Canadian Legal and Legislative Update

Cross-Country Benefits Update

This session will provide an overview of legislative and case law developments of importance to benefit plans across Canada.

Cross-Country Pension Update

This session will provide an overview of legislative and case law developments of importance to pension plans across Canada.

New and Expanded Protections for Workers

The legislative protections offered to Canadian employees in the public and private sectors are changing in some significant ways. From legislated pay transparency to the “right to disconnect” to Québec’s expanded privacy legislation, protections in many jurisdictions are evolving to improve employment equity, privacy and work–life balance.

Understanding Your Fiduciary Obligations With Respect to Cybersecurity

Fiduciaries of employee benefit plans have a legal duty to act in the best interests of plan participants and beneficiaries. This responsibility includes:

• Preventing fraud
• Detecting fraud
• Responding to fraud
• Legal and legislative updates
• Records that belong to trustees

When Pension and Benefit Plans Invest Outside Canada—Legal and Tax Pitfalls to Avoid

This session will be a two-person expert discussion of the legal and tax requirements for Canadian pension and benefit plans when they invest outside Canada. Takeaways will include:

• Required fiduciary analysis of investment
• Safest vehicles through which the investment can be made
• Steps that can be taken to reduce potential risks posed by foreign investment.

Tax Rules: Where to From Here?

This session will explore the changes, challenges and opportunities arising from the latest budgetary developments, providing you with the knowledge needed to navigate the evolving tax landscape.

Governance and Decision Making: CAPSA Guidelines in Practice

Strong governance is the foundation of effective pension and benefit plan oversight. Gain practical strategies to strengthen decision making and oversight, from governance structures to the bare minimum requirements under CAPSA Guidelines.

Data Access and Privacy: What Trustees Must Know

From the Patriot Act to evolving privacy laws, organizations must understand the legal responsibilities tied to data access, storage and usage. This session explores where data resides, how regulations apply and the key steps to ensure compliance while safeguarding sensitive information.

What If Your TPA Fires You?

Break down critical contract clauses, such as liability limitations and service obligations, while highlighting what to watch for in agreements. We’ll also explore strategies for managing change and identifying which services may be better handled in-house when contract terms fall short.

Pension and Benefit Value: Lessons, Risks and Best Practices

This session shares lessons learned from plans across Canada; explores trustee obligations and the risks of miscommunication; and highlights tools such as pension estimates, member statements and annual communication schedules. We will also discuss how to build accessible, effective and compliant communication strategies that reinforce the value of benefits and pensions.

The Rise of LTD Claims

Explore the drivers behind the rise in LTD claims; the impact on plan sustainability; and strategies trustees, service providers and benefits professionals can use to manage risks while supporting members effectively.

Human Rights and Pension and Benefit Plans: Risks and Responsibilities

Pension and benefit plans were often designed decades ago, and some structures may unintentionally conflict with today’s human rights standards. Session attendees will:

• Examine potential risks for trustees, including age discrimination, jobsharing impacts, LTD and health benefit concerns, and other plan features that could be challenged.
• Learn how to identify vulnerabilities, mitigate risks and align plan governance with evolving human rights obligations.