PSAC is pleased to see the federal government follow through on its commitment to provide equitable retirement benefits for thousands of frontline federal workers across the country in its Fall Economic Statement.

“This important pension reform is a testament to the hard work of so many members who have fought for years for fairness,” said Sharon DeSousa, PSAC National President. “This finally recognizes the crucial work of frontline federal workers who ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in Canada.”

The Fall Economic Statement announced Monday contains $173 million in funding to expand early retirement eligibility for thousands of frontline workers under the Public Service Pension Plan. However, these changes will not take effect until the government tables and passes the necessary legislation to enact the pension reform.

After this takes place, frontline federal workers will be able to retire with dignity after 25 years of service without penalties, a significant victory for unions and workers who have been advocating for fair pension treatment for more than a decade. It is also a good first step towards strengthening Canada’s borders.

Workers expected to be covered by the legislation include frontline border services staff, Coast Guard search and rescue technicians, Parks Canada wildland firefighters, Department of National Defence firefighters on military bases, and correctional officers, paramedics and firefighters working for the three territorial governments.

These reforms come at a critical time as CBSA faces a shortage of nearly 3,000 frontline officers. Equitable retirement benefits – in line with other law enforcement agencies across Canada – play a key role in the recruitment and retention of border services officers.  

“Providing equitable and early retirement benefits will improve the working conditions of our members and ensure a sustainable workforce by improving recruitment and retention,” said Mark Weber, national president of the Customs and Immigration Union, the PSAC component that represents CBSA workers. “This brings workers’ pensions in line with other law enforcement and public safety workers.”

PSAC is committed to working closely with the Liberal government to amend pension legislation and calls on all parties, including the Conservatives, to quickly pass and implement this pension reform to provide frontline workers with fair retirement benefits as soon as possible.