Hi All .It has been pretty quiet lately as we are waiting until the next election draws closer.In the meantime I thought I would post one of the letters sent out to let you all know we are still here .
Regards Bill C.
Good evening Liz Sandals, Liberal MPP, Guelph
Here is a small test for you. The subjects tested will be math and history. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part (A) - Math1.) 100% = 50% [TRUE or FALSE]
2.) 55 = 90 [TRUE or FALSE]3.)
$0 = $millions [TRUE or FALSE]
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Sorry Liz Sandals, you failed part (A).
By voting NO to Bill 116 (Pension Benefits Amendment Act (Unlocking Pension Funds)) on May 14th, 2009, you told Ontarians that each of the above equations is TRUE. By your vote you said ...........
(I) 100% access to locked-in retirement accounts for 20 Liberal MPPs is equal to 50% access to locked-in retirement accounts for all other Ontarians
(ii) 100% access at age 55 (and retired from the Legislature) for 20 Liberal MPPs is equal to 100% access at age 90 for all other Ontarians
(iii) $0 collected by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario from 20 Liberal MPPs who are allowed 100% access at age 55 is equal to $millions collected by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario from all other Ontarians who are forced to beg for additional access to their locked-in retirements, given they are denied 100% access until age 90
Liz Sandals, the numerical values in these equations are not equal.
Let's see how you do on part (.
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Part ( - History
(Quotes)1.) "I want to make it perfectly clear in this House today that I and my party will have none of it." [ACCURATE QUOTE or MISQUOTE]
2.) "Let me repeat again: It is wrong and it is immoral." [ ACCURATE QUOTE or MISQUOTE]
3.) "There's absolutely no reason in the world why members of Parliament should get access to a retirement benefit that is not available to everybody else in this province should they be in a position to have a retirement benefit."[ACCURATE QUOTE or MISQUOTE]
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Sorry again Liz Sandals, you failed Part ( also.
By voting NO to Bill 116 on May 14th, 2009 you said the statements above were all misquotes.
They are not.
They are accurate quotes of what Dalton McGuinty, Sean Conway and Michael Gravelle respectively told Ontarians in 1999 prior to the passage of Bill 27 (An Act To Amend The Pension Benefits Act And The MPPs' Pension Act). These quotes are straight from the Hansard.In 1999, 61 MPPs including 20 Liberals, courtesy of Bill 27, were allowed full unlocking of their own locked-in retirement accounts. No other Ontarians were, or ever have been, allowed this same privilege. In 1999, your party called such privilege for MPPs only ...... Totally unusual, totally outrageous, totally beyond belief, inequitable, hypocritical, wrong, immoral, offensive, a double standard etc. (See attached quotes from the Hansard ....
Spoken on the days indicated)In 2003 when your party became the government, instead of honouring your words from 1999 and revoking Bill 27 just as fast as you invoked the new health tax, you chose just to keep silent about the incredible unlocking privileges given in 1999 to 20 Liberal MPPs including Jim Bradley (former Minister Responsible for Seniors), Michael Brown, Sean Conway, Bruce Crozier, Monte Kwinter, Dalton McGuinty, Lyn McLeod, Gerry Phillips and the list goes on.
Today these 20 Liberal MPPs still have their fully unlocked locked-in retirement accounts despite Dalton McGuinty having told Ontarians on December 15th, 1999 .......... "I want to make it perfectly clear in this House today that I and my party will have none of it." Having observed you in action for many years, first as a school trustee, then as a Board Chair and finally as President of the Ontario School Boards' Association I never thought you capable of voting down legislation (Bill 116) that would guarantee equality for all, in this case equality for pensioners who own locked-in retirement accounts.
Even more disturbing is your silence since 2003 as elderly couples under the age of 90 have repeatedly been refused full access to their locked-in retirement accounts by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO).
Sadly, after the spouses who owned these accounts have passed away though, FSCO immediately unlocks them for the surviving spouses.
Wow! By your silence you deem it proper that only a widow or widower be allowed full access to a locked-in retirement account, not full access for the elderly couple while both spouses are still living.
Such treatment of seniors is cruel beyond measure given 20 Liberal MPPs including Jim Bradley, the former Minister Responsible for Seniors are still allowed 100% access to their own locked-in retirement accounts at age 55 (and retired from the Legislature) even though your party voted NO to such privilege and your party called such privilege ...... totally unusual, totally outrageous, totally beyond belief, inequitable, hypocritical, wrong, immoral, offensive, a double standard etc.
Your colleague in both politics and education, Kitchener-Conestoga Liberal MPP, Leeanna Pendergast saw through all this hypocrisy.
She voted FOR Bill 116.
The question is ... why didn't you?If you choose not to reply, be assured many times before the next election you will be asked publicly why you support a double standard regarding locked-in retirement accounts.
"There's absolutely no reason in the world why members of Parliament should get access to a retirement benefit that is not available to everybody else in this province should they be in a position to have a retirement benefit."
Liberal MPP, Michael Gravelle ... December 14, 1999
K. Elliott
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Nay Vote Bill 116 , Bill to unlock LIF's 100%
Here are the MPP,s that voted against unlocking locked in pensions 100% for the Retiree,s and Seniors of Ontario .
These people , I assume feel that the seniors in the province of Ontario are not as Competent as the Seniors and Retiree,s in Saskatchewan.
They feel I assume that the Seniors and Retiree.s in Ontario need them , The Liberal Government to babysit them and dole out their OWN MONEY to them as if they are children in need of supervision .
It should be noted that every vote against Bill 116 , the Bill to unlock pensions 100% for the Citizens of Ontario was a Liberal Vote.
Just one more reason this province needs a change of government.
The Nay Voters Were .
Sophia Aggelonitis , Laura Albanese , Wayne Arthures , Bas Balkissoon , Lorenzo Berardinetti , Margarett Best , Laurel C Broten , Jim Brownell , Mike Colle , Bob Delaney , Joe Dickson , Daniel Kevin Flynn , Linda Jeffrey , Kuldip Kular , Marc Jean Lalonde , Dave Levac , Reza Moridi , Gerry Phillips , Shafiq Qaadri , Khalil Ramal . Tony Ruprecht , Liz Sandals , Mario Sergio , Harinder S Takhar , Kathleen O Wynne , David Zimmer , .
The Ayes Vote Were .
Ted Arnott , PC , Ted Chudleigh , PC , Cheri DiNovo , NDP , Ernie Hardeman , PC , Jerry J. Ouellette , PC , Leeanna Pendergast , Lib. , Peter Shurman , PC .
I would also like to mention . The NDP support was very poor also as only 1 NDP member voted for Bill 116 (( Cheri DiNovo )) .
This is also disturbing as before the last election Andrea presented a Bill to unlock pensions 100% and I was assured by the Leader at that time ( Howard Hampton ) that the NDP fully supported Andrea's Bill .
It makes one realize why nobody trusts Politicians !!!
(( Now they have Flip Flopped to 50% from what I have heard ))
Sound Familiar (( McGuinty on Promises ))
Other NDP members were present for a prior Bill and were in the house that day but did not see it fit to take the time support Bill 116 .
They were Andrea Horwath , Howard Hampton , Rosario Marchese , Frances Gelinas , Paul Miller , Peter Kormos (((( Which I find very disturbing considering Peter's and Howards locked in pension's are fully unlocked 100% , curtesey of Bill 27 in 1999 )))
The PC Party has said that they support unlocking the pensions 100% , and they did have it in their platform the last election.
I am told by some that it will be on the agenda of the 2011 election.
I guess we will just have to wait and see as the turn out of the PC Party was also very disappointing for the Vote for Ted's Bill 116
These people , I assume feel that the seniors in the province of Ontario are not as Competent as the Seniors and Retiree,s in Saskatchewan.
They feel I assume that the Seniors and Retiree.s in Ontario need them , The Liberal Government to babysit them and dole out their OWN MONEY to them as if they are children in need of supervision .
It should be noted that every vote against Bill 116 , the Bill to unlock pensions 100% for the Citizens of Ontario was a Liberal Vote.
Just one more reason this province needs a change of government.
The Nay Voters Were .
Sophia Aggelonitis , Laura Albanese , Wayne Arthures , Bas Balkissoon , Lorenzo Berardinetti , Margarett Best , Laurel C Broten , Jim Brownell , Mike Colle , Bob Delaney , Joe Dickson , Daniel Kevin Flynn , Linda Jeffrey , Kuldip Kular , Marc Jean Lalonde , Dave Levac , Reza Moridi , Gerry Phillips , Shafiq Qaadri , Khalil Ramal . Tony Ruprecht , Liz Sandals , Mario Sergio , Harinder S Takhar , Kathleen O Wynne , David Zimmer , .
The Ayes Vote Were .
Ted Arnott , PC , Ted Chudleigh , PC , Cheri DiNovo , NDP , Ernie Hardeman , PC , Jerry J. Ouellette , PC , Leeanna Pendergast , Lib. , Peter Shurman , PC .
I would also like to mention . The NDP support was very poor also as only 1 NDP member voted for Bill 116 (( Cheri DiNovo )) .
This is also disturbing as before the last election Andrea presented a Bill to unlock pensions 100% and I was assured by the Leader at that time ( Howard Hampton ) that the NDP fully supported Andrea's Bill .
It makes one realize why nobody trusts Politicians !!!
(( Now they have Flip Flopped to 50% from what I have heard ))
Sound Familiar (( McGuinty on Promises ))
Other NDP members were present for a prior Bill and were in the house that day but did not see it fit to take the time support Bill 116 .
They were Andrea Horwath , Howard Hampton , Rosario Marchese , Frances Gelinas , Paul Miller , Peter Kormos (((( Which I find very disturbing considering Peter's and Howards locked in pension's are fully unlocked 100% , curtesey of Bill 27 in 1999 )))
The PC Party has said that they support unlocking the pensions 100% , and they did have it in their platform the last election.
I am told by some that it will be on the agenda of the 2011 election.
I guess we will just have to wait and see as the turn out of the PC Party was also very disappointing for the Vote for Ted's Bill 116
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Bill 116 Results
Hi All ,
The turn out for support was disappointing .
The names of the supporters were .
Ted Chudleigh PC , Ted Arnott PC , Ernie Hardeman PC , Jerry Ouelette PC , Peter Shurman PC , Cheri DiNovo NDP , Leeanna Pendergast , Liberal .
I have sent the above a thank you for their support . If any of you would like to send them a thank you ,feel free to do so .
I will list the 26 against unlocking our own money tomorrow.
Take Care Bill C
Liberals Vote Against Ontario Seniors
Government rejects Halton MPP’s campaign for respect and independence
(Queen’s Park – May 14, 2009)
Today Liberal MPPs voted against a Bill that would have given Ontario retirees more control over their own pensions.
Bill 116 was introduced by Halton MPP Ted Chudleigh and would have changed the law so that seniors could access 100% of their locked-in pension money.
Currently, retirees are only able to access half of their accrued assets.
“For too long, the government has rationed out locked-in pension money to seniors like parents giving allowance to their children,” said Chudleigh.“My Bill would have ended this disrespectful practice and given seniors the independence they have earned.
”The reason why Liberals don’t want seniors to have full access is because they think that retirees are not wise enough to manage their finances in the long-term, explained Chudleigh.
“What do you have to do to escape the McGuinty nanny-state?” asked Chudleigh.“Our seniors have proven themselves through lives that embodied responsibility and wisdom. But the McGuinty Liberals think they’ll blow all their cash and become wards of the State. That’s just insulting.
”Chudleigh pointed to successful legislation in Saskatchewan passed in 2002 that allows retirees 100% access to locked-in pensions.
“I haven’t heard of any wild and uncontrolled spending sprees by Saskatchewan seniors,” said Chudleigh.“They’re proof that the current legislation is out-of-touch with reality. Sadly, today the Liberals voted based on ideology and ignored the real concerns of their senior constituents.
”The vote on second reading on Bill 116 was lost by a count of 7-26. All votes against were from Liberal MPPs while the Bill received support from all present PC and NDP Members. MPP Leeanna Pendergast was the sole Liberal supporter of the Bill.
-30-
For further information contact:
Ben Ellis 416-325-5747
The turn out for support was disappointing .
The names of the supporters were .
Ted Chudleigh PC , Ted Arnott PC , Ernie Hardeman PC , Jerry Ouelette PC , Peter Shurman PC , Cheri DiNovo NDP , Leeanna Pendergast , Liberal .
I have sent the above a thank you for their support . If any of you would like to send them a thank you ,feel free to do so .
I will list the 26 against unlocking our own money tomorrow.
Take Care Bill C
Liberals Vote Against Ontario Seniors
Government rejects Halton MPP’s campaign for respect and independence
(Queen’s Park – May 14, 2009)
Today Liberal MPPs voted against a Bill that would have given Ontario retirees more control over their own pensions.
Bill 116 was introduced by Halton MPP Ted Chudleigh and would have changed the law so that seniors could access 100% of their locked-in pension money.
Currently, retirees are only able to access half of their accrued assets.
“For too long, the government has rationed out locked-in pension money to seniors like parents giving allowance to their children,” said Chudleigh.“My Bill would have ended this disrespectful practice and given seniors the independence they have earned.
”The reason why Liberals don’t want seniors to have full access is because they think that retirees are not wise enough to manage their finances in the long-term, explained Chudleigh.
“What do you have to do to escape the McGuinty nanny-state?” asked Chudleigh.“Our seniors have proven themselves through lives that embodied responsibility and wisdom. But the McGuinty Liberals think they’ll blow all their cash and become wards of the State. That’s just insulting.
”Chudleigh pointed to successful legislation in Saskatchewan passed in 2002 that allows retirees 100% access to locked-in pensions.
“I haven’t heard of any wild and uncontrolled spending sprees by Saskatchewan seniors,” said Chudleigh.“They’re proof that the current legislation is out-of-touch with reality. Sadly, today the Liberals voted based on ideology and ignored the real concerns of their senior constituents.
