Pension Benefits Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, Pension Benefits Act
Pension Benefits Act
R.S.O. 1990, Chapter P.8
Historical version for the period October 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012.
Last amendment: 2012, c. 8, Sched. 44.
CONTENTS
Interpretation |
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Retired members and former members |
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Crown bound |
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Employees in Ontario |
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Place of employment |
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Greater pension benefits |
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Designated multi-jurisdictional pension plans |
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Prohibition of administration of unregistered pension plan |
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Refusal or revocation |
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Administrator |
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Application for registration |
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Contents of pension plan |
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Application for registration of amendment |
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When amendment effective |
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Reduction of benefits |
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Improvement in benefits |
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Gradual and uniform accrual of pension benefits |
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Acknowledgment of application for registration |
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Issuance of certificate of registration |
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Issuance of notice of registration |
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Refusal or revocation of registration |
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Duty of administrator |
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Administrator’s annual information return |
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Reciprocal transfer agreement |
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Care, diligence and skill |
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Payment of administrative fees and expenses |
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Information from employer |
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Advisory committee |
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Duty to retain records |
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Information from administrator |
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Pension plan amendments |
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Pension plan amendments |
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Annual statement of pension benefits |
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Statement of benefits |
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Inspection of administrator’s records |
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Inspection of filed records |
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Authority to use electronic transmission |
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Eligibility for membership |
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Loss of membership |
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Dispute as to member of class of employees |
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Separate pension plan |
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Normal retirement date |
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Phased retirement option |
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Deferred pension for service before 1987 |
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Deferred pension for service after 1986 |
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Termination by member |
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Value of deferred pension, etc. |
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Defined contribution benefits |
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Target benefits |
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Ancillary benefits |
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Optional benefits |
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Early retirement option |
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Transfer |
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Purchase of pension |
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Joint and survivor pension benefits |
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Information for payment |
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Waiver of joint and survivor pension benefit |
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Remarriage, etc. |
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Pre-retirement death benefit |
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Variation of payment to disabled person |
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Unlocking for small amounts |
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Payments into registered retirement savings arrangements |
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Discrimination on basis of sex |
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Inflation protection |
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C.P.P. / Q.P.P. offsets |
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Funding |
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Contribution holidays |
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Letters of credit |
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Duty re payment of contributions |
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Duty to pension fund trustees |
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Trust property |
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Accrual |
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Collection of contributions |
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Bond |
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Statement of employer’s obligation |
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Investment of pension fund |
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Overpayments, etc., by employer |
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Refunds |
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Void transactions |
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Exemption from execution, seizure or attachment |
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Commutation or surrender |
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Interpretation |
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Valuation for family law purposes |
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Transfer of a lump sum for certain family law purposes |
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Division of a pension for certain family law purposes |
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Restriction on other ways of dividing pension benefits, etc. |
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Other transitional matters |
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Winding up |
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Winding up order by Superintendent |
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Partial wind up not permitted |
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Wind up report |
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Appointment of administrator to wind up |
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Notice of entitlement upon wind up and election |
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Determination of entitlements |
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Grow-in benefits for members |
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Election re grow-in benefits, certain pension plans |
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Liability of employer on wind up |
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Liability on wind-up, jointly sponsored pension plans |
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Pension fund continues subject to Act and regulations |
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Insufficient pension fund |
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Authority for partial wind up |
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Partial wind up by employer, administrator |
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Order by Superintendent for partial wind up |
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Wind up report for partial wind up |
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Appointment of administrator for partial wind up |
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Notice of entitlement upon partial wind up |
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Determination of entitlements on partial wind up |
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Liability on partial wind up |
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Administration of partial wind up |
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Repeal of transitional provisions |
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Entitlement to surplus |
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Arbitration re allocation of surplus on wind up |
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Payment out of pension fund to employer |
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Payment of surplus |
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Superintendent’s order re surplus |
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Prohibition on asset transfers |
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Requirements, etc., for all asset transfers |
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Continuation of benefits under successor employer |
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Transfers upon the sale of a business |
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Transition, transfers upon the sale of a business |
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Transfers upon a change of trade unions, MEPPs |
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Transfers between certain public sector pension plans |
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Adoption of new pension plan |
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Authority to approve agreements re insolvency, etc. |
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Guarantee Fund continued |
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Guarantee Fund declaration |
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Guaranteed benefits |
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Payments not guaranteed |
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Lien for payment out of Guarantee Fund |
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Order by Superintendent |
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Superintendent’s orders |
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Order by Superintendent |
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Appeal or judicial review of special orders |
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Tribunal hearing re special orders |
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Notices and hearings |
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Appeal to court |
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Reciprocal agreements |
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Research |
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Order to provide information to the Superintendent |
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Security |
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Agreements with designated jurisdictions |
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Status of agreement |
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Arrangements re windup of Nortel pension plans |
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Pension agency |
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Transitional |
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Extension of time |
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Extension of time |
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Examinations, investigations and inquiries |
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Payment for reports |
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Obstruction |
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Order by justice of the peace |
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Offence |
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Penalty |
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Power to restrain |
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Service |
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Time for actions by administrator |
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Fees |
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Forms |
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Conflict |
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Regulations |
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Review of Act, regulations |
Interpretation
Definitions
“additional voluntary contribution” means a contribution to the pension fund by a member of the pension plan beyond any amount that the member is required to contribute, but does not include a contribution in relation to which the employer is required to make a concurrent additional contribution to the pension fund; (“cotisation facultative supplémentaire”)
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, the definition of “additional voluntary contribution” is repealed and the following substituted:
“additional voluntary contribution” means a contribution to the pension fund by a member of the pension plan beyond any amount that the member is required to contribute, but does not include,
(a) an optional contribution, or
(b) a contribution in relation to which the employer is required to make a concurrent additional contribution to the pension fund; (“cotisation facultative supplémentaire”)
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 1 (1), 49 (4).
“administrator” means the person or persons that administer the pension plan; (“administrateur”)
“assets”, in relation to an employer, means assets that in the ordinary course of business would be entered in books of account, whether or not a particular asset is entered in the books of account of the employer; (“actif”)
“bridging benefit” means a periodic payment provided under a pension plan to a retired member of the pension plan for a temporary period of time for the purpose of supplementing his or her pension benefit until he or she is eligible to receive benefits under the Old Age Security Act (Canada) or is either eligible for or begins to receive retirement benefits under the Canada Pension Plan or the Quebec Pension Plan; (“prestation de raccordement”)
“certified copy” means a copy certified to be a true copy; (“copie certifiée conforme”)
“collective agreement” has the same meaning as in the Labour Relations Act, 1995; (“convention collective”)
“Commission” means the Financial Services Commission of Ontario established under the Financial Services Commission of Ontario Act, 1997; (“Commission”)
“commuted value” means the value calculated in the prescribed manner and as of a fixed date of a pension, a deferred pension, a pension benefit or an ancillary benefit; (“valeur de rachat”)
“continuous”, in relation to employment, membership or service, means without regard to periods of temporary suspension of the employment, membership or service and without regard to periods of lay-off from employment; (“continu”)
“contributory benefit” means a pension benefit or part of a pension benefit to which a member is required to make contributions under the terms of the pension plan; (“prestation contributive”)
“deferred pension” means a pension benefit, payment of which is deferred until the person entitled to the pension benefit reaches the normal retirement date under the pension plan; (“pension différée”)
“defined benefit” means a pension benefit other than a defined contribution benefit; (“prestation déterminée”)
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, the definition of “defined benefit” is repealed and the following substituted:
“defined benefit” means a pension benefit other than a defined contribution benefit or a target benefit; (“prestation déterminée”)
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 1 (2), 49 (4).
“defined contribution benefit” means a pension benefit determined with reference to and provided by contributions, and the interest on the contributions, paid by or for the credit of a member and determined on an individual account basis; (“prestation à cotisation déterminée”)
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, the definition of “defined contribution benefit” is repealed and the following substituted:
“defined contribution benefit” means a pension benefit determined with reference to and provided by contributions paid by or for the credit of a member, and the interest on the contributions, and determined on an individual account basis, but does not include an optional benefit; (“prestation à cotisation determinée”)
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 1 (3), 49 (4).
