Who handles pensions & retirement?
Pensions & Retirement
Pensions are primarily federal and provincial. Federal administers CPP and OAS, provinces regulate private pensions, and municipalities manage their own employee pension plans.
⚠️ Shared Jurisdiction: This area involves multiple levels of government. The information below shows the primary responsibility at each level, but overlap is common. When in doubt, start with the level most directly related to your issue.
Key Facts
- ● The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) provides income replacement for retirees, with the maximum monthly benefit of $1,385.83 in 2024.
- ● Old Age Security (OAS) is available to Canadians aged 65 and older, with the maximum monthly payment of $778.88 (July–September 2024).
Federal
Parliament of Canada
- ● Canada Pension Plan (CPP) / Quebec Pension Plan (QPP)
- ● Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
- ● Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSP) regulation
- ● Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSA)
💡 Example: Contact Service Canada about CPP/OAS, or your MP about pension policy.
Provincial
Provincial Legislature
- ● Provincial pension regulation
- ● Provincial pension plans for public servants
- ● Private pension oversight
- ● Retirement home regulation
💡 Example: Contact your provincial pension regulator about private pension concerns.
Municipal
City / Town Hall
- ● Municipal employee pension plans
- ● Local retirement services and programs
- ● Senior centres and resources
- ● Age-friendly community planning
💡 Example: Contact your municipal HR about pension matters, or your councillor about senior services.
Quick Reference — Who to Contact
🏛️ Federal
Your Member of Parliament (MP)
🏢 Provincial
Your MPP, MLA, or MNA
🏘️ Municipal
Your City Councillor
How to Get Involved
You can make your voice heard on this issue by contacting your elected representatives at all levels of government.
- ● Contact your MP about federal policies and programs
- ● Reach out to your provincial MLA/MPP about provincial programs and regulations
- ● Attend municipal council meetings to discuss local initiatives
- ● Join advocacy organizations focused on this issue
- ● Contact your MP about pension reform proposals and CPP enhancement programs.
- ● Attend town hall meetings where federal pension policy changes are discussed and provide your input.
Ready to Take Action?
Use MyCivicVoice to find your representatives and draft a letter about the issues that matter to you.
Take Action →Frequently Asked Questions
Canada has three main pillars: Old Age Security (OAS), Canada Pension Plan (CPP), and private retirement savings (RRSPs, TFSAs, employer plans). Together they form the retirement income system.
You can start receiving CPP as early as age 60 (with a reduction of 0.6% per month, up to 36%), at age 65 (full amount), or as late as age 70 (with an increase of 0.7% per month).
OAS is a universal benefit for seniors 65+ (based on residency), while CPP is an earnings-related pension based on your contributions during your working years.
A Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) is a tax-advantaged savings account. Contributions are tax-deductible, investment growth is tax-deferred, and withdrawals are taxed as income.
A Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) allows you to save and invest money tax-free. Contributions are not tax-deductible, but withdrawals and investment growth are completely tax-free.