Navigating Pension Governance And Compliance In 2026

Recent Canadian pension developments reflect increasing regulatory scrutiny, evolving transaction requirements and growing attention to technology-related governance risks for pension plans and capital accumulation plans alike. 

Pension plan administrators and sponsors should monitor these developments closely as regulators continue to focus on governance, disclosure and operational compliance.

1. Asset Transfers. Pension asset transfers continue to require significant preparation and coordination between plan administrators, actuaries, legal counsel and regulators. Administrators must address plan amendments, effective-date determinations, member notices and regulatory filings within prescribed timelines. In Ontario, transfers under sections 80 and 81 of the Pension Benefits Act require detailed applications supported by, among other items, actuarial reports (in the case of transfers of defined benefit assets) and evidence of administrator agreements. The Financial Services