Alberta’s government has launched a public consultation on how to strengthen the province’s retirement income system, and how to expand pension coverage for those that aren’t covered by a workplace pension.

The government says that it is seeking public input on the issue because it “recognizes that in the future many Albertans may find themselves without adequate retirement income.” It reports that only about one-third of workers in the province are members of workplace pensions.

It is seeking public input on a number of possible alternatives, including: creating a voluntary, defined contribution pension plan; modernizing pension standards to improve flexibility in plan design; expanding the existing Canada Pension Plan; and, possible income tax measures related to these options. The government indicates that it has not made any decisions about which options it may support.

The deadline for feedback is April 16.

IE