ASSET TRANSFERS UNDER SECTIONS 80 AND 81 OF THE ACT

Pension Benefits Act

ONTARIO REGULATION 310/13

ASSET TRANSFERS UNDER SECTIONS 80 AND 81 OF THE ACT

Consolidation Period: From October 16, 2024 to the e-Laws currency date.

Last amendment: 391/24.

Legislative History: 393/15, 239/16, 390/17, 15/18, 253/18, 154/19, 422/19, 288/20, 391/24.

This is the English version of a bilingual regulation.

CONTENTS

PART I
GENERAL

1.

Application of Regulation

2.

Interpretation

3.

Effective date of transfer under s. 80 of the Act

4.

Effective date of transfer under s. 81 of the Act

5.

Applying for Chief Executive Officer’s consent to transfer of assets

6.

Notice re completion of transfer

7.

Criterion re commuted value of benefits

7.1

Public Service Pension Plan

PART II
TRANSFER OF DEFINED BENEFITS

Application

8.

Application of Part

Funding Requirements

9.

Amount of assets to be transferred

10.

Requirements re solvency ratio

11.

Special payments

12.

Certain reports under General Regulation

Restrictions on Transfers

13.

Restriction re reduction in accrued benefits

14.

Requirement re accrued pension benefits

15.

Deadline for transferring assets

Notices to Transferred Members and Others

16.

Standard notices about a transfer of assets

17.

Special notices where individual’s consent to transfer is required

Requirements re Payments to or for Individuals

18.

Payments under s. 79.2 (8) and (9) of the Act

PART III
TRANSFER OF DEFINED CONTRIBUTION BENEFITS

19.

Application of Part

20.

Amount in individual accounts

21.

Standard notices about a transfer of assets

22.

Special notices where individual’s consent to transfer is required

23.

Transition

PART IV
TRANSFER OF TARGET BENEFITS

Application

24.

Application of Part

Funding Requirements

25.

Amount of assets to be transferred

26.

Requirements re funded position

27.

Special payments

28.

Certain reports under General Regulation

Restrictions on Transfers

29.

Requirement re accrued pension benefits

30.

Deadline for transferring assets

Notices to Transferred Members and Others

31.

Standard notices about a transfer of assets

Requirements re Payments to or for Individuals

32.

Payments under s. 79.2 (8) and (9) of the Act

Schedule 1

Application for chief executive officer’s consent to transfer under section 80 of the act

Schedule 2

Application for chief executive officer’s consent to transfer under section 81 of the act

Schedule 3

Standard notice to transferred members from original pension plan

Schedule 4

Standard notice to transferred members from successor pension plan

Schedule 5

Standard notice to transferred former members, retired members and certain others

Schedule 6

Standard notice to trade unions and to advisory committees from original pension plan

Schedule 7

Standard notice to trade unions and to advisory committees from successor pension plan

Schedule 8

Special notice to transferred members from original pension plan

Schedule 9

Special notice to transferred members from successor pension plan

Schedule 10

Special notice to former members, retired members and certain others from original pension plan

Schedule 11

Special notice to transferred former members, retired members and certain others from successor pension plan

 

part i
general

Application of Regulation

1. This Regulation applies with respect to every transfer of assets under section 80 or 81 of the Act from an original pension plan to a successor pension plan. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 1.

Interpretation

2. (1) Expressions used in this Regulation have the same meaning as in the General Regulation, unless the context requires otherwise. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 2 (1).

(2) In this Regulation,

“General Regulation” means Regulation 909 of the Revised Regulations of Ontario, 1990 (Generavl) made under the Act; (“règlement général”)

“Schedule” means Schedule to this Regulation. (“annexe”) O. Reg. 310/13, s. 2 (2); O. Reg. 253/18, s. 1.

Note: On January 1, 2025, the day section 17 of Schedule 33 to the Stronger, Fairer Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2017 comes into force, subsection 2 (2) of the Regulation is amended by adding the following definition: (See: O. Reg. 391/24, s. 1)

“Target Benefits Regulation” means Ontario Regulation 386/24 (Target Benefits) made under the Act. (“règlement sur les prestations cibles”)

Effective date of transfer under s. 80 of the Act

3. The effective date of a transfer of assets under section 80 of the Act from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan is the effective date of the sale, assignment or disposition of all or part of the original employer’s business or all or part of the assets of the business to the successor employer. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 3.

Effective date of transfer under s. 81 of the Act

4. The effective date of a transfer of assets under section 81 of the Act from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan is the effective date of the amendment to the original pension plan or the successor pension plan, as the case may be, that purports to give effect to the transfer. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 4.

Applying for Chief Executive Officer’s consent to transfer of assets

5. (1) An application under subsection 80 (11) of the Act for the Chief Executive Officer’s consent to a transfer of assets under section 80 of the Act must include the information required by Schedule 1. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 5 (1); O. Reg. 154/19, s. 1 (2).

(2) An application under subsection 81 (5) of the Act for the Chief Executive Officer’s consent to a transfer of assets under section 81 of the Act  must include the information required by Schedule 2. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 5 (2); O. Reg. 154/19, s. 1 (2).

(3) The application must be filed within nine months after the effective date of the transfer. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 5 (3).

(3.1) Revoked: O. Reg. 288/20, s. 1 (2).

(4) An application under subsection 80 (11) or 81 (5) of the Act is a prescribed document for the purposes of paragraph 1 of subsection 105 (2) of the Act (extension of time). O. Reg. 310/13, s. 5 (4).

(5) A copy of the application, and a copy of the documents filed in support of the application (including any subsequent revisions and any subsequent valuation reports), must be provided to each trade union that represents members and former members of the original pension plan or the successor pension plan and to each advisory committee established under section 24 of the Act for either pension plan. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 5 (5).

(6) Personal information about an individual must be excluded from the copies of the application and documents provided to a trade union or advisory committee under subsection (5), unless the individual has given his or her prior consent to the disclosure of the information. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 5 (6).

Notice re completion of transfer

6. (1) Within 60 days after a transfer of assets under section 80 or 81 of the Act has been completed, the administrators of the original pension plan and the successor pension plan shall file the following documents:

1. A statement certifying that the transfer of assets has been made in accordance with the Act and regulations.

2. For a transfer of assets in respect of defined benefits, an actuarial cost certificate that satisfies the requirements of section 7.1 of the General Regulation and indicates the amount of assets transferred from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan.

3. For a transfer of assets in respect of defined contribution benefits, a statement that indicates the amount of assets transferred from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan.  The statement must be prepared by a person who is authorized under subsection 15 (2) of the General Regulation to prepare reports and certificates with respect to the defined contribution benefits. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 6.

Note: On January 1, 2025, the day section 17 of Schedule 33 to the Stronger, Fairer Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2017 comes into force, subsection 6 (1) of the Regulation is amended by adding the following paragraph: (See: O. Reg. 391/24, s. 2)

4. For a transfer of assets in respect of target benefits, an actuarial cost certificate that satisfies the requirements of subsection 7.1 (1) of the General Regulation and contains the following information:

i. An estimate of the normal cost of the plan for the fiscal year commencing on the valuation date of the certificate.

ii. An estimate of the amount equal to the provision for adverse deviations in respect of the normal cost for the plan for that fiscal year.

iii. An estimate of the total contributions to the plan to be paid in respect of that fiscal year.

iv. The pension plan’s going concern assets and estimated going concern liabilities, each determined as of the valuation date of the certificate.

v. The amount of assets transferred from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan.

(2) Revoked: O. Reg. 288/20, s. 2 (2).

Criterion re commuted value of benefits

7. (1) The commuted value of benefits referred to in paragraph 4 of subsection 80 (13) of the Act and in paragraph 2 of subsection 81 (6) of the Act must be determined in accordance with actuarial methods and assumptions that are consistent with section 3500 (“Pension Commuted Values”) of the Standards of Practice of the Actuarial Standards Board, published by the Canadian Institute of Actuaries, as amended from time to time. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 7 (1); O. Reg. 393/15, s. 1; O. Reg. 422/19, s. 1 (1).

(1.1) For a pension plan described in subsection 14 (2) or (3) of the Act, the actuarial methods and assumptions referred to in subsection (1) must be consistent with section 3500 of the Standards of Practice of the Actuarial Standards Board, published by the Canadian Institute of Actuaries, as amended from time to time, as if subsection 14 (1) of the Act applied in respect of the pension plan. O. Reg. 422/19, s. 1 (2).

Note: On January 1, 2025, the day section 17 of Schedule 33 to the Stronger, Fairer Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2017 comes into force, subsection 7 (1.1) of the Regulation is revoked. (See: O. Reg. 391/24, s. 3)

(2) The commuted value of a transferred member’s benefits must be determined,

(a) as if his or her employment or membership had terminated on the effective date of the transfer of assets under section 80 or 81 of the Act; and

(b) unless an election under section 74.1 of the Act is in effect for the original pension plan, as if an activating event described in subsection 74 (1) of the Act had occurred on the effective date of the transfer. O. Reg. 239/16, s. 1.

