The Liberal government is following the Conservatives’ lead by introducing legislation that will allow employers to reduce pension benefits.

Bill C-27, An Act to amend the Pension Benefits Standards Act, had its first reading in the House of Commons last week.

A target benefit pension plan is a big gamble

This bill will allow employers to shift from good, defined benefit plans that provide secure and predictable pension benefits, into the much less secure form of target benefits.

Unlike a defined benefit plan, where the employer and employees contribute and retirees know how much they can expect when they retire, the amount you receive under a target benefit pension plan is just that, a target. Meaning, the plan aims to give you a certain pension benefit, but there’s no guarantee.

The other big difference is that target pension benefit plans shift the financial risk from the employer to employees and pensioners.

PSAC will oppose this bill

Bill C-27 opens the door to eliminating or reducing defined benefit pension plans. PSAC has opposed target benefit pension plans since the previous Conservative government introduced consultations.

We will continue to resist any move in this direction, and continue to push for retirement security for all Canadians.