“designated jurisdiction” means any jurisdiction in Canada, including Canada itself, that is prescribed as a jurisdiction in which there is in force legislation substantially similar to this Act; (“autorité législative désignée”)
“designated multi-jurisdictional pension plan” means a pension plan to which this Act applies and to which the pension benefits legislation of one or more designated jurisdictions also applies; (“régime de retraite à lois d’application multiples désigné”)
“domestic contract” means a domestic contract as defined in Part IV of the Family Law Act; (“contrat familial”)
“employee” means a natural person who is employed by an employer; (“employé”)
“employer” means, in relation to a member, former member or retired member of a pension plan, the person or persons from whom or the organization from which the member, former member or retired member receives or received remuneration to which the pension plan is related, and “employed” and “employment” have a corresponding meaning; (“employeur”, “employé”, “emploi”)
“family arbitration award” means a family arbitration award made under the Arbitration Act, 1991; (“sentence d’arbitrage familial”)
“file” means file with the Superintendent; (“déposer”)
“former member” means an individual who satisfies the criteria set out in section 1.1 to be a former member; (“ancien participant”)
“going concern unfunded liability” means, with respect to a pension plan, a going concern unfunded liability as determined in accordance with the prescribed requirements; (“passif à long terme non capitalisé”)
“Guarantee Fund” means the Pension Benefits Guarantee Fund continued by this Act; (“Fonds de garantie”)
“insurance company” means a corporation authorized to undertake life insurance in Canada; (“compagnie d’assurance”)
“joint and survivor pension” means a pension payable during the joint lives of the person entitled to the pension and his or her spouse and thereafter during the life of the survivor of them; (“pension réversible”)
“jointly sponsored pension plan” means a pension plan described in subsection (2) and includes such other pension plans as may be prescribed; (“régime de retraite conjoint”)
“member” means a member of the pension plan; (“participant”)
“Minister” means the member of the Executive Council designated by the Lieutenant Governor in Council for the purposes of this Act; (“ministre”)
“multi-employer pension plan” means a pension plan described in subsection (3); (“régime de retraite interentreprises”)
“normal cost” means, with respect to a pension plan, the normal cost as determined in accordance with the regulations; (“coût normal”)
“normal retirement date” means the date or age specified in the pension plan as the normal retirement date of members; (“date normale de retraite”)
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (1) is amended by adding the following definitions:
“optional benefit” means a benefit that is prescribed for the purposes of subsection 40.1 (1) as an optional benefit; (“prestation optionnelle”)
“optional contribution” means a contribution to the pension fund that is made to obtain an optional benefit under the pension plan and that is made by a member of the pension plan beyond any amount that the member is required to make; (“cotisation optionnelle”)
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 1 (5), 49 (4).
“partial wind up” means the termination of part of a pension plan and the distribution of the assets of the pension fund related to that part of the pension plan; (“liquidation partielle”)
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, the definition of “partial wind up” is repealed. See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 1 (4), 80 (2).
“participating employer”, in relation to a jointly sponsored pension plan or a multi-employer pension plan, means an employer required to make contributions to the pension fund; (“employeur participant”)
“pension” means a pension benefit that is in payment; (“pension”)
“pension benefit” means the aggregate monthly, annual or other periodic amounts payable to a member, former member or retired member during his or her lifetime to which he or she will become entitled under the pension plan or to which, upon his or her death, any other person will become entitled; (“prestation de retraite”)
“pension committee” means a committee that is the administrator of a pension plan; (“comité de retraite”)
“pension fund” means the fund maintained to provide benefits under or related to the pension plan; (“caisse de retraite”)
“pension plan” means a plan organized and administered to provide pensions for employees, but does not include,
(a) an employees’ profit sharing plan or a deferred profit sharing plan as defined in sections 144 and 147 of the Income Tax Act (Canada),
(b) a plan to provide a retiring allowance as defined in subsection 248 (1) of the Income Tax Act (Canada),
(c) a plan under which all pension benefits are provided by contributions made by members, or
(d) any other prescribed type of plan; (“régime de retraite”)
“prescribed” means prescribed by the regulations; (“prescrit”)
“qualification date” means,
(a) in respect of Ontario, January 1, 1965, and
(b) in respect of a designated jurisdiction, the date on which, under the pension benefits legislation of that jurisdiction, a pension plan must be registered by the proper authority in that jurisdiction; (“date d’habilitation”)
“reciprocal transfer agreement” means an agreement related to two or more pension plans that provides for the transfer of money or credits for employment or both in respect of individual members; (“accord réciproque de transfert”)
“registered retirement savings arrangement” means a registered retirement savings plan established in accordance with the Income Tax Act (Canada) or a registered retirement income fund established in accordance with that Act; (“arrangement enregistré d’épargne-retraite”)
“registration” means registration under this Act; (“enregistrement”)
“regulations” means regulations made under this Act; (“règlements”)
“retired member” means an individual who satisfies the criteria set out in section 1.1 to be a retired member; (“participant retraité”)
“solvency deficiency” means, with respect to a pension plan, a solvency deficiency as determined in accordance with the prescribed requirements; (“déficit de solvabilité”)
“solvency liabilities” means, with respect to a pension plan, solvency liabilities as determined in accordance with the regulations; (“passif de solvabilité”)
“spouse” means, except where otherwise indicated in this Act, either of two persons who,
(a) are married to each other, or
(b) are not married to each other and are living together in a conjugal relationship,
(i) continuously for a period of not less than three years, or
(ii) in a relationship of some permanence, if they are the natural or adoptive parents of a child, both as defined in the Family Law Act; (“conjoint”)
“Superintendent” means the Superintendent of Financial Services appointed under the Financial Services Commission of Ontario Act, 1997; (“surintendant”)
“surplus” means the excess of the value of the assets of a pension fund related to a pension plan over the value of the liabilities under the pension plan, both calculated in the prescribed manner; (“excédent”)
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (1) is amended by adding the following definition:
“target benefit” means a pension benefit that is a target benefit as determined under section 39.2; (“prestation cible”)
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 1 (8), 49 (4).
“termination”, in relation to employment, includes retirement and death; (“cessation”)
“trade union” has the same meaning as in the Labour Relations Act, 1995; (“syndicat”)
“Tribunal” means the Financial Services Tribunal established under the Financial Services Commission of Ontario Act, 1997; (“Tribunal”)
“wind up” means the termination of a pension plan and the distribution of the assets of the pension fund; (“liquidation”)
“Year’s Maximum Pensionable Earnings” has the same meaning as in the Canada Pension Plan. (“maximum des gains annuels ouvrant droit à pension”) R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 1; 1997, c. 28, s. 190; 1999, c. 6, s. 53 (1, 2); 2004, c. 31, Sched. 31, s. 1; 2005, c. 5, s. 56 (1-6); 2005, c. 31, Sched. 18, s. 1 (1); 2007, c. 7, Sched. 31, s. 1 (1); 2009, c. 11, s. 41; 2010, c. 1, Sched. 23, s. 1; 2010, c. 9, s. 1 (1-3, 5-7); 2010, c. 24, s. 1 (4, 6, 7); 2012, c. 8, Sched. 44, s. 1.
Jointly sponsored pension plans
(2) For the purposes of this Act, a pension plan is a jointly sponsored pension plan if it has the following characteristics:
1. It provides defined benefits.
2. The defined benefits are contributory benefits.
3. Members of the pension plan are required, by virtue of the documents that create and support the plan, to make contributions in respect of any going concern unfunded liability and solvency deficiency of the plan.
4. The plan satisfies such additional criteria as may be prescribed. 2005, c. 31, Sched. 18, s. 1 (2).
Same, reduced funding obligations
(2.1) A pension plan that is a jointly sponsored pension plan on August 24, 2010 continues to be a jointly sponsored pension plan after that date even if the documents that create and support the plan are amended so that its members are not required to make contributions in respect of any solvency deficiency of the plan. 2010, c. 24, s. 1 (9).
Multi-employer pension plans
(3) For the purposes of this Act, a pension plan is a multi-employer pension plan if it is established and maintained for employees of two or more employers who contribute, or on whose behalf contributions are made, to a pension fund by reason of agreement, statute or municipal by-law to provide a pension benefit that is determined by service with one or more of the employers. 2007, c. 7, Sched. 31, s. 1 (2).
Exceptions
(4) Despite subsection (3), a pension plan is not a multi-employer pension plan for the purposes of this Act,
(a) if all of the employers who contribute, or on whose behalf contributions are made, to the pension fund are affiliates within the meaning of the Business Corporations Act; or
Note: On the day subsection 3 (3) of the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010 comes into force, clause (a) is amended by adding “or the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010” after “Business Corporations Act”. See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 1 (10), 49 (2).
(b) if the regulations specify that the pension plan is not a multi-employer pension plan. 2007, c. 7, Sched. 31, s. 1 (2).
Retired members and former members
Retired member
1.1 (1) For the purposes of this Act, an individual is a retired member of a pension plan if he or she has either terminated the employment that relates to the pension plan or has terminated membership in the pension plan and if one or more of the following criteria is also satisfied:
1. The individual is receiving a pension payable from the pension fund.
2. He or she is entitled to begin to receive a pension from the pension fund by virtue of having reached the normal retirement date under the pension plan, even though he or she has not yet elected to receive the pension.
3. He or she has elected, under subsection 41 (1), to receive an early retirement pension.
4. He or she has elected, under the terms of the pension plan, to begin payment of a pension payable from the pension fund, whether or not receipt of the first payment of the pension is deferred until a later date. 2010, c. 9, s. 2.
Former member
(2) For the purposes of this Act, an individual is a former member of a pension plan if he or she has either terminated the employment that relates to the pension plan or has terminated membership in the pension plan and if either of the following criteria is also satisfied:
1. The individual is entitled to a deferred pension payable from the pension fund.
2. He or she is entitled to receive any other payment from the pension fund. 2010, c. 9, s. 2.
Exception
(3) Despite subsection (2), if an individual is a retired member of a pension plan, the individual is not a former member of the pension plan. 2010, c. 9, s. 2.
