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The Magic of 65: Issues and Evidence in the Mandatory Retirement Debate

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 November 2010

Neil Guppy
Neil Guppy
Affiliation:
University of British Columbia
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Abstract

Debate over fixed-age retirement continues as a steady stream of court cases are launched and appealed. Contrary to some early opinion, Charter provisions apparently do not guarantee an end to mandatory retirement and legal decisions have yet to establish any clear precedent. This paper reviews the legal framework of age discrimination cases, examines current attitudes and practices regarding retirement, and outlines major arguments for and against forced retirement. The contrasting principles of individual justice versus comparative justice are emphasized.

Résumé

Le débat concernant la retraite à un âge fixe se poursuit alors qu'un série de procès sont ouverts et les jugements contestés. Contrairement aux premières impressions, la charte ne contient pas de clauses qui pourraient garantir de mettre un terme à la retraite obligatoire et les décisions tranchées jusqu'à présent n'ont pas clairement établi de précédents. Cet article examine la structure juridique des cas de discrimination basés sur l'âge, étudie les pratiques et positions actuelles concernant la retraite, et esquisse les grandes lignes des arguments principaux en faveur et contre la retraite forcée. Les principes contrastants d'une justice individuelle par rapport à une justice comparative sont mis en valeur.

Keywords

mandatory retirementearly retirementattitudes to forced retirementCharter of Rights.
Type
Articles
Information
Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement , Volume 8 , Issue 2 , Summer/été 1989 , pp. 173 - 186
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association on Gerontology 1989

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