Finance Minister Nate Horner said he is prepared to listen to other provincial finance ministers’ perspectives on Alberta potentially withdrawing from the Canada Pension Plan.Alberta Finance Minister Nate Horner said proposed legislation sets out the conditions under which an Alberta pension plan could be established and the rules that would apply to a referendum.
Horner said he expects ministers will share comments starting with those from provinces on the east side of the country and proceeding west.Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley told CBC News expects Freeland will get "an earful" from ministers across the political spectrum who are concerned about risks for retirees.
"This legislation is intended to alleviate concerns raised about the risks moving forward," Horner told reporters.The government won't establish a provincial pension plan unless Albertans vote for it in a referendum.Contribution rates must be the same or lower for a provincial plan.Horner said discussion about the idea "has been loud and passionate" and many Albertans are still learning about the issue.
In a letter to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Freeland said withdrawing from the CPP could put Albertans' retirements at risk.