Neither
(4) An individual who was a member of a pension plan and who has transferred an amount under subsection 42 (1) in connection with the pension plan is neither a former member nor a retired member of the pension plan. 2010, c. 9, s. 2.
Crown bound
2. This Act binds the Crown. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 2.
Employees in Ontario
3. This Act applies to every pension plan that is provided for persons employed in Ontario. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 3.
Place of employment
4. (1) For the purposes of this Act, a person shall be deemed to be employed in the province in which the establishment of his or her employer is located and to which the person is required to report for work.
Idem
(2) A person who is not required to report for work at an establishment of his or her employer shall be deemed to be employed in the province in which is located the establishment of his or her employer from which the person’s remuneration is paid. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 4.
Greater pension benefits
5. The requirements of this Act and the regulations shall not be construed to prevent the registration or administration of a pension plan and related pension fund that provide pension benefits or ancillary benefits more advantageous to members than those required by this Act and the regulations. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 5.
Designated multi-jurisdictional pension plans
5.1 (1) This section applies with respect to a designated multi-jurisdictional pension plan if there is an agreement under section 100 between the Crown and any designated jurisdiction whose pension benefits legislation applies to the pension plan. 2010, c. 1, Sched. 23, s. 2 (1).
Effect of agreement
(2) Without limiting the generality of section 101, the agreement governs the manner and extent to which this Act and the regulations apply with respect to the designated multi-jurisdictional pension plan. 2010, c. 1, Sched. 23, s. 2 (1).
Duty of administrator
(3) The administrator of the designated multi-jurisdictional pension plan shall comply with the requirements in the agreement that apply with respect to the pension plan and with any requirements imposed under the authority of the agreement. 2010, c. 1, Sched. 23, s. 2 (1).
Duty of employer
(4) An employer or person required to make contributions to a designated multi-jurisdictional pension plan on the employer’s behalf shall comply with the requirements in the agreement that apply with respect to the pension plan and with any requirements imposed under the authority of the agreement. 2010, c. 1, Sched. 23, s. 2 (1).
Entitlement of members, etc.
(5) The amount of the pension benefits, deferred pension, pension or ancillary benefits or any other amount payable under a designated multi-jurisdictional pension plan in relation to a member, former member or retired member is determined in accordance with such requirements as may be contained in the agreement. 2010, c. 1, Sched. 23, s. 2.
Pension plan documents
(6) This section applies despite any documents that create and support a designated multi-jurisdictional pension plan and the pension fund. 2010, c. 1, Sched. 23, s. 2 (1).
Trusts
(7) This section applies despite any trust that may exist in favour of any person. 2010, c. 1, Sched. 23, s. 2 (1).
Registration and Administration
Prohibition of administration of unregistered pension plan
6. (1) No person shall administer a pension plan unless a certificate of registration or an acknowledgment of application for registration of the pension plan has been issued by the Superintendent.
Application of subs. (1)
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to prevent administration during the first ninety days after the establishment of the pension plan. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 6.
Refusal or revocation
7. (1) No person shall administer a pension plan if registration of the pension plan has been refused or revoked by the Superintendent.
Exception
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to prevent administration for the purpose of wind up of a pension plan. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 7.
Administrator
Requirement
8. (0.1) A pension plan must be administered by a person or entity described in subsection (1). 2010, c. 9, s. 3 (1).
Prohibition
(0.2) No person or entity other than a person or entity described in subsection (1) shall administer a pension plan. 2010, c. 9, s. 3 (1).
Administrator
(1) A pension plan is not eligible for registration unless it is administered by an administrator who is,
(a) the employer or, if there is more than one employer, one or more of the employers;
(b) a pension committee composed of one or more representatives of,
(i) the employer or employers, or any person, other than the employer or employers, required to make contributions under the pension plan, and
(ii) members of the pension plan;
(c) a pension committee composed of representatives of members of the pension plan;
(d) the insurance company that provides the pension benefits under the pension plan, if all the pension benefits under the pension plan are guaranteed by the insurance company;
(e) if the pension plan is a multi-employer pension plan established pursuant to a collective agreement or a trust agreement, a board of trustees appointed pursuant to the pension plan or a trust agreement establishing the pension plan of whom at least one-half are representatives of members of the multi-employer pension plan, and a majority of such representatives of the members shall be Canadian citizens or landed immigrants;
(f) a corporation, board, agency or commission made responsible by an Act of the Legislature for the administration of the pension plan;
(g) a person appointed as administrator by the Superintendent under section 71; or
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (g) is repealed and the following substituted:
(g) a person appointed as administrator by the Superintendent;
(g.1) the Superintendent; or
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 2 (1), 49 (4).
(h) such other person or entity as may be prescribed. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 8 (1); 1999, c. 15, s. 1; 2005, c. 31, Sched. 18, s. 2.
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 8 is amended by adding the following subsections:
Appointment, etc., by Superintendent
(1.1) The Superintendent may, in prescribed circumstances, appoint an administrator for a pension plan and may terminate the appointment if the Superintendent considers the termination reasonable in the circumstances. 2010, c. 24, s. 2 (2).
Superintendent as administrator
(1.2) The Superintendent may, in prescribed circumstances, act as administrator of a pension plan. 2010, c. 24, s. 2 (2).
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 2 (2), 49 (4).
Additional representatives
(2) A pension committee, or a board of trustees, that is the administrator of a pension plan may include one or more representatives of retired members. 2010, c. 9, s. 3 (2).
Interpretation
(3) For the purposes of clause (1) (b), “employer” includes the following persons and entities:
1. Affiliates within the meaning of the Business Corporations Act of the employer.
2. Such other persons or entities, or classes of persons or entities, as may be prescribed. 2007, c. 7, Sched. 31, s. 2.
Application for registration
9. (1) Within the prescribed period of time, the administrator of a pension plan shall apply to the Superintendent for registration of the pension plan. 1999, c. 15, s. 2.
Requirements for registration
(2) An application for registration shall be made by paying the fee established by the Minister and filing,
(a) a completed application in the form approved by the Superintendent;
(b) certified copies of the documents that create and support the pension plan;
(c) certified copies of the documents that create and support the pension fund;
(d) a certified copy of any reciprocal transfer agreement related to the pension plan;
(e) a certified copy of the explanations and other information provided under subsection 25 (1);
(e.1) a certification in a form approved by the Superintendent and signed by the applicant in which the applicant attests that the pension plan complies with this Act and regulations; and
(f) any other prescribed documents. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 9 (2); 1997, c. 28, s. 191.
Exception
(2.1) The regulations may provide that the requirement to file a particular document listed in subsection (2) does not apply in specified circumstances or for prescribed classes of pension plans. 2010, c. 9, s. 4.
Collective agreement
(3) For the purpose of subsection (2), “document” includes “collective agreement”. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 9 (3).
Contents of pension plan
10. (1) The documents that create and support a pension plan shall set out the following information:
1. The method of appointment and the details of appointment of the administrator of the pension plan.
2. The conditions for membership in the pension plan.
3. The benefits and rights that are to accrue upon termination of employment, termination of membership, retirement or death.
4. The normal retirement date under the pension plan.
5. The requirements for entitlement under the pension plan to any pension benefit or ancillary benefit.
6. The contributions or the method of calculating the contributions required by the pension plan.
7. The method of determining benefits payable under the pension plan.
8. The method of calculating interest to be credited to contributions under the pension plan.
9. The mechanism for payment of the cost of administration of the pension plan and pension fund.
10. The mechanism for establishing and maintaining the pension fund.
11. The treatment of surplus during the continuation of the pension plan and on the wind up of the pension plan.
12. The obligation of the administrator to provide members with information and documents required to be disclosed under this Act and the regulations.
13. The method of allocation of the assets of the pension plan on windup.
14. Particulars of any predecessor pension plan under which members of the pension plan may be entitled to pension benefits.
15. Any other prescribed information related to the pension plan or pension fund or both. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 10 (1).
Exception
(1.1) The regulations may provide that the requirement to include specified information described in subsection (1) in the documents that create and support a pension plan does not apply in specified circumstances or for prescribed classes of pension plans. 2010, c. 9, s. 5 (1).
Multi-employer pension plan
(2) The documents that create and support a multi-employer pension plan pursuant to a collective agreement or a trust agreement shall also set out the powers and duties of the board of trustees that is the administrator of the multi-employer pension plan. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 10 (2); 2010, c. 9, s. 5 (2).
Same
(2.1) The documents that create and support a multi-employer pension plan shall specify the consequences, if any, of the withdrawal of a participating employer from the pension plan in respect of the funding and payment of pension benefits of a member, a former member, a retired member or any other person affected by the withdrawal and must satisfy such requirements as may be imposed by this Act and the regulations. 2010, c. 24, s. 3 (1, 2).
