Retired teachers rally at the Manitoba Legislature to call for a fair Cost of Living Adjustment to their Pensions

Hundreds of retired teachers turned out on Wednesday this week to rally to call for a fair Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to their Pensions.

In 1977, when the teachers Pension Adjustment Account was set up, there was an understanding with the provincial government of the day that retired teachers would be receiving a reasonable Cost of Living adjustment to their pensions. In the years since, cnsecutive Conservative and NDP governments have been negligent and unjust in handing the retired teachers COLA.

By 2006, Manitoba was at the very bottom of all the provinces in terms of the COLA for retired techers. This is a dismal showing for our province. The cumulative effect over time has meant that some retired teachers, particularly older women, are being forced to life in poverty and in very difficult circumstances.

There needs to be a long term solution to this problem, and their must be the political will to provide for the long term solution. If there is not an immediate long term solution, three must be an adequate interim solution provided until the long term solution can be put in place.

Manitoba Liberals are strong supporters of the retired teachers of Manitoba in their efforts to get a fair COLA. If we can achieve a Liberal provincial government in the next election, we will put a priority on solving this long standing injustice and make sure Manitoba's retired teachers are treated much better in the future.

Photos are from the rally. At top, I make a point in my speech to the retired teachers. At bottom, I join the retired teachers in their efforts to bring the COLA issue forward.