FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government will hold seven regional information sessions on the proposed shared-risk pension model for retirees under the Public Service Superannuation Act (PSSA).

“We want retirees of the PSSA to get the right information on the challenges facing the current plan and how a more affordable and secure option is needed going forward,” said Finance Minister Blaine Higgs. “We will continue to work with retirees to hear their concerns and answer questions on the proposed shared-risk model. These sessions build on the letters and conversations we have had with retirees to date.”

Meetings will be held across the province. They will feature a presentation outlining the current PSSA's significant challenges and show how the proposed move to a shared-risk model will impact retirees. Representatives from the provincial government will be available to answer questions and hear concerns.

“It would be wrong to ignore the challenges facing the PSSA,” said Higgs. “The province has an obligation to consider the long-term sustainability of the pension plan both for current and future retirees. Currently the PSSA has a $1 billion shortfall that is expected to get worse. With people living longer after retirement and interest rates at historically low levels, action needs to be taken today.”

Dates and locations of the sessions:

Wednesday, April 17:

●    Saint John: 1 p.m.-3 p.m.: New Brunswick Community College gymnasium, 950 Grandview Ave.
●    Fredericton: 6 p.m.-8 p.m.: Fredericton Convention Centre, Pointe-Sainte Anne rooms A and B, 670 Queen St..

Thursday, April 18

●    Moncton: 1 p.m.-3 p.m.: Moncton Lions Club, 55 Mark Ave.
●    Miramichi: 6 p.m.-8 p.m.; New Brunswick Community College gymnasium, 80 University Ave.

Friday, April 19:

●    Bathurst: 1 p.m.-3 p.m.: K.C. Irving Regional Civic Centre, east entrance, Paul Ouellette Room, 850 St. Anne St.
●    Campbellton: 6 p.m.-8 p.m.: Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick gymnasium, 47 du Village Ave.

Saturday, April 20:

●    Edmundston: 1 p.m.-3 p.m.: Clarion Hotel, Banquet Room, 100 Rice St.


16-04-13