Jointly sponsored pension plans
(3) The documents that create and support a jointly sponsored pension plan shall also set out the following information:
1. The obligation of members to make contributions under the plan. This must include their obligations in respect of any going concern unfunded liability and, except in the case of plans described in subsection 1 (2.1), in respect of any solvency deficiency.
2. The obligation of employers to make contributions under the plan or the obligation of other persons or entities to make the contributions under the plan on behalf of employers. This must include their obligations in respect of any going concern unfunded liability and, except in the case of plans described in subsection 1 (2.1), in respect of any solvency deficiency.
3. The consequences, if any, of the withdrawal of a participating employer from the plan in respect of the funding and payment of pension benefits of a member, a former member, a retired member or any other person affected by the withdrawal. The consequences set out in the pension plan must satisfy such requirements as may be imposed by this Act and the regulations. 2005, c. 31, Sched. 18, s. 3; 2010, c. 24, s. 3 (3-5).
Same
(4) The documents that create and support a jointly sponsored pension plan may authorize a prescribed person or entity to establish or maintain a separate jointly sponsored pension plan for persons employed in less than full-time continuous employment. 2005, c. 31, Sched. 18, s. 3.
11. Repealed: 2010, c. 9, s. 6.
Application for registration of amendment
12. (1) The administrator of a pension plan shall apply to the Superintendent, within sixty days after the date on which the pension plan is amended, for registration of the amendment. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 12 (1).
Requirements for registration
(2) An application for registration of an amendment shall be made by paying the fee established by the Minister and filing,
(a) a certified copy of the amending document;
(b) certified copies of any other prescribed documents;
(b.1) a certification in a form approved by the Superintendent and signed by the administrator of the pension plan in which the administrator attests that the amendment complies with this Act and the regulations; and
(c) any other prescribed information. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 12 (2); 1997, c. 28, s. 192.
Exception
(2.1) The regulations may provide that the requirement to file a particular document or information described in subsection (2) does not apply in specified circumstances or for prescribed classes of pension plans. 2010, c. 9, s. 7.
Filing of changes
(3) The administrator of a pension plan shall file a certified copy of each document that changes the documents that create and support the pension plan or pension fund. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 12 (3).
When amendment effective
13. (1) An amendment to a pension plan is not effective until the administrator of the plan files an application for registration of the amendment and the application meets the requirements of section 12. 1997, c. 28, s. 193.
Retroactive amendment
(2) An amendment to a pension plan may be made effective as of a date before the date on which the amendment is registered. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 13 (2).
Reduction of benefits
14. (1) An amendment to a pension plan is void if the amendment purports to reduce,
(a) the amount or the commuted value of a pension benefit accrued under the pension plan with respect to employment before the effective date of the amendment;
(b) the amount or the commuted value of a pension or a deferred pension accrued under the pension plan; or
(c) the amount or the commuted value of an ancillary benefit for which a member, former member or retired member has met all eligibility requirements under the pension plan necessary to exercise the right to receive payment of the benefit. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 14 (1); 2010, c. 9, s. 8 (1).
Application of subs. (1)
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply in respect of a multi-employer pension plan established pursuant to a collective agreement or a trust agreement. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 14 (2).
Idem
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply in respect of a pension plan that provides defined benefits if the obligation of the employer to contribute to the pension fund is limited to a fixed amount set out in a collective agreement. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 14 (3).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 14 is amended by adding the following subsection:
Same, target benefits
(3.1) Subsection (1) does not apply in respect of a pension plan that provides only target benefits or in respect of that part of a pension plan that provides target benefits. 2010, c. 24, s. 4 (1).
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 4 (1), 49 (4).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 14 is amended by adding the following subsection:
Same
(4) Subsection (1) does not apply with respect to an amendment that relates to a transfer of assets authorized by section 79.1, 80, 80.1, 80.2 or 81 and that affects the transferred members. 2010, c. 9, s. 8 (2).
Note: On July 1, 2015, subsection (4) is amended by striking out “80.1”. See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 8 (3), 80 (4).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (4) is amended by striking out “80.2 or 81” and substituting “80.2, 80.3 or 81”. See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 4 (2), 49 (4).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (4) is amended by striking out “79.1”. See: 2011, c. 9, Sched. 35, ss. 1 (1), 14 (2).
See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 8 (2), 80 (2).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 14 is amended by adding the following subsection:
Same, certain retired members and former members
(5) Without limiting the generality of subsection (4), subsection (1) does not apply with respect to an amendment that relates to a transfer of assets authorized by section 80.1 that affects the transferred members who are entitled to make the election described in clause 80.1 (4) (a.1). 2011, c. 9, Sched. 35, s. 1 (2).
See: 2011, c. 9, Sched. 35, ss. 1 (2), 14 (2).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, the Act is amended by adding the following section:
Improvement in benefits
14.0.1 (1) An amendment to a pension plan is void,
(a) if the amendment purports to increase an amount described in clause 14 (1) (a), (b) or (c); and
(b) if the increase would reduce the transfer ratio or the going concern funded ratio of the pension plan, determined in accordance with the regulations, below the prescribed level. 2010, c. 24, s. 5.
Exceptions
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if an amendment is required as a result of a judicial decision or in such other circumstances as may be prescribed. 2010, c. 24, s. 5.
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 5, 49 (4).
Gradual and uniform accrual of pension benefits
14.1 (1) A pension plan must provide for the accrual of pension benefits in a gradual and uniform manner. 2010, c. 9, s. 9.
Variable contributions or pension benefits
(2) A pension plan must not provide that the formula for computation of the employer’s contributions under the pension plan or the pension benefit provided under the pension plan is variable at the discretion of the employer. 2010, c. 9, s. 9.
Variable deferred profit-sharing
(3) A deferred profit-sharing pension plan or a pension plan that provides defined contribution benefits must not provide that the formula governing allocation of contributions under the pension plan and profits among members of the plan is variable at the discretion of the employer. 2010, c. 9, s. 9.
Exception
(4) The Superintendent may register a pension plan that does not comply with subsection (1), (2) or (3), and the Superintendent may permit the continued registration of such a plan, if the Superintendent is of the opinion that registration is justified in the circumstances of the pension plan and the members. 2010, c. 9, s. 9.
Acknowledgment of application for registration
15. The Superintendent shall issue an acknowledgment of application for registration of a pension plan within thirty days after receiving an application for the registration that complies with section 9. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 15; 1997, c. 28, s. 194.
Issuance of certificate of registration
16. The Superintendent shall issue a certificate of registration for each pension plan registered under this Act. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 16.
Issuance of notice of registration
17. The Superintendent shall issue a notice of registration for each amendment to a pension plan registered under this Act. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 17.
Refusal or revocation of registration
18. (1) The Superintendent may,
(a) refuse to register a pension plan that does not comply with this Act and the regulations;
(b) revoke the registration of a pension plan that does not comply with this Act and the regulations;
(c) revoke the registration of a pension plan that is not being administered in accordance with this Act and the regulations;
(d) refuse to register an amendment to a pension plan if the amendment is void or if the pension plan with the amendment would cease to comply with this Act and the regulations;
(e) revoke the registration of an amendment that does not comply with this Act and the regulations;
(f) refuse to register part of an amendment to a pension plan if the part is void or if the pension plan with that part of the amendment would cease to comply with this Act and the regulations;
(g) revoke the registration of a part of an amendment that does not comply with this Act and the regulations. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 18 (1); 2010, c. 24, s. 6.
Application of subs. (1)
(2) The authority of the Superintendent under subsection (1) is subject to the right to a hearing under section 89. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 18 (2).
Effect of refusal or revocation
(3) A refusal of registration of a pension plan or a revocation of registration of a pension plan operates to terminate the pension plan as of the date specified by the Superintendent. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 18 (3).
Idem
(4) A refusal of registration of an amendment to a pension plan or the revocation of an amendment to a pension plan operates to terminate the amendment as of the date specified by the Superintendent. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 18 (4).
Wind up
(5) Where registration of a pension plan is refused or revoked, the administrator shall wind up the pension plan in accordance with this Act and the regulations. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 18 (5).
Duty of administrator
19. (1) The administrator of a pension plan shall ensure that the pension plan and the pension fund are administered in accordance with this Act and the regulations.
Application of subs. (1)
(2) Subsection (1) applies whether or not the pension plan is amended to comply with this Act and the regulations.
Idem
(3) The administrator of a pension plan shall ensure that the pension plan and the pension fund are administered in accordance with,
(a) the filed documents in respect of which the Superintendent has issued an acknowledgment of application for registration or a certificate of registration, whichever is issued later; and
(b) the filed documents in respect of an application for registration of an amendment to the pension plan, if the application complies with this Act and the regulations and the amendment is not void under this Act.
Application of subs. (3)
(4) Subsection (3) does not apply to enable the administrator to administer the pension plan contrary to this Act and the regulations.
Idem, amendment
(5) The administrator of a pension plan may administer or permit administration of the pension plan and the pension fund in accordance with an amendment pending registration or refusal of registration of the amendment. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 19.
