifically for lower income seniors 65 and older with an income of $18,239 annually or less.

If you have questions for any of the above programs you can contact Service Canada toll free at 1-800-622-6232 for further information.

I have heard many comments over the recent increase in CPP premiums.

One common complaint is that if a person does not live to 65, or not long after, the amount that can be transferred to spouse, after a lifetime of CPP contributions, is comparatively quite limited.

My question this week: Would you support more equitable options to transfer your lifetime CPP contributions to your estate or to another investment program?

I can be reached at Dan.Albas@parl.gc.ca or call toll free 1-800-665-8711.

Dan Albas is the Conservative MP for Central Okanagan-SimilkameenNicola.