Pensions And Benefits: Recent Policy And Case Law

Legislative and regulatory initiatives are reshaping the landscape for pension plans and employee benefits across Canada. In-house counsel and plan administrators should prepare for significant updates that impact governance, tax policy, litigation risks and member retirement strategies. It's equally critical for plan sponsors and administrators to re-evaluate risks based on recent developments in the courts.

Here are five key developments impacting the sector:

1. Budget Initiatives. Canada's 2025 federal budget proposed several pensions and employee benefits measures. These include a simplified registered investment regime and amendments to the Public Service Superannuation Act that would provide early retirement incentives to frontline employee groups in public service pension plans. The budget also signalled that legislation implementing the Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit may be introduced in Parliament soon.