Two thirds want CPP contributions, benefits increased

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Two thirds want CPP contributions, benefits increased

Very few see pension contributions as “payroll tax”

TORONTO August 20th, 2015 -In a random sampling of public opinion taken by the Forum Poll™ among 1473 Canadian voters, just less than two thirds agree Canada Pension Plan contributions and benefits should be increased (61%), and this is similar to the proportion who said this last month (July 8 - 65%).Agreement is common to the oldest (65+ - 73%), the less wealthy ($20K to $40K - 69%) and the least educated (secondary school - 68%). One quarter do not agree CPP needs increasing (24%) and one sixth don’t know (15%). The very wealthiest ($100K to $250K - 31%) and Conservative supporters (31%) are most opposed.


Two thirds agree CPP not enough to help retire

Two thirds of voters disagree that CPP’s target of 25% of pre-retirement earnings is enough to help them retire (66%), while just one fifth say it is enough (21%). Almost no one says it is too much (2%). Those in pre-pension age groups are especially likely to agree (55 to 64 - 76%) as are those slightly younger (45 to 54 - 75%). Those in mid income groups are vulnerable ($60K to $80K - not enough - 75%). Liberal supporters are the most likely to find CPP insufficient for its goal (75%), followed by New Democrats (68%), but even a majority of Conservatives agree 25% of pre-retirement income is not enough (55%).


Most describe employee pension contributions as “retirement insurance”, not a “payroll tax”

Close to 3-in-10 Canadian voters describe the pension contributions employees make as “retirement insurance” (29%), followed by one quarter who describe them as a “personal savings plan” (23%). Few characterize these contributions as a “payroll tax” (12%), even among Conservative supporters (10%), whose party has vigourously deployed this trope. One sixth say these contributions are “something else” (15%), while one fifth don’t know how to describe them (20%).


This is an issue on which the Conservative Party has pinned a lot of messaging, to the effect that pension contributions are just another tax. Well, Canadians don’t agree, and, what’s more, they see their current national pension plan as insufficient for its purpose, and want to see it expanded, with higher contributions and higher benefits. said Forum Research President, Dr. Lorne Bozinoff.

Lorne Bozinoff, Ph.D. is the president and founder of Forum Research. He can be reached at lbozinoff@forumresearch.com or at (416) 960-9603.