Statement from the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

Due to heightened media interest and widespread misunderstanding about the Treasury Board’s role in relation to the Members of Parliament Retiring Allowances Act, we would like to provide the following facts:

• The provisions set out under the Members of Parliament Retiring Allowances Act determine what benefits a member is entitled to once they cease to be a Parliamentarian.
• If a plan member resigns and has at least six years of pensionable service, they are entitled to receive a pension under the Members of Parliament pension plan.  
• However, if a member ceases to be a Senator by reason of disqualification, or if a member of the House of Commons is expelled, they are only entitled to receive a return of their contributions plus interest.
• The Treasury Board does not have the unilateral authority to intervene or change the pension entitlements under the Members of Parliament Retiring Allowances Act. Any changes would require a legislative amendment by Parliament.

MEDIA CONTACTS:                     

Jean-Luc Ferland
Press Secretary
Office of the President of the Treasury Board
613-369-3163

Media Relations 
Treasury Board Secretariat 
media@tbs-sct.gc.ca
613-369-9400