Yeah, you gotta watch the MERs, they can really hit you in the wallet, especially when you end up with substantial amounts in your RRSPs. I've got stock options through work, also a RRSP they'll match up to 6% of my annual salary. I also invest outside of work as well (Another RRSP, TFSA and a bunch of ETFs)... We get company stock at a 15% discount right off the bat, and we're allowed to use 10% of our salary towards that as well. It's built up a sweet little nest egg for myself over the past 10 years.
I think the most important thing people have on their side is time.. I started investing in my mid 20's, bought a house at 28 (That will be paid off in the next 4 years).. If the market dips, that's the best time to stop worrying about what you've potentially lost and drop more $$$ into it. I did that in 2008 and I'm reaping the benefits of it today... Just gotta be smart, don't panic and things will work out.
I think it would be a good idea that our education system spends more time teaching our kids how to save and invest rather then worrying about a war that happened over 200 years ago