Public Service Pension Plan

7.1 The following rules apply with respect to the Public Service Pension Plan continued under the Public Service Pension Act:

1. Subsection 10 (2) shall be read without reference to subparagraph 2 i of that subsection. O. Reg. 390/17, s. 1.

part ii
Transfer of defined benefits

Application

Application of Part

8. This Part applies with respect to a transfer of assets under section 80 or 81 of the Act if both the original pension plan and the successor pension plan provide defined benefits and if the transfer of assets is in respect of defined benefits. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 8.

Funding Requirements

Amount of assets to be transferred

9. (1) The amount of assets to be transferred under section 80 or 81 of the Act from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan with respect to defined benefits is the amount calculated using the formula,

(X + Y) − Z

in which

  “X” is the amount calculated under subsection (2),

  “Y” is the amount calculated under subsection (3), and

“Z” is the amount described in subsection (4).

O. Reg. 310/13, s. 9 (1).

(2) In the formula in subsection (1), “X” is the amount calculated as of the effective date of the transfer using the formula,

(A × B/C) − D

in which,

  “A” is the sum of the total amount of the solvency assets of the original pension plan and the total amount of all letters of credit held in trust under section 55.2 of the Act for the original pension plan,

  “B” is the total amount of the solvency liabilities to be transferred from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan,

  “C” is the total amount of the solvency liabilities of the original pension plan before the transfer of assets, and

  “D” is the total amount to be paid into prescribed retirement savings arrangements under subsection 79.2 (8) of the Act and paid to individuals under subsection 79.2 (9) of the Act to satisfy the criteria set out in paragraph 4 of subsection 80 (13) of the Act or in paragraph 2 of subsection 81 (6) of the Act, as the case may be.

O. Reg. 310/13, s. 9 (2).

(3) In the formula in subsection (1), “Y” is the amount calculated using the formula,

E × B/C

in which,

  “B” has the same meaning as in subsection (2),

  “C” has the same meaning as in subsection (2), and

“E” is the amount of special payments made into the original pension plan from the effective date of the transfer of assets to the date on which the assets are transferred.

O. Reg. 310/13, s. 9 (3).

(4) In the formula in subsection (1), “Z” is the amount of payments made, on or after the effective date of the transfer of assets to the date on which the assets are transferred, under the original pension plan in respect of members, former members, retired members or other persons entitled to benefits who, as of the effective date of the transfer of assets, are transferred members, former members, retired members or other persons entitled to benefits under the successor pension plan. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 9 (4).

Requirements re solvency ratio

10. (1) A transfer of assets under section 80 of the Act with respect to defined benefits is not authorized unless, after the transfer, at least one of the following conditions would be satisfied:

1. The solvency ratio of the successor pension plan is at least 0.85.

2. The solvency ratio of the successor pension plan is,

i. no more than 0.05 below the solvency ratio of the original pension plan before the transfer, and

ii. no more than 0.05 below the solvency ratio of the successor pension plan before the transfer. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 10 (1).

(2) A transfer of assets under section 81 of the Act with respect to defined benefits is not authorized unless, after the transfer, at least one of the following conditions would be satisfied:

1. The solvency ratio of the successor pension plan is at least 1.0.

2. The solvency ratio of the successor pension plan is,

i. no more than 0.05 below the solvency ratio of the original pension plan before the transfer, and

ii. no more than 0.05 below the solvency ratio of the successor pension plan before the transfer. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 10 (2).

Special payments

11. (1) If a transfer of assets under section 80 or 81 of the Act results in a new going concern unfunded liability, a new solvency deficiency or a new reduced solvency deficiency for the successor plan, special payments to liquidate the new going concern unfunded liability, new solvency deficiency or new reduced solvency deficiency must be made in accordance with section 5 of the General Regulation. O. Reg. 253/18, s. 2.

(1.1) Despite subsection (1), if a transfer of assets under section 81 of the Act between multi-employer pension plans that are established pursuant to a collective agreement or trust agreement results in a new going concern unfunded liability, a new solvency deficiency or a new reduced solvency deficiency, special payments to liquidate the new going concern unfunded liability, new solvency deficiency or new reduced solvency deficiency must be made in accordance with section 5, 6 or 6.0.4 of the General Regulation, as the case may be. O. Reg. 253/18, s. 2.

(2) For a transfer of assets under section 80 of the Act, the obligation of the original employer to make special payments under the original pension plan continues until the transfer of assets is completed. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 11 (2).

(3) For a transfer of assets under section 81 of the Act, the obligation of the employer to make special payments under the original pension plan continues until the transfer of assets is completed. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 11 (3).

Certain reports under General Regulation

12. (1) This section applies with respect to a report filed under section 3, 4 or 14 of the General Regulation about the original pension plan or the successor pension plan, if the valuation date for the report falls after the effective date of the transfer but before the date on which the Chief Executive Officer consents to the transfer and the assets are transferred to the successor pension plan. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 12 (1); O. Reg. 154/19, s. 1 (1).

(2) The report must disclose, on the basis of a going concern valuation and on the basis of a solvency valuation, the amount of the assets and liabilities to be transferred to the successor pension plan with respect to the transferred members, former members, retired members and any other persons whose pension benefits and ancillary benefits are being transferred to the successor pension plan. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 12 (2).

Restrictions on Transfers

Restriction re reduction in accrued benefits

13. A transfer of assets under section 80 or 81 of the Act with respect to defined benefits is not authorized if the successor pension plan is permitted, under the Act or under the terms of the pension plan, to reduce accrued pension benefits or accrued ancillary benefits in circumstances in which the original pension plan would not be permitted to reduce them. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 13.

Requirement re accrued pension benefits

14. For a transfer of assets under section 80 or 81 of the Act with respect to defined benefits, the amount of a transferred member’s accrued pension benefits under the successor pension plan (calculated without taking into account ancillary benefits) must equal at least 85 per cent of the amount of his or her accrued pension benefits under the original pension plan (calculated without taking into account ancillary benefits) as of the effective date of the transfer. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 14.

Deadline for transferring assets

15. (1) A transfer of assets under section 80 or 81 of the Act must be completed within 120 days after the date on which the Chief Executive Officer consents to the transfer. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 15; O. Reg. 154/19, s. 1 (1).

(2) Revoked: O. Reg. 288/20, s. 3 (2).

Notices to Transferred Members and Others

Standard notices about a transfer of assets

16. (1) This section applies with respect to a transfer of assets under section 80 or 81 of the Act with respect to defined benefits provided under the original pension plan. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 16 (1).

(2) The notices required by this section must be given within six months after the effective date of the transfer. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 16 (2).

(2.1) Revoked: O. Reg. 288/20, s. 4 (2).

(3) The following notices must be given to transferred members, former members, retired members and other persons entitled to benefits under the pension plan, as indicated:

1. The standard notice from the administrator of the original pension plan to each transferred member, containing the information required by Schedule 3.

2. The standard notice from the administrator of the successor pension plan to each transferred member, containing the information required by Schedule 4.

3. The standard notice from the administrator of the successor pension plan to each transferred former member, retired member and other person entitled to benefits under the pension plan, containing the information required by Schedule 5. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 16 (3).

(4) The following notices must be given to each trade union that represents members, former members and retired members and to each advisory committee established under section 24 of the Act:

1. The standard notice from the administrator of the original pension plan, containing the information required by Schedule 6.

2. The standard notice from the administrator of the successor pension plan, containing the information required by Schedule 7. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 16 (4).

(5) After a notice required by subsection (4) is delivered to the trade union or advisory committee, if there is a substantial change in any information contained in the notice, the administrator must give an updated notice to the trade union or advisory committee within a reasonable time after the administrator becomes aware of the change. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 16 (5).

(6) The notices required by this section may be provided separately or jointly by the administrators of the original pension plan and the successor pension plan. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 16 (6).

Special notices where individual’s consent to transfer is required

17. (1) This section applies with respect to a transfer of assets under section 80 of the Act with respect to defined benefits provided under the original pension plan if the employers’ agreement to transfer assets provides for the consent of any transferred member, former member, retired member or any other person to the transfer of assets in respect of his or her pension benefits and ancillary benefits. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 17 (1).

(2) The following notices must be given to each transferred member, in addition to the notices required by subsection 16 (3):

1. The special notice described in subsection (4) about the transferred member’s right to elect to transfer his or her benefits to the successor pension plan.

2. The special notice from the administrator of the original pension plan containing the information required by Schedule 8.

3. The special notice from the administrator of the successor pension plan containing the information required by Schedule 9. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 17 (2).

(3) The following notices must be given to each transferred former member, retired member or other person entitled to benefits under the original pension plan, in addition to the notices required by subsection 16 (3):

1. The special notice described in subsection (4) about his or her right to elect to transfer his or her benefits to the successor pension plan.

2. The special notice from the administrator of the original pension plan containing the information required by Schedule 10.

3. The special notice from the administrator of the successor pension plan containing the information required by Schedule 11. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 17 (3).

(4) The special notice about an individual’s right to elect to transfer benefits to the successor pension plan must be given by the administrators of the original pension plan and the successor pension plan and must contain the following information:

1. A statement that the transfer cannot be made unless the transferred member, former member, retired member or other person, as the case may be, consents to the transfer and delivers an election in writing to the administrator of the original pension plan, and such other documents as the administrator may require, by the deadline specified in the notice.  The deadline cannot be earlier than 90 days after the date on which the administrator sends the special notice to the individual.

