Retirement preparedness takes centre stage at a Fonds de solidarité FTQ meeting in Rimouski
40% of Quebecers aged 65 and over receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement
Rimouski, May 7, 2026
Retirement preparedness among workers is the focus of a meeting hosted by the Fonds de solidarité FTQ today in Rimouski. Bringing together some 80 local representatives (LRs) from the Fonds network in the Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie—Îles-de-la-Madeleine regions, the event will feature discussions on current economic and financial issues.
"Too many Quebecers still face financial insecurity in retirement, as evidenced by the widespread reliance on the Guaranteed Income Supplement. Nearly 40% of Quebecers aged 65 and over receive this federal benefit for lower-income seniors—the third-highest rate among the provinces,"[1] said Isabelle Renaud, Executive Vice-President, Savings Market, at the Fonds.
"Reversing this trend will take sustained effort. We must raise awareness among young people today about the importance of planning and saving early, especially in light of several concerning indicators."
A recent Léger survey conducted for ÉducÉpargne among Quebecers aged 18 to 34 found that the high cost of living, insufficient income and prioritizing debt repayment are the main barriers to saving.[2]
These challenges add to broader retirement issues in Québec, including a nearly 30% gap in average income between women and men aged 65 and over.
"Encouraging retirement savings is central to the mission of the Fonds de solidarité FTQ. Every day, our LRs in workplaces and our Economic Training Centre support a growing number of Quebecers in planning for their future. The meeting in Rimouski reflects our commitment to being present on the ground across Québec," said Isabelle Renaud.
One in six Québec workers is a Fonds de solidarité FTQ shareholder. Over 29,000 people in the Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie—Îles-de-la-Madeleine regoins have invested in the Fonds for their retirement.
About the Fonds de solidarité FTQ
The Fonds de solidarité FTQ is a source of pride in Québec, fulfilling its mission through a unique business model created more than 40 years ago. Since then, the Fonds has mobilized and engaged Québec by leveraging the retirement savings of more than 816,000 shareholders.
With net assets totaling $23 billion as of November 30, 2025, the Fonds supports over 4,000 companies through direct and indirect venture and growth investments, guided by the belief that its investments generate both financial and societal impact. For more information, visit fondsftq.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
