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LEGAL REPORT: LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT which children pay to large extent for their parents' benefi ts. Alberta doesn't support it, arguing it might not be economically viable. Jason Maloney, a spokesman at Alberta Finance and Enterprise, says: "We are willing to hear out any option that's put there. But again, we aren't in favour of an expansion of the CPP. Th ere are ideas about private sector plans to reduce the administrative costs and the risks that are faced by Canadians who are saving for their retirement on their own." Maloney adds the problem is the federal government is trying to target everyone with the CPP expansions when only the middle-income earners, those who make between $40,000 to $80,000, really need benefi t from any reform. Alberta's view is supported by studies, which show the poorest and richest Canadians have adequate protection based on their current incomes but the middle earners risk losing their quality of life once they retire. "Yes, there is an issue, but the federal government is trying solve Let us open right door for you the Also available on CD-ROM or Internet! Canadian Employment Law More than 5,600 cases cited! We specialize in Employment and Labour Law in Canada Kuretzky Vassos Henderson is a leading employment and labour law fi rm situated in the heart of Toronto. We are comprised of nine lawyers, all of whom specialize in the area of employment and labour law. We act for many prominent public and private sector employers as well as for individuals. Kuretzky Vassos Henderson LLP Our work includes extensive experience in the areas of: Wrongful dismissal • Human rights • Labour relations/Labour law/Collective barganing • Workplace health and safety • Sexual harassment • Employment standards • Employment contracts • Canada Labour Code • Class actions • Mediation/arbitration/ADR www.kuretzkyvassos.com • 416.865.0504 48 A UGUST 2010 www. C ANADIAN Law ye rmag.com uretzky_CL_Feb_09.indd 1 For a 30-day, no-risk evaluation call: 1.800.565.6967 Canada Law Book is a Division of The Cartwright Group Ltd. Prices subject to change without notice, to applicable taxes and shipping & handling. BALL_Canadian Employment Law (CL 1-4sq).indd 1 7/23/09 10:38:03 AM 1/18/10 12:01:11 PM Canadian Employment Law is a one-stop reference that provides a thorough survey of the law and analysis of developing trends, suggesting potential avenues of attack as well as identifying potential weaknesses in the law. Canadian Employment Law has been cited by the Supreme Court of Canada, in superior courts in every province in Canada and is used in law schools throughout Canada. ORDER your copy today! Looseleaf & binders (2) • $310 • Releases invoiced separately (3-4/yr) P/C 0439030000 • Vol. 1 ISBN 0-88804-218-3 • Vol. 2 ISBN 0-88804-362-7 CD-ROM or Internet version available separately • Prices start at $442 the issue with a huge hammer to hit a little nail," says Maloney. "It's an overreaction." With Ontario and Alberta at opposite ends, and other provinces somewhere in between, federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty is looking for some middle ground. "I believe that we should consider a modest, phased-in, and fully funded enhancement to defi ned benefi ts under the Canada Pension Plan in order to increase savings adequacy in the future," Flaherty wrote to provincial fi nance ministers ahead of the P.E.I. meeting. "Changes to Canada Pension Plan require signifi cant provincial support, and I will be particularly interested in getting your perspective." Kathryn Bush, a partner at Blake Cassels & Graydon LLP, says the CPP contributions increase will take time to negotiate. "While we know that a majority of the provinces are in agreement, we don't know that the agreement has been fi ne- tuned. Yes, there should be an expansion of the CPP, but how much of an expansion and how quickly, it's not clear yet as to whether a political agreement has been reached so it's hard to know how quickly it will come in." Bush adds the fi nance ministers have an understanding that the CPP should be extended, but not doubled as some had asked for. "Small and independent business lobbied pretty hard to say that it's a payroll tax and it's too expensive," she says. Since only 25 per cent of Canadians have a private pension plan, for the majority the CPP will be a major benefi t unless the multi-employer schemes kick in, says Bush. "I don't know how quickly they will be settled, but it's going to be important for people to know about it and for in-house lawyers to keep their business people apprised in case they have a particular view, and they may want to be part of the lobbying action." Last month, TD Economics released a report arguing for reforms to make sure seniors don't slip into poverty aſt er retirement. TD's deputy chief economist Craig Alexander says the retirement income system is increasingly falling short in helping individuals accumulate Stacey Reginald Ball