2. A statement that any transfer is subject to the Income Tax Act (Canada). O. Reg. 310/13, s. 17 (4).

(5) The notices required by this section may be provided separately or jointly by the administrators of the original pension plan and the successor pension plan, but must be provided in a manner that enables the affected individuals to compare their options. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 17 (5).

Requirements re Payments to or for Individuals

Payments under s. 79.2 (8) and (9) of the Act

18. (1) Subsections 21 (1.1) to (1.3) of the General Regulation apply, with necessary modifications, with respect to a payment into a prescribed retirement savings arrangement under subsection 79.2 (8) of the Act. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 18 (1).

(2) Section 22.2 of the General Regulation applies, with necessary modifications, with respect to a payment to an individual under subsection 79.2 (9) of the Act. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 18 (2).

part iii
Transfer of defined contribution benefits

Application of Part

19. This Part applies with respect to a transfer of assets under section 80 or 81 of the Act if both the original pension plan and the successor pension plan provide defined contribution benefits and if the transfer of assets is in respect of defined contribution benefits. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 19.

Amount in individual accounts

20. A transfer of assets under section 80 or 81 of the Act with respect to defined contribution benefits provided under the original pension plan is not authorized unless, after the transfer, the amount in each individual account under the successor pension plan is no less than the amount, before the transfer, in each individual account under the original pension plan for each transferred member, former member or other person entitled to benefits under the original pension plan. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 20.

Standard notices about a transfer of assets

21. (1) This section applies with respect to a transfer of assets under section 80 or 81 of the Act with respect to defined contribution benefits provided under the original pension plan. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 21 (1).

(2) The notices required by this section must be given within six months after the effective date of the transfer. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 21 (2).

(2.1) Revoked: O. Reg. 288/20, s. 5 (2).

(3) The following notices must be given to transferred members, former members and other persons entitled to benefits under the pension plan, as indicated:

1. The standard notice from the administrator of the original pension plan to each transferred member, containing the information required by Schedule 3.

2. The standard notice from the administrator of the successor pension plan to each transferred member, containing the information required by Schedule 4.

3. The standard notice from the administrator of the successor pension plan to each transferred former member and other person entitled to benefits under the pension plan, containing the information required by Schedule 5. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 21 (3).

(4) The following notices must be given to each trade union that represents members and former members and to each advisory committee established under section 24 of the Act:

1. The standard notice from the administrator of the original pension plan, containing the information required by Schedule 6.

2. The standard notice from the administrator of the successor pension plan, containing the information required by Schedule 7. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 21 (4).

(5) After a notice required by subsection (4) is delivered to the trade union or advisory committee, if there is a substantial change in any information contained in the notice, the administrator must give an updated notice to the trade union or advisory committee within a reasonable time after the administrator becomes aware of the change. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 21 (5).

(6) The notices required by this section may be provided separately or jointly by the administrators of the original pension plan and the successor pension plan. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 21 (6).

Special notices where individual’s consent to transfer is required

22. (1) This section applies with respect to a transfer of assets under section 80 of the Act with respect to defined contribution benefits provided under the original pension plan if the employers’ agreement to transfer assets provides for the consent of any transferred member, former member or any other person to the transfer of assets in respect of his or her pension benefits and ancillary benefits. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 22 (1).

(2) The following notices must be given to each transferred member, in addition to the notices required by subsection 21 (3):

1. The special notice described in subsection (4) about the transferred member’s right to elect to transfer his or her benefits to the successor pension plan.

2. The special notice from the administrator of the original pension plan, containing the information required by Schedule 8.

3. The special notice from the administrator of the successor pension plan, containing the information required by Schedule 9. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 22 (2).

(3) The following notices must be given to every former member and other person entitled to benefits under the original pension plan, in addition to the notices required by subsection 21 (3):

1. The special notice described in subsection (4) about the person’s right to elect to transfer his or her benefits to the successor pension plan. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 22 (3).

(4) The special notice about an individual’s right to elect to transfer benefits to the successor pension plan must be given by the administrators of the original pension plan and the successor pension plan and must contain the following information:

1. A statement that the transfer cannot be made unless the transferred member, former member or other person, as the case may be, consents to the transfer and delivers an election in writing to the administrator of the original pension plan, and such other documents as the administrator may require, by the deadline specified in the notice.  The deadline cannot be earlier than 90 days after the administrator sends the special notice to the individual.

2. A statement that any transfer is subject to the Income Tax Act (Canada). O. Reg. 310/13, s. 22 (4).

(5) The notices required by this section may be provided separately or jointly by the administrators of the original pension plan and the successor pension plan, but must be provided in a manner that enables the affected individuals to compare their options. O. Reg. 310/13, s. 22 (5).

Transition

23. (1) For the purposes of this Regulation, an application for the Superintendent’s consent filed with the Superintendent under the Act, as it read prior to the day section 1 of Schedule 23 to the Plan for Care and Opportunity Act (Budget Measures), 2018 came into force, is deemed to be an application for the Chief Executive Officer’s consent filed with the Chief Executive Officer. O. Reg. 154/19, s. 2.

(2) For the purposes of this Regulation, a consent given by the Superintendent under the Act, as it read prior to the day section 1 of Schedule 23 to the Plan for Care and Opportunity Act (Budget Measures), 2018 came into force, is deemed to have been given by the Chief Executive Officer. O. Reg. 154/19, s. 2.

(3) For the purposes of this Regulation, documents filed with the Superintendent under the Act, as it read prior to the day section 1 of Schedule 23 to the Plan for Care and Opportunity Act (Budget Measures), 2018 came into force, are deemed to have been filed with the Chief Executive Officer. O. Reg. 154/19, s. 2.

Note: On January 1, 2025, the day section 17 of Schedule 33 to the Stronger, Fairer Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2017 comes into force, the Regulation is amended by adding the following Part: (See: O. Reg. 391/24, s. 4)

PART IV
Transfer of TARGET BENEFITS

Application

Application of Part

24. This Part applies with respect to a transfer of assets under section 81 of the Act if both the original pension plan and the successor pension plan provide target benefits and if the transfer of assets is in respect of target benefits. O. Reg. 391/24, s. 4.

Funding Requirements

Amount of assets to be transferred

25. (1) The amount of assets to be transferred under section 81 of the Act from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan with respect to target benefits is the amount calculated using the formula,

(X + Y) − Z

in which,

  “X” is the amount calculated under subsection (2),

  “Y” is the amount calculated under subsection (3), and

“Z” is the amount described in subsection (4). O. Reg. 391/24, s. 4.

(2) In the formula in subsection (1), “X” is the amount calculated as of the effective date of the transfer using the formula,

(A × B/C) − D

in which,

  “A” is the sum of the total amount of the solvency assets of the original pension plan,

  “B” is the total amount of the going concern liabilities to be transferred from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan,

  “C” is the total amount of the going concern liabilities of the original pension plan before the transfer of assets, and

  “D” is the total amount to be paid into prescribed retirement savings arrangements under subsection 79.2 (8) of the Act and paid to individuals under subsection 79.2 (9) of the Act to satisfy the criteria set out in paragraph 2 of subsection 81 (6) of the Act. O. Reg. 391/24, s. 4.

(3) In the formula in subsection (1), “Y” is the amount calculated using the formula,

E × B/C

in which,

  “B” has the same meaning as in subsection (2),

  “C” has the same meaning as in subsection (2), and

“E” is the amount of special payments made into the original pension plan from the effective date of the transfer of assets to the date on which the assets are transferred. O. Reg. 391/24, s. 4.

(4) In the formula in subsection (1), “Z” is the amount of payments made, on or after the effective date of the transfer of assets to the date on which the assets are transferred, under the original pension plan in respect of members, former members, retired members or other persons entitled to benefits who, as of the effective date of the transfer of assets, are transferred members, former members, retired members or other persons entitled to benefits under the successor pension plan. O. Reg. 391/24, s. 4.

Requirements re funded position

26. (1) A transfer of assets under section 81 of the Act with respect to target benefits is not authorized unless, after the transfer, all of the following conditions would be satisfied:

1. The going concern funded ratio of the successor pension plan is not less than the lesser of,

i. the going concern funded ratio of the successor pension plan before the transfer, and

ii. the sum of 1 and the provision for adverse deviations, determined under section 14 of the Target Benefits Regulation, of the successor pension plan before the transfer.

2. The going concern funded ratio of the successor pension plan is not less than the lesser of,

i. 95 per cent of the going concern funded ratio of the original pension plan before the transfer, and

ii. the sum of 1 and the provision for adverse deviations, determined under section 14 of the Target Benefits Regulation, of the original pension plan before the transfer. O. Reg. 391/24, s. 4.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the going concern funded ratio of the successor pension plan before the transfer must be calculated using the same actuarial methods and assumptions as those used to calculate the going concern funded ratio of the successor pension plan after the transfer. O. Reg. 391/24, s. 4.

Special payments

27. (1) If a transfer of assets under section 81 of the Act results in a new going concern unfunded liability, special payments to liquidate the new going concern unfunded liability must be made in accordance with section 11 of the Target Benefits Regulation. O. Reg. 391/24, s. 4.