Administrator’s annual information return
20. (1) The administrator of a pension plan shall file each year an annual information return in respect of the pension plan in the form approved by the Superintendent and shall pay the filing fee established by the Minister. 1997, c. 28, s. 195.
Additional reports
(2) The administrator of a pension plan shall file additional reports at the times and containing the information prescribed by the regulations. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 20 (2).
Reciprocal transfer agreement
21. An administrator of a pension plan shall file a certified copy of a reciprocal transfer agreement entered into in respect of the pension plan. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 21.
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 21 is amended by adding the following subsection:
Requirements
(2) The reciprocal transfer agreement must satisfy such requirements as may be prescribed. 2010, c. 9, s. 10 (1).
See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 10 (1), 80 (2).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 21 is amended by adding the following subsection:
Same
(3) The administrator shall not transfer money or credits for employment under a reciprocal transfer agreement unless it complies with subsection (2). 2010, c. 9, s. 10 (2).
See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 10 (2), 80 (2).
Care, diligence and skill
22. (1) The administrator of a pension plan shall exercise the care, diligence and skill in the administration and investment of the pension fund that a person of ordinary prudence would exercise in dealing with the property of another person. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 22 (1).
Special knowledge and skill
(2) The administrator of a pension plan shall use in the administration of the pension plan and in the administration and investment of the pension fund all relevant knowledge and skill that the administrator possesses or, by reason of the administrator’s profession, business or calling, ought to possess. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 22 (2).
Member of pension committee, etc.
(3) Subsection (2) applies with necessary modifications to a member of a pension committee or board of trustees that is the administrator of a pension plan and to a member of a board, agency or commission made responsible by an Act of the Legislature for the administration of a pension plan. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 22 (3).
Conflict of interest
(4) An administrator or, if the administrator is a pension committee or a board of trustees, a member of the committee or board that is the administrator of a pension plan shall not knowingly permit the administrator’s interest to conflict with the administrator’s duties and powers in respect of the pension fund. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 22 (4).
Employment of agent
(5) Where it is reasonable and prudent in the circumstances so to do, the administrator of a pension plan may employ one or more agents to carry out any act required to be done in the administration of the pension plan and in the administration and investment of the pension fund. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 22 (5).
Trustee of pension fund
(6) No person other than a prescribed person shall be a trustee of a pension fund. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 22 (6).
Responsibility for agent
(7) An administrator of a pension plan who employs an agent shall personally select the agent and be satisfied of the agent’s suitability to perform the act for which the agent is employed, and the administrator shall carry out such supervision of the agent as is prudent and reasonable. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 22 (7).
Employee or agent
(8) An employee or agent of an administrator is also subject to the standards that apply to the administrator under subsections (1), (2) and (4). R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 22 (8).
Benefits of administrator
(9) The administrator of a pension plan is not entitled to any benefit from the pension plan other than pension benefits, ancillary benefits and a refund of contributions. 2010, c. 24, s. 7.
Benefits of members of pension committee, etc.
(10) Subsection (9) applies, with necessary modifications, to a member of a pension committee or board of trustees that is the administrator of a pension plan and to a member of a board, agency or commission made responsible by an Act for the administration of a pension plan. 2010, c. 24, s. 7.
(11) Repealed: 2010, c. 24, s. 7.
Payment of administrative fees and expenses
22.1 (1) The administrator of a pension plan is entitled to be paid from the pension fund the administrator’s reasonable fees and expenses relating to the administration of the pension plan and the administration and investment of the pension fund. 2010, c. 24, s. 8 (1).
Exception
(2) However, the administrator is not entitled to be paid from the pension fund any fees and expenses relating to the administration of the pension plan or the administration and investment of the pension fund,
(a) if payment to the administrator is prohibited, or payment of the fees and expenses is otherwise provided for, under the documents that create and support the pension plan or the pension fund; or
(b) if payment to the administrator is prohibited, or payment of those fees and expenses is otherwise provided for, under the Act or regulations. 2010, c. 24, s. 8 (1).
Same, members of pension committee, etc.
(3) Subsections (1) and (2) apply, with necessary modifications, to a member of a pension committee or board of trustees that is the administrator of a pension plan and to a member of a board, agency or commission made responsible by an Act for the administration of a pension plan. 2010, c. 24, s. 8 (1).
Fees and expenses of agent, etc.
(4) The administrator of a pension plan may pay from the pension fund to an agent of the administrator, to the employer or to any other person who provides services relating to the administration of the pension plan or the administration and investment of the pension fund the reasonable fees and expenses of the agent, employer or other person. 2010, c. 24, s. 8 (1).
Exception
(5) However, the administrator is not permitted to pay from the pension fund to an agent, employer or other person described in subsection (4) the fees and expenses relating to the administration of the pension plan or the administration and investment of the pension fund,
(a) if payment to the agent, employer or other person is prohibited, or payment of the fees and expenses is otherwise provided for, under the documents that create and support the pension plan or the pension fund; or
(b) if payment to the agent, employer or other person is prohibited, or payment of those fees and expenses is otherwise provided for, under the Act or regulations. 2010, c. 24, s. 8 (1).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 22.1 is amended by adding the following subsections:
Fees and expenses of appointed administrator
(6) If the Superintendent appoints an administrator under subsection 8 (1.1), the appointed administrator is entitled to be paid, from the pension fund, the appointed administrator’s reasonable fees and expenses relating to the administration of the pension plan and the administration and investment of the pension fund. 2010, c. 24, s. 8 (2).
Expenses of Superintendent
(7) If the Superintendent acts as administrator under subsection 8 (1.2), the Superintendent is entitled to be paid, from the pension fund, his or her reasonable expenses relating to the administration of the pension plan and the administration and investment of the pension fund. 2010, c. 24, s. 8 (2).
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 8 (2), 49 (4).
Information from employer
23. An employer shall provide to the administrator of the pension plan any information required by the administrator for the purpose of complying with the terms of the pension plan or of this Act or the regulations. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 23.
Advisory committee
24. (1) The members and retired members of a pension plan, by the decision of a majority of them participating in a vote, may establish an advisory committee. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 24 (1); 2010, c. 9, s. 11 (1).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (1) is amended by adding at the end “in accordance with such conditions and subject to such restrictions as may be prescribed”. See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 11 (2), 80 (2).
Representation
(2) Each class of employees that is represented in the pension plan is entitled to appoint at least one representative to the advisory committee established under subsection (1). R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 24 (2).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (2) is repealed and the following substituted:
Same
(2) If members of the pension plan are represented by a trade union, the trade union may act on their behalf for the purpose of establishing an advisory committee. 2010, c. 9, s. 11 (3).
See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 11 (3), 80 (2).
Idem, former members
(3) The former members of the pension plan are entitled to appoint one representative to the advisory committee established under subsection (1). R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 24 (3).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (3) is repealed and the following substituted:
Representation
(3) The following rules govern the composition of the advisory committee:
1. Each class of employees that is represented in the pension plan is entitled to appoint at least one representative to the advisory committee.
2. If there is only one class of employees that is represented in the pension plan, that class is entitled to appoint at least two representatives to the committee.
3. The retired members of the pension plan are entitled to appoint at least two representatives to the committee. 2010, c. 9, s. 11 (3).
Same, former members
(3.1) One or more former members of the pension plan may be appointed as representatives on the advisory committee. 2010, c. 9, s. 11 (3).
See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 11 (3), 80 (2).
Purposes
(4) The purposes of an advisory committee are,
(a) to monitor the administration of the pension plan;
(b) to make recommendations to the administrator respecting the administration of the pension plan; and
(c) to promote awareness and understanding of the pension plan on the part of members of the pension plan and persons receiving pension benefits under the pension plan. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 24 (4).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (c) is repealed and the following substituted:
(c) to promote awareness and understanding of the pension plan.
See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 11 (4), 80 (2).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 24 is amended by adding the following subsections:
Duties of the administrator
(4.1) Upon receiving written notice from members, a trade union acting on their behalf, or retired members of their intent to establish an advisory committee, and if such conditions as may be prescribed are satisfied, the administrator shall do the following things to help them to establish the committee:
1. Distribute the notice and such other information as may be prescribed to the members and retired members.
2. Provide such other assistance as may be prescribed. 2010, c. 9, s. 11 (5).
Same, to assist the committee
(4.2) Once the advisory committee has been established, the administrator has the following duties:
1. To meet with the committee as required by the regulations.
2. To provide such assistance to the committee as may be prescribed to help the committee carry out its purposes.
3. To give the committee or its representative such information as is under the administrator’s control and is required by the committee or the representative for the purposes of the committee. 2010, c. 9, s. 11 (5).
See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 11 (5), 80 (2).
Examination of records
(5) The advisory committee or its representative has the right to examine the records of the administrator in respect of the administration of the pension plan and the pension fund and to make extracts from and copies of the records, but this subsection does not apply in respect of information as to the service, salary, pension benefits or other personal information related to any specific person without the person’s prior consent. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 24 (5).
