Layton proposes pension overhaul KRISTY KIRKUP, QMI Agency
TORONTO - NDP Leader Jack Layton kicked off the second week of the federal election campaign by promising to gradually double Canada and Quebec pension plans.
"The New Democrat pension plan will help hard working families worried about retirement," said Layton. "It will provide options to those Canadians that do not have stable workplace pensions."
Layton said he will allow for Canadians to funnel money from their personal savings to top off the public pension plan. He also proposed amending federal legislation to make pensioners and workers on long-term disability a priority if employers declare bankruptcy.
The NDP leader has long been calling for improved retirement security.
"Stephen Harper promised to stand up for the Canadian family," said Layton. "But when it came to the retirement security crisis they face, he has turned his back on them."
During his visit to the Greater Toronto Area, Layton endorsed composer and journalist Andrew Cash in the Davenport riding. It is currently held by Liberal MP Mario Silva, who first claimed victory back in 2004.
The GTA is considered a Grit stronghold, but the New Democrats are determined to pick off a few key seats here. The party has focused its efforts on winning back the riding of Parkdale-High Park. NDP Peggy Nash lost her seat to Gerard Kennedy in 2008. In this election she is going after his attendance record, known as one of the worst in the House of Commons.
Layton will also visit the riding of Elgin-Middlesex-London later Monday, where an NDP candidate shocked everyone by dropping out of the race. Ryan Dolby announced last week he was backing out on the NDP and would throw his support behind the local Liberal candidate.
The New Democrats were quick to find a replacement within a 24-hour period. Fred Sinclair is now the party's candidate in this riding.
Layton told reporters Sunday that Dolby apologized for his quick departure via text message.
On Twitter: @kkirkup
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