(2) The obligation of an employer to make special payments under the original pension plan continues until the transfer of assets is completed. O. Reg. 391/24, s. 4.

Certain reports under General Regulation

28. (1) This section applies with respect to a report filed under section 3 or 14 of the General Regulation about the original pension plan or the successor pension plan, if the valuation date for the report falls after the effective date of the transfer but before the date on which the Chief Executive Officer consents to the transfer and the assets are transferred to the successor pension plan. O. Reg. 391/24, s. 4.

(2) The report must disclose, on the basis of a going concern valuation, the amount of the assets and liabilities to be transferred to the successor pension plan with respect to the transferred members, former members, retired members and any other persons whose pension benefits and ancillary benefits are being transferred to the successor pension plan. O. Reg. 391/24, s. 4.

Restrictions on Transfers

Requirement re accrued pension benefits

29. The amount of a transferred member’s accrued pension benefits under the successor pension plan (calculated without taking into account ancillary benefits) must equal at least the amount of their accrued pension benefits under the original pension plan (calculated without taking into account ancillary benefits) as of the effective date of the transfer. O. Reg. 391/24, s. 4.

Deadline for transferring assets

30. A transfer of assets must be completed within 120 days after the date on which the Chief Executive Officer consents to the transfer. O. Reg. 391/24, s. 4.

Notices to Transferred Members and Others

Standard notices about a transfer of assets

31. (1) This section applies with respect to a transfer of assets under section 81 of the Act with respect to target benefits provided under the original pension plan. O. Reg. 391/24, s. 4.

(2) The notices required by this section must be given within six months after the effective date of the transfer. O. Reg. 391/24, s. 4.

(3) The following notices must be given to transferred members, former members, retired members and other persons entitled to benefits under the pension plan, as indicated:

1. The standard notice from the administrator of the original pension plan to each transferred member, containing the information required by Schedule 3.

2. The standard notice from the administrator of the successor pension plan to each transferred member, containing the information required by Schedule 4.

3. The standard notice from the administrator of the successor pension plan to each transferred former member, retired member and other person entitled to benefits under the pension plan, containing the information required by Schedule 5. O. Reg. 391/24, s. 4.

(4) The following notices must be given to each trade union that represents members, former members and retired members and to each advisory committee established under section 24 of the Act:

1. The standard notice from the administrator of the original pension plan, containing the information required by Schedule 6.

2. The standard notice from the administrator of the successor pension plan, containing the information required by Schedule 7. O. Reg. 391/24, s. 4.

(5) After a notice required by subsection (4) is delivered to the trade union or advisory committee, if there is a substantial change in any information contained in the notice, the administrator must give an updated notice to the trade union or advisory committee within a reasonable time after the administrator becomes aware of the change. O. Reg. 391/24, s. 4.

(6) The notices required by this section may be provided separately or jointly by the administrators of the original pension plan and the successor pension plan. O. Reg. 391/24, s. 4.

Requirements re Payments to or for Individuals

Payments under s. 79.2 (8) and (9) of the Act

32. (1) Subsections 21 (1.1) to (1.3) of the General Regulation apply, with necessary modifications, with respect to a payment into a prescribed retirement savings arrangement under subsection 79.2 (8) of the Act. O. Reg. 391/24, s. 4.

(2) Section 22.2 of the General Regulation applies, with necessary modifications, with respect to a payment to an individual under subsection 79.2 (9) of the Act. O. Reg. 391/24, s. 4.

schedule 1
application for Chief Executive Officer’s consent to transfer under section 80 of the Act

Defined Benefits

1. (1) The following information must, under section 5 of this Regulation, be included in an application for the Chief Executive Officer’s consent to a transfer of assets under section 80 of the Act with respect to defined benefits provided under the original pension plan:

1. The employers’ agreement and any amendments to it.

2. Certified copies of the notices sent to transferred members and, if applicable, to former members, retired members and other persons entitled to benefits under the pension plan, the notice sent to any trade union and the notice sent to any advisory committee, and a statement indicating the date on which the notices were sent.

3. Any amendments to the original pension plan or the successor pension plan relating to the transfer of assets.

4. Subject to subsection (2), a report about the original pension plan, prepared as of the effective date of the transfer of assets, containing the information that would be required in a report filed under section 14 of the General Regulation as well as the following information:

i. The portion of the going concern liabilities and the solvency liabilities that relate to the pension benefits and ancillary benefits for which responsibility is to be transferred to the successor pension plan.

ii. The amount of the going concern liabilities, going concern assets, solvency liabilities, solvency assets, solvency ratio and the transfer ratio of the original pension plan before and after the proposed transfer.

iii. The amount of the required contributions to the original pension plan before and after the proposed transfer.

iv. The amount of the assets to be transferred from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan.

v. The total amount, if any, to be paid under subsection 79.2 (8) of the Act into prescribed retirement savings arrangements and to be paid under subsection 79.2 (9) of the Act as lump sums to individuals.

The report must be prepared by a person who would be authorized under section 15 of the General Regulation to prepare a report under section 14 of the General Regulation about the pension plan.

5. A report about the successor pension plan, prepared as of the effective date of the transfer of assets, containing the information that would be required in a report filed under section 14 of the General Regulation as well as the following information:

i. The portion of the going concern liabilities and the solvency liabilities that relate to the pension benefits and ancillary benefits for which the successor employer will assume responsibility after the proposed transfer.

ii. The amount of the going concern liabilities, going concern assets, solvency liabilities, solvency assets, solvency ratio and the transfer ratio of the successor pension plan before and after the proposed transfer.

iii. The amount of the required contributions to the successor pension plan before and after the proposed transfer.

iv. The amount of the assets to be transferred from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan.

The report must be prepared by a person who would be authorized under section 15 of the General Regulation to prepare a report under section 14 of the General Regulation about the pension plan.

6. A statement by the administrator of the original pension plan certifying that the original pension plan satisfies the requirements of the Act and regulations relating to the proposed transfer.

7. A statement by the administrator of the successor pension plan certifying that the successor pension plan satisfies the requirements of the Act and regulations relating to the proposed transfer.

(2) The reports described in paragraphs 4 and 5 of subsection (1) may be combined if the successor employer maintains or establishes a separate pension plan that will assume all of the accrued liabilities of the original pension plan and will provide the same pension benefits and other benefits for the transferred members that were provided for them under the original pension plan and if all of the assets of the original pension plan will be transferred to the successor pension plan.

(3) In the reports about the original pension plan and the successor pension plan that are required by subsection (1), the solvency valuations for each of the pension plans must be prepared using actuarial methods and assumptions that are consistent with those used for the other pension plan.

(4) If the successor pension plan is the Public Service Pension Plan, instead of including the report described in paragraph 5 of subsection (1) in the application for the Chief Executive Officer’s consent, the administrator of the Public Service Pension Plan may elect to include an actuarial cost certificate with respect to the pension benefits and ancillary benefits for which the successor employer will assume responsibility after the proposed transfer.

(5) For the purposes of subsection (4), an actuarial cost certificate means a certificate that satisfies the following requirements:

1. The certificate must be prepared by an actuary, as of the effective date of the transfer of assets and based on the report most recently filed under section 14 of the General Regulation, using methods and actuarial assumptions that are consistent with accepted actuarial practice.

2. The certificate must contain the following information: 

i. The market value of assets to be transferred from the original pension plan to the Public Service Pension Plan.

ii. The amount of the going concern liabilities and solvency liabilities that relate to the pension benefits and ancillary benefits for which the successor employer will assume responsibility after the proposed transfer.

iii. An estimate of the normal cost with respect to the transferred members for the period beginning on the effective date of the transfer and ending on the day the next report is required to be filed under section 14 of the General Regulation.

(6) Subsections (2) and (3) do not apply if the administrator of the Public Service Pension Plan elects to include an actuarial cost certificate in the application for the Chief Executive Officer’s consent.

Defined Contribution Benefits

2. The following information must, under section 5 of this Regulation, be included in an application for the Chief Executive Officer’s consent to a transfer of assets under section 80 of the Act with respect to defined contribution benefits provided under the original pension plan:

1. The employers’ agreement and any amendments to it.

2. Certified copies of the notices sent to transferred members and, if applicable, to former members and other persons entitled to benefits under the pension plan, the notice sent to any trade union and the notice sent to any advisory committee, and a statement indicating the date on which the notices were sent.

3. Any amendments to the original pension plan or the successor pension plan relating to the transfer of assets.

4. A statement by the administrators of the original pension plan and the successor pension plan indicating the amount of the assets to be transferred from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan and indicating the number of transferred members, former members and other persons entitled to benefits.

5. A statement by the administrator of the original pension plan certifying that the original pension plan satisfies the requirements of the Act and regulations relating to the proposed transfer.

6. A statement by the administrator of the successor pension plan certifying that the successor pension plan satisfies the requirements of the Act and regulations relating to the proposed transfer.