Application of subs. (1)
(6) Subsection (1) does not apply,
(a) if the pension plan is administered by a pension committee at least one of the members of which is appointed by the members of the pension plan; or
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (a) is amended by striking out “or” at the end. See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 11 (6), 80 (2).
(b) in respect of a multi-employer pension plan established pursuant to a collective agreement. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 24 (6).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (6) is amended by adding “or” at the end of clause (b) and by adding the following clause:
(c) in respect of a jointly sponsored pension plan.
See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 11 (6), 80 (2).
Administrator to provide information
(7) The administrator of a pension plan shall provide to the advisory committee or its representative such information as is under the control of the administrator and is required by the advisory committee or its representative for the purposes of the committee. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 24 (7).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (7) is repealed and the following substituted:
Costs of the committee
(7) Such costs associated with the advisory committee as may be prescribed are payable out of the pension fund, subject to the prescribed restrictions. 2010, c. 9, s. 11 (7).
See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 11 (7), 80 (2).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, the Act is amended by adding the following section:
Duty to retain records
24.1 The administrator of a pension plan shall retain the prescribed records about the pension plan and the pension fund for the prescribed period of time. 2010, c. 9, s. 13.
See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 13, 80 (2).
Information from administrator
25. (1) The administrator of a pension plan shall provide in writing to each person who will be eligible or is required to become a member of the pension plan,
(a) an explanation of the provisions of the plan that apply to the person;
(b) an explanation of the person’s rights and obligations in respect of the pension plan; and
(c) any other information prescribed by the regulations.
Time
(2) The administrator shall provide the information mentioned in subsection (1),
(a) to each person who becomes a member within the prescribed period of time after the date on which the pension plan is established;
(b) to a person who is likely to become eligible to become a member of the pension plan, within the prescribed period of time before the date on which the person is likely to become eligible;
(c) to each person who becomes eligible to become a member of the pension plan upon becoming employed by the employer, within the prescribed period of time after the date on which the person becomes so employed.
Information from employer
(3) The employer shall transmit to the administrator the information necessary to enable the administrator to comply with subsection (2) and shall transmit the information in sufficient time to enable the administrator to comply with the time limits set out in that subsection. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 25.
Pension plan amendments
Notice of proposed amendment
26. (1) If the administrator of a pension plan applies for registration of an amendment to the pension plan that would result in a reduction of pension benefits accruing subsequent to the effective date of the amendment or that would otherwise adversely affect the rights or obligations of a member or former member or of any other person entitled to payment from the pension fund, the Superintendent shall require the administrator to transmit to such persons as the Superintendent may specify a written notice containing an explanation of the amendment and inviting comments to be submitted to the administrator and the Superintendent, and the administrator shall provide to the Superintendent a copy of the notice and shall certify to the Superintendent the date on which the last such notice was transmitted. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 26 (1).
Registration
(2) If the Superintendent has required the administrator to transmit notices under subsection (1), the Superintendent shall not register an amendment mentioned in that subsection before the expiration of forty-five days after the date certified to the Superintendent under that subsection, but after the expiration of the forty-five day period the Superintendent may register the amendment with such changes as are requested in writing by the administrator. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 26 (2).
Notice after registration
(3) Within the prescribed period of time after an amendment to a pension plan is registered, the administrator shall transmit notice and a written explanation of the amendment to each member, former member or other person entitled to payment from the pension fund who is affected by the amendment. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 26 (3).
Order dispensing with notice
(4) The Superintendent need not require the transmittal of notices under subsection (1) or by order may dispense with the notice required by subsection (3), or both,
(a) if the Superintendent is of the opinion that the amendment is of a technical nature or will not substantially affect the pension benefits, rights or obligations of a member or former member or will not adversely affect any person entitled to payments from the pension fund;
(b) if the amendment has been agreed to by a trade union that represents the members; or
(c) if the amendment is in respect of a multi-employer pension plan established pursuant to a collective agreement or a trust agreement. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 26 (4).
Notice to trade union
(5) Where a proposed amendment affects members or former members represented by a trade union that is a party to a collective agreement filed as a document that creates or supports a pension plan, the administrator shall transmit to the trade union the written notice mentioned in subsection (1). R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 26 (5).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 26 is repealed and the following substituted:
Pension plan amendments
Notice of proposed amendment
26. (1) Before the administrator of a pension plan applies for registration of an amendment to the pension plan, the administrator shall give a notice to the members, former members and retired members and the notice must contain the prescribed information. 2010, c. 9, s. 15 (1).
Notice to trade union
(2) The administrator shall also give a notice to a trade union that represents members of the pension plan and the notice must contain the prescribed information. 2010, c. 9, s. 15 (1).
Timing
(3) The notice must be given within the prescribed period. 2010, c. 9, s. 15 (1).
Exception
(4) In such circumstances as may be prescribed and despite subsection (1), the administrator may give the notice required by subsection (1) to the members, former members and retired members after the amendment to the pension plan is filed. 2010, c. 9, s. 15 (1).
See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 15 (1), 80 (2).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 26 is amended by adding the following subsection:
Exceptions
(5) This section does not apply with respect to an amendment that relates to a transfer of assets authorized by section 79.1, 80, 80.1, 80.2 or 81. 2010, c. 9, s. 15 (2).
Note: On July 1, 2015, subsection (5) is amended by striking out “80.1”. See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 15 (3), 80 (4).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (5) is amended by striking out “80.2 or 81” at the end and substituting “80.2, 80.3 or 81”. See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 9, 49 (4).
See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 15 (2), 80 (2).
Annual statement of pension benefits
27. The administrator of a pension plan shall transmit annually to each member a written statement containing the prescribed information in respect of the pension plan, the member’s pension benefits and any ancillary benefits. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 27.
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 27 is amended by adding the following subsection:
Other statements to former members, retired members
(2) When required by the regulations, the administrator of a pension plan shall transmit to each former member and retired member a written statement containing the prescribed information about the pension plan or about his or her pension benefits and any ancillary benefits. 2010, c. 9, s. 16.
See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 16, 80 (2).
Statement of benefits
28. (1) Where a member of a pension plan terminates employment with the employer or otherwise ceases to be a member, the administrator of the pension plan shall give to the member, or to any other person who as a result becomes entitled to a payment under the pension plan, a written statement setting out the prescribed information in respect of the benefits, rights and obligations of the member or other person.
Multi-employer pension plan
(2) Subsection (1) applies in respect of a multi-employer pension plan where a member ceases to be a member, but does not apply where a member terminates employment with an employer but continues to be a member. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 28.
Inspection of administrator’s records
29. (1) On written request, the administrator of a pension plan shall make available the prescribed records about the pension plan and the pension fund for inspection without charge by,
(a) a member, former member or retired member;
(b) the spouse of a member, former member or retired member;
(c) Repealed: 2010, c. 9, s. 17 (2).
(c.1) a former spouse, within the meaning of sections 67.1 to 67.6, of a member, former member or retired member but only in such circumstances and for such purposes as may be prescribed;
(d) any other person entitled to pension benefits under the pension plan;
(e) Repealed: 1999, c. 15, s. 3 (1).
(f) a representative of a trade union that represents members of the pension plan;
(g) an employer;
(h) a person required to make contributions under the pension plan on behalf of an employer;
(i) an agent of a person described in any of clauses (a) to (h) who is authorized in writing; or
(j) such other persons as may be prescribed. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 29 (1); 1999, c. 6, s. 53 (3); 1999, c. 15, s. 3; 2005, c. 5, s. 56 (7); 2009, c. 11, s. 42; 2010, c. 9, s. 17 (1-3).
Place of inspection
(2) The administrator shall make the prescribed records available,
(a) at the premises of the employer where the member is employed or where the former member or retired member was employed, as the case may be; or
(b) at a location that is agreed upon by the administrator and the person making the request. 2010, c. 9, s. 17 (5).
Restriction on inspections
(3) A person described in clause (1) (a), (b) or (d), or the person’s agent is entitled to make an inspection under subsection (1) not more than once in a calendar year. 2010, c. 9, s. 17 (6); 2011, c. 9, Sched. 35, s. 2 (1).
Obtaining copies during inspection
(4) The administrator shall permit the person making the inspection to make extracts from, or to copy, the prescribed records and, upon request, the administrator shall give the person a copy of any of the prescribed records upon payment of the applicable fee to the administrator. 2010, c. 9, s. 17 (6).
Same, by mail or electronically
(5) If the administrator receives a written request from a person described in subsection (1) and receives payment of the applicable fee, the administrator shall provide prescribed records by mail or electronically to the person in such circumstances as may be prescribed. 2010, c. 9, s. 17 (6).
Restriction on copies
(6) A person described in clause (1) (a), (b) or (d), or the person’s agent is entitled to make a request under subsection (5) for a particular prescribed record not more than once in a calendar year. 2010, c. 9, s. 17 (6); 2011, c. 9, Sched. 35, s. 2 (2).
Restriction on fees
(7) The applicable fee referred to in subsection (4) or (5) cannot exceed such amount as may be prescribed. 2010, c. 9, s. 17 (6).
