Labour groups hope to pressure Alberta to accept federal proposals to improve pensions.

In June, Alberta Finance Minister Ted Morton said the province will not support a proposed expansion of the Canada Pension Plan.

The Alberta Federation of Labour is launching a campaign with the Canadian Labour Congress that it hopes will change that position. AFL President Gil McGowan says Canadians face a looming retirement income crisis and expanding the Canada Pension Plan is the best way to deal with it.

The labour groups plan to lobby members of the legislature, set up a website and release a poll that suggests that most Albertans favour expanding the CPP.

McGowan says they hope Alberta will give up its opposition to improving the pension system before federal and provincial finance minister meet next month in Kananaskis.

iNew 880AM, Mon Nov 15 2010