MP pensions too rich for taxpayers

A letter writer argues taxpayers are contributing too much to the pensions being paid to MPs retiring after the last federal election, one of which is former Delta-Richmond East MP John Cummins.

A letter writer argues taxpayers are contributing too much to the pensions being paid to MPs retiring after the last federal election, one of which is former Delta-Richmond East MP John Cummins.

Reading my Surrey-North Delta Leader on May 6, I became appalled at the MP pensions listed: Gary Lunn $2.2 million; Ujjal Dosanjh $830,000; Keith Martin $3.9 million; Jay Hill $3.3 million; Chuck Strahl $3.3 million; John Cummins $1.33 million;  Stockwell Day $1.67 million; Jim Abbott $1.36 million; and Bill Siksay $732,000 – a combined $18.6 million for B.C., available for immediate payout without waiting for retirement age like the rest of us who are contributing to their pensions.

Wow, and they’re getting $4 for every $1 of their contribution. Yet some of these contributions are from burgeoning ranks of retirees whose pensions hardly cover daily costs.

Kind of like the horse behind the cart, no?

It’s about time that there was a dollar-for-dollar matching. It’s about time to look at an extension of the six-year minimum service for MPs.

Often, voters’ pension funds are in market fluctuating RRSP plans, yet here “our” representatives have guaranteed steady payouts, regardless of market/investment performances.

No wonder Canada has a debt. It’s about time fiscal responsibility was practised by our elected representatives.

Annie Kaps

Surrey

Surrey Now Leader