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

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 ,

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

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

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

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

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 .

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