PUBLIC PENSIONS



The cost: The OAS system will climb from $36.5 billion in 2010 to $48 billion in 2015. By 2030, when the number of seniors is expected to climb to 9.3 million from the current 4.7 million, the bill could reach $108 billion.

The controversy: Harper says the future system will be unaffordable, but some experts say the increased cost won’t be so stark when viewed as a ratio of the GDP.

MPs pensions

The cost: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation calculates that while MPs contribute $4.5 million annually to their pension fund, taxpayers kick in $102 million a year.

The controversy: The Tories are set to change the plan, but will still face criticism unless they go beyond tinkering.

Public servants pensions

The cost: The C.D. Howe Institute says the employees’ pension scheme has an underfunded liability of $227 billion.

The controversy: The employees’ share of contributions, which once dipped to a low of 25 per cent, is due to reach 40 per cent by 2013. Unions say the government promised not to touch pensions, but ministers say a review has been underway.