Canadian Taxpayers Federation erects billboards to shame MPs about gold-plated pensions

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is on a mission to shame our members of Parliament. The not-for-profit citizens group has embarked on a nationwide advertising campaign to ensure Canadians understand how "outrageous" MP pensions really are.

"For every dollar MPs contribute to their own pensions, the taxpayer pays $24," notes the message on billboards erected in five cities across the country.

The Stephen Harper government has consistently talked about scaling back MP pensions. They even hinted they would do so in Budget 2012 but didn't, apparently because of some caucus backlash.

The CTF says it's time the government to honour the promise "to scrap the platinum-plated pension plan."

"With the government planning on tinkering with the MP pension plan this fall," notes a CTF press release, "taxpayers must take action now to ensure those reforms are significant and not just putting lipstick on this pig."

MP pensions are one thing that Canadians of all political stripes seem to agree on. They're unfair and out-of-step with most Canadians' retirement plans.

While the average annual pension for MPs is $53,586, the benefits given to long-time MPs, are simply staggering.

After the 2011 election, the Toronto Star reported that more than 100 outgoing MPs would get millions in pensions.

For example, former Bloc leader Gilles Duceppe, 63, who advocated for the destruction of Canada, will get $140,765 per year, while former Toronto Liberal MP Joe Volpe, also 63, will pull in $120, 392 for his 23 years of service.

The Huffington Post recently compiled a list of 10 current MPs who will each receive an estimated total lifetime pension of more than $3 million if they serve one more term and cease to receive their pension at age 80.

The $3 million club includes:

1. Stephen Harper - $6,216,858

2. Jason Kenney - $4,318,507

3. Gerry Byrne - $3,996,498

4. James Moore - $3,795,386

5. Scott Brison - $3,723,666

6. Denis Coderre - $3,701,989

7. Rob Anders - $3,643,873

8. Rona Ambrose - $3,330,876

9. Peter Van Loan - $3,194,114

10. Michael Chong - $3,124,903

The CTF billboards urge Canadians to text the word "TAX" to 212121 in order to sign a petition, e-mail the Prime Minister and learn more about the MP pension plan.