Background on the Promise

During his campaign for prime minister, Mark Carney promised to amend the Public Service Superannuation Act to expand early retirement eligibility, commonly referred to as the "25 and out" provision. This would allow frontline public service employees, including firefighters, paramedics, correctional service employees, border services officers, Parliamentary protection officers, and search and rescue personnel, to retire after 25 years of service without a reduction in pension benefits. The promise aimed to recognize the demanding and high-risk nature of these roles, building on prior commitments made by the previous government in 2024.

Actions Taken by the Carney Government

Since taking office in early 2025, the Carney government has reiterated commitments to frontline workers, including through public statements and legislative introductions that touch on related areas. For instance, in April 2025, the Public Service Alliance of Canada welcomed Carney's commitments to equitable retirement benefits for frontline federal workers, indicating ongoing dialogue. In June 2025, the government introduced Bill C-2, the Strong Borders Act, which focuses on enhancing border security and supporting border services officers, though it does not directly address pension amendments. Additionally, a January 2025 letter from the Customs and Immigration Union to Prime Minister Carney urged the fulfillment of prior commitments to expand early retirement, and the Treasury Board had previously reiterated this intent in December 2024, just before the transition.

However, the government has also launched a comprehensive spending review, announcing 15% budget cuts in July 2025, which unions have criticized as austerity measures that could impact public service benefits. These cuts have raised concerns about the prioritization of pension expansions amid efforts to cap the public service size.

Legislation Proposed or Passed

No specific legislation amending the Public Service Superannuation Act for the "25 and out" provision has been passed under the Carney government as of August 2025. The previous administration announced intentions in June and December 2024 to expand eligibility for groups like border services officers, firefighters, and search and rescue technicians, with proposed actions included in the Fall Economic Statement 2024. Under Carney, Bill C-2 was introduced in June 2025, but it primarily addresses border security enhancements rather than pension reforms. There has been no dedicated bill or amendment passed to implement the expanded eligibility, though union advocacy continues to push for it.

Progress on Specific Elements

The promise specifies expansion for firefighters, paramedics, correctional service employees, border services officers, Parliamentary protection officers, and search and rescue personnel. While the government has engaged with unions representing these groups, such as through responses to the Strong Borders Act, tangible steps like legislative amendments remain pending. The ongoing spending review poses a risk of being broken if fiscal constraints delay or cancel the expansion. To be considered kept, the government must introduce and pass amendments to the Act, ensuring these frontline workers gain "25 and out" eligibility without pension penalties.

Challenges and Potential Outcomes

The promise is currently in progress, with commitments acknowledged but no final implementation. To become kept, the Carney government must propose and enact the necessary amendments to the Public Service Superannuation Act, likely through a dedicated bill or budget measure, before the end of the parliamentary session or term. It would be broken if the spending cuts lead to the abandonment of the expansion, or if no action is taken by the next election cycle, failing to deliver on the equitable retirement benefits for the specified frontline roles.

Overall Status

This promise is in progress.