The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) applauds the federal government’s announcement of new pension reform legislation today, which will provide equitable retirement benefits for thousands of frontline public safety and law enforcement workers across the country.
This landmark legislation marks a significant victory for our members who have been advocating for fair pension treatment for more than a decade.
“It’s National Public Service Week, and I can’t think of better news to deliver to the federal workers who keep us safe every single day,” said Sharon DeSousa, PSAC National President. “After years of being treated like second-class workers, this legislation will offer a dignified retirement to thousands of frontline workers.”
PSAC members expected to be covered by the legislation include frontline border services staff, Coast Guard search and rescue technicians, Parks Canada wildland firefighters, Department of National Defence firefighters on military bases, and correctional officers, paramedics and firefighters working for the three territorial governments.
These frontline workers play a crucial role ensuring the safety and well-being of Canadians across the country; protecting our borders, fighting devastating wildfires and delivering vital emergency services in remote communities.
“Nearly a decade of hard work and advocacy by our members has finally paid off,” said DeSousa. “Now, these dedicated frontline workers will no longer be forced to work five years longer before they can retire, just like other public safety workers across the country.”
Most public safety and law enforcement workers in Canada already benefit from early retirement options, including most firefighters, air traffic controllers, RCMP constables, and operational employees at Correctional Services Canada.
This equitable pension reform will allow more public safety workers to retire with dignity after 25 years of service without penalties.
“We’ll be reviewing this legislation carefully and pushing the government to adopt these changes swiftly to provide frontline workers with fair retirement benefits as soon as possible,” said DeSousa.
This article was first posted on the PSAC website.
