On January 1, contributions to the Canada Pension Plan increase again, although they are higher than initially expected. The reason is in large part because of the effect of the pandemic on the labor market, with some groups noting that the impact will be felt by some workers more than others.

Here’s a look at what’s going on and how long the effect might last.

Why are premiums increasing

The January 1 increase is part of a multi-year plan approved by the provinces and the federal government four years ago to increase pension benefits through the public plan by increasing contributions over time.

The first premium increase was in 2019, another was earlier this year, and the next is scheduled for early 2021.

A note from KPMG in November said maximum employer and employee contributions would reach $ 3,166 each in 2021, an increase from $ 2,898 this year. For self-employed workers’ contributions, the maximum amount will be $ 6,332, compared to $ 5,796.

Why next year is different

The scheme requires that contributions increase in line with the upper limit of income subject to these premiums.

For next year, the earnings cap, known as the Maximum Annual Pensionable Earnings or YMPE, was supposed to be $ 60,200, an increase of $ 1,500 from the 2020 cap. But the actual amount will be higher at $ 61,600.

The reason is due to the effects of the pandemic on the labor market and the way the YMPE is calculated.

The earnings cap formula is based on the increases in average weekly earnings recorded during the year ending June 30, compared to the same number in the previous 12-month period.

During the pandemic, average weekly earnings have increased, but not because people are earning more.

More low-income workers lost their jobs between March and June than higher-paid workers, meaning there were fewer low-paid workers in the calculation. Federal Chief Actuary’s Office Says That’s Why Overall Increase Is Bigger Than Originally Expected

The reaction

Dan Kelly, president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, estimates that anyone near the maximum income limit will effectively see a 9.3 percent increase in premiums, beyond the hike of just over five. percent enshrined in law.

“It’s going to represent hundreds of dollars in CPP reassessments on the paycheques of middle-income Canadians, not because they got a raise, but because the formula didn’t have a COVID adjustment.” said Kelly.

“We think this is deeply unfair.”

Provincial finance ministers had asked the government to halt increases for next year, pointing to the economic fallout from COVID-19, but that was easier said than done.

Any change in contribution rates or the income limit, in which case contributions would cap, would require the approval of Parliament and seven provinces representing at least two-thirds of the national population – a bar higher than what is needed to amend the Constitution.

At the end of the line

Contributions increase next year. The same will apply to the earnings ceiling, beyond what was expected.

But federal officials expect the effect of the higher pay limit to wear off over time, as jobs continue to return after large losses in early 2020.

Jordan Press, The Canadian Press

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