O. Reg. 310/13, Sched. 1; O. Reg. 15/18, s. 1; O. Reg. 154/19, s. 1 (2).

schedule 2
application for Chief Executive Officer’s consent to transfer under section 81 of the Act

Defined Benefits

1. (1) The following information must, under section 5 of this Regulation, be included in an application for the Chief Executive Officer’s consent to a transfer of assets under section 81 of the Act with respect to defined benefits provided under the original pension plan:

1. Certified copies of the notices sent to transferred members and, if applicable, to former members, retired members and other persons entitled to benefits under the pension plan, the notice sent to any trade union and the notice sent to any advisory committee, and a statement indicating the date on which the notices were sent.

2. Any amendments to the original pension plan or the successor pension plan relating to the transfer of assets.

3. Subject to subsection (2), a report about the original pension plan, prepared as of the effective date of the transfer of assets, containing the information that would be required in a report filed under section 14 of the General Regulation as well as the following information:

i. The portion of the going concern liabilities and the solvency liabilities that relate to the pension benefits and ancillary benefits for which responsibility is to be transferred to the successor pension plan.

ii. The amount of the going concern liabilities, going concern assets, solvency liabilities, solvency assets, solvency ratio and the transfer ratio of the original pension plan before and after the proposed transfer.

iii. The amount of the required contributions to the original pension plan before and after the proposed transfer.

iv. The amount of the assets to be transferred from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan.

v. The total amount, if any, to be paid under subsection 79.2 (8) of the Act into prescribed retirement savings arrangements and to be paid under subsection 79.2 (9) of the Act as lump sums to individuals.

The report must be prepared by a person who would be authorized under section 15 of the General Regulation to prepare a report under section 14 of the General Regulation about the pension plan.

4. A report about the successor pension plan, prepared as of the effective date of the transfer of assets, containing the information that would be required in a report filed under section 14 of the General Regulation, to the extent applicable in the circumstances, as well as the following information:

i. The portion of the going concern liabilities and the solvency liabilities that,

A. relate to the pension benefits and ancillary benefits for which the successor employer will assume responsibility after the proposed transfer, or

B. in the case of a transfer of assets under section 81 of the Act between multi-employer pension plans that are established pursuant to a collective agreement or trust agreement, relate to the pension benefits and ancillary benefits to be provided by the successor pension plan after the successor pension plan has been amended in accordance with clause 79.2 (11) (b) of the Act.

ii. The amount of the going concern liabilities, going concern assets, solvency liabilities, solvency assets, solvency ratio and the transfer ratio of the successor pension plan before and after the proposed transfer.

iii. The amount of the required contributions to the successor pension plan before and after the proposed transfer.

iv. The amount of the assets to be transferred from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan.

The report must be prepared by a person who would be authorized under section 15 of the General Regulation to prepare a report under section 14 of the General Regulation about the pension plan.

5. A statement by the administrator of the original pension plan certifying that the original pension plan satisfies the requirements of the Act and regulations relating to the proposed transfer.

6. A statement by the administrator of the successor pension plan certifying that the successor pension plan satisfies the requirements of the Act and regulations relating to the proposed transfer.

(2) In the reports about the original pension plan and the successor pension plan that are required by subsection (1), the solvency valuations for each of the pension plans must be prepared using actuarial methods and assumptions that are consistent with those used for the other pension plan.

(3) If the successor pension plan is the Public Service Pension Plan, instead of including the report described in paragraph 4 of subsection (1) in the application for the Chief Executive Officer’s consent, the administrator of the Public Service Pension Plan may elect to include an actuarial cost certificate with respect to the pension benefits and ancillary benefits for which responsibility is to be transferred to the Public Service Pension Plan.

(4) For the purposes of subsection (3), an actuarial cost certificate means a certificate that satisfies the following requirements:

1. The certificate must be prepared by an actuary, as of the effective date of the transfer of assets and based on the report most recently filed under section 14 of the General Regulation, using methods and actuarial assumptions that are consistent with accepted actuarial practice.

2. The certificate must contain the following information: 

i. The market value of assets to be transferred from the original pension plan to the Public Service Pension Plan.

ii. The amount of the going concern liabilities and solvency liabilities that relate to the pension benefits and ancillary benefits for which responsibility is to be transferred to the Public Service Pension Plan.

iii. An estimate of the normal cost with respect to the transferred members for the period beginning on the effective date of the transfer and ending on the day the next report is required to be filed under section 14 of the General Regulation.

(5) Subsection (2) does not apply if the administrator of the Public Service Pension Plan elects to include an actuarial cost certificate in the application for the Chief Executive Officer’s consent.

Defined Contribution Benefits

2. The following information must, under section 5 of this Regulation, be included in an application for the Chief Executive Officer’s consent to a transfer of assets under section 81 of the Act with respect to defined contribution benefits provided under the original pension plan:

1. Certified copies of the notices sent to transferred members and, if applicable, to former members and other persons entitled to benefits under the pension plan, the notice sent to any trade union and the notice sent to any advisory committee, and a statement indicating the date on which the notices were sent.

2. Any amendments to the original pension plan or the successor pension plan relating to the transfer of assets.

3. A statement by the administrators of the original pension plan and the successor pension plan indicating the amount of the assets to be transferred from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan and indicating the number of transferred members, former members and other persons entitled to benefits.

4. A statement by the administrator of the original pension plan certifying that the original pension plan satisfies the requirements of the Act and regulations relating to the proposed transfer.

5. A statement by the administrator of the successor pension plan certifying that the successor pension plan satisfies the requirements of the Act and regulations relating to the proposed transfer.

O. Reg. 310/13, Sched. 2; O. Reg. 239/16, s. 3; O. Reg. 15/18, s. 2; O. Reg. 154/19, s. 1 (2).

Note: On January 1, 2025, the day section 17 of Schedule 33 to the Stronger, Fairer Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2017 comes into force, Schedule 2 to the Regulation is amended by adding the following section: (See: O. Reg. 391/24, s. 5)

Target Benefits

3. (1) The following information must, under section 5 of this Regulation, be included in an application for the Chief Executive Officer’s consent to a transfer of assets under section 81 of the Act with respect to target benefits provided under the original pension plan:

1. Certified copies of the notices sent to transferred members and, if applicable, to former members, retired members and other persons entitled to benefits under the pension plan, the notice sent to any trade union and the notice sent to any advisory committee, and a statement indicating the date on which the notices were sent.

2. Any amendments to the original pension plan or the successor pension plan relating to the transfer of assets.

3. Subject to subsection (2), a report about the original pension plan, prepared as of the effective date of the transfer of assets, containing the information that would be required in a report filed under section 14 of the General Regulation as well as the following information:

i. The portion of the going concern liabilities that relate to the pension benefits and ancillary benefits for which responsibility is to be transferred to the successor pension plan.

ii. The amount of the going concern liabilities of the original pension plan before and after the proposed transfer.

iii. The amount of the going concern assets of the original pension plan before and after the proposed transfer.

iv. The amount equal to the provision for adverse deviations in respect of going concern liabilities of the original pension plan before and after the proposed transfer.

v. The amount of the required contributions to the original pension plan before and after the proposed transfer.

vi. The amount of the assets to be transferred from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan.

vii. The total amount, if any, to be paid under subsection 79.2 (8) of the Act into prescribed retirement savings arrangements and to be paid under subsection 79.2 (9) of the Act as lump sums to individuals.

The report must be prepared by a person who would be authorized under section 15 of the General Regulation to prepare a report under section 14 of the General Regulation about the pension plan.

4. A report about the successor pension plan, prepared as of the effective date of the transfer of assets, containing the information that would be required in a report filed under section 14 of the General Regulation, to the extent applicable in the circumstances, as well as the following information:

i. The portion of the going concern liabilities that relate to the pension benefits and ancillary benefits to be provided by the successor pension plan after the successor pension plan has been amended in accordance with clause 79.2 (11) (b) of the Act.

ii. The amount of the going concern liabilities of the successor pension plan before and after the proposed transfer.

iii. The amount of the going concern assets of the successor pension plan before and after the proposed transfer.

iv. The amount equal to the provision for adverse deviations in respect of going concern liabilities of the successor pension plan before and after the proposed transfer.

v. The going concern funded ratio of the successor pension plan before and after the proposed transfer.

vi. The amount of the required contributions to the successor pension plan before and after the proposed transfer.

vii. The amount of the assets to be transferred from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan.

The report must be prepared by a person who would be authorized under section 15 of the General Regulation to prepare a report under section 14 of the General Regulation about the pension plan.

5. A statement by the administrator of the original pension plan certifying that the original pension plan satisfies the requirements of the Act and regulations relating to the proposed transfer.

6. A statement by the administrator of the successor pension plan certifying that the successor pension plan satisfies the requirements of the Act and regulations relating to the proposed transfer.

(2) The successor pension plan’s report referred to in paragraph 4 of subsection (1) must use the same methods and actuarial assumptions that were used in that plan’s last filed valuation report.

schedule 3
standard notice to transferred members from original pension plan

Defined Benefits

1. The standard notice to be given under subsection 16 (3) of this Regulation to a transferred member by the administrator of the original pension plan with respect to defined benefits provided under the original pension plan must contain the following information:

1. The information that is required by section 40 of the General Regulation, with necessary modifications, determined as of the effective date of the transfer of assets.

2. Information about any payment to be made into a prescribed savings arrangement on behalf of the transferred member under subsection 79.2 (8) of the Act, including any deadlines.

