Core Principles
- Strictly voluntary participation (opt-in/opt-out)
- Stand-alone supplement to CPP, not a replacement
- Separate management from Canada Pension Plan
- Comprehensive feasibility study before implementation
As of January 2026, the Alberta Non-Partisan Association formally supports investigation of a feasibility study regarding the creation of an Alberta Pension Plan (APP). This proposal prioritizes individual choice while exploring options for enhanced retirement security.
Defining Principles
The NPA's proposal for a provincial pension plan is defined by core principles that distinguish it from other pension reform proposals:
| Principle | Description |
|---|---|
| Strictly Voluntary Participation | Unlike existing mandatory frameworks, the proposed Alberta Pension Plan would be entirely opt-in or opt-out, granting individual Albertans the freedom to choose whether to participate based on their own financial goals |
| Stand-Alone Supplement | This plan is designed as a stand-alone provincial initiative, intended to function as an addition to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) rather than a replacement for it |
| Separation from CPP | The proposed APP would be managed completely separately from the Canada Pension Plan, ensuring Albertans have access to a distinct, locally-managed investment vehicle |
| Focus on Feasibility | Comprehensive study to determine long-term viability, management costs, and potential returns before any formal implementation |
Key Distinctions
The NPA's proposal differs fundamentally from other Alberta pension discussions in several important ways:
- Not a CPP Replacement: The NPA explicitly does not support withdrawing from or replacing the Canada Pension Plan. The proposed APP would exist alongside CPP as an optional enhancement
- Individual Choice: Participation would be entirely voluntary, respecting Albertans' freedom to manage their retirement planning according to their own circumstances
- Local Management: Provincial administration would provide Albertans with a locally-managed investment option while maintaining their existing CPP benefits
Study Requirements
Before any implementation, the NPA advocates for a comprehensive feasibility study addressing:
- Long-Term Viability: Actuarial analysis of the plan's sustainability across economic cycles
- Management Costs: Administrative overhead and investment management expenses compared to alternatives
- Potential Returns: Projected investment performance under various scenarios
- Regulatory Framework: Legal and administrative requirements for a provincial pension supplement
- Participation Rates: Projected uptake and impact on plan economics
Context
This proposal aligns with ongoing provincial discussions regarding Alberta's fiscal independence while prioritizing individual choice and supplemental savings options for residents. The NPA believes Albertans deserve access to well-researched options for enhancing their retirement security without disrupting existing pension arrangements.
For more information on the current status of provincial pension research, residents can visit the Alberta Pension Plan engagement site.