”The vote on second reading on Bill 116 was lost by a count of 7-26. All votes against were from Liberal MPPs while the Bill received support from all present PC and NDP Members. MPP Leeanna Pendergast was the sole Liberal supporter of the Bill.
-30-
For further information contact:
Ben Ellis 416-325-5747
Second Reading Bill 116 Time
Hi Everybody,
Second reading of Ted Chudleigh's Bill 116 .
Ted’s Bill 116 is second (of three) private members bills being debated today.
At 1pm, the House does Routine Proceedings which can take very little time or upwards of an hour and a half. Following that, each private members bill is debated for one hour.It looks like today’s Routine Proceedings will be fairly short.
So I imagine the first PMB will begin at about 1:30pm and Bill 116 will go at about 2:30pm.
Regards Bill C
Second reading of Ted Chudleigh's Bill 116 .
Ted’s Bill 116 is second (of three) private members bills being debated today.
At 1pm, the House does Routine Proceedings which can take very little time or upwards of an hour and a half. Following that, each private members bill is debated for one hour.It looks like today’s Routine Proceedings will be fairly short.
So I imagine the first PMB will begin at about 1:30pm and Bill 116 will go at about 2:30pm.
Regards Bill C
Monday, April 27, 2009
Pension Press Release
Hi Everybody ;
Feel free to pass on to your news papers and contacts .
Regards Bill C
For immediate release
Chudleigh Reads Locked-In Pension Petitions at Queen’s Park
Seniors Seek Independence and Respect through Halton MPP’s Private Members Bill
(Queen’s Park - April 27, 2009)
Today in the Ontario Legislature, PC MPP Ted Chudleigh (Halton) read into the record some of the first of hundreds of signatures which call on the Ontario government to allow retirees one hundred percent access to their locked-in pension accounts.
The McGuinty Liberals recently raised the allowed withdrawal of locked-in funds to fifty percent but Chudleigh says that doesn't go far enough.
“For too long, the government has controlled the hard-earned pension money of Ontarians, rationing out pension income like parents giving allowance to their children,” said Chudleigh. “During these trying economic times, seniors need financial flexibility not financial shackles.
”The petition calls for all-party support for Bill 116, Chudleigh’s Private Member’s Bill which would allow retirees to transfer accrued pension assets out of locked-in funds at the time of retirement, as early as age 55.
“Unlocking pensions means respect for seniors, a boost for the economy and a step towards fairness for Ontario and all its citizens,” said Chudleigh. “It is an optimistic idea that places faith in the individual above the heavy hand of government.
”Chudleigh said that the current system assumes that seniors are not responsible enough to manage their own retirement finances.
“Considering that retirees have generally shown fiscal wisdom and prudence throughout their lives, through the sound management of accounts and investments, as owners of houses and automobiles, as parents and grandparents, through community involvement, and as valued employees and employers, it is not right that they are treated with such disrespect,” said Chudleigh. “It’s time we start treating seniors like adults.
”Bill 116 will be debated in the Legislative Assembly on May 14th, 2009. Chudleigh plans to read the petition regularly before that date.
To view a copy of the petition, please visit:http://www.tedchudleigh.com/files/symlink/...onspetition.PDF
For information contact:
Ben Ellis @ 416-325-5747
Feel free to pass on to your news papers and contacts .
Regards Bill C
For immediate release
Chudleigh Reads Locked-In Pension Petitions at Queen’s Park
Seniors Seek Independence and Respect through Halton MPP’s Private Members Bill
(Queen’s Park - April 27, 2009)
Today in the Ontario Legislature, PC MPP Ted Chudleigh (Halton) read into the record some of the first of hundreds of signatures which call on the Ontario government to allow retirees one hundred percent access to their locked-in pension accounts.
The McGuinty Liberals recently raised the allowed withdrawal of locked-in funds to fifty percent but Chudleigh says that doesn't go far enough.
“For too long, the government has controlled the hard-earned pension money of Ontarians, rationing out pension income like parents giving allowance to their children,” said Chudleigh. “During these trying economic times, seniors need financial flexibility not financial shackles.
”The petition calls for all-party support for Bill 116, Chudleigh’s Private Member’s Bill which would allow retirees to transfer accrued pension assets out of locked-in funds at the time of retirement, as early as age 55.
“Unlocking pensions means respect for seniors, a boost for the economy and a step towards fairness for Ontario and all its citizens,” said Chudleigh. “It is an optimistic idea that places faith in the individual above the heavy hand of government.
”Chudleigh said that the current system assumes that seniors are not responsible enough to manage their own retirement finances.
“Considering that retirees have generally shown fiscal wisdom and prudence throughout their lives, through the sound management of accounts and investments, as owners of houses and automobiles, as parents and grandparents, through community involvement, and as valued employees and employers, it is not right that they are treated with such disrespect,” said Chudleigh. “It’s time we start treating seniors like adults.
”Bill 116 will be debated in the Legislative Assembly on May 14th, 2009. Chudleigh plans to read the petition regularly before that date.
To view a copy of the petition, please visit:http://www.tedchudleigh.com/files/symlink/...onspetition.PDF
For information contact:
Ben Ellis @ 416-325-5747
Date Change
Bill 116 Second reading date has been changed .
There has been a sudden change announced by the Speaker’s Office.
Ted’s Private Member’s Business day has been moved up one week. Therefore, Bill 116 will be debated on May 14th instead of May 7th. It seems there was some sort of scheduling error.Ted has received a good number of petitions and these will be read in the legislature starting Thursday and periodicly leading up to the second reading of Bill 116
Take Care Bill C
There has been a sudden change announced by the Speaker’s Office.
Ted’s Private Member’s Business day has been moved up one week. Therefore, Bill 116 will be debated on May 14th instead of May 7th. It seems there was some sort of scheduling error.Ted has received a good number of petitions and these will be read in the legislature starting Thursday and periodicly leading up to the second reading of Bill 116
Take Care Bill C
Monday, April 6, 2009
THANK YOU
Hi Everybody;
I would like to say a great big THANK YOU to all of you that sent in e-mails to the Premier and Finance Minister of Ontario as well as sending letters to the MPP's of all party's .
I would also like to say a BIG THANK YOU to Susan Eng and CARP for their continuing efforts in having these pensions unlocked .
I would also like to thank you for the time you have taken to go out and get petitions signed in support of Bill 116.
The petition will be read by various MPP's of the Conservative Party in the legislature starting shortly .
If you haven't sent in your petitions yet , you can send them in now. If you haven't yet got one filled out .
It is not too late . Better Late then never .
The petition can be found here . Http://www.tedchudleigh.com/petitions
Well We All have finally convinced the Liberal Government to unlock a additional 25%.
While this is a nice gesture and we are thankful this is not enough !!!!!
Why should Government be interfering in a persons own private pension savings ?? We do not need government telling us how we should set up our budget for retirement.
We in LIF pensions do not have the protection of company pension plans . We do not get Government Bail Outs .
We say how our money is invested the same as a person with a regular unlocked RRSP.
Why ???? Then should we be treated differently and have our money locked in ?
We make our own GAINS and SUFFER OUR OWN LOSSES . WE do this with no help from government .
Why then should Government be DICTATING how our money is spent during our retirement years .
LAST BUT NOT LEAST .
Why should WE and the TAX PAYER be shelling out millions of dollars to FSCO to regulate these funds.
It Just doesn't make sense . ANOTHER TOTAL WASTE OF MONEY BY GOVERNMENT !!!
Anyway . THANK YOU AGAIN for all the time you have put into this.
Bill C PS> This isn't over yet . We do not have 100% . More letters are needed to MPP's .
I would like to say a great big THANK YOU to all of you that sent in e-mails to the Premier and Finance Minister of Ontario as well as sending letters to the MPP's of all party's .
I would also like to say a BIG THANK YOU to Susan Eng and CARP for their continuing efforts in having these pensions unlocked .
I would also like to thank you for the time you have taken to go out and get petitions signed in support of Bill 116.
The petition will be read by various MPP's of the Conservative Party in the legislature starting shortly .
If you haven't sent in your petitions yet , you can send them in now. If you haven't yet got one filled out .
It is not too late . Better Late then never .
The petition can be found here . Http://www.tedchudleigh.com/petitions
Well We All have finally convinced the Liberal Government to unlock a additional 25%.
While this is a nice gesture and we are thankful this is not enough !!!!!
Why should Government be interfering in a persons own private pension savings ?? We do not need government telling us how we should set up our budget for retirement.
We in LIF pensions do not have the protection of company pension plans . We do not get Government Bail Outs .
We say how our money is invested the same as a person with a regular unlocked RRSP.
Why ???? Then should we be treated differently and have our money locked in ?
We make our own GAINS and SUFFER OUR OWN LOSSES . WE do this with no help from government .
Why then should Government be DICTATING how our money is spent during our retirement years .
LAST BUT NOT LEAST .
Why should WE and the TAX PAYER be shelling out millions of dollars to FSCO to regulate these funds.
It Just doesn't make sense . ANOTHER TOTAL WASTE OF MONEY BY GOVERNMENT !!!
Anyway . THANK YOU AGAIN for all the time you have put into this.
Bill C PS> This isn't over yet . We do not have 100% . More letters are needed to MPP's .
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Bill 116 Petition
Hi Everybody ;
I just thought I best let everybody know . Even though the McGuinty Government has opened up 50% unlocking of Ontario LIF's .
We are not letting up . We still need the petitions sent in supporting Ted's Private Members Bill 116 .
If we have a little bit of luck on our side we could get the Bill passed if McGuinty allows a free vote and we have the support of the Conservatives and NDP .
If not at least it will be a good launch into the next election and at that time I am sure the party that gets in will unlock these pensions fully with protection of RRIF's from creditors . If the people of Ontario vote in this so called Premier again . Then all I can say is we deserve what we vote for .
Take Care Bill C
I just thought I best let everybody know . Even though the McGuinty Government has opened up 50% unlocking of Ontario LIF's .
We are not letting up . We still need the petitions sent in supporting Ted's Private Members Bill 116 .
If we have a little bit of luck on our side we could get the Bill passed if McGuinty allows a free vote and we have the support of the Conservatives and NDP .
If not at least it will be a good launch into the next election and at that time I am sure the party that gets in will unlock these pensions fully with protection of RRIF's from creditors . If the people of Ontario vote in this so called Premier again . Then all I can say is we deserve what we vote for .
Take Care Bill C
Thursday, March 26, 2009
50% Unlocking , Half way there
Hi Everybody ;
Bellow is a press release that Susan Eng of CARP has sent out .
The Coalition of Independent LIF holders would like to Thank Susan and CARP for all the efforts they have put into have these pensions unlocked . We in the Coalition and also CARP will be continuing the fight to have these funds unlocked 100%
As Susan Eng has stated in her Press release that she is concerned with the GST/PST Harmonization .
I am also concerned .
The Liberals are trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the Ontario Citizens again with a out and out tax grab . If they were sincere about helping business and the citizens of Ontario . Why did they not lower the PST to 5% it would have at least come close to leveling the field .
The way it stands . With the tax on Electricity and Heating and not taking into consideration the other items that will be taxed . The $1000 and the tax credits will be gobbled up pretty fast . I wish some of these people would have to spend 1 year in the boots of people that live in the north on the average income here and just see how far their credits go . Not saying that people in the GTA and all of Ontario will be any better off.
Bill C
March 26, 2009
CARP warns that proposal for $1,000 cheques diverts attention from potential tax grab but applauds major gain for retirees with locked in retirement funds
Toronto, Ontario: CARP warns that the proposal to send out $1,000 cheques diverts attention from potential tax grab but applauds major gain for retirees with locked in retirement funds.
GST/PST harmonization hides tax grab
People planning how they will spend their $1000 cheque from the provincial government will have to think twice. First not everyone gets the $1000. Families with 2 or more people, this includes single parents, will get the $1000. Single people, including those 65plus, only get $300 – and it’s spread over 3 payments.
The cut-off is $166,600 for families and $82,000 for singles – those with incomes above these amounts will not receive the transitional payments.
These payments were meant to soften the blow from the increase in Retail Sales Taxes due to the new combined tax now applying to goods and services that were not taxable provincially before harmonization. Based on government analysis of consumption patterns, people could be paying from $185 to $1000 more in sales taxes due to this change. The budget papers say that even after the $300/$1000 one time only payments have stopped, taxpayers will still be ahead but that depends on believing that businesses that stand to gain the most from this change will pass their savings through to consumers.
One huge flaw in this analysis is that some products like home heating oil- which is a major expense for most families, especially older Canadians, - is not much subject to competitive pressures.
“Instead of exempting essential products like home heating fuel, the government is leaving it to taxpayers to pressure businesses to pass through their savings,” said Susan Eng, Vice President, Advocacy, CARP. “Increasing sales taxes is no way to stimulate consumer spending and it in fact hurts those who have no choice but spend on necessities.”
Unlocking LIFs – increased from 25% to 50%
The good news for older Canadians who have locked in funds [LIFs] is that they will now be able to unlock up to 50% of their LIFs, up from the limit of 25%. CARP has called for full unlocking to allow people to access their own money, especially in these difficult economic times. In fact there could be more tax revenues as people spend on their immediate needs.
CARP has also called for the elimination of the fees payable when people get their fundes unlocked through financial hardship applications. Budget 2009 proposes to waive the fees – 2% of the amount withdrawn – minimum $200 to maximum of $600 –for 2 years only. CARP calls for a permanent elimination of these fees.
“It’s bad enough that people in dire financial circumstances can't get at their own money without a lot of bureaucracy – the fees were an unnecessary extra burden and should be eliminated permanently but CARP members will appreciate this temporary relief. It shows that the government is listening,” said Eng.
But CARP cautions that unlocking LIFs also mean that the funds are no longer creditor proof which is an important consideration in difficult economic times.
