Former federal worker seeks pension reforms for injured employees

Paméla Marchand, a former corrections officer with Correctional Service Canada, is advocating for reforms to federal pension rules for workers forced into early retirement due to occupational injuries. Marchand, who retired medically at age 39 following a psychological injury, argues that current rules penalize workers by preventing them from reaching the 25-year service milestone required for penalty-free retirement.

Marchand’s petition, which has gathered over 1,140 signatures, seeks to ensure that recognized occupational disabilities entitle employees to immediate pensions without penalties and with continued contributions. The proposal also calls for the continuation of employer contributions during severe, prolonged disabilities and requests that federal rules align more closely with provincial workers’ compensation systems.

NDP MP Don Davies is scheduled to present the petition in the House of Commons on October 7.