NDP Pensions Critic Paul Miller launched his Pensions Ontario tour today in Oshawa urging the McGuinty government to act immediately to ensure Ontario’s Pension Benefits Guarantee Fund (PBGF) can fully back-up Ontario’s pension system.

Miller added that it was time for an Ontario Pension Plan that would provide workplace pension coverage to the 65 per cent of Ontarians who do not presently have workplace coverage.

“What we’re saying to the people of Ontario is that we now have a government that refuses to ensure that there is a legal obligation on the part of the province to provide emergency financing so the fund can meet all its claims,” said Miller.

“Dwight Duncan is trying to wiggle off the hook with empty words about future legislation. Bu the people of Ontario want to know what the province’s plans to protect the existing pensions system are – right now!”

Miller also stressed the need for a pension plan that would cover all Ontario workers.

“It is time for an Ontario Pension Plan in this province that would provide a decent retirement income for all Ontarians. This is not an issue that should be punted off to the federal government. It is a problem that needs to be dealt with right here in Ontario,” said Miller, who noted that New Democrats will be working closely with labour and other relevant stakeholders on the province-wide pension plan.

Miller’s tour will give Ontarians a chance to comment on pensions generally and the idea of an Ontario Pension Plan specifically. Over the next six weeks, the tour will visit communities across the province.