File photo of the Alberta legislature building in Edmonton. Albertans are invited to telephone town halls to discuss a potential Alberta Pension Plan. (Photo: LNN)

By Justin Goulet

Citizens invited to telephone town halls to discuss potential Alberta Pension Plan

Oct 12, 2023 | 9:53 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Albertans are invited to participate in a series of telephone town halls focused on a potential Alberta Pension Plan (APP).

The sessions will occur in October and November and will be hosted by the Alberta Pension Plan Engagement Panel, led by former provincial treasurer Jim Dinning.

Albertans will have the chance to discuss the findings of a LifeWorks report, released on September 21, 2023. Officials said the report found that leaving the Canada Pension Plan in favour of a new APP could save Albertans billions.

READ MORE: Province claims leaving Canada Pension Plan could save Albertans billions

Dinning stated, “Now that the LifeWorks report is out for discussion, our panel has been tasked with listening to Albertans and hearing their thoughts, views and concerns about a provincial pension plan. For something this big, Albertans deserve the benefit of a rational, adult conversation.”

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Following the release of the LifeWorks report, the province began a public engagement campaign by launching a survey regarding the potential creation of an APP.

Dates and times for the telephone town halls are listed below.

• Northern Alberta – Monday, October 16, 2023 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Southern Alberta – Tuesday, October 24, 2023 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Calgary and surrounding area – Thursday, November 9, 2023 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Edmonton and surrounding area – Thursday, November 16, 2023 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Central Alberta – Wednesday, November 22, 2023 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

More details on how to participate are at the Alberta Pension Plan website.

ALBERTA NDP RESPONSE

In response to the announced telephone town halls, a statement was issued by Shannon Phillips.

The Lethbridge-West MLA also serves as the Alberta NDP Critic for Finance, Pensions and Insurance. Phillips’ statement is included below.

“We care about Albertans’ retirement security. It’s clear the UCP does not.

The fact that the so-called consultation on the future of the Canada Pension Plan does not include any in-person town halls is a move of pure cowardice. The UCP refuses to look Albertans in the eye and tell them why they’re moving aggressively to gamble their pension away.

To Albertans worried about their retirement security, the Alberta NDP hears you and we will be coming directly to your communities to talk about the future of your pension and how we can ensure your retirement security is there now and for generations to come.”