The High Costs of Canada’s Mutual Fund Based Retirement System
This study compares the management fees charged by mutual funds and pension plans, and finds that high management fees will cause Canadians relying on mutual funds for their retirement income to work longer or retire with less, compared to those with pension plans. The study recommends an expansion of inexpensive workplace pension plans or public pension plans, like the CPP; and as a stopgap measure, trailers fees—the portion of mutual fund fees that go back to the advisor—could be capped or banned entirely.
Click here to view our infographic, RRSPs vs. Pensions.
About the author
David joined the CCPA as its Senior Ottawa Economist in 2011, although he has been a long time contributor as a research associate. Since 2008, he has coordinated the Alternative Federal Budget, which takes a fresh look at the federal budget from a progressive perspective. David has also written on a variety of topics, from child care to income inequality to federal fiscal policy. He is a regular media commentator on national policy issues, often speaking to the CBC, Globe and Mail, Toronto Star and Canadian Press. David received his BA from the University of Windsor and his MA from the University of Guelph, both in Philosophy. Follow David on Bluesky at @davidmaccdn.bsky.social