3. Information about any payment to be made to which the transferred member may be entitled under subsection 79.2 (9) of the Act, including any applicable deadlines for providing information to the administrator.

4. Information about how to obtain copies of any documents filed with the Chief Executive Officer with respect to the transfer of assets from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan.

5. A statement that the documents filed with the Chief Executive Officer are available for inspection at the premises of the original employer and the successor employer or at a location that is agreed upon by the administrator and the person making the request.

6. A statement that personal information about an individual is not available for inspection at the premises of the original employer or the successor employer, or at a location that is agreed upon by the administrator and the person making the request, unless the individual’s prior consent is obtained.

Defined Contribution Benefits

2. The standard notice to be given under subsection 21 (3) of this Regulation to a transferred member by the administrator of the original pension plan with respect to defined contribution benefits provided under the original pension plan must contain the following information:

1. The information that is required by section 40 of the General Regulation, with necessary modifications, determined as of the effective date of the transfer of assets.

2. Information about how to obtain copies of any documents filed with the Chief Executive Officer with respect to the transfer of assets from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan.

3. A statement that the documents filed with the Chief Executive Officer are available for inspection at the premises of the original employer and the successor employer or at a location that is agreed upon by the administrator and the person making the request.

4. A statement that personal information about an individual is not available for inspection at the premises of the original employer or the successor employer, or at a location that is agreed upon by the administrator and the person making the request, unless the individual’s prior consent is obtained.

O. Reg. 310/13, Sched. 3; O. Reg. 239/16, s. 4; O. Reg. 154/19, s. 1 (1).

Note: On January 1, 2025, the day section 17 of Schedule 33 to the Stronger, Fairer Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2017 comes into force, Schedule 3 to the Regulation is amended by adding the following section: (See: O. Reg. 391/24, s. 6)

Target Benefits

3. The standard notice to be given under subsection 31 (3) of this Regulation to a transferred member by the administrator of the original pension plan with respect to target benefits provided under the original pension plan must contain the following information:

1. The information that is required by section 40 of the General Regulation, with necessary modifications, determined as of the effective date of the transfer of assets.

2. Information about any payment to be made into a prescribed savings arrangement on behalf of the transferred member under subsection 79.2 (8) of the Act, including any deadlines.

3. Information about any payment to be made to which the transferred member may be entitled under subsection 79.2 (9) of the Act, including any applicable deadlines for providing information to the administrator.

4. Information about how to obtain copies of any documents filed with the Chief Executive Officer with respect to the transfer of assets from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan.

5. A statement that the documents filed with the Chief Executive Officer are available for inspection at the premises of the original employer and the successor employer or at a location that is agreed upon by the administrator and the person making the request.

6. A statement that personal information about an individual is not available for inspection at the premises of the original employer or the successor employer, or at a location that is agreed upon by the administrator and the person making the request, unless the individual’s prior consent is obtained.

schedule 4
standard notice to transferred members from successor pension plan

Defined Benefits

1. The standard notice to be given under subsection 16 (3) of this Regulation to a transferred member by the administrator of the successor pension plan with respect to defined benefits provided under the original pension plan must contain the following information:

1. The name of the successor pension plan and its provincial registration number.

2. A description of the differences, if any, in the pension benefits and ancillary benefits provided under the original pension plan and under the successor pension plan.

2.1 A statement that the successor pension plan, as a multi-employer pension plan established pursuant to a collective agreement or trust agreement, is permitted under the Act to reduce accrued pension benefits and accrued ancillary benefits.

3. The number of years of service or membership that will be credited to the transferred member under the successor pension plan.

4. A description of the differences, if any, in the rate of contributions payable by the transferred member under the original pension plan and under the successor pension plan.

5. The transfer ratio of the successor pension plan as of the valuation date of each of the two reports filed most recently under sections 13 and 14 of the General Regulation or, if the plan is a new pension plan, the transfer ratio as of the valuation date of the report to be included in the application for the Chief Executive Officer’s consent to the transfer.

6. An explanation of the transfer ratio and how it relates to the level of funding of the transferred members’ benefits.

Defined Contribution Benefits

2. The standard notice to be given under subsection 21 (3) of this Regulation to a transferred member by the administrator of the successor pension plan with respect to defined contribution benefits provided under the original pension plan must contain the following information:

1. The name of the successor pension plan and its provincial registration number.

2. A description of the differences, if any, in the rate of contributions payable by the transferred member under the original pension plan and under the successor pension plan.

3. A description of the differences, if any, in the rate of contributions payable by the original employer under the original pension plan and the successor employer under the successor pension plan or, in the case of a transfer of assets under section 81 of the Act between multi-employer pension plans that are established pursuant to a collective agreement or trust agreement, a description of the differences, if any, in the rate of contributions payable by the participating employers under the original pension plan and the participating employers under the successor pension plan.

O. Reg. 310/13, Sched. 4; O. Reg. 239/16, s. 5; O. Reg. 154/19, s. 1 (2).

Note: On January 1, 2025, the day section 17 of Schedule 33 to the Stronger, Fairer Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2017 comes into force, Schedule 4 to the Regulation is amended by adding the following section: (See: O. Reg. 391/24, s. 7)

Target Benefits

3. The standard notice to be given under subsection 31 (3) of this Regulation to a transferred member by the administrator of the successor pension plan with respect to target benefits provided under the original pension plan must contain the following information:

1. The name of the successor pension plan and its provincial registration number.

2. A description of the differences, if any, in the pension benefits and ancillary benefits provided under the original pension plan and under the successor pension plan.

3. A statement that the successor pension plan is permitted under the Act to reduce accrued pension benefits and accrued ancillary benefits in accordance with the terms of the plan, including the plan’s funding and benefits policy.

4. A description of the circumstances that could lead to a reduction of accrued benefits in the successor pension plan.

5. The number of years of service or membership that will be credited to the transferred member under the successor pension plan.

6. A description of the differences, if any, in the rate of contributions payable by the transferred member under the original pension plan and under the successor pension plan.

7. The going concern funded ratio of the successor pension plan as of the valuation date of each of the two reports filed most recently under sections 13 and 14 of the General Regulation or, if the plan is a new pension plan, the going concern funded ratio as of the valuation date of the report to be included in the application for the Chief Executive Officer’s consent to the transfer.

8. An explanation of the going concern funded ratio and how it relates to the level of funding of the transferred members’ benefits.

schedule 5
standard notice to transferred former members, retired members and certain others

Defined Benefits

1. The standard notice to be given under subsection 16 (3) of this Regulation to a transferred former member, retired member or other person entitled to benefits under the successor pension plan by the administrator of the successor pension plan with respect to defined benefits under the original pension plan must contain the following information:

1. The individual’s name and date of birth.

2. The name of the original pension plan and its provincial registration number.

3. The name of the successor pension plan and its provincial registration number.

4. The effective date of the transfer of assets from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan.

5. If the individual is a former member,

i. his or her normal retirement date and the annual amount of the pension that would be payable at that date,

ii. the earliest date on which he or she would be eligible to receive an unreduced pension under the successor pension plan, and the amount of the pension that would be payable at that date,

iii. a description of any indexation provisions applicable to the pension,

iv. particulars of any bridging benefit or special allowance and the date on which it ceases to be paid,

v. particulars of any benefit payable in the event of the former member’s death, and

vi. the name of his or her spouse, if applicable, and of any beneficiary indicated in the records of the administrator.

6. If the individual is a retired member or if the individual is receiving a pension under the original pension plan but is not a retired member,

i. the annual amount of the pension payable to him or her under the successor pension plan,

ii. a description of any indexation provisions applicable to the pension,

iii. particulars of any benefit payable in the event of the retired member’s death, and

iv. the name of his or her spouse, if applicable, and of any beneficiary indicated in the records of the administrator.

7. A statement that the pension benefits and ancillary benefits provided under the successor pension plan are not less than those provided under the original pension plan.

8. A description of the differences, if any, in the pension benefits and ancillary benefits provided under the original pension plan and under the successor pension plan.

8.1 A statement that the successor pension plan, as a multi-employer pension plan established pursuant to a collective agreement or trust agreement, is permitted under the Act to reduce accrued pension benefits and accrued ancillary benefits.

9. The transfer ratio of the successor pension plan as of the valuation date of each of the two reports filed most recently under sections 13 and 14 of the General Regulation or, if the plan is a new pension plan, the transfer ratio as of the valuation date of the report to be included in the application for the Chief Executive Officer’s consent to the transfer.

10. An explanation of the transfer ratio and how it relates to the level of funding of benefits.

11. Information about how to obtain copies of any documents filed with the Chief Executive Officer with respect to the transfer of assets from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan.

12. A statement that the documents filed with the Chief Executive Officer are available for inspection at the premises of the original employer and the successor employer or at a location that is agreed upon by the administrator and the person making the request.

13. A statement that personal information about an individual is not available for inspection at the premises of the original employer or the successor employer, or at a location that is agreed upon by the administrator and the person making the request, unless the individual’s prior consent is obtained.

