EDITORIAL: Forget MPs’ pensions; let’s have a vote now

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The attempt by Liberals and New Democrats to push back the fixed date for the next election — from Oct. 20, 2025 to Oct. 27, 2025 — has critics slamming the two parties for feathering their pension nests ahead of what polls predict will be a massive forced retirement for many of their MPs.

Last week, MPs debated Bill C-65 in committee, in what Conservatives have dubbed “the pension protection bill.” Moving forward the date of the election ensures that 22 Liberal and six NDP MPs, whose pensions vest after the Oct. 20 date, get their full pensions of about $78,000 a year.

The ostensible reason for the change is that the earlier date conflicts with Diwali and elections in Alberta. Postmedia columnist Lorne Gunter has reported the pension grab will cost taxpayers $4.7 million a year.

Members of Parliament qualify for full pensions after six years of service. Those elected in 2019 will only qualify for full pensions a few days after the Oct. 20 date.

Here’s a better plan: The government of Justin Trudeau has run out of gas. He’s desperately positioning himself as Canada’s Caped Crusader in what’s expected to be a bumpy ride dealing with newly re-elected U.S. President Donald Trump.

Liberals like to point out their earlier experience with Trump. They bragged about greeting the newly elected president with a photograph of Trump with Trudeau’s dad, Pierre. Liberals chortled with glee at such a clever tactic. In fact, it was rude and tactless. All it did was point out to Trump how old he is.

(The late Queen Elizabeth II once quipped that Trudeau “made her feel so old” when he regaled her with stories about her trips to Canada, including one in 1982 when she was welcomed by his dad.)

If all the Liberals have in their tank are fond memories and black and white family photos, it’s time to hand the reins to a leader of substance.

Trudeau has only a wobbly minority government. In the last election, Conservatives got more votes than the Liberals.

It’s time to give a strong mandate to a new leader — whoever it is — to take to Washington when they talk to Trump.

It’s time for a general election.