Discussing pension reform

The Tommy Douglas Research Institute hosted a forum on “The Pension Puzzle” for delegates and invited guests attending the 2009 Federal NDP convention in Halifax, August 13, 2009. The forum provided participants with an opportunity to discuss the profound challenges facing Canadians, governments and businesses as pension funds struggle to adapt to the recent economic downturn and the aging demographics within the population.

The two hour dialogue was launched with short presentations by Monica Townson and CLC researcher Joel Harden.   In table discussions that followed the presentations, participants discussed the values that should drive pension reform, considered a range of current proposals touching the three tiers of Canada’s pension system and finally, considered the political roadmap needed to make change happen.   Please visit our resource page to view the final report and other background materials.

This was the first dialogue organized by the Tommy Douglas Research Institute.   It’s our belief that delegates to Union and political conventions have a strong interest and much to offer in the search for solutions to public policy challenges.   If you’d like to discuss the Pension Puzzle Forum or the possibilities for a subsequent forum, please use our contact page to send Tim an email.