Pension reform proposals recognize need to protect retirees and broader access to pension plans
The proposals for pension reform are responsive to the calls for urgent reform and balancing the interests of employers and employees. For example the temporary funding relief requires the approval of plan beneficiaries which includes retirees, and greater limitations on contribution holidays. There is a nod to larger pension funds providing administrative support for smaller funds and mention of something approaching a universal pension plan which CARP has called for consistently as well as a pension summit to involve retirees in pension reform deliberations.
“The budget proposals acknowledge the urgent need for pension reform, including rebalancing the interest of employers and employees, protecting pensioners, considering a universal pension plan and involving retirees and other stakeholders in pension reform deliberations. CARP members who have become increasingly anxious about their retirement security will welcome these proposals,” added Eng
CARP is a national, non-partisan, non-profit organization committed to advocating for a New Vision of Aging for Canada, social change that will bring financial security, equitable access to health care and freedom from discrimination. CARP seeks to ensure that the marketplace serves the needs and expectations of our generation and provides value-added benefits, products and services to our members. Through our network of chapters across Canada, CARP is dedicated to building a sense of community and shared values among our members in support of CARP’s mission.
Bellow is a press release that Susan Eng of CARP has sent out .
The Coalition of Independent LIF holders would like to Thank Susan and CARP for all the efforts they have put into have these pensions unlocked . We in the Coalition and also CARP will be continuing the fight to have these funds unlocked 100%
As Susan Eng has stated in her Press release that she is concerned with the GST/PST Harmonization .
I am also concerned .
The Liberals are trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the Ontario Citizens again with a out and out tax grab . If they were sincere about helping business and the citizens of Ontario . Why did they not lower the PST to 5% it would have at least come close to leveling the field .
The way it stands . With the tax on Electricity and Heating and not taking into consideration the other items that will be taxed . The $1000 and the tax credits will be gobbled up pretty fast . I wish some of these people would have to spend 1 year in the boots of people that live in the north on the average income here and just see how far their credits go . Not saying that people in the GTA and all of Ontario will be any better off.
Bill C
March 26, 2009
CARP warns that proposal for $1,000 cheques diverts attention from potential tax grab but applauds major gain for retirees with locked in retirement funds
Toronto, Ontario: CARP warns that the proposal to send out $1,000 cheques diverts attention from potential tax grab but applauds major gain for retirees with locked in retirement funds.
GST/PST harmonization hides tax grab
People planning how they will spend their $1000 cheque from the provincial government will have to think twice. First not everyone gets the $1000. Families with 2 or more people, this includes single parents, will get the $1000. Single people, including those 65plus, only get $300 – and it’s spread over 3 payments.
The cut-off is $166,600 for families and $82,000 for singles – those with incomes above these amounts will not receive the transitional payments.
These payments were meant to soften the blow from the increase in Retail Sales Taxes due to the new combined tax now applying to goods and services that were not taxable provincially before harmonization. Based on government analysis of consumption patterns, people could be paying from $185 to $1000 more in sales taxes due to this change. The budget papers say that even after the $300/$1000 one time only payments have stopped, taxpayers will still be ahead but that depends on believing that businesses that stand to gain the most from this change will pass their savings through to consumers.
One huge flaw in this analysis is that some products like home heating oil- which is a major expense for most families, especially older Canadians, - is not much subject to competitive pressures.
“Instead of exempting essential products like home heating fuel, the government is leaving it to taxpayers to pressure businesses to pass through their savings,” said Susan Eng, Vice President, Advocacy, CARP. “Increasing sales taxes is no way to stimulate consumer spending and it in fact hurts those who have no choice but spend on necessities.”
Unlocking LIFs – increased from 25% to 50%
The good news for older Canadians who have locked in funds [LIFs] is that they will now be able to unlock up to 50% of their LIFs, up from the limit of 25%. CARP has called for full unlocking to allow people to access their own money, especially in these difficult economic times. In fact there could be more tax revenues as people spend on their immediate needs.
CARP has also called for the elimination of the fees payable when people get their fundes unlocked through financial hardship applications. Budget 2009 proposes to waive the fees – 2% of the amount withdrawn – minimum $200 to maximum of $600 –for 2 years only. CARP calls for a permanent elimination of these fees.
“It’s bad enough that people in dire financial circumstances can't get at their own money without a lot of bureaucracy – the fees were an unnecessary extra burden and should be eliminated permanently but CARP members will appreciate this temporary relief. It shows that the government is listening,” said Eng.
But CARP cautions that unlocking LIFs also mean that the funds are no longer creditor proof which is an important consideration in difficult economic times.
Pension reform proposals recognize need to protect retirees and broader access to pension plans
The proposals for pension reform are responsive to the calls for urgent reform and balancing the interests of employers and employees. For example the temporary funding relief requires the approval of plan beneficiaries which includes retirees, and greater limitations on contribution holidays. There is a nod to larger pension funds providing administrative support for smaller funds and mention of something approaching a universal pension plan which CARP has called for consistently as well as a pension summit to involve retirees in pension reform deliberations.
“The budget proposals acknowledge the urgent need for pension reform, including rebalancing the interest of employers and employees, protecting pensioners, considering a universal pension plan and involving retirees and other stakeholders in pension reform deliberations. CARP members who have become increasingly anxious about their retirement security will welcome these proposals,” added Eng
CARP is a national, non-partisan, non-profit organization committed to advocating for a New Vision of Aging for Canada, social change that will bring financial security, equitable access to health care and freedom from discrimination. CARP seeks to ensure that the marketplace serves the needs and expectations of our generation and provides value-added benefits, products and services to our members. Through our network of chapters across Canada, CARP is dedicated to building a sense of community and shared values among our members in support of CARP’s mission.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Bill 116 Petition Reminder
Hi Everybody ;
The time is getting closer to hand in the petitions to unlock locked in pensions Bill 116 . We would like them sent in by April 10th .
If you haven't downloaded a petition yet . It can be downloaded at Ted Chudleigh's web site .
www.tedchudleigh.com/petitions
Please don't procrastinate and think the next person will do it . If everybody takes that attitude , We are then dead in the water .If we want these pensions unlocked we have to show that there are a great number of people behind unlocking.Have your family , children (( There is no age restriction )), friends , neighbors and whoever sign .
Please also pass this on to any contacts you have and also ask for their help .
We Can Do This !!!
The Petitions can be mailed to . Ted Chudleigh , Room 450 Legislative Building , Queen's Park , Toronto , Ontario , M7A 1A8
Or you can mail to me and I will bundle them up and send them on .Bill Costello , 6 Chub Lake Road , Box 56 , Atikokan Ontario , p0t 1c0
With the economie the way it is there are more and more people everyday that are ending up in locked in pensions .
If these pensions were unlocked it just may help some people bridge their way into retirement instead of having to rely on social assistance .
Thank You and Take Care , Bill Costello , The Ontario Coalition of Independent LIF Holders
The time is getting closer to hand in the petitions to unlock locked in pensions Bill 116 . We would like them sent in by April 10th .
If you haven't downloaded a petition yet . It can be downloaded at Ted Chudleigh's web site .
www.tedchudleigh.com/petitions
Please don't procrastinate and think the next person will do it . If everybody takes that attitude , We are then dead in the water .If we want these pensions unlocked we have to show that there are a great number of people behind unlocking.Have your family , children (( There is no age restriction )), friends , neighbors and whoever sign .
Please also pass this on to any contacts you have and also ask for their help .
We Can Do This !!!
The Petitions can be mailed to . Ted Chudleigh , Room 450 Legislative Building , Queen's Park , Toronto , Ontario , M7A 1A8
Or you can mail to me and I will bundle them up and send them on .Bill Costello , 6 Chub Lake Road , Box 56 , Atikokan Ontario , p0t 1c0
With the economie the way it is there are more and more people everyday that are ending up in locked in pensions .
If these pensions were unlocked it just may help some people bridge their way into retirement instead of having to rely on social assistance .
Thank You and Take Care , Bill Costello , The Ontario Coalition of Independent LIF Holders
Monday, March 16, 2009
A Statement by MPP Ernie Hardeman ( Oxford )
Hi Everybody ;
Here is a statement from Mr.Ernie Hardeman (Oxford ) that was read in the Legislature today .
As Mr Hardeman says . "In the budget on March 26, the McGuinty government has an opportunity to do the right thing and ensure that people who worked hard for their money have access to it when they need it."
I wont hold my breath as we have been asking them to unlock these pensions for the Seniors and Retire's of Ontario for the past 5 years . It appears that the Liberal Party is not concerned with the struggles of their seniors and those close to retirement wanting to bridge the gap to 65 when they lose their jobs in troubled times .
It seems that the McGuinty Liberals are only concerned about them selves and to hell with the older population.
As I have said in the previous letter we owe the Conservative Party a Thanks for taking up this issue of unlocking locked in pensions 100% for the 55 plus in Ontario .
Please pass this on to your contacts and also the previous letter .
Take Care , Regards Bill C
Mr. Ernie Hardeman (Oxford):
Imagine being a senior who is struggling to make ends meet, and being told by the government that even though you have money, you can’t use it. Imagine needing to repair your house or buy a new car, and being told by the government that you can’t spend your own money to do it.
That’s the situation that many seniors across the province are facing. They are owners of life income funds or locked-in retirement income funds. Both of these types of accounts severely restrict the amount of money that can be withdrawn. In fact, to access the account because of severe financial hardship, you have to apply and actually pay an application fee to try to get access to your own money.
Unlocking these pensions is a simple step the government can take to give people the flexibility they need to manage their own finances. Other provinces already allow significantly more flexibility on when people can withdraw money from these funds. Saskatchewan allows 100% to be withdrawn any time after the age of 55.
Like these other provinces, Ontario should recognize the importance of giving people access to their own money, and allow seniors to withdraw 100% of their life income funds or locked-in retirement income funds. These people worked hard to save for old age. Now that it has arrived, they should be entitled to access these savings.
This change wouldn’t cost the government anything. In fact, people who are finally making much-needed purchases will help the economy.
In the budget on March 26, the McGuinty government has an opportunity to do the right thing and ensure that people who worked hard for their money have access to it when they need it.
Here is a statement from Mr.Ernie Hardeman (Oxford ) that was read in the Legislature today .
As Mr Hardeman says . "In the budget on March 26, the McGuinty government has an opportunity to do the right thing and ensure that people who worked hard for their money have access to it when they need it."
I wont hold my breath as we have been asking them to unlock these pensions for the Seniors and Retire's of Ontario for the past 5 years . It appears that the Liberal Party is not concerned with the struggles of their seniors and those close to retirement wanting to bridge the gap to 65 when they lose their jobs in troubled times .
It seems that the McGuinty Liberals are only concerned about them selves and to hell with the older population.
As I have said in the previous letter we owe the Conservative Party a Thanks for taking up this issue of unlocking locked in pensions 100% for the 55 plus in Ontario .
Please pass this on to your contacts and also the previous letter .
Take Care , Regards Bill C
Mr. Ernie Hardeman (Oxford):
Imagine being a senior who is struggling to make ends meet, and being told by the government that even though you have money, you can’t use it. Imagine needing to repair your house or buy a new car, and being told by the government that you can’t spend your own money to do it.
That’s the situation that many seniors across the province are facing. They are owners of life income funds or locked-in retirement income funds. Both of these types of accounts severely restrict the amount of money that can be withdrawn. In fact, to access the account because of severe financial hardship, you have to apply and actually pay an application fee to try to get access to your own money.
Unlocking these pensions is a simple step the government can take to give people the flexibility they need to manage their own finances. Other provinces already allow significantly more flexibility on when people can withdraw money from these funds. Saskatchewan allows 100% to be withdrawn any time after the age of 55.
Like these other provinces, Ontario should recognize the importance of giving people access to their own money, and allow seniors to withdraw 100% of their life income funds or locked-in retirement income funds. These people worked hard to save for old age. Now that it has arrived, they should be entitled to access these savings.
This change wouldn’t cost the government anything. In fact, people who are finally making much-needed purchases will help the economy.
In the budget on March 26, the McGuinty government has an opportunity to do the right thing and ensure that people who worked hard for their money have access to it when they need it.
Friday, March 13, 2009
MPP Frank Klees Requesting LIF's be Unlocked
Hi Everybody ;
Here is a transcript of the discussion between Mr. Frank Klees ( Newmarket - Aurora PC Party ) and Hon. Minister Aileen Carroll . ( Minister Responsible for Seniors ) .
I question the title Hon. , but then that is just my opinion.
The first time I sent a letter to Ms. Carroll concerning the issue with locked in pensions . She was so kind to let me know that I was not in her constituency . I then wrote her another letter asking her if she was the Minister Responsible for Seniors , If so , was she not supposed to be responsible for all seniors in Ontario and again asked her to help correct the unjustness of locked in pensions .
I received no response . I am also aware of others of you that had the same problem with this minister when asking for her help in unlocking locked in pensions .
After reading her answer to Mr Klees even after he asked her the same question twice . This is what she came up with "I have not had an opportunity to speak to the Minister of Finance at the federal level; I leave that to my colleague in cabinet to do so. "
It is very obvious that the letters that were sent to her concerning locked in pensions were thrown in the garbage , She obviously never even looked at the issue .
If she had she would have known that there are a few hundred thousand Senior Retire's in Ontario that have locked in pensions under Ontario Provincial Rule . NOT Federal Rule ,
Just plain incompetent and she is being paid by us the tax payer to represent Seniors in Government .
If any of you would like to drop a letter to Minister Carroll and let her know that we are taking notes . Please feel free to do so .
Below is the Transcript and I think we owe the Progressive Conservative Party a big thanks for taking this issue on .
You all Take Care Bill C
Senior citizens
Mr. Frank Klees: To the Minister Responsible for Seniors: Seniors across the province are not immune to the economic downturn. They’ve worked hard to put aside funds in a retirement account and they’re counting on that income to pay their day-to-day living expenses.
Many of those retirement accounts are eroded. The income from those retirement accounts is considerably less than it has been. My question is this: Has the Minister Responsible for Seniors advocated with the Minister of Finance to allow seniors in this province to have access to 100% of their locked-in retirement accounts, and if not, why not?
