Federal Government Using Attacks on Public Service to Divert Attention From Real Issue
(firmenpresse) - OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 03/28/12 -- The National Association of Federal Retirees, (FSNA), is cautioning the Government of Canada and the Minister of Finance that the constant attacks on the public service, deliberate tactics to divert attention from real issues, will have long-term detrimental effects on all Canadians and the economy.
Recent statements by the Minister of Finance have made it clear that the federal government intends to make cuts to the public service, which includes the Canadian Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and may modify public service pension plans in an effort to combat the deficit.
The current deficit was intentional and should not be treated as a crisis. The government implemented stimulus spending in 2008. As a result, Canada's economic downturn was less severe than many countries. Although still fragile, it is slowly but steadily recovering. Knee-jerk reactions to the deficit, such as public service cuts, can do more harm than good to Canadians at this critical stage of economic recovery.
FSNA believes the federal government is using the threats to public service pension plans and benefits to divert from a very real Canadian issue - the fact that the vast majority of Canadians do not have adequate retirement savings.
In the 2010 tax year, only 26 per cent of eligible tax filers contributed to an RRSP. Total contributions were $33.9 Billion out of $717 Billion in allowable contributions.
"Rather than create pension envy, the government should work with Canadian businesses and citizens to find the solutions that would ensure that all Canadians have the income security that provides them with the opportunity to retire with dignity," said Sylvia Ceacero, FSNA Executive Director.
The federal government's continued attacks on the public service, their employees, are pitting the general public against government employees - Canadians who contribute to the economy and are also tax payers. This creates a negative work environment and runs the risk of paralysing the remaining work force.
The governance of our country may also be at risk with the loss of talent and knowledge as a result of the cuts. Now more than ever, the government needs the best and brightest to provide astute impartial advice to senior officials so that they can make well informed, sound decisions on behalf of all Canadians.
Service levels and programs will also suffer as a result of public service cuts. The impact will be felt by Canadians across the country and internationally.
The National Association of Federal Retirees (FSNA) is the largest national advocacy organizations representing federal retirees - their partners and survivors - from the Public Service of Canada, the Canadian Forces, RCMP and the retired federally appointed judges. FSNA is a not-for-profit association with more than 175,000 members and 84 branches across Canada. Its mission is to protect and enhance the pension, health and dental insurance benefits of federal retirees, and senior's benefits in general.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FSNA will have people available immediately following the release of the budget on March 29th.
Contacts:
Rosemary Pitfield
Director, Communications
(Mobile) (613) 355-0889
(Office) (613) 745-2559 ext 225
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Datum: 28.03.2012 - 10:01 Uhr
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News-ID 1097504
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