Defined Contribution Benefits

2. The standard notice to be given under subsection 21 (3) of this Regulation to a transferred former member or other person entitled to benefits under the successor pension plan by the administrator of the successor pension plan with respect to defined contribution benefits under the original pension plan must contain the following information:

1. The individual’s name and date of birth.

2. The name of the original pension plan and its provincial registration number.

3. The name of the successor pension plan and its provincial registration number.

4. The effective date of the transfer of assets from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan.

5. For a former member, the date on which he or she became a member of the original pension plan.

6. The earliest date on which the individual would be eligible to receive a pension under the successor pension plan.

7. Information about how to obtain copies of any documents filed with the Chief Executive Officer with respect to the transfer of assets from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan.

8. A statement that the documents filed with the Chief Executive Officer are available for inspection at the premises of the original employer and the successor employer or at a location that is agreed upon by the administrator and the person making the request.

9. A statement that personal information about an individual is not available for inspection at the premises of the original employer or the successor employer, or at a location that is agreed upon by the administrator and the person making the request, unless the individual’s prior consent is obtained.

O. Reg. 310/13, Sched. 5; O. Reg. 239/16, s. 6; O. Reg. 154/19, s. 1.

Note: On January 1, 2025, the day section 17 of Schedule 33 to the Stronger, Fairer Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2017 comes into force, Schedule 5 to the Regulation is amended by adding the following section: (See: O. Reg. 391/24, s. 8)

Target Benefits

3. The standard notice to be given under subsection 31 (3) of this Regulation to a transferred former member, retired member or other person entitled to benefits under the successor pension plan by the administrator of the successor pension plan with respect to target benefits under the original pension plan must contain the following information:

1. The individual’s name and date of birth.

2. The name of the original pension plan and its provincial registration number.

3. The name of the successor pension plan and its provincial registration number.

4. The effective date of the transfer of assets from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan.

5. If the individual is a former member,

i. their normal retirement date and the annual amount of the pension that would be payable at that date,

ii. the earliest date on which they would be eligible to receive an unreduced pension under the successor pension plan, and the amount of the pension that would be payable at that date, with a statement that an unreduced pension, while not reduced because of early retirement, can be reduced in accordance with the terms of the plan, including the plan’s funding and benefits policy,

iii. a description of any indexation provisions applicable to the pension,

iv. particulars of any bridging benefit or special allowance and the date on which it ceases to be paid,

v. particulars of any benefit payable in the event of the former member’s death, and

vi. the name of their spouse, if applicable, and of any beneficiary indicated in the records of the administrator.

6. If the individual is a retired member or if the individual is receiving a pension under the original pension plan but is not a retired member,

i. the annual amount of the pension payable to them under the successor pension plan,

ii. a description of any indexation provisions applicable to the pension,

iii. particulars of any benefit payable in the event of the retired member’s death, and

iv. the name of their spouse, if applicable, and of any beneficiary indicated in the records of the administrator.

7. A statement that the pension benefits and ancillary benefits provided under the successor pension plan are not less than those provided under the original pension plan.

8. A description of the differences, if any, in the pension benefits and ancillary benefits provided under the original pension plan and under the successor pension plan.

9. A statement that the successor pension plan is permitted under the Act to reduce accrued pension benefits and accrued ancillary benefits in accordance with the terms of the plan, including the plan’s funding and benefits policy.

10. A description of the circumstances that could lead to a reduction of accrued benefits in the successor pension plan.

11. The going concern funded ratio of the successor pension plan as of the valuation date of each of the two reports filed most recently under sections 13 and 14 of the General Regulation or, if the plan is a new pension plan, the going concern funded ratio as of the valuation date of the report to be included in the application for the Chief Executive Officer’s consent to the transfer.

12. An explanation of the going concern funded ratio and how it relates to the level of funding of benefits.

13. Information about how to obtain copies of any documents filed with the Chief Executive Officer with respect to the transfer of assets from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan.

14. A statement that the documents filed with the Chief Executive Officer are available for inspection at the premises of the original employer and the successor employer or at a location that is agreed upon by the administrator and the person making the request.

15. A statement that personal information about an individual is not available for inspection at the premises of the original employer or the successor employer, or at a location that is agreed upon by the administrator and the person making the request, unless the individual’s prior consent is obtained.

schedule 6
standard notice to trade unions and to advisory committees from original pension plan

Defined Benefits

1. The standard notice to be given under subsection 16 (4) of this Regulation by the administrator of the original pension plan to a trade union or to an advisory committee with respect to defined benefits under the original pension plan must contain the following information:

1. The name of the original pension plan and its provincial registration number.

2. A description of the differences, if any, in the rate of contributions payable by transferred members under the original pension plan and under the successor pension plan.

3. A description of the differences, if any, in the pension benefits and ancillary benefits provided under the original pension plan and under the successor pension plan.

3.1 A statement that the successor pension plan, as a multi-employer pension plan established pursuant to a collective agreement or trust agreement, is permitted under the Act to reduce accrued pension benefits and accrued ancillary benefits.

4. In a notice about a transfer of assets under section 80 of the Act, a description of the accrued pension benefits for which the original employer continues to be responsible.

5. The transfer ratio and solvency ratio of the original pension plan before and after the transfer.

6. In a notice given to a trade union, the number of transferred members who are members of the trade union and a list of their names.

Defined Contribution Benefits

2. The standard notice to be given under subsection 21 (4) of this Regulation by the administrator of the original pension plan to a trade union or to an advisory committee with respect to defined contribution benefits under the original pension plan must contain the following information:

1. The name of the original pension plan and its provincial registration number.

2. A description of the differences, if any, in the rate of contributions payable by transferred members under the original pension plan and under the successor pension plan.

3. A description of the differences, if any, in the rate of contributions payable by the original employer under the original pension plan and the successor employer under the successor pension plan or, in the case of a transfer of assets under section 81 of the Act between multi-employer pension plans that are established pursuant to a collective agreement or trust agreement, a description of the differences, if any, in the rate of contributions payable by the participating employers under the original pension plan and the participating employers under the successor pension plan.

4. In a notice about a transfer of assets under section 80 of the Act, a description of the accrued pension benefits for which the original employer continues to be responsible.

5. In a notice about a transfer of assets under section 81 of the Act, a description of the changes, if any, to the benefits of transferred members as a result of the transfer.

6. In a notice given to a trade union, the number of transferred members who are members of the trade union and a list of their names.

O. Reg. 310/13, Sched. 6; O. Reg. 239/16, s. 7.

Note: On January 1, 2025, the day section 17 of Schedule 33 to the Stronger, Fairer Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2017 comes into force, Schedule 6 to the Regulation is amended by adding the following section: (See: O. Reg. 391/24, s. 9)

Target Benefits

3. The standard notice to be given under subsection 31 (4) of this Regulation by the administrator of the original pension plan to a trade union or to an advisory committee with respect to target benefits under the original pension plan must contain the following information:

1. The name of the original pension plan and its provincial registration number.

2. A description of the differences, if any, in the rate of contributions payable by transferred members under the original pension plan and under the successor pension plan.

3. A description of the differences, if any, in the pension benefits and ancillary benefits provided under the original pension plan and under the successor pension plan.

4. A statement that the successor pension plan is permitted under the Act to reduce accrued pension benefits and accrued ancillary benefits in accordance with the terms of the plan, including the plan’s funding and benefits policy.

5. A description of the circumstances that could lead to a reduction of accrued benefits in the successor pension plan.

6. The going concern funded ratio of the original pension plan before and after the transfer.

7. In a notice given to a trade union, the number of transferred members who are members of the trade union and a list of their names.

schedule 7
standard notice to trade unions and to advisory committees from successor pension plan

Defined Benefits

1. The standard notice to be given under subsection 16 (4) of this Regulation by the administrator of the successor pension plan to a trade union or to an advisory committee with respect to defined benefits under the original pension plan must contain the following information:

1. The name of the successor pension plan and its provincial registration number.

2. A description of the differences, if any, in the rate of contributions payable by transferred members under the original pension plan and under the successor pension plan.

3. A description of the differences, if any, in the pension benefits and ancillary benefits provided under the original pension plan and under the successor pension plan.

3.1 A statement that the successor pension plan, as a multi-employer pension plan established pursuant to a collective agreement or trust agreement, is permitted under the Act to reduce accrued pension benefits and accrued ancillary benefits.

4. A description of the accrued pension benefits for which the successor employer has agreed to be responsible or, in the case of a transfer of assets under section 81 of the Act between multi-employer pension plans that are established pursuant to a collective agreement or trust agreement, a description of the accrued pension benefits and accrued ancillary benefits to be provided by the successor plan after the successor pension plan has been amended in accordance with clause 79.2 (11) (b) of the Act.

5. The transfer ratio and solvency ratio of the successor pension plan before and after the transfer.

6. In a notice about a transfer of assets under section 81 of the Act, a description of the changes, if any, to the benefits of transferred members as a result of the transfer.

7. In a notice given to a trade union, the number of transferred members who are members of the trade union and the list of their names.

Defined Contribution Benefits

2. The standard notice to be given under subsection 21 (4) of this Regulation by the administrator of the successor pension plan to a trade union or to an advisory committee with respect to defined contribution benefits under the original pension plan must contain the following information:

1. The name of the successor pension plan and its provincial registration number.

2. A description of the differences, if any, in the rate of contributions payable by transferred members under the original pension plan and under the successor pension plan.

