Pension and Benefits

Pensions and benefits are important to people of all ages and in all industries. For many years, we have advised on numerous issues affecting both public and private sector pension plans, representing pension plan stakeholders such as individuals, employee and retiree groups, employees, unions, plan administrators, and boards of trustees. We provide advice and assistance concerning single and multi-employer plans, defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans, target benefit plans, and shared risk plans. Our services also extend to employee benefit plans, including helping clients establish, design, and implement Employee Life & Health Trusts.

Our lawyers regularly advise on fiduciary duties, plan administration and governance. As part of that work, we review plan document text, governance frameworks, and regulatory compliance across trust agreements and investment management agreements, statements of investment policies and procedures, and agreements with third-party service providers.

We also assist clients in joint trusteeship, plan conversions, plan funding, governance, spousal benefits and division, wind-up and surplus entitlement. Our lawyers regularly advise and support clients in negotiating investment agreements, ensuring our client’s best interests are protected. Where necessary, we work with our clients in matters related to insolvency and litigation, representing our clients before provincial and federal regulatory bodies and in courts across Canada.

Our team applies a meticulous approach to handling matters related to pensions and benefits. We help ensure that our clients dot every “i” and cross every “t” and have the necessary frameworks in place to support themselves, their plans, and their beneficiaries.