Hon. M. Aileen Carroll: I can assure the honourable member that, the Seniors’ Secretariat being part of my portfolio, I am cognizant of the pressures of this economy on seniors in Ontario. I take every opportunity to convey to the Minister of Finance my concerns on issues such as elder abuse, and the fiscal impact as well. The property tax initiative, of course, was a response to that very dilemma, and it was done by this government in advance of the current economic malaise that we are now dealing with.
Be assured, honourable member, that I will continue to advocate on their behalf to the best of my ability.
The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Supplementary?
Mr. Frank Klees: My question was very specific. Seniors from across the province are asking for the right to their own money. This is money that seniors have put aside through their hard work for the day that we now have, and that is when they are in need. This is their money. Under current legislation, they cannot access their own retirement funds. It will take an act of this Legislature to open up those locked-in retirement accounts.
I’d like to know from the minister, has she specifically made the request of the minister to include that measure in the next budget, and if she hasn’t, will she commit today that that will in fact be her request of the Minister of Finance on behalf of seniors across the province?
Hon. M. Aileen Carroll: As I assured the honourable member, I have and continue to convey my concerns and those of seniors in Ontario to the Minister of Finance. As the honourable member knows, we took measures to allow seniors more access in the budget of 2007. Unfortunately, the honourable member chose to vote against it.
There are indeed a number of aspects of this particular dilemma that belong in the federal domain. I have not had an opportunity to speak to the Minister of Finance at the federal level; I leave that to my colleague in cabinet to do so. But I can only assure the House and the member that many of the initiatives that we have taken are assisting these seniors in these turbulent times. I would look for his support when we bring in a very, very excellent budget in a couple of weeks’ time.
Here is a transcript of the discussion between Mr. Frank Klees ( Newmarket - Aurora PC Party ) and Hon. Minister Aileen Carroll . ( Minister Responsible for Seniors ) .
I question the title Hon. , but then that is just my opinion.
The first time I sent a letter to Ms. Carroll concerning the issue with locked in pensions . She was so kind to let me know that I was not in her constituency . I then wrote her another letter asking her if she was the Minister Responsible for Seniors , If so , was she not supposed to be responsible for all seniors in Ontario and again asked her to help correct the unjustness of locked in pensions .
I received no response . I am also aware of others of you that had the same problem with this minister when asking for her help in unlocking locked in pensions .
After reading her answer to Mr Klees even after he asked her the same question twice . This is what she came up with "I have not had an opportunity to speak to the Minister of Finance at the federal level; I leave that to my colleague in cabinet to do so. "
It is very obvious that the letters that were sent to her concerning locked in pensions were thrown in the garbage , She obviously never even looked at the issue .
If she had she would have known that there are a few hundred thousand Senior Retire's in Ontario that have locked in pensions under Ontario Provincial Rule . NOT Federal Rule ,
Just plain incompetent and she is being paid by us the tax payer to represent Seniors in Government .
If any of you would like to drop a letter to Minister Carroll and let her know that we are taking notes . Please feel free to do so .
Below is the Transcript and I think we owe the Progressive Conservative Party a big thanks for taking this issue on .
You all Take Care Bill C
Senior citizens
Mr. Frank Klees: To the Minister Responsible for Seniors: Seniors across the province are not immune to the economic downturn. They’ve worked hard to put aside funds in a retirement account and they’re counting on that income to pay their day-to-day living expenses.
Many of those retirement accounts are eroded. The income from those retirement accounts is considerably less than it has been. My question is this: Has the Minister Responsible for Seniors advocated with the Minister of Finance to allow seniors in this province to have access to 100% of their locked-in retirement accounts, and if not, why not?
Hon. M. Aileen Carroll: I can assure the honourable member that, the Seniors’ Secretariat being part of my portfolio, I am cognizant of the pressures of this economy on seniors in Ontario. I take every opportunity to convey to the Minister of Finance my concerns on issues such as elder abuse, and the fiscal impact as well. The property tax initiative, of course, was a response to that very dilemma, and it was done by this government in advance of the current economic malaise that we are now dealing with.
Be assured, honourable member, that I will continue to advocate on their behalf to the best of my ability.
The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Supplementary?
Mr. Frank Klees: My question was very specific. Seniors from across the province are asking for the right to their own money. This is money that seniors have put aside through their hard work for the day that we now have, and that is when they are in need. This is their money. Under current legislation, they cannot access their own retirement funds. It will take an act of this Legislature to open up those locked-in retirement accounts.
I’d like to know from the minister, has she specifically made the request of the minister to include that measure in the next budget, and if she hasn’t, will she commit today that that will in fact be her request of the Minister of Finance on behalf of seniors across the province?
Hon. M. Aileen Carroll: As I assured the honourable member, I have and continue to convey my concerns and those of seniors in Ontario to the Minister of Finance. As the honourable member knows, we took measures to allow seniors more access in the budget of 2007. Unfortunately, the honourable member chose to vote against it.
There are indeed a number of aspects of this particular dilemma that belong in the federal domain. I have not had an opportunity to speak to the Minister of Finance at the federal level; I leave that to my colleague in cabinet to do so. But I can only assure the House and the member that many of the initiatives that we have taken are assisting these seniors in these turbulent times. I would look for his support when we bring in a very, very excellent budget in a couple of weeks’ time.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
A Letter of Response concerning differences about Unlocking Pensions
Hi Everybody ;
This is a letter that Grant wrote to various people in Local Government when they become offended because Ken was sending them information on Bill 27 . I will not be naming names of the ones that that seem to think this is a frivolus issue , but to be sure I will be holding those names and answers in my e-mail folder .
Good Afternoon,
This is in response to ALL those who've responded to Ken Elliott and
Philip James, and a personal perspective from all sides of this issue.
Neither of these gentlemen have stated mistruths. The HANSARD quotes
are very accurate and truthful.
Sure, some, not all, are offended that anyone out there could/would
have the audacity to question our supposedly "highly esteemed",
"sometimes righteous", "honourable politicians". How dare any one of
the generally disconnected public even conceive a notion to penetrate
the protected inner-circle of politics - regional, provincial or
federal.
Mr. Elliot has simply regurgitated the words of it's provincial
legislators. I know it's disturbing. I too would be disgusted having
someone rub my nose in it, especially if I knew I had something to do
with the injustice of Bill 27.
Come-on everyone - have you not taken the time to read the statements
of your fellow politicians own words in the HANSARD!
These are not Mr. Elliott's words - they belong to politicians - yes,
some of the very politicians that some of you are voraciously
defending. Do you think ALL of the electorate do not pay attention?
As far as I can see, following the recent email train, Mr. Elliot has
also included regional officials as a matter of courtesy so that they
too can be aware of their constituents issues pertaining to provincial
restrictions on the very source of their well-being and financial
livelihood.
Why is their such disdain for truthful information and the reality of
locked-in pensions and the financial hardships it continues to wreak on
all Ontario locked-in pensioners?
I think Mr. Elliott's inclusion of regional leaders to the locked-in
pension issue is very valid and is certainly not "frivolous" at all.
Any municipal leader should welcome this information so that they may
better understand the "other issues" affecting their residents.
Perhaps, some leaders may even have the courage to stand up to their
provincial relatives and demand EQUALITY for their citizens, once
informed about the restrictive nature of those pensioners with
locked-in pensions and their ability, or lack there-of, to meet their
municipal financial obligations while putting food on their tables and
keeping their lights and heat on.
This is NOT A PERSONAL WITCH HUNT.
IT IS A QUEST for TRUE DEMOCRACY, EQUALITY and FAIRNESS for all
ONTARIANS - ALL ONTARIANS - NOT JUST THE SELF-PRIVILEGED!!
So turning it into a personal issue detracts from the real intent of
the message.
This battle started out the day after Dec 22, 1999 with the selfish
inclusion of an exclusive amendment to the MPP's Pension Act, granting
them and them ONLY, full 100% access to their locked-in pensions while
leaving the rest of ALL Ontarians with similar wound-up pensions on the
outside with no such privilege!
I personally have spoken to a previous individual, who along with
others in his group, back in 2000, attempted to bring the inequality
issue of locked-in pensions to their provincial rulers - all to no
avail - big surprise. He informed me, not unlike those of us today, he
too was stonewalled at every turn.
He was typically met with the all too often and convenient "blame
game", silent treatment, ignored emails, canned responses, endless
shell game referrals etc. - you all know what I mean.
So some of you who've come out against Ken Elliott's approach to bring
out the truth about the selfish exclusion of millions of Ontarians,
courtesy of Bill 27, and appeal to the common decency of "those
responsible" or "those who can affect change", I ask the following
questions;
1) How many years does it take to include ALL Ontarians and correct a
government implemented injustice?
2) How many more locked-in pensioners have to "LIVE BROKE - DIE RICH"?
3) How many more discussions, round tables, inquiries, panels,
commissions to investigate?
4) How many more political leaders will continue to stand down, "stay
out of it" and turn the other way?
5) How many more recognized economics experts, such as Jack Mintz,
Malcolm Hamilton, Gord Pape, numerous seniors organizations such as
CARP need to heard from before we do what's right?
6) What is the "polite" and "political way" to democracy? Ten years
using that approach have come and gone and we still have unequal
locked-in pension legislation.
And finally - to all those who are critical of Mr. Elliott's method
using email to inform people of the real hidden truth of Bill 27 as
being too drastic, hostile, impolite, rude, frivolous, vexatious etc.,
and since I've yet to read anyone openly challenge the Hansard and it's
contents relating to the exchanges of politicians regarding the "double
standard"- DM 1999, and injustice of two separate laws for the same
locked-in pensions, I welcome hearing the so-called proper detailed
approach to correcting the injustice so that we can finally put an end
to the collective silence and make ONTARIO an "equal" and "fair"
province for ALL it's residents and not just the clever.
For those of you who believe that all Ontarians should be treated
equally in terms of locked-in pensions, and who possess leadership
qualities and the knowledge to affect change, step forward and guide
the way for those less politically savvy and connected and rally behind
the cause to unlock pensions for ALL Ontarians. You too, are welcome to
rally to the aid of your residents.
Or, the choice can be to simply choose to continue to ignore it all, as
those in power have demonstrated for the past ten years, point the
finger to someone else as "not my problem - problem solved", detract
from, attack the writers style, and ignore the content of the problem
as evidenced by some of the responses I've seen.
Perhaps if some were on the other side of the equation, they might not
be so dismissive and more forthright in offering support to the very
residents with locked-in pensions, they serve.
... and we all wonder why no one votes any more.
Grant Fleury
Sudbury, Ontario
This is a letter that Grant wrote to various people in Local Government when they become offended because Ken was sending them information on Bill 27 . I will not be naming names of the ones that that seem to think this is a frivolus issue , but to be sure I will be holding those names and answers in my e-mail folder .
Good Afternoon,
This is in response to ALL those who've responded to Ken Elliott and
Philip James, and a personal perspective from all sides of this issue.
Neither of these gentlemen have stated mistruths. The HANSARD quotes
are very accurate and truthful.
Sure, some, not all, are offended that anyone out there could/would
have the audacity to question our supposedly "highly esteemed",
"sometimes righteous", "honourable politicians". How dare any one of
the generally disconnected public even conceive a notion to penetrate
the protected inner-circle of politics - regional, provincial or
federal.
Mr. Elliot has simply regurgitated the words of it's provincial
legislators. I know it's disturbing. I too would be disgusted having
someone rub my nose in it, especially if I knew I had something to do
with the injustice of Bill 27.
Come-on everyone - have you not taken the time to read the statements
of your fellow politicians own words in the HANSARD!
These are not Mr. Elliott's words - they belong to politicians - yes,
some of the very politicians that some of you are voraciously
defending. Do you think ALL of the electorate do not pay attention?
As far as I can see, following the recent email train, Mr. Elliot has
also included regional officials as a matter of courtesy so that they
too can be aware of their constituents issues pertaining to provincial
restrictions on the very source of their well-being and financial
livelihood.
Why is their such disdain for truthful information and the reality of
locked-in pensions and the financial hardships it continues to wreak on
all Ontario locked-in pensioners?
I think Mr. Elliott's inclusion of regional leaders to the locked-in
pension issue is very valid and is certainly not "frivolous" at all.
Any municipal leader should welcome this information so that they may
better understand the "other issues" affecting their residents.
Perhaps, some leaders may even have the courage to stand up to their
provincial relatives and demand EQUALITY for their citizens, once
informed about the restrictive nature of those pensioners with
locked-in pensions and their ability, or lack there-of, to meet their
municipal financial obligations while putting food on their tables and
keeping their lights and heat on.
This is NOT A PERSONAL WITCH HUNT.
IT IS A QUEST for TRUE DEMOCRACY, EQUALITY and FAIRNESS for all
ONTARIANS - ALL ONTARIANS - NOT JUST THE SELF-PRIVILEGED!!
So turning it into a personal issue detracts from the real intent of
the message.
This battle started out the day after Dec 22, 1999 with the selfish
inclusion of an exclusive amendment to the MPP's Pension Act, granting
them and them ONLY, full 100% access to their locked-in pensions while
leaving the rest of ALL Ontarians with similar wound-up pensions on the
outside with no such privilege!
I personally have spoken to a previous individual, who along with
others in his group, back in 2000, attempted to bring the inequality
issue of locked-in pensions to their provincial rulers - all to no
avail - big surprise. He informed me, not unlike those of us today, he
too was stonewalled at every turn.
He was typically met with the all too often and convenient "blame
game", silent treatment, ignored emails, canned responses, endless
shell game referrals etc. - you all know what I mean.
So some of you who've come out against Ken Elliott's approach to bring
out the truth about the selfish exclusion of millions of Ontarians,
courtesy of Bill 27, and appeal to the common decency of "those
responsible" or "those who can affect change", I ask the following
questions;
1) How many years does it take to include ALL Ontarians and correct a
government implemented injustice?