3. A description of the differences, if any, in the rate of contributions payable by the original employer under the original pension plan and the successor employer under the successor pension plan or, in the case of a transfer of assets under section 81 of the Act between multi-employer pension plans that are established pursuant to a collective agreement or trust agreement, a description of the differences, if any, in the rate of contributions payable by the participating employers under the original pension plan and the participating employers under the successor pension plan.

4. A description of the accrued pension benefits for which the successor employer has agreed to be responsible or, in the case of a transfer of assets under section 81 of the Act between multi-employer pension plans that are established pursuant to a collective agreement or trust agreement, a description of the accrued pension benefits and accrued ancillary benefits to be provided by the successor plan after the successor pension plan has been amended in accordance with clause 79.2 (11) (b) of the Act.

5. In a notice given to a trade union, the number of transferred members who are members of the trade union and the list of their names.

O. Reg. 310/13, Sched. 7; O. Reg. 239/16, s. 8.

Note: On January 1, 2025, the day section 17 of Schedule 33 to the Stronger, Fairer Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2017 comes into force, Schedule 7 to the Regulation is amended by adding the following section: (See: O. Reg. 391/24, s. 10)

Target Benefits

3. The standard notice to be given under subsection 31 (4) of this Regulation by the administrator of the successor pension plan to a trade union or to an advisory committee with respect to target benefits under the original pension plan must contain the following information:

1. The name of the successor pension plan and its provincial registration number.

2. A description of the differences, if any, in the rate of contributions payable by transferred members under the original pension plan and under the successor pension plan.

3. A description of the differences, if any, in the pension benefits and ancillary benefits provided under the original pension plan and under the successor pension plan.

4. A statement that the successor pension plan is permitted under the Act to reduce accrued pension benefits and accrued ancillary benefits in accordance with the terms of the plan, including the plan’s funding and benefits policy.

5. A description of the circumstances that could lead to a reduction of accrued benefits in the successor pension plan.

6. A description of the accrued pension benefits and accrued ancillary benefits to be provided by the successor plan after the successor pension plan has been amended in accordance with clause 79.2 (11) (b) of the Act.

7. The going concern funded ratio of the successor pension plan before and after the transfer.

8. A description of the changes, if any, to the benefits of transferred members as a result of the transfer.

9. In a notice given to a trade union, the number of transferred members who are members of the trade union and the list of their names.

schedule 8
special notice to transferred members from original pension plan

Defined Benefits

1. The special notice to be given under subsection 17 (2) of this Regulation to each transferred member by the administrator of the original pension plan with respect to defined benefits under the original pension plan must contain the following information:

1. The name of the original pension plan and its provincial registration number.

2. The individual’s name and date of birth.

3. The number of years of service credited under the pension plan for the purpose of calculating his or her pension benefit.

4. The accumulated amount of his or her contributions to the pension fund, including interest credited to the contributions.

5. His or her normal retirement date and the annual amount of the pension that would be payable at that date.

6. The earliest date on which he or she would be eligible to receive an unreduced pension under the original pension plan and the amount of the pension that would be payable at that date.

7. The name of any person designated by him or her as a beneficiary for the purposes of the pre-retirement death benefit under section 48 of the Act.

8. If applicable, the formula for computing his or her pension benefit under the original pension plan.

9. A description of any indexation provisions applicable to the pension benefit.

10. Particulars of any integration of his or her pension entitlement with pensions payable under the Canada Pension Plan or the Old Age Security Act (Canada) and the effect of such integration.

11. Particulars of any benefit payable in the event of his or her death, other than those required under section 44 or 48 of the Act.

12. Particulars of any benefit payable in the event of the termination of his or her employment.

13. Particulars of any bridging benefit or special allowance and the date on which it ceases to be paid.

14. The transfer ratio of the original pension plan as of the valuation date of the last filed valuation report.

Defined Contribution Benefits

2. The special notice to be given under subsection 22 (2) of this Regulation to each transferred member by the administrator of the original pension plan with respect to defined contribution benefits under the original pension plan must contain the following information:

1. The name of the original pension plan and its provincial registration number.

2. The individual’s name and date of birth.

3. The accumulated amount of his or her contributions to the pension fund, including interest credited to the contributions.

4. The earliest date on which he or she would be eligible to receive a pension.

5. The name of any person designated by him or her as a beneficiary for the purposes of the pre-retirement death benefit under section 48 of the Act.

6. Particulars of any benefit payable in the event of his or her death, other than those required under section 48 of the Act.

7. Particulars of any benefit payable in the event of the termination of his or her employment.

O. Reg. 310/13, Sched. 8.

schedule 9
special notice to transferred members from successor pension plan

Defined Benefits

1. The special notice to be given under subsection 17 (2) of this Regulation to each transferred member by the administrator of the successor pension plan with respect to defined benefits under the original pension plan must contain the following information:

1. The name of the successor pension plan and its provincial registration number.

2. The individual’s name and date of birth.

3. An estimate of the amount of pension that would be payable to him or her under the successor pension plan at the normal retirement date, if he or she elects to make the transfer from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan, and a description of the methods and assumptions used to calculate the estimate.

4. The earliest date on which he or she would be eligible to receive an unreduced pension under the successor pension plan.

5. An estimate of the amount of the pension that would be payable under the successor pension plan at that date if he or she elects to make the transfer, and a description of the methods and assumptions used to calculate the estimate.

6. An estimate of the amount of the pension that would be payable under the successor pension plan at that date if he or she does not elect to make the transfer, and a description of the methods and assumptions used to calculate the estimate.

7. The number of years of service that would be credited to him or her under the successor pension plan, if he or she elects to make the transfer.

8. The name of any person designated by him or her as a beneficiary for the purposes of the pre-retirement death benefit under section 48 of the Act.

9. If applicable, the formula for computing his or her pension benefit under the original pension plan.

10. A description of any indexation provisions applicable to the pension benefit.

11. Particulars of any integration of his or her pension entitlement with pensions payable under the Canada Pension Plan or the Old Age Security Act (Canada) and the effect of such integration.

12. Particulars of any benefit payable in the event of his or her death, other than those required under section 44 or 48 of the Act.

13. Particulars of any benefit payable in the event of the termination of his or her employment.

14. Particulars of any bridging benefit or special allowance and the date on which it ceases.

15. The transfer ratio of the successor pension plan as of the valuation date of the last filed valuation report.

Defined Contribution Benefits

2. The special notice to be given under subsection 22 (2) of this Regulation to each transferred member by the administrator of the successor pension plan with respect to defined contribution benefits under the original pension plan must contain the following information:

1. The name of the successor pension plan and its provincial registration number.

2. The individual’s name and date of birth.

3. The earliest date on which he or she would be eligible to receive a pension under the successor pension plan.

4. The name of any person designated by him or her as a beneficiary for the purposes of the pre-retirement death benefit under section 48 of the Act.

5. Particulars of any benefit payable in the event of his or her death, other than those required under section 48 of the Act.

6. Particulars of any benefit payable in the event of the termination of his or her employment.

O. Reg. 310/13, Sched. 9.

schedule 10
special notice to former members, retired members and certain others from original pension plan

Defined Benefits

1. The special notice to be given under subsection 17 (3) of this Regulation to each former member, retired member and other person entitled to benefits under the original pension plan by the administrator of the original pension plan with respect to defined benefits under the original pension plan must contain the following information:

1. The name of the original pension plan and its provincial registration number.

2. The individual’s name and date of birth.

3. For a former member, the accumulated amount of his or her contributions to the pension fund, including interest credited to the contributions.

4. For a retired member, the annual amount of the pension payable to him or her.

5. A description of any indexation provisions applicable to the pension benefit.

6. Particulars of any benefit payable in the event of his or her death, other than those required under section 44 or 48 of the Act.

7. For a former member, the name of any person designated by the individual as a beneficiary for the purposes of the pre-retirement death benefit under section 48 of the Act.

8. For a retired member, the name of his or her spouse, if any, as indicated on the records of the administrator and the type of joint and survivor pension selected when he or she became a retired member.

9. For a former member, particulars of any bridging benefit or special allowance and the date on which it ceases to be paid.

10. The transfer ratio of the original pension plan as of the valuation date of the last filed valuation report.

O. Reg. 310/13, Sched. 10.

schedule 11
special notice to transferred former members, retired members and certain others from successor pension plan

Defined Benefits

1. The special notice to be given under subsection 17 (3) of this Regulation to each transferred former member, retired member and other person entitled to benefits under the original pension plan by the administrator of the successor pension plan with respect to defined benefits under the original pension plan must contain the following information:

1. The name of the successor pension plan and its provincial registration number.

2. The individual’s name and date of birth.

3. A description of any indexation provisions applicable to the pension benefit.

4. Particulars of any benefit payable in the event of his or her death, other than those required under section 44 or 48 of the Act.

5. For a transferred former member, particulars of any bridging benefit or special allowance and the date on which it ceases.

6. The transfer ratio of the successor pension plan as of the valuation date of the last filed valuation report.

O. Reg. 310/13, Sched. 11.