FORGOTTEN BENEFITS

Veterans regret to inform that during the past federal election campaign, not one leader included the CPP benefit claw back issue in their election campaign platform. The Canadian Forces Superannuation Act engagement contract has been breached. The sacred trust obligation promise made to our Forces personnel by former prime minister Sir Robert Borden is no longer supported by our latest government politicians.

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) was enacted in 1965. Its intention was to provide another source for an “income security” program to supplement the Old Age Security Pension Plan. The CPP words “Bridge Benefit” is a lie! At age 60 to 65, we pay a 36 per cent penalty for life. There is no bridge! At age 65, the CPP benefit is clawed back on Forces pensions. The fact is that veterans have over-contributed on all their pension benefits. The CPP Plan will soon reach trillions of dollars in surplus.

Canada’s veterans have been shafted long enough. They have completed many often dangerous tasks with the support of their families. Canada’s Forces are most worthy of their fullypaid CPP pension benefits. The lack of support from the government of Canada now means that less than 30 per cent of our Forces recruits now reengage for another term.

It appears that Forces personnel must participate in a union program, like the Canadian National Railway union, or seek the support of a law firm towards a class action lawsuit in order to fight for their well-earned and paid for CPP pension benefits in their golden years. Shame on Canada’s political leaders.

Merry Christmas, politicians.

John Labelle, veteran, Lower Sackville