2) How many more locked-in pensioners have to "LIVE BROKE - DIE RICH"?
3) How many more discussions, round tables, inquiries, panels,
commissions to investigate?
4) How many more political leaders will continue to stand down, "stay
out of it" and turn the other way?
5) How many more recognized economics experts, such as Jack Mintz,
Malcolm Hamilton, Gord Pape, numerous seniors organizations such as
CARP need to heard from before we do what's right?
6) What is the "polite" and "political way" to democracy? Ten years
using that approach have come and gone and we still have unequal
locked-in pension legislation.
And finally - to all those who are critical of Mr. Elliott's method
using email to inform people of the real hidden truth of Bill 27 as
being too drastic, hostile, impolite, rude, frivolous, vexatious etc.,
and since I've yet to read anyone openly challenge the Hansard and it's
contents relating to the exchanges of politicians regarding the "double
standard"- DM 1999, and injustice of two separate laws for the same
locked-in pensions, I welcome hearing the so-called proper detailed
approach to correcting the injustice so that we can finally put an end
to the collective silence and make ONTARIO an "equal" and "fair"
province for ALL it's residents and not just the clever.
For those of you who believe that all Ontarians should be treated
equally in terms of locked-in pensions, and who possess leadership
qualities and the knowledge to affect change, step forward and guide
the way for those less politically savvy and connected and rally behind
the cause to unlock pensions for ALL Ontarians. You too, are welcome to
rally to the aid of your residents.
Or, the choice can be to simply choose to continue to ignore it all, as
those in power have demonstrated for the past ten years, point the
finger to someone else as "not my problem - problem solved", detract
from, attack the writers style, and ignore the content of the problem
as evidenced by some of the responses I've seen.
Perhaps if some were on the other side of the equation, they might not
be so dismissive and more forthright in offering support to the very
residents with locked-in pensions, they serve.
... and we all wonder why no one votes any more.
Grant Fleury
Sudbury, Ontario
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Open letter to the Ontario Finance Minister
This is a letter I have sent to news papers across Ontario . Weather they print it or not is another story . Bill C
Dear Editor ;
My name is Bill Costello and I am with the Coalition of The Independent LIF ( locked in fund ) Holders.
We have for a number of years been requesting the government or Ontario to unlock these funds .
Now with the faltering economy it is more important then ever yet the government ignores the pleas of thousands of concerned fund holders .The government does not want to answer this simple question and this is why I am requesting of you to print this open letter.
Also any help from your paper with having the restriction lifted on these funds would be appreciated .
Unlocking these funds ( Locked in Retirement accounts ) is now not only a concern of the account holder ,but should be the concern of any Ontario Citizen as there are Millions of dollars in these accounts and if unlocked I am sure some of it would be spent and benefit the Ontario Economy .
Thank You , Regards Bill Costello , Box 56 , Atikokan Ontario
The Hon,.Dwight Duncan February 15 , 2009
Dear Finance Minister ;
First off I would like to inform you that I will also be mailing this letter out to news papers across Ontario as a open letter.
The reason for that being that I have asked the question numerous times " why will the Liberal Party of Ontario not unlock locked in pensions ( LIRA , LIRF , LIF ) 100% for retires 55 years of age and older in Ontario " . I have never received a answer to that Question even though I have asked the question of the Hon. Premier and the Hon. Finance Minister many a time .
The only answer I have received of late is that the Liberal government has unlocked 25% and are not prepared to go any further at this time .
I am sorry to say that does not answer the question. As a Taxpayer of Ontario I have a right to know why the Liberal Party will not unlock these funds .
Unlocking would be a big benefit to the Ontario economy . If seniors had access to their locked in accounts they may retire early . Therefor making room for the younger generation to have jobs . This would mean making room for family's that are on welfare because there are not enough jobs available .
It would also help seniors that have lost their jobs and are close to retirement . They may have enough money in their fund if it wasn't locked in to hold them over until 65 , but with the fund locked they have to go on welfare instead .
I know there are some that say if the seniors are given their money they might spend it and become wards of the government when they reach retirement age.
I am no financial wizard but when one reaches 65 they receive OAS, medical drugs , and CPP if they qualify . Yes some may require GIS but don't you think that is a lot cheaper than making them stay in the workforce and causing a young couple to go on welfare or making them go on welfare because the jobs are not available .
Not all fund holders are going to go out and blow all the money they saved for retirement all their lives . Some however may buy a new car or a house with some of their funds . This would be a boost for the Ontario economy . Best of all this is not bail out money . This is the peoples own personal savings .
I could go on and on how unlocking these funds can boost the economy with no cost to the Ontario government ,start up small business, buy furniture , etc , but I am sure you realizes all that .
People with regular unlocked RRSP's have 100% access to their funds so why should Thousands of Defined Contribution Contributors and the Thousand of Defined Benefit Contributors that never put in their required number of years and ended up in a locked in fund because of company cutbacks , Company closures etc. Not be entitled to the same financial freedom as RRSP holders .
From what I have been told there is anywhere from 300,000 to 350,000 locked in fund holders in Ontario and growing by the day .Nobody seems to actually know the real number , Wouldn't releasing these funds to the rightfully owners give a large boost to the Ontario economy ?
In closing Hon Finance Minister . Please tell me and thousand's of other locked in fund holders .
(( Why will the Liberal Government Of Ontario not unlock these funds 100% ?? ))
After All this would not be a first .
The province of Saskatchewan unlocked these funds for there citizens 7 years ago in 2002 with no bad results recorded after releasing the peoples own deferred wages to themselves .
Please Sir . Give me a direct answer .
I give Permission for this Letter to be used in any News Paper , TV Station , Radio in Ontario
Thank You , Bill Costello , The Ontario Coalition of Independent LIF holders ,
Box 56 , Atikokan , Ontario , P0t 1c0 ,
Dear Editor ;
My name is Bill Costello and I am with the Coalition of The Independent LIF ( locked in fund ) Holders.
We have for a number of years been requesting the government or Ontario to unlock these funds .
Now with the faltering economy it is more important then ever yet the government ignores the pleas of thousands of concerned fund holders .The government does not want to answer this simple question and this is why I am requesting of you to print this open letter.
Also any help from your paper with having the restriction lifted on these funds would be appreciated .
Unlocking these funds ( Locked in Retirement accounts ) is now not only a concern of the account holder ,but should be the concern of any Ontario Citizen as there are Millions of dollars in these accounts and if unlocked I am sure some of it would be spent and benefit the Ontario Economy .
Thank You , Regards Bill Costello , Box 56 , Atikokan Ontario
The Hon,.Dwight Duncan February 15 , 2009
Dear Finance Minister ;
First off I would like to inform you that I will also be mailing this letter out to news papers across Ontario as a open letter.
The reason for that being that I have asked the question numerous times " why will the Liberal Party of Ontario not unlock locked in pensions ( LIRA , LIRF , LIF ) 100% for retires 55 years of age and older in Ontario " . I have never received a answer to that Question even though I have asked the question of the Hon. Premier and the Hon. Finance Minister many a time .
The only answer I have received of late is that the Liberal government has unlocked 25% and are not prepared to go any further at this time .
I am sorry to say that does not answer the question. As a Taxpayer of Ontario I have a right to know why the Liberal Party will not unlock these funds .
Unlocking would be a big benefit to the Ontario economy . If seniors had access to their locked in accounts they may retire early . Therefor making room for the younger generation to have jobs . This would mean making room for family's that are on welfare because there are not enough jobs available .
It would also help seniors that have lost their jobs and are close to retirement . They may have enough money in their fund if it wasn't locked in to hold them over until 65 , but with the fund locked they have to go on welfare instead .
I know there are some that say if the seniors are given their money they might spend it and become wards of the government when they reach retirement age.
I am no financial wizard but when one reaches 65 they receive OAS, medical drugs , and CPP if they qualify . Yes some may require GIS but don't you think that is a lot cheaper than making them stay in the workforce and causing a young couple to go on welfare or making them go on welfare because the jobs are not available .
Not all fund holders are going to go out and blow all the money they saved for retirement all their lives . Some however may buy a new car or a house with some of their funds . This would be a boost for the Ontario economy . Best of all this is not bail out money . This is the peoples own personal savings .
I could go on and on how unlocking these funds can boost the economy with no cost to the Ontario government ,start up small business, buy furniture , etc , but I am sure you realizes all that .
People with regular unlocked RRSP's have 100% access to their funds so why should Thousands of Defined Contribution Contributors and the Thousand of Defined Benefit Contributors that never put in their required number of years and ended up in a locked in fund because of company cutbacks , Company closures etc. Not be entitled to the same financial freedom as RRSP holders .
From what I have been told there is anywhere from 300,000 to 350,000 locked in fund holders in Ontario and growing by the day .Nobody seems to actually know the real number , Wouldn't releasing these funds to the rightfully owners give a large boost to the Ontario economy ?
In closing Hon Finance Minister . Please tell me and thousand's of other locked in fund holders .
(( Why will the Liberal Government Of Ontario not unlock these funds 100% ?? ))
After All this would not be a first .
The province of Saskatchewan unlocked these funds for there citizens 7 years ago in 2002 with no bad results recorded after releasing the peoples own deferred wages to themselves .
Please Sir . Give me a direct answer .
I give Permission for this Letter to be used in any News Paper , TV Station , Radio in Ontario
Thank You , Bill Costello , The Ontario Coalition of Independent LIF holders ,
Box 56 , Atikokan , Ontario , P0t 1c0 ,
A Response from a Burlington Counselor
I received a letter the other day that was copied to me from Rick Goldring . It was a response to Ken Elliott's request for his support of Ted Chudleigh's Private Members Bill 116,
I am sure Counselor Goldring doesn't really know the harm these locked in pensions are causing people in these turbulent times.
Locked in pensioners do not have the luxury that ordinary RRSP holders have even though they hold the same type of investment accounts and receive the same gains and losses .
The only difference is RRSP holders can access their funds unrestricted where as LIF holders are restricted to a small percentage .
I don't know why we cant get it through to the powers that be that unlocking these accounts would be a benefit to all citizens of Ontario , especially in these economic times .
Below is the Response Rick sent Ken and Ken's response . I would hope that Rick can answer Ken's Question as I would hope the ones against unlocking these funds can also answer .
Bill C.
Ken,
I am not sure if you want to give people the option of being able to cash in their locked in retirement accounts as these funds are supposed to be used for sustainable retirement income.
While I do not know your circumstances, I suggest converting your locked in registered funds to a life or joint life annuity may be an appropriate strategy to provide you with lifetime guaranteed sustainable income.
Just a thought??
Rick Goldring
Hi Rick,
Thank you for your reply.
Referring to your 1st paragraph below Rick, please ask yourself the following questions.
(a) Out of the hundreds of thousands of Ontarians who are over the age of 55, how is it that there are only 61 people deemed capable of prudently managing their own pension monies contained within locked-in retirement accounts?
(b) What actual means tests were these 61 people ever subjected to, in order to validate such prudent management skills? Why haven't other Ontarians also been tested?
(c) Does it not seem a slight bit unusual that these 61 people just happen to be members of the Ontario Legislature?
(d) For the hundreds of thousands of Ontario seniors who own Locked-In Retirement Accounts and for whom the Ontario government feels justified in locking-in their hard earned pension dollars, assuming they might just pre-maturely squander all pension monies if given free access, why aren't these people prohibited by law from ever attending casinos, race tracks or playing the lottery? Might it just be because the government, through these facilities, is more interested in tax revenue than about the financial security of seniors?
(e) For the hundreds of thousands of Ontario seniors who own Locked-In Retirement Accounts and for whom the Ontario government feels justified in locking-in their hard earned pension dollars, how is it that all through their working days until age 55, they were able to raise families, buy and sell homes, buy and sell automobiles, pay all or part of the post secondary education costs for their children, pay medical bills not covered by insurance, give to charities, run successful businesses, and the list goes on and on, all without government intervention but the instant they turn 55, they suddenly become financially paralysed, according to our Ontario government?
(f) How is that the government can guarantee 61 MPPs will never acquire this same financial paralysis?
(h) Locked-In Retirement Accounts are protected from creditors If this benefit is so great, why did 61 MPPs willingly opt to forgo such when they unlocked their own Locked-In Retirement Accounts?
(i) Why, for a married couple with only one Locked-In Retirement Account, will the Ontario government only allow full unlocking after the death of a spouse? Why can't it be unlocked while both spouses are still alive? Why can't they have full use of their pension monies while both are still living instead of just one being allowed full unlocking privleges? Why must their golden years together be marginalized simply because they aren't allowed full access to their own hard-earned pension monies, monies that took years to accumulate? Why is that 61 MPPs and their spouses will never be subjected to such inhumane treatment?
(j) Why are provincial boundaries seemingly the determining factor concerning unlocking privileges. Residents of Saskatchewan since 2002, have been allowed full unlocking ... in Alberta & Manitoba, residents are now allowed 50% ... in Nova Scotia & Newfoundland, residents are allowed no access at all. Are Canadians not all equal?
(k) Why has there never been any statistical data out of Saskatchewan showing a spike in people on welfare as a result of people having pre-maturely spent all of their unlocked pension monies? Might it just be, contrary to what governments tell us, people, for the most part, are financially responsible?
(l) Why are governments, during this economic crisis, willing to give bailouts and handouts to corporations but at the same time, unwilling to allow seniors full access to their own pensions monies ... monies they have already earned ... monies that are neither a bailout or a handout?
(m) Why is a long time resident of Ontario, now living in Saskatchewan, still not allowed full access to his or her locked-in retirement account? The Ontario government says it's because the pension originated in Ontario. What does that have to do with anything, other than government suppression of the people? After all, 61 Ontario MPPs with their fully unlocked locked-in retirement accounts can choose to live in Saskatchewan anytime they wish, yet their pensions certainly orginated in Ontario.
