'Stay in the CPP,' Poilievre says as Alberta pension debate continues

Federal Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre is encouraging Albertans to stay in the Canadian Pension Plan (CPP), as the debate about the province's proposal to exit the retirement savings program continues.

Federal Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre is encouraging Albertans to stay in the Canadian Pension Plan (CPP), as the debate about the province’s proposal to exit the retirement savings program continues.

“The division today on the CPP is entirely the result of Justin Trudeau attacking the Alberta economy,” Poilievre said in an emailed statement Friday.

“I encourage Albertans to stay in the CPP. As Prime Minister, I will protect and secure the CPP for Albertans and all Canadians, by treating every province fairly and freeing Alberta to develop its resources to secure our future.”

The Government of Alberta released a report last month outlining how much money Alberta could be entitled to if it left the plan and what an “Alberta Pension Plan” might look like.

Both the Alberta United Conservative Party and New Democratic Party are conducting surveys polling Albertans on their thoughts on the possibility of leaving the CPP.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau weighed in on the issue in a letter to Premier Danielle Smith, stating that the federal government will fight any move that could threaten the stability of the CPP.

"Withdrawing Albertans from the Canada Pension Plan would expose millions of Canadians to greater volatility and would deny them the certainty and stability that has benefited generations,” Trudeau said in the letter.