Inspection of filed records
30. (1) The administrator of a pension plan and the persons described in subsection 29 (1) are entitled to inspect the following records at the office of the Superintendent during the business hours of that office:
1. The filed documents that create and support the pension plan and the pension fund.
2. Such other prescribed documents as are filed in respect of the pension plan and the pension fund. 1999, c. 15, s. 4; 2010, c. 9, s. 18 (1).
Obtaining copies during inspection
(2) Upon payment of the applicable fee, the Superintendent shall give the person making an inspection under subsection (1) a copy of any record that the person is entitled to inspect. 2010, c. 9, s. 18 (3).
Same, by mail or electronically
(3) If the Superintendent receives a written request from the administrator or from a person described in subsection 29 (1) and receives payment of the applicable fee, the Superintendent shall provide prescribed records by mail or electronically to the administrator or other person in such circumstances as may be prescribed. 2010, c. 9, s. 18 (3).
Authority to use electronic transmission
30.1 (1) The administrator of a pension plan may use electronic means that comply with the Electronic Commerce Act, 2000 to send notices, statements and other records to members, former members, retired members and other persons entitled to benefits under the pension plan if the administrator has the person’s permission to do so. 2010, c. 9, s. 19.
Exception
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply in such circumstances as may be prescribed. 2010, c. 9, s. 19.
Eligibility for membership
31. (1) Every employee of a class of employees for whom a pension plan is established is eligible to be a member of the pension plan.
Full-time employment
(2) An employee in a class of employees for whom a pension plan is maintained is entitled to become a member of the pension plan upon application at any time after completing twenty-four months of continuous full-time employment.
Part-time employment
(3) A pension plan may require not more than twenty-four months of less than full-time continuous employment with the employer, with the lesser of,
(a) earnings of not less than 35 per cent of the Year’s Maximum Pensionable Earnings; or
(b) 700 hours of employment with the employer,
in each of two consecutive calendar years immediately prior to membership in the pension plan, or such equivalent basis as is approved by the Superintendent, as a condition precedent to membership in the pension plan.
Multi-employer pension plan
(4) A multi-employer pension plan may require not more than the lesser of,
(a) earnings of not less than 35 per cent of the Year’s Maximum Pensionable Earnings with one or more of the participating employers; or
(b) 700 hours of employment with one or more participating employers,
in each of the two consecutive calendar years immediately before the year in which membership is applied for, or such equivalent basis as is approved by the Superintendent, as a condition precedent to membership in the multi-employer pension plan.
Approval
(5) The Superintendent may give the approval mentioned in subsection (3) or (4) if the Superintendent is of the opinion that the basis is equivalent in the circumstances to the earnings mentioned in the subsection. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 31.
Loss of membership
32. A member of a pension plan who is employed continuously on a less than full-time basis does not cease to be a member by reason only that he or she has earnings of less than 35 per cent of the Year’s Maximum Pensionable Earnings in a calendar year or is employed for fewer than 700 hours in a calendar year. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 32.
Dispute as to member of class of employees
33. (1) Where there is a dispute as to whether or not an employee is a member of a class of employees for whom a pension plan is established or maintained, the Superintendent, subject to section 89, by order may require the administrator to accept the employee as a member.
Ground for order
(2) The Superintendent may make the order if the Superintendent is of the opinion that, on the basis of the nature of the employment or of the terms of employment of the employee, the employee is a member of the class. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 33.
Separate pension plan
34. (1) An employer may establish or maintain a separate pension plan for employees employed in less than full-time continuous employment if the separate pension plan provides pension benefits and other benefits reasonably equivalent to those provided under the pension plan maintained by the employer for employees of the same class employed in full-time continuous employment. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 34.
Same, jointly sponsored pension plan
(2) If the documents that create and support a jointly sponsored pension plan so authorize, a prescribed person or entity may establish or maintain a separate jointly sponsored pension plan for employees employed in less than full-time continuous employment if the separate plan provides pension benefits and other benefits reasonably equivalent to those provided under the jointly sponsored pension plan maintained for employees of the same class employed in full-time continuous employment. 2005, c. 31, Sched. 18, s. 4.
Normal retirement date
35. (1) The normal retirement date under a pension plan submitted for registration after the 1st day of January, 1988 shall not be later than one year after the attainment of sixty-five years of age. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 35 (1).
Transitional
(2) Every pension plan registered or submitted for registration before the 1st day of January, 1988 shall be deemed to specify a normal retirement date in respect of pension benefits that accrue after the 1st day of January, 1988, that is not later than one year after attainment of sixty-five years of age, unless the pension plan specifies an earlier retirement date. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 35 (2).
Right to pension
(3) If a member of a pension plan continues employment and membership in the pension plan after reaching the normal retirement date under the plan, he or she is entitled, on termination of employment, to payment of,
(a) the pension benefits to which he or she would have been entitled upon terminating employment at the normal retirement date; and
(b) any additional pension benefits accrued under the pension plan that result from his or her employment after the normal retirement date. 2010, c. 9, s. 21.
Continuation after normal retirement date
(4) A member of a pension plan who continues employment after attaining the age that is the normal retirement date under the pension plan and who is not receiving a pension under the pension plan is entitled to continue membership in the pension plan and has the right to continue to accrue pension benefits under the pension plan subject to any terms of the pension plan,
(a) fixing a maximum number of years of employment or membership that can be taken into account for purposes of determining a pension benefit; or
(b) fixing a maximum amount of the pension benefit. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 35 (4).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, the Act is amended by adding the following section:
Phased retirement option
35.1 (1) A pension plan that provides defined benefits may provide a phased retirement option for eligible members in the circumstances described in this section, and the option provided under the pension plan must comply with this Act and the regulations. 2010, c. 9, s. 22.
Application by member
(2) A member whose pension benefit is a defined benefit may apply to the administrator to participate in the phased retirement option if all of the following circumstances exist:
1. The member is at least 60 years of age or is at least 55 years of age and entitled to an unreduced pension under the pension plan.
2. The member has not yet reached the normal retirement date.
3. The member and his or her employer have entered into a written agreement governing the employment arrangements relating to the phased retirement option for the member and governing payments under the phased retirement option.
4. The agreement provides for a reduction in the member’s regular hours of work when payments under the phased retirement option begin, and the reduction satisfies such requirements as may be prescribed.
5. The agreement complies with the requirements of the pension plan. 2010, c. 9, s. 22.
Approval
(3) The administrator shall approve an application that satisfies the requirements of this section and the regulations and shall do so within such period as may be prescribed. 2010, c. 9, s. 22.
Participation
(4) If the administrator approves the application, the member participates in the phased retirement option for the period specified by the agreement, and that period cannot begin before the date on which the administrator approves the agreement and it cannot end after the member’s normal retirement date. 2010, c. 9, s. 22.
Accruing pension benefits, etc.
(5) During that period, the member continues to accrue pension benefits under the pension plan in the prescribed manner and all contributions shall continue to be made as required under the pension plan. 2010, c. 9, s. 22.
Entitlement to payments
(6) During that period, the member is entitled to periodic payments under the pension plan that are equal to a portion of the pension payments to which he or she would be entitled as a retired member, and the portion is specified in the agreement and cannot exceed 60 per cent of the pension payments to which he or she would be entitled as a retired member. 2010, c. 9, s. 22.
Status of payments
(7) For the purposes of this Act, the periodic payments do not constitute a pension. 2010, c. 9, s. 22.
Restriction on other payments
(8) A member is not entitled to be paid any other amounts under the pension plan during that period. 2010, c. 9, s. 22.
Same
(9) Subsection (8) does not prevent the refund of additional voluntary contributions and interest thereon to the member. 2010, c. 9, s. 22.
Restriction on eligibility
(10) If the member ceases to be a member of the pension plan during that period, he or she ceases to participate in the phased retirement option and the period referred to in subsections (4), (5) and (6) is deemed to have ended. 2010, c. 9, s. 22.
Restrictions affecting the pension plan
(11) A pension plan cannot make payments under a phased retirement option if the pension plan is being wound up or while the pension plan does not satisfy prescribed funding requirements. 2010, c. 9, s. 22.
Information
(12) If a member asks the administrator for information concerning the phased retirement option, if any, provided under a pension plan, the administrator shall provide information to him or her within such period as may be prescribed. 2010, c. 9, s. 22.
See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 22, 80 (2).
Deferred pension for service before 1987
36. (1) A member of a pension plan who terminates his or her employment with the employer on or after the day on which subsection 23 (1) of the Pension Benefits Amendment Act, 2010 comes into force and before reaching the normal retirement date under the pension plan is entitled to the benefit described in subsection (3) in connection with his or her employment, if any, before January 1, 1987. 2010, c. 9, s. 23 (1).
(2) Repealed: 2010, c. 9, s. 23 (1).