(n) Why, as the end of February approaches, do all financial institutions always advertise about RRSPs? They never have any advertisements about Locked-In RRSPs? Is it because they don't really want you to know all about the restrictions overriding such accounts? Is it because by keeping your pension funds under lock, they stand to make a lot more in commissions, mers, adminstration fees etc.? Put bluntly, do Ontario financial institutions have a vested interest in keeping locked-in retirement accounts fully locked?
(o) Does it not seem a bit odd that two former Ministers Responsible for Seniors ... Mayor Cam Jackson of Burlington and Transportation Minister Jim Bradley of St. Catherines both had their own Locked-In Retirement Accounts fully unlocked, courtesy of Bill 27, but ever since, they have been totally silent about such privilege? Why don't they want their constituents to know? These are the same people whose mandate calls that they ensure all legislation concerning seniors is both fair and equitable ... not tilted so as to provide incredible financial benefit to MPPs only, especially Ministers Responsible.for Seniors.
(p) Both our current and former Finance Ministers, Dwight Duncan and Greg Sorbara, have indicated that locked-in pensions are necessary in order to protect the integrity of the pension from where the monies originated. If that be the case, why did MPPs from all party affiliations, during their party's tenure as government during the last number of years, turn the former MPPs defined benefit plan into a gold-plated defined benefit pension plan? Where's the integrity in that self-serving move?
(q) Why is it that 61 MPPs are the only ones allowed to circumvent all of the locking-in rules imposed by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario? Why are no other Ontarians allowed the same privlege?
(r) Why are 61 MPPs, by virtue of being all allowed full unlocking of their own locked-in retirement accounts, able to enjoy their retirement to the fullest starting at age 55, but for ordinary Ontarians who die before age 90, most of their locked-in pension money will be lost to the government through estate taxation? Might it be that our government counts on seniors dying before age 90 so as to reap the rewards of high estate taxation? Given this is the reality for many Ontarians, why have Cam Jackson and Jim Bradley been so silent? Might it just be ... they already have their own locked-in retiremeet account fully unlocked?
(s) How is it that several months back the Ontario government can give $850,000 to the Toronto Cricket Club when they only ask for something around $100,000? Given the money, to my knowlege has never been recovered, who is it that can't manage their money? It for sure isn't seniors who own Locked-In Retirement Accounts.
Rick ... I could go on and on lisitng valid questions undermining our government's rationale that insists locked-in retirement accounts are necessary. Please don't ignore my questions. I would truly like to hear your answers to these questions..
Thanks,
Ken Elliott
I am sure Counselor Goldring doesn't really know the harm these locked in pensions are causing people in these turbulent times.
Locked in pensioners do not have the luxury that ordinary RRSP holders have even though they hold the same type of investment accounts and receive the same gains and losses .
The only difference is RRSP holders can access their funds unrestricted where as LIF holders are restricted to a small percentage .
I don't know why we cant get it through to the powers that be that unlocking these accounts would be a benefit to all citizens of Ontario , especially in these economic times .
Below is the Response Rick sent Ken and Ken's response . I would hope that Rick can answer Ken's Question as I would hope the ones against unlocking these funds can also answer .
Bill C.
Ken,
I am not sure if you want to give people the option of being able to cash in their locked in retirement accounts as these funds are supposed to be used for sustainable retirement income.
While I do not know your circumstances, I suggest converting your locked in registered funds to a life or joint life annuity may be an appropriate strategy to provide you with lifetime guaranteed sustainable income.
Just a thought??
Rick Goldring
Hi Rick,
Thank you for your reply.
Referring to your 1st paragraph below Rick, please ask yourself the following questions.
(a) Out of the hundreds of thousands of Ontarians who are over the age of 55, how is it that there are only 61 people deemed capable of prudently managing their own pension monies contained within locked-in retirement accounts?
(b) What actual means tests were these 61 people ever subjected to, in order to validate such prudent management skills? Why haven't other Ontarians also been tested?
(c) Does it not seem a slight bit unusual that these 61 people just happen to be members of the Ontario Legislature?
(d) For the hundreds of thousands of Ontario seniors who own Locked-In Retirement Accounts and for whom the Ontario government feels justified in locking-in their hard earned pension dollars, assuming they might just pre-maturely squander all pension monies if given free access, why aren't these people prohibited by law from ever attending casinos, race tracks or playing the lottery? Might it just be because the government, through these facilities, is more interested in tax revenue than about the financial security of seniors?
(e) For the hundreds of thousands of Ontario seniors who own Locked-In Retirement Accounts and for whom the Ontario government feels justified in locking-in their hard earned pension dollars, how is it that all through their working days until age 55, they were able to raise families, buy and sell homes, buy and sell automobiles, pay all or part of the post secondary education costs for their children, pay medical bills not covered by insurance, give to charities, run successful businesses, and the list goes on and on, all without government intervention but the instant they turn 55, they suddenly become financially paralysed, according to our Ontario government?
(f) How is that the government can guarantee 61 MPPs will never acquire this same financial paralysis?
(h) Locked-In Retirement Accounts are protected from creditors If this benefit is so great, why did 61 MPPs willingly opt to forgo such when they unlocked their own Locked-In Retirement Accounts?
(i) Why, for a married couple with only one Locked-In Retirement Account, will the Ontario government only allow full unlocking after the death of a spouse? Why can't it be unlocked while both spouses are still alive? Why can't they have full use of their pension monies while both are still living instead of just one being allowed full unlocking privleges? Why must their golden years together be marginalized simply because they aren't allowed full access to their own hard-earned pension monies, monies that took years to accumulate? Why is that 61 MPPs and their spouses will never be subjected to such inhumane treatment?
(j) Why are provincial boundaries seemingly the determining factor concerning unlocking privileges. Residents of Saskatchewan since 2002, have been allowed full unlocking ... in Alberta & Manitoba, residents are now allowed 50% ... in Nova Scotia & Newfoundland, residents are allowed no access at all. Are Canadians not all equal?
(k) Why has there never been any statistical data out of Saskatchewan showing a spike in people on welfare as a result of people having pre-maturely spent all of their unlocked pension monies? Might it just be, contrary to what governments tell us, people, for the most part, are financially responsible?
(l) Why are governments, during this economic crisis, willing to give bailouts and handouts to corporations but at the same time, unwilling to allow seniors full access to their own pensions monies ... monies they have already earned ... monies that are neither a bailout or a handout?
(m) Why is a long time resident of Ontario, now living in Saskatchewan, still not allowed full access to his or her locked-in retirement account? The Ontario government says it's because the pension originated in Ontario. What does that have to do with anything, other than government suppression of the people? After all, 61 Ontario MPPs with their fully unlocked locked-in retirement accounts can choose to live in Saskatchewan anytime they wish, yet their pensions certainly orginated in Ontario.
(n) Why, as the end of February approaches, do all financial institutions always advertise about RRSPs? They never have any advertisements about Locked-In RRSPs? Is it because they don't really want you to know all about the restrictions overriding such accounts? Is it because by keeping your pension funds under lock, they stand to make a lot more in commissions, mers, adminstration fees etc.? Put bluntly, do Ontario financial institutions have a vested interest in keeping locked-in retirement accounts fully locked?
(o) Does it not seem a bit odd that two former Ministers Responsible for Seniors ... Mayor Cam Jackson of Burlington and Transportation Minister Jim Bradley of St. Catherines both had their own Locked-In Retirement Accounts fully unlocked, courtesy of Bill 27, but ever since, they have been totally silent about such privilege? Why don't they want their constituents to know? These are the same people whose mandate calls that they ensure all legislation concerning seniors is both fair and equitable ... not tilted so as to provide incredible financial benefit to MPPs only, especially Ministers Responsible.for Seniors.
(p) Both our current and former Finance Ministers, Dwight Duncan and Greg Sorbara, have indicated that locked-in pensions are necessary in order to protect the integrity of the pension from where the monies originated. If that be the case, why did MPPs from all party affiliations, during their party's tenure as government during the last number of years, turn the former MPPs defined benefit plan into a gold-plated defined benefit pension plan? Where's the integrity in that self-serving move?
(q) Why is it that 61 MPPs are the only ones allowed to circumvent all of the locking-in rules imposed by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario? Why are no other Ontarians allowed the same privlege?
(r) Why are 61 MPPs, by virtue of being all allowed full unlocking of their own locked-in retirement accounts, able to enjoy their retirement to the fullest starting at age 55, but for ordinary Ontarians who die before age 90, most of their locked-in pension money will be lost to the government through estate taxation? Might it be that our government counts on seniors dying before age 90 so as to reap the rewards of high estate taxation? Given this is the reality for many Ontarians, why have Cam Jackson and Jim Bradley been so silent? Might it just be ... they already have their own locked-in retiremeet account fully unlocked?
(s) How is it that several months back the Ontario government can give $850,000 to the Toronto Cricket Club when they only ask for something around $100,000? Given the money, to my knowlege has never been recovered, who is it that can't manage their money? It for sure isn't seniors who own Locked-In Retirement Accounts.
Rick ... I could go on and on lisitng valid questions undermining our government's rationale that insists locked-in retirement accounts are necessary. Please don't ignore my questions. I would truly like to hear your answers to these questions..
Thanks,
Ken Elliott
Saturday, February 14, 2009
The Ontario Coalition of Independent LIF Holders
The Ontario Coalition of Independent LIF Holders
The Ontario Coalition of Independent LIF Holders is composed of a number of private citizens assembled from various regions in Ontario who's sole purpose is to lobby the government to unlock all "locked-in" pensions in our province.
We are primarily arguing two issues within one campaign.
The primary issue is that of fairness and equality under one law for all Ontario citizens, regardless of vocation and void of political favouritism.
The secondary issue is that of the unjust government control of Ontarians access to their personal locked-in pension assets. Assets that were generally derived from former employers "wound-up" defined benefit plans and employers defined contribution ‘DC’ plans.
Regarding the primary issue, the current rules and regulations set out in the Pension Benefits Act are discriminatory, as they’re not equally applied to all Ontarians. The MPPs pension assets, derived from their former wound-up pension plan in 1995, fall under the jurisdiction of the MPP's Pension Act. These are two separate acts for the same type of locked-in pensions.
Discrimination, where there are currently 61 MPPs, both former and present, that through an amendment to the MPP Pensions Act, contained within Bill 27 in 1999, exempted themselves from the highly restrictive and paternalistic legislation that governs all other Ontarians LIRA's, LIF's and LRIF's.
Regarding the secondary issue, the yearly maximum withdrawal limits for those who meet the minimum age requirement (usually 55) for access to their locked-in LIF and LRIF pensions is approximately 6.5%, increasing slightly year after year, until age 90. The aforementioned 61 MPP's will have 100% unrestricted access to the same type of pension-derived locked-in assets, at age 55, as compared to the rest of all other Ontarians who will have to wait till’ age 90 to see their last penny (1/2 of 1% ever make it – Stats Can 2007)!
Having a law on the books for 61 MPP's, regardless of when and how it was contrived, and a different law for an estimated million plus other Ontarians for the exact same type of pension assets is unconscionable and a blatant double standard for an equal and fair Ontario.
Our Coalition is dead set against such inequality and obvious discrimination. Discrimination and silence since 1999 that continues to percolate within the ruling Liberal party.
We are demanding fair and equal treatment and insist on being included in this exclusive group of 61 privileged Ontarians by receiving the same 100% access to our locked-in pensions.
For the past six years, Premiere Dalton McGuinty and his ministers have continued to ignore the pleas of Ontarians begging for full access to their locked-in pensions, while specific members within their party, continue to have full 100% access to their own former locked-in pensions.
In the Liberal budget back in March of 2007, Greg Sorbara introduced a one time 25% unlocking option to hopefully appease the holders of locked-in pensions. This was an insult to all Ontarians and continues to fly in the face of democracy, and equality under the premise of equality and one law for all.
In 2002, Saskatchewan listened to the will of their people and eliminated these restrictions, granting full 100% access to all locked-in pensions through legislation that applied to all their residents, and not just their provincial politicians. Their belief was that their residents knew best how and when to use their own private pension assets.
In December of 2006, Andrea Horwath of the NDP, introduced Bill 175 to unlock all locked-in pensions in Ontario receiving verbal support in the legislature from Bob Runciman of the PCs. The Liberal party ignored this bill and instead went on to pass a bill for themselves in two weeks, that essentially granted all MPPs a 35% pay raise as well as doubling their contributions to their own RRSP’s, while seniors with locked-in pensions were ignored.
In spite of the ruling Liberal party’s refusal to further unlock pensions, the trend towards full unlocking continues in other jurisdictions as the Federal government recently granted 50% access to all of their regulated locked-in pensions in their 2008 budget. As well, other provinces have increased their access to 50% and are on track to eventually follow Saskatchewan’s lead towards 100% access thus resulting in the elimination of huge unnecessary government bureaucracy and expense.
In October of 2008, Ted Chudleigh, of the PC party, introduced another similar private members Bill 116 to unlock all locked-in pensions in Ontario. It is scheduled for second reading some time in May of 2009, unless it gets scuttled and killed by the Liberal party again.
Our goal is to create an awareness of these issues within the general public. A public with either DC type pensions, LIFs or LRIFs, who for the most part have no idea about the restrictions they will face when they qualify to withdraw their hard earned locked-in pension assets. A public who further, have no idea of the conceived legislation that was created by former and currently seated select politicians, for politicians, leaving the rest of Ontario shackled and begging for equal access to their own pension money.
As our economy withers, generally so does the value of our pensions and thus the yearly withdrawal maximum that those millions of Ontarians count on for survival. The inability of the current legislation to address the overwhelming devaluation of locked-in pension assets, which will likely be with us for a number of years, is precisely the scenario where the current legislation fails, thus creating a proportionately significant reduction in a locked-in pensioners LIF or LRIF yearly payments – in simpler terms, a substantial pay cut.
