Economic triggers on GDP, jobs show way forward on pension reform: Flaherty

OTTAWA – Finance Minister Jim Flaherty says there still isn’t enough support from the provinces to expand the Canada Pension Plan.

But Flaherty, who spent the day meeting with his provincial counterparts, says the issue is far from dead.

He says Ottawa and provinces will work for the next six months to map out a strategy for moving ahead.

He says ministers want to establish “triggers” on GDP growth and employment that would permit expanding the pension program without risking damage to the economy.

Flaherty says he and some of his provincial colleagues are still worried about increasing costs for employers at a time when the recovery is still fragile.

He says all sides are well aware of the economic challenges and responsibilities they face and plan to continue to work together to confront them.