Changing demographics, including a larger and more vocal retiree population, combined with the impact of market volatility, have made pensions a hot topic. The challenges of both defined benefit (DB) and defined contribution (DC) plans are widely acknowledged and have sparked much innovative thinking on viable pension plan design options. Morneau Shepell is pleased to share its thought leadership in this area with the media and at speaking engagements.
News & Events
Government of New Brunswick shared risk pension plan model given highest marks by the American Academy of Actuaries
Jan 13, 2015What are the Roles and Also the Meaning of Risk Management in Shared Risk Plans?
Canadian Pension & Benefits Institute Atlantic Regional Conference
Speakers: Steve Mahoney
Digby N.S. | Sep 24, 2014
This session, co-presented with Troy Mann of the Province of New Brunswick, walks through some of the modeling requirements imposed on plans through the shared risk pension legislation and the ensuing changes to asset mixes. It also outlines how the shared risk plan for Certain Bargaining Employees of New Brunswick Hospitals implemented asset mix changes during the transitional phase and provides considerations for the long term asset-liability mismatch while driving results towards a more stable funding model.
Risks of Implementing a Defined Contribution Plan
International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans 47th Annual Canadian Benefits Conference
Speakers: Bethune A. Whiston
Calgary | Aug 10, 2014
This presentation explores some of the legal risks that arise in relation to DC plans in Canada, the legal duties owed, and whether it is possible to manage the risks related to these duties through good governance practices.
Navigating Through Pension Reform
Association of Canadian Pension Management
Speakers: Steve Mahoney
Moncton | Jun 11, 2014
Steve outlines the risk management of an investment portfolio that transitions to a contingent pension scheme.
Retirement Income Underfunding
Financial Executives International Conference
Speakers: Bill Morneau, Speakers: Jim Leech
Niagara Falls | Jun 04, 2014
In a discussion moderated by Paul Ledwell, Executive Vice-President of Canada's Public Policy Forum, Bill and Jim addressed the need for government, unions, business and citizens to focus on cooperating to achieve a sustainable system to fund pensions going forward. The two spoke of the need for Canada to enhance the current system.
Emerging Issues for DC Plans
Queen’s: Workplace Pensions: Next Generation or Final Frontier?
Speakers: Bethune Whiston (Moderator)
May 23, 2014
This presentation discusses the implications of the shift away from DB pensions and explores emerging legal issues for DC plans, some of which have already been litigated in the US.
Are Target Benefit Plans the Solution?
Benefits and Pensions Summit
Speakers: Kevin Sorhaitz, Speakers: Jana Steele, Speakers: Osler
Toronto | Apr 28, 2014
This discussion looks at the pros and cons of Target Benefit Plans and what would be involved in transitioning to this new model.
Morneau Shepell Welcomes Government of Canada Plan to Allow Shared Risk Pension Plans
Apr 24, 2014Achieving Employer and Employee Objectives Through Target Benefit Pension Plans
Speakers: Kevin Sorhaitz, Speakers: Paul Lai Fatt
Toronto | Mar 20, 2014
International Society of Certified Employee Benefit Specialists, March 20, 2014, Toronto This presentation examines the challenges facing traditional pension plans and outlines the advantages of a target benefit pension plan to both plan sponsors and plan members. It follows the New Brunswick government’s journey in establishing the Shared Risk Plan model, identifying the design issues and concerns raised by the many stakeholders, and discussing the testing required both to implement an SRP and for ongoing monitoring.