We encourage you to contact your local MPP to voice your support for Ted Chudleigh’s Bill 116 to unlock pensions 100% for ALL Ontarians and not just the select few politicians as was done in 1999. Inform your provincial member of parliament that Ontario pensioners are quite capable of managing their own money, however they determine and see fit, and to put an end to this ridiculous paternalism over private pension money that isn’t theirs. It’s simply the right thing to do for so many various and personally distinctive reasons, especially in order to keep up with these turbulent and recessionary times.
Having to continue to increasingly pay for more and more services is bad enough as it is, but to now do it with a cut to LIF and LRIF pension income because of outdated, inflexible and complicated legislation, is just plain cruelty and ignorance to the hard-working founders and contributors to our province.
Obviously it wasn’t such a bad idea to some of our elected public servants back in ‘99.
Sincerely,
Grant Fleury
Ontario Coalition of Independent LIF Holders
The Ontario Coalition of Independent LIF Holders is composed of a number of private citizens assembled from various regions in Ontario who's sole purpose is to lobby the government to unlock all "locked-in" pensions in our province.
We are primarily arguing two issues within one campaign.
The primary issue is that of fairness and equality under one law for all Ontario citizens, regardless of vocation and void of political favouritism.
The secondary issue is that of the unjust government control of Ontarians access to their personal locked-in pension assets. Assets that were generally derived from former employers "wound-up" defined benefit plans and employers defined contribution ‘DC’ plans.
Regarding the primary issue, the current rules and regulations set out in the Pension Benefits Act are discriminatory, as they’re not equally applied to all Ontarians. The MPPs pension assets, derived from their former wound-up pension plan in 1995, fall under the jurisdiction of the MPP's Pension Act. These are two separate acts for the same type of locked-in pensions.
Discrimination, where there are currently 61 MPPs, both former and present, that through an amendment to the MPP Pensions Act, contained within Bill 27 in 1999, exempted themselves from the highly restrictive and paternalistic legislation that governs all other Ontarians LIRA's, LIF's and LRIF's.
Regarding the secondary issue, the yearly maximum withdrawal limits for those who meet the minimum age requirement (usually 55) for access to their locked-in LIF and LRIF pensions is approximately 6.5%, increasing slightly year after year, until age 90. The aforementioned 61 MPP's will have 100% unrestricted access to the same type of pension-derived locked-in assets, at age 55, as compared to the rest of all other Ontarians who will have to wait till’ age 90 to see their last penny (1/2 of 1% ever make it – Stats Can 2007)!
Having a law on the books for 61 MPP's, regardless of when and how it was contrived, and a different law for an estimated million plus other Ontarians for the exact same type of pension assets is unconscionable and a blatant double standard for an equal and fair Ontario.
Our Coalition is dead set against such inequality and obvious discrimination. Discrimination and silence since 1999 that continues to percolate within the ruling Liberal party.
We are demanding fair and equal treatment and insist on being included in this exclusive group of 61 privileged Ontarians by receiving the same 100% access to our locked-in pensions.
For the past six years, Premiere Dalton McGuinty and his ministers have continued to ignore the pleas of Ontarians begging for full access to their locked-in pensions, while specific members within their party, continue to have full 100% access to their own former locked-in pensions.
In the Liberal budget back in March of 2007, Greg Sorbara introduced a one time 25% unlocking option to hopefully appease the holders of locked-in pensions. This was an insult to all Ontarians and continues to fly in the face of democracy, and equality under the premise of equality and one law for all.
In 2002, Saskatchewan listened to the will of their people and eliminated these restrictions, granting full 100% access to all locked-in pensions through legislation that applied to all their residents, and not just their provincial politicians. Their belief was that their residents knew best how and when to use their own private pension assets.
In December of 2006, Andrea Horwath of the NDP, introduced Bill 175 to unlock all locked-in pensions in Ontario receiving verbal support in the legislature from Bob Runciman of the PCs. The Liberal party ignored this bill and instead went on to pass a bill for themselves in two weeks, that essentially granted all MPPs a 35% pay raise as well as doubling their contributions to their own RRSP’s, while seniors with locked-in pensions were ignored.
In spite of the ruling Liberal party’s refusal to further unlock pensions, the trend towards full unlocking continues in other jurisdictions as the Federal government recently granted 50% access to all of their regulated locked-in pensions in their 2008 budget. As well, other provinces have increased their access to 50% and are on track to eventually follow Saskatchewan’s lead towards 100% access thus resulting in the elimination of huge unnecessary government bureaucracy and expense.
In October of 2008, Ted Chudleigh, of the PC party, introduced another similar private members Bill 116 to unlock all locked-in pensions in Ontario. It is scheduled for second reading some time in May of 2009, unless it gets scuttled and killed by the Liberal party again.
Our goal is to create an awareness of these issues within the general public. A public with either DC type pensions, LIFs or LRIFs, who for the most part have no idea about the restrictions they will face when they qualify to withdraw their hard earned locked-in pension assets. A public who further, have no idea of the conceived legislation that was created by former and currently seated select politicians, for politicians, leaving the rest of Ontario shackled and begging for equal access to their own pension money.
As our economy withers, generally so does the value of our pensions and thus the yearly withdrawal maximum that those millions of Ontarians count on for survival. The inability of the current legislation to address the overwhelming devaluation of locked-in pension assets, which will likely be with us for a number of years, is precisely the scenario where the current legislation fails, thus creating a proportionately significant reduction in a locked-in pensioners LIF or LRIF yearly payments – in simpler terms, a substantial pay cut.
We encourage you to contact your local MPP to voice your support for Ted Chudleigh’s Bill 116 to unlock pensions 100% for ALL Ontarians and not just the select few politicians as was done in 1999. Inform your provincial member of parliament that Ontario pensioners are quite capable of managing their own money, however they determine and see fit, and to put an end to this ridiculous paternalism over private pension money that isn’t theirs. It’s simply the right thing to do for so many various and personally distinctive reasons, especially in order to keep up with these turbulent and recessionary times.
Having to continue to increasingly pay for more and more services is bad enough as it is, but to now do it with a cut to LIF and LRIF pension income because of outdated, inflexible and complicated legislation, is just plain cruelty and ignorance to the hard-working founders and contributors to our province.
Obviously it wasn’t such a bad idea to some of our elected public servants back in ‘99.
Sincerely,
Grant Fleury
Ontario Coalition of Independent LIF Holders
Friday, February 13, 2009
March Budget
Hi Everybody ;
The new Ontario Budget will be in early March . Susan Eng Vice President of Advocacy of CARP will be trying to convince the Finance Minister to unlock pensions for retire,s 100% in the upcoming budget
She can use all the support she can get behind her request .
Please E-Mail Finance Minister Dwight Duncan through the CARP E-Voice Mail and put some support behind Susan .
http://www.carp.ca/advocacy/index.cfm
Please also pass this on to all of your contacts .
Take Care , Regards , Bill C
The new Ontario Budget will be in early March . Susan Eng Vice President of Advocacy of CARP will be trying to convince the Finance Minister to unlock pensions for retire,s 100% in the upcoming budget
She can use all the support she can get behind her request .
Please E-Mail Finance Minister Dwight Duncan through the CARP E-Voice Mail and put some support behind Susan .
http://www.carp.ca/advocacy/index.cfm
Please also pass this on to all of your contacts .
Take Care , Regards , Bill C
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Update on Private Members Bill 116
Bill to Unlock Pensions to be Debated May 7th, 2009
MPP Chudleigh Seeks Fairness and Respect for Retirees
(Milton, ON – February 3, 2009) Today Halton MPP Ted Chudleigh announced that his
Private Member’s Bill 116, the Pension Benefits Amendment Act, will be read for the
Second time and debated on May 7th, 2009.
Bill 116 would allow retirees full access to locked-in funds (LIFs, LIRAs, LIRFs) at the
Age of 55. These funds are currently doled out in increments by the government and not
Fully paid out until the recipient is 90 years old. Too often, retirees pass away before
Receiving their hard-earned pensions.
“My Bill seeks respect for retirees first and foremost,” said Chudleigh. “Ontarians over
55 do not need the government to ration out their pensions like parents giving allowance
To their children. At the age of retirement, most Ontarians have raised families, bought
And sold homes, made investments and shown prudent and responsible management of
Their money and property. It’s time to start treating our seniors like adults.”
“An immediate unlocking of pension funds would also act as a timely stimulus to the
Economy,” added Chudleigh. “It would put money in the hands of the people and, while
I’m sure they won’t spend it all at once, I imagine they might use some of it on projects
And expenditures that would ease our provinces current economic trouble and create some
Well-needed jobs.”
Chudleigh has worked in concert with the Ontario Coaltion of Independent LIF Holders
(“The Coalition”) in understanding the issues and garnering public support. This
Province-wide group of activist citizens has been demanding changes to pension laws for
Many years.
“There have been several attempts to unlock pensions but so far the government has been
Reluctant to act,” said Coalition spokesman Bill Costello of Atikokan. “Yet we remain
Hopeful that Premier McGuinty and MPPs from all parties will finally see the light and
Vote for Mr. Chudleigh’s Bill 116 on May 7th. It is simply the right thing to do.”
The Coalition has begun a petition which calls on the Legislative Assembly to pass Bill
116 without delay.
The petition can be downloaded at www.tedchudleigh.com/petitions
And sent to Chudleigh’s Queen’s Park office: Room 450, Legislative Building, Toronto,
Ontario, M7A 1A8.
For information contact:
Ben Ellis - 416-325-5747 or 905-878-1729
Bill Costello - 807-597-6882
MPP Chudleigh Seeks Fairness and Respect for Retirees
(Milton, ON – February 3, 2009) Today Halton MPP Ted Chudleigh announced that his
Private Member’s Bill 116, the Pension Benefits Amendment Act, will be read for the
Second time and debated on May 7th, 2009.
Bill 116 would allow retirees full access to locked-in funds (LIFs, LIRAs, LIRFs) at the
Age of 55. These funds are currently doled out in increments by the government and not
Fully paid out until the recipient is 90 years old. Too often, retirees pass away before
Receiving their hard-earned pensions.
“My Bill seeks respect for retirees first and foremost,” said Chudleigh. “Ontarians over
55 do not need the government to ration out their pensions like parents giving allowance
To their children. At the age of retirement, most Ontarians have raised families, bought
And sold homes, made investments and shown prudent and responsible management of
Their money and property. It’s time to start treating our seniors like adults.”
“An immediate unlocking of pension funds would also act as a timely stimulus to the
Economy,” added Chudleigh. “It would put money in the hands of the people and, while
I’m sure they won’t spend it all at once, I imagine they might use some of it on projects
And expenditures that would ease our provinces current economic trouble and create some
Well-needed jobs.”
Chudleigh has worked in concert with the Ontario Coaltion of Independent LIF Holders
(“The Coalition”) in understanding the issues and garnering public support. This
Province-wide group of activist citizens has been demanding changes to pension laws for
Many years.
“There have been several attempts to unlock pensions but so far the government has been
Reluctant to act,” said Coalition spokesman Bill Costello of Atikokan. “Yet we remain
Hopeful that Premier McGuinty and MPPs from all parties will finally see the light and
Vote for Mr. Chudleigh’s Bill 116 on May 7th. It is simply the right thing to do.”
The Coalition has begun a petition which calls on the Legislative Assembly to pass Bill
116 without delay.
The petition can be downloaded at www.tedchudleigh.com/petitions
And sent to Chudleigh’s Queen’s Park office: Room 450, Legislative Building, Toronto,
Ontario, M7A 1A8.
For information contact:
Ben Ellis - 416-325-5747 or 905-878-1729
Bill Costello - 807-597-6882
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Petition Address
Hi Everybody ;
This is the site to download the petition if you wish .
www.tedchudleigh.com/petitions
The second reading will be on May 7th and then it will be debated.
We need all the help we can get to try and have this petition accepted by the majority of members from all party's . Mailing your MPP and Premier Dalton McGuinty and requesting of them to pass Bill 116 . The Bill to unlock LIRA , LIRF , and LIF pensions in Ontario .
We also need all of you to download the petition and print out copy's and get them signed ...
Please don't procrastinate and think the next person will do it . If everybody takes that attitude , We are then dead in the water .
If we want these pensions unlocked we have to show that there are a great number of people behind unlocking.
Have your family , children (( There is no age restriction )), friends , neighbors and whoever sign .
There is one restriction however . Only citizens from Ontario may sign , overthought you may hold a locked in pension under Ontario rules . In this case e-mail Premier McGuinty and protest .
If you get at least one petition signed ( Great ) if you can get a hundred . ( Absolutely Fantastic ) . What ever the number it will be a big help in reaching our goal for every retiree , being able to control their own finances in times of need and not have to pay the government a fee and beg for their own money (( This is not CPP or OAS ))
Please also pass this on to any contacts you have and also ask for their help .
We Can Do This !!!
The Petitions can be mailed to . Ted Chudleigh , Room 450 Legislative Building , Queen's Park , Toronto , Ontario , M7A 1A8
Or you can mail to me and I will bundle them up and send them on .
Bill Costello , 6 Chub Lake Road , Box 56 , Atikokan Ontario , p0t 1c0
We would like the petitions sent in by April 10th .
Take Care , Regards Bill Costello , The Ontario Coalition of Independent LIF Holders .
This is the site to download the petition if you wish .
www.tedchudleigh.com/petitions
The second reading will be on May 7th and then it will be debated.
We need all the help we can get to try and have this petition accepted by the majority of members from all party's . Mailing your MPP and Premier Dalton McGuinty and requesting of them to pass Bill 116 . The Bill to unlock LIRA , LIRF , and LIF pensions in Ontario .
We also need all of you to download the petition and print out copy's and get them signed ...
Please don't procrastinate and think the next person will do it . If everybody takes that attitude , We are then dead in the water .
If we want these pensions unlocked we have to show that there are a great number of people behind unlocking.
Have your family , children (( There is no age restriction )), friends , neighbors and whoever sign .
There is one restriction however . Only citizens from Ontario may sign , overthought you may hold a locked in pension under Ontario rules . In this case e-mail Premier McGuinty and protest .