Amount
(3) The benefit is a deferred pension equal to the pension benefit provided under the pension plan as it existed on December 31, 1986 in respect of employment before January 1, 1987 in Ontario or in a designated jurisdiction,
(a) under the terms of the pension plan, with respect to employment on or after the qualification date;
(b) by an amendment to the pension plan made on or after the qualification date; and
(c) by the creation of a new pension plan on or after the qualification date. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 36 (3); 2010, c. 1, Sched. 23, s. 3.
Application of subss. (1, 3)
(4) Subsections (1) and (3) do not apply in respect of benefits that result from additional voluntary contributions. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 36 (4); 2010, c. 9, s. 23 (2).
Deferred pension for service after 1986
37. (1) A member of a pension plan who is a member on or after the day on which subsection 24 (1) of the Pension Benefits Amendment Act, 2010 comes into force and who terminates his or her employment with the employer before reaching the normal retirement date is entitled to the benefit described in subsection (3) in connection with his or her employment after December 31, 1986. 2010, c. 9, s. 24 (1).
(2) Repealed: 2010, c. 9, s. 24 (1).
Amount
(3) The benefit is a deferred pension equal to the pension benefit provided in respect of employment in Ontario or in a designated jurisdiction,
(a) under the pension plan in respect of employment by the employer after the later of the 31st day of December, 1986 or the qualification date;
(b) under any amendment made to the pension plan after the 31st day of December, 1986; and
(c) under any new pension plan established after the 31st day of December, 1986 for members of the pension plan. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 37 (3); 2010, c. 1, Sched. 23, s. 4.
Application of subss. (1, 3)
(4) Subsections (1) and (3) do not apply in respect of benefits that result from additional voluntary contributions. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 37 (4); 2010, c. 9, s. 24 (2).
Termination by member
(a) a member of a multi-employer pension plan;
(b) a member of a pension plan who is employed by the employer on a less than full-time basis; or
(c) a member of a pension plan who has been laid off from employment by the employer,
is entitled to terminate his or her membership in the pension plan if no contributions are paid or are required to be paid to the pension fund by or on behalf of the member for twenty-four consecutive months or for such shorter period of time as is specified in the pension plan. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 38 (1).
Election
(1.1) If the person elects to terminate his or her membership in the pension plan, the membership is terminated when the person delivers written notice of his or her election to the administrator of the pension plan or at the end of the period described in subsection (1), whichever is later. 2010, c. 9, s. 25 (1).
Effect of termination
(2) For the purpose of determining benefits under this Act, the person is deemed to have terminated his or her employment when his or her membership in the pension plan is terminated. 2010, c. 9, s. 25 (2).
Application of subss. (1, 2)
(3) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply if contributions are not paid or are not required to be paid because the person has become a member of another pension plan and there is a reciprocal transfer agreement respecting the two pension plans. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 38 (3).
Determination of entitlement
(4) For the purpose of determining entitlement to a deferred pension, a member of a multi-employer pension plan who terminates employment with a participating employer or an employer on whose behalf contributions are made under the pension plan shall be deemed not to have terminated employment until the member terminates membership in the pension plan. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 38 (4).
Certification of new bargaining agent
(5) Where a member of a multi-employer pension plan is represented by a trade union, which, in accordance with section 62 of the Labour Relations Act, 1995, ceases to represent the member, and the member joins a different pension plan, the member is entitled to terminate membership in the first plan. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 38 (5); 2004, c. 31, Sched. 31, s. 2.
Application of subs. (5)
(6) Subsection (5) does not apply where there is a reciprocal agreement respecting the two pension plans. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 38 (6).
Value of deferred pension, etc.
39. (1) If the commuted value of a deferred pension accrued by a former member or a pension accrued by a retired member, as the case may be, in respect of employment before January 1, 1987 is less than the value of the contributions that he or she was required, as a member, to make under the pension plan before that date, plus interest credited to the contributions, he or she is entitled to have the commuted value of the deferred pension or the pension increased so that the commuted value is equal to the value of the contributions plus interest. 2010, c. 9, s. 26 (1).
Effect of amendment
(2) An increase in the value of the pension or deferred pension in respect of employment before the 1st day of January, 1987 that results from an amendment to the pension plan made on or after that date may be included in calculating the commuted value of the pension or deferred pension for the purposes of subsection (1). R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 39 (2).
50 per cent rule
(3) Contributions made on or after January 1, 1987 by a member, and interest on the contributions, shall not be used to provide more than 50 per cent of the commuted value of a deferred pension or pension in respect of contributory benefits accrued after that date to which the member is entitled under the pension plan on termination of employment or membership. 2010, c. 9, s. 26 (2).
Entitlement to excess amount
(4) A former member or retired member who is entitled to a deferred pension or a pension, as the case may be, on termination of employment or membership is entitled to a lump sum payment from the pension fund that is equal to the amount by which his or her contributions, as a member, made on or after January 1, 1987, and interest on the contributions, exceeds one-half of the commuted value of the deferred pension or pension in respect of contributory benefits accrued after that date. 2010, c. 9, s. 26 (2).
Right to transfer excess amount
(4.1) A person entitled to a lump sum payment under subsection (4) may require the administrator to pay the lump sum into a registered retirement savings arrangement by delivering a direction to the administrator within the prescribed period. 2010, c. 9, s. 26 (3).
Same
(4.2) Section 50.1 applies with respect to the payment into the registered retirement savings arrangement. 2010, c. 9, s. 26 (3).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 39 is amended by adding the following subsection:
Reduction re target benefits
(4.3) If a former member transfers an amount under subsection 42 (1) in connection with his or her deferred pension under a pension plan that provides target benefits, and if the transferred amount was reduced under subsection 42 (2.1),
(a) the lump sum payment to which the former member is entitled under subsection (4) must be reduced in the prescribed manner; and
(b) subsection (3) does not apply with respect to the reduced lump sum payment. 2010, c. 24, s. 10 (1).
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 10 (1), 49 (4).
Exclusions
(5) The following may be excluded in determining that part of the commuted value of a pension or deferred pension to which subsections (3) and (4) apply:
1. Defined contribution benefits.
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (5) is amended by adding the following paragraph:
1.1 Optional benefits.
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 10 (2), 49 (4).
2. Benefits that result from additional voluntary contributions.
2.1 Benefits that result from voluntary contributions for past service, as defined in the regulations.
3. In the case of a multi-employer pension plan that permits a member who has not accrued maximum pension benefits permitted under the plan in a fiscal year of the plan to make contributions to increase the member’s pension benefit to the maximum permitted for the fiscal year, benefits resulting from such contributions.
4. Any other benefits prescribed for the purposes of this subsection. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 39 (5); 1999, c. 15, s. 5.
Matters that may be included
(6) The following may be included by the administrator of the pension plan in calculating a member’s contributory benefit for the purposes of subsection (3):
1. Ancillary benefits related to employment on or after the 1st day of January, 1987.
2. Increases to pension benefits and ancillary benefits related to employment before the date of the amendment resulting from an amendment to the pension plan made on or after the 1st day of January, 1987 but that are not included in calculating commuted value under subsection (2).
3. Pension benefits and ancillary benefits related to employment before the date of the establishment of the pension plan, in the case of a pension plan established on or after the 1st day of January, 1987. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 39 (6).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, the Act is amended by adding the following section:
Defined contribution benefits
39.1 A pension plan that provides defined contribution benefits may authorize payment of the pensions or pension benefits to be made in any manner authorized by the Income Tax Act (Canada) and to be made in accordance with such requirements and subject to such restrictions as may be prescribed. 2010, c. 24, s. 11.
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 11, 49 (4).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, the Act is amended by adding the following section:
Target benefits
39.2 (1) The pension benefits provided by a pension plan are target benefits if all of the following criteria are satisfied:
1. The pension benefits are not defined contribution benefits.
2. The obligation of the employer to contribute to the pension fund is limited to a fixed amount set out in one or more collective agreements.
3. The administrator is authorized, by the documents that create and support the pension plan and pension fund, to reduce benefits, deferred pensions or pensions accrued under the plan, both while the plan is ongoing and upon wind up.
4. The reduction referred to in paragraph 3 is not prohibited by the terms of any applicable collective agreement or by the pension legislation of a designated jurisdiction.
5. The pension benefits satisfy such other criteria as may be prescribed.
6. The pension plan satisfies such other criteria as may be prescribed. 2010, c. 24, s. 12 (1).
Same
(2) Despite subsection (1), the pension benefits provided by a pension plan are not target benefits if the administrator’s authority to reduce benefits, deferred pensions or pensions accrued under the plan is restricted in a manner or to an extent that is prohibited by regulation for target benefits. 2010, c. 24, s. 12 (1).
Same
(3) Ancillary benefits provided by a pension plan that provides target benefits are also target benefits. 2010, c. 24, s. 12 (1).
Certain multi-jurisdictional pension plans
(4) For a designated multi-jurisdictional pension plan, the pension benefits are target benefits in such circumstances as may be prescribed even though, in a designated jurisdiction, the administrator’s authority to reduce benefits, deferred pensions or pensions for members and former members in that jurisdiction is prohibited or restricted under the pension legislation of that jurisdiction. 2010