Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set to receive two government-funded pensions for his service in two roles: as a Member of Parliament and as Prime Minister. According to a new estimate from the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF), Trudeau could receive a total of up to $8.4 million in retirement benefits if he lives to the age of 90.
First, since Trudeau is not seeking re-election in the 2025 federal election, he will receive a severance payment of $104,900.
His MP pension is expected to start in 2026 when he turns 55, paying $141,000 per year. Because he served more than six years as an MP, he qualifies for this benefit. If he lives to 90, this pension alone could total around $6.5 million.
In addition, Trudeau will start receiving a Prime Ministerial pension in 2038 at age 67, amounting to $73,000 per year. Over 23 years, that would add approximately $1.9 million to his retirement income.
According to the CTF report, 110 MPs who are not running again or were not re-elected will collectively cost taxpayers about $5 million annually in pensions, potentially totaling $187 million if they live to 90. Severance payments for outgoing MPs are also expected to cost $6.6 million—given to those who didn’t meet the six-year threshold for a pension.
The standard severance for an MP is $104,900, while ministers receive $154,850. Trudeau isn’t alone in receiving a multimillion-dollar pension. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is projected to receive over $7 million, and former NDP leader Jagmeet Singh could get close to $2.7 million.
There are 13 former MPs currently set to receive over $100,000 annually in pension payments.
CTF Federal Director Franco Terrazzano criticized the dual-pension system, saying:
“A Prime Minister who’s already getting millions from one pension shouldn’t be charging taxpayers for a second one. The government needs to end the double-dipping pension system for future Prime Ministers.”
While past reforms have reduced some of the burden on taxpayers, Terrazzano emphasizes that more changes are needed to ensure politicians’ retirement benefits don’t exceed what the public can reasonably afford.