If you get at least one petition signed ( Great ) if you can get a hundred . ( Absolutely Fantastic ) . What ever the number it will be a big help in reaching our goal for every retiree , being able to control their own finances in times of need and not have to pay the government a fee and beg for their own money (( This is not CPP or OAS ))
Please also pass this on to any contacts you have and also ask for their help .
We Can Do This !!!
The Petitions can be mailed to . Ted Chudleigh , Room 450 Legislative Building , Queen's Park , Toronto , Ontario , M7A 1A8
Or you can mail to me and I will bundle them up and send them on .
Bill Costello , 6 Chub Lake Road , Box 56 , Atikokan Ontario , p0t 1c0
We would like the petitions sent in by April 10th .
Take Care , Regards Bill Costello , The Ontario Coalition of Independent LIF Holders .
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Update on Private Members Bill 116
February 2, 2009
To all the people that would like to see LIRA , LIRF , and LIF's Unlock 100% in Ontario .
Great news! The Ballot Day lottery was held today and Ted pulled number 17. That means that second reading of Bill 116 will be held on May 7, 2009, much earlier than expected. There is still a chance that the Liberals will prorogue the house which might affect the number of the Bill and could possibly move the date back a few weeks but all signs indicate that they won’t prorogue.
This is a grassroots cause for fairness, respect and economic benefit. It is a cause for which many of you have been struggling for several years. While Ted Chudleigh is personally dedicated to Bill 116’s passage, he is also acting as your representative as Ontarians so I encourage you to keep in touch with him through me so that we stay united and so that your voices do not get muffled by the usual politics. Your ideas are most welcome. Even if we disagree, our own healthy debate will strengthen our position leading up to May 7th.
Thanks again to all for your continued support. Together, I think we have a real chance for success!
Best regards to you and your families,
Ben Ellis
Executive Assistant to
Ted Chudleigh, MPP Halton
Ben.Ellis@pc.ola.org
416-325-5747
PS . AS always we need your support in contacting your MPP's and Premier Dalton McGuinty and request of them to pass Bill 116.
There will be a site where you can download a petition . I will post it as soon as it is set up .
Regards Bill C
To all the people that would like to see LIRA , LIRF , and LIF's Unlock 100% in Ontario .
Great news! The Ballot Day lottery was held today and Ted pulled number 17. That means that second reading of Bill 116 will be held on May 7, 2009, much earlier than expected. There is still a chance that the Liberals will prorogue the house which might affect the number of the Bill and could possibly move the date back a few weeks but all signs indicate that they won’t prorogue.
This is a grassroots cause for fairness, respect and economic benefit. It is a cause for which many of you have been struggling for several years. While Ted Chudleigh is personally dedicated to Bill 116’s passage, he is also acting as your representative as Ontarians so I encourage you to keep in touch with him through me so that we stay united and so that your voices do not get muffled by the usual politics. Your ideas are most welcome. Even if we disagree, our own healthy debate will strengthen our position leading up to May 7th.
Thanks again to all for your continued support. Together, I think we have a real chance for success!
Best regards to you and your families,
Ben Ellis
Executive Assistant to
Ted Chudleigh, MPP Halton
Ben.Ellis@pc.ola.org
416-325-5747
PS . AS always we need your support in contacting your MPP's and Premier Dalton McGuinty and request of them to pass Bill 116.
There will be a site where you can download a petition . I will post it as soon as it is set up .
Regards Bill C
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Private Members Bill 116
Hi Everybody ;I thought I would pass private members bill 116 's address in case you would like to look at it .
http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/bills/bills_detail.do?locale=en&BillID=2074
Ted Chudleigh MPP Halton has assured me that he is fully committed to having these pensions unlocked as is his party .
He said if the current government should prorogue parliament he will present it again under a new number .
Please e- mail your MPP and ask him/her to support bill 116 . You could also e-mail Premier McGuinty and ask him to let this bill pass .
We have a petition in the works that I will mail out as soon as it is ready .
On another front a Liberal MPP is also having unlocking pensions 100% put on the agenda for discussion in the next caucus meeting February 4 . There are a number of Liberal MPP's that already support unlocking 100% , with your encouragement maybe we can get more .
I have received a letter from Gilles Bisson one of the NDP candidates that they now have decided to back unlocking 50% . I have asked him why the Turnaround from Andrea's private members bill of 100% . His reply was it was a party decision . I have not yet received a reply from any other of the candidates when I asked what percentage of unlocking they support.
I would ask of you all to mail the 4 NDP candidates and ask them why the change .I thought they always say they are for the people . Do they now feel that we are not competent enough to look after our own money .
We are getting to the stage that I really belive that we are going to succeed in having this cruel legislation changed . We just need the support from all of you and anybody else you can reach out to , to also mail the MPP's of Ontario and ask for LIF , LIRF , LIRA pensions be unlocked 100% .
To anybody out of province that has a locked in pension in Ontario or feels that this unjust legislation should be changed . You can e-mail Premier Dalton McGuinty and ask for change .
dmcguinty.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org
Until I have further Information , Take Care Bill Costello ,
The Ontario Coalition of Independent LIF Holders
http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/bills/bills_detail.do?locale=en&BillID=2074
Ted Chudleigh MPP Halton has assured me that he is fully committed to having these pensions unlocked as is his party .
He said if the current government should prorogue parliament he will present it again under a new number .
Please e- mail your MPP and ask him/her to support bill 116 . You could also e-mail Premier McGuinty and ask him to let this bill pass .
We have a petition in the works that I will mail out as soon as it is ready .
On another front a Liberal MPP is also having unlocking pensions 100% put on the agenda for discussion in the next caucus meeting February 4 . There are a number of Liberal MPP's that already support unlocking 100% , with your encouragement maybe we can get more .
I have received a letter from Gilles Bisson one of the NDP candidates that they now have decided to back unlocking 50% . I have asked him why the Turnaround from Andrea's private members bill of 100% . His reply was it was a party decision . I have not yet received a reply from any other of the candidates when I asked what percentage of unlocking they support.
I would ask of you all to mail the 4 NDP candidates and ask them why the change .I thought they always say they are for the people . Do they now feel that we are not competent enough to look after our own money .
We are getting to the stage that I really belive that we are going to succeed in having this cruel legislation changed . We just need the support from all of you and anybody else you can reach out to , to also mail the MPP's of Ontario and ask for LIF , LIRF , LIRA pensions be unlocked 100% .
To anybody out of province that has a locked in pension in Ontario or feels that this unjust legislation should be changed . You can e-mail Premier Dalton McGuinty and ask for change .
dmcguinty.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org
Until I have further Information , Take Care Bill Costello ,
The Ontario Coalition of Independent LIF Holders
Monday, January 12, 2009
New Private Members Bill
Hi All ;
I have just been notified by Ken Elliott that there is another Private Members bill to unlock locked in pensions 100 % in Ontario .
We can use all the help we can get from concerned Ontario Citizens , or if you are in any other province and hold a Ontario locked in pension . mail your MPP's of all party's , and asking them to support bill 116 on your behalf .
It would also be helpful if you also mailed Dalton McGuinty Premier of Ontario .
Here is the addresses of the MPP's .
http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/members/members_current.do?locale=en&list_type=all_mpps&go=go
If you are stuck for words this is a letter Philip James set out to his MPP.
" Hello Peter.
We have received information that Mr Chudleigh of Halton has introduced a private members Bill to finally level the playing field Re: Locked in Pensions. His Bill states that all should get 100% unlocking as did the 61Mpp,s back in 1999, with some still sitting including Dalton McGuinty.
My question Peter is straightforward.
Can we the pensioners of Ontario count on your yes vote for Bill 116.
Your response will be appreciated.
Regards Philip James , The Ontario Coalition of Independent LIF Holders . "
As Many of You know these locked in Pensions are Pensions arriving from your own private pension plans and the Ontrio Government has no right to keep them locked in when there has already been a presedent set in 2002 in Saskatchewan when they unlocked 100% for their Citizens , in 1999 61 Ontario MPP's passed legislation to unlock their pensions for them selves 100% .
This is your own money not Government money . This is not CPP or QAS .
Please pass this on to as many people as you can .
We need to fight the unjustness of the curent legislation .
Thank You Bill Costello , The Ontario Coalition of Independent LIF Hoalders
-------Original Message------- Subject: Bill 116
Hi all,
Just received this e-mail this morning ... let's keep the pressure on ... even Chudleigh in his first sentence is acknowledging that MPPs have been given an exemption on locked-in pensions
Ken
----- Original Message ----- From: Ellis, Ben To: kenneth.elliott@sympatico.ca Sent: Monday, January 12, 2009 11:05 AM
Subject: Locked-In Pensions
Dear Mr. Elliott,
I have been informed that you are interested in the issue of legislation surrounding locked-in pensions and the exemptions for certain people including the terminally ill and MPPs.
As you may have heard, Mr. Chudleigh has tabled legislation recently that would “level the playing field”, so to speak.
Bill 116 would amend the Pension Benefits Act to allow up to the entire amount in the account to be transferred into a registered retirement income fund for all Ontarians.
The transfer could be made at age 55 or, if the pension plan provides for retirement at an earlier age, at that age.
In drafting this legislation, Mr. Chudleigh is attempting to undo and simplify the complicated laws which rob people of the right to spend their own hard-earned money.
As a conservative, Mr. Chudleigh feels that retirees deserve more respect, and do not need pensions rationed out by government like parents giving allowance to their children.
Beyond that principle, Bill 116 would act as a significant and timely stimulus to the economy.
Bill 116 will be given second reading some time in 2009, at a date yet to be determined (depending on Mr. Chudleigh's ballot day). At that time, we hope there will be serious debate on this issue both in the House, in the media and in the public.
Even if Bill 116 fails to pass, we hope that the Liberal government will take note of the issue and at least introduce legislation that changes the current system.
I understand the frustration that exists regarding this matter but there are several steps that can be taken to increase our chances.
For instance, as a private citizen you might start a petition or letter-writing campaign, perhaps in concert with an organization like CARP. If you were able to stir up enough support, Mr. Chudleigh could read them into the record and demonstrate to the McGuinty Liberals that there is real public clamoring for change.
I would be happy to help with this process. Please feel free to contact me anytime to discuss this or other issues.
Best regards, Ben Ellis
Executive Assistant to Ted Chudleigh, M.P.P. Halton P.C. Critic for Economic Development and Trade
I have just been notified by Ken Elliott that there is another Private Members bill to unlock locked in pensions 100 % in Ontario .
We can use all the help we can get from concerned Ontario Citizens , or if you are in any other province and hold a Ontario locked in pension . mail your MPP's of all party's , and asking them to support bill 116 on your behalf .
It would also be helpful if you also mailed Dalton McGuinty Premier of Ontario .
Here is the addresses of the MPP's .
http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/members/members_current.do?locale=en&list_type=all_mpps&go=go
If you are stuck for words this is a letter Philip James set out to his MPP.
" Hello Peter.
We have received information that Mr Chudleigh of Halton has introduced a private members Bill to finally level the playing field Re: Locked in Pensions. His Bill states that all should get 100% unlocking as did the 61Mpp,s back in 1999, with some still sitting including Dalton McGuinty.
My question Peter is straightforward.
Can we the pensioners of Ontario count on your yes vote for Bill 116.
Your response will be appreciated.
Regards Philip James , The Ontario Coalition of Independent LIF Holders . "
As Many of You know these locked in Pensions are Pensions arriving from your own private pension plans and the Ontrio Government has no right to keep them locked in when there has already been a presedent set in 2002 in Saskatchewan when they unlocked 100% for their Citizens , in 1999 61 Ontario MPP's passed legislation to unlock their pensions for them selves 100% .
This is your own money not Government money . This is not CPP or QAS .
Please pass this on to as many people as you can .
We need to fight the unjustness of the curent legislation .
Thank You Bill Costello , The Ontario Coalition of Independent LIF Hoalders
-------Original Message------- Subject: Bill 116
Hi all,
Just received this e-mail this morning ... let's keep the pressure on ... even Chudleigh in his first sentence is acknowledging that MPPs have been given an exemption on locked-in pensions
Ken
----- Original Message ----- From: Ellis, Ben To: kenneth.elliott@sympatico.ca Sent: Monday, January 12, 2009 11:05 AM
Subject: Locked-In Pensions
Dear Mr. Elliott,
I have been informed that you are interested in the issue of legislation surrounding locked-in pensions and the exemptions for certain people including the terminally ill and MPPs.
As you may have heard, Mr. Chudleigh has tabled legislation recently that would “level the playing field”, so to speak.
Bill 116 would amend the Pension Benefits Act to allow up to the entire amount in the account to be transferred into a registered retirement income fund for all Ontarians.
The transfer could be made at age 55 or, if the pension plan provides for retirement at an earlier age, at that age.
In drafting this legislation, Mr. Chudleigh is attempting to undo and simplify the complicated laws which rob people of the right to spend their own hard-earned money.
As a conservative, Mr. Chudleigh feels that retirees deserve more respect, and do not need pensions rationed out by government like parents giving allowance to their children.
Beyond that principle, Bill 116 would act as a significant and timely stimulus to the economy.
Bill 116 will be given second reading some time in 2009, at a date yet to be determined (depending on Mr. Chudleigh's ballot day). At that time, we hope there will be serious debate on this issue both in the House, in the media and in the public.
Even if Bill 116 fails to pass, we hope that the Liberal government will take note of the issue and at least introduce legislation that changes the current system.
I understand the frustration that exists regarding this matter but there are several steps that can be taken to increase our chances.
For instance, as a private citizen you might start a petition or letter-writing campaign, perhaps in concert with an organization like CARP. If you were able to stir up enough support, Mr. Chudleigh could read them into the record and demonstrate to the McGuinty Liberals that there is real public clamoring for change.
I would be happy to help with this process. Please feel free to contact me anytime to discuss this or other issues.
Best regards, Ben Ellis
Executive Assistant to Ted Chudleigh, M.P.P. Halton P.C. Critic for Economic Development and Trade
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