Canadian Legal and Legislative Update

Equity Consideration in Pensions and Benefits Plans

Pensions and benefits plan designs vary significantly from an equity point of view. Learn how different plan provisions may actually create inequity between different generations of workers and offer more or less value to members based on age, service, marital status or even sex

Prescription Drug Management

Expenditures on prescription drugs have surpassed spending on physician rumination to become the second largest cost in the health care system.

This session will explore future trends and legal considerations for plan sponsors and provide insights on how to manage these rising costs effectively and stay compliant with evolving regulations

Financial Planning Panel

This panel will explore the critical distinctions between providing financial guidelines and advice to plan members. Attendees will understand the benefits and risks associated with providing or not providing financial wellness resources to plan members.

The ESG Legal and Regulatory Considerations for Pension Plans

This session will focus on recent regulatory developments related to environmental, social and government (ESG) in response to greenwashing as well as the recent anti-ESG sentiment in the U.S. It will discuss the legal, financial and ethical ramifications of removing ESG from investment considerations. Attendees will gain an understanding of the challenges and opportunities that arise as organizations navigate the complexities of ESG related compliance and investment strategies.

Forum for Pension Disputes: The Courts, Regulators or Tribunals

Learn about the adjudicative bodies that determine pension disputes including regulators, arbitrators, tribunals and the courts. This discussion will explore matters of authority and jurisdiction for the purpose of determining the appropriate forum for dealing with various pension disputes, including those arising under collective agreements, violations of pension legislation and other disputes that have arisen in recent jurisprudence.

• Learn about the relative authority and jurisdiction of adjudicative bodies charged with determining pension disputes. 
• Explore relevant considerations in determining which forum to bring a dispute to for adjudication. 
• Discuss legal limitations and strategic advantages and disadvantages of having disputes determined in the various forums.

OCIO Legal Oversight

Delegating investment tasks to an outsourced chief investment officer (OCIO) has become increasingly common among plan trusts. However, trustees must carefully consider the legal responsibilities and risks associated with outsourcing their plan’s investment function. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of these obligations, helping trustees make informed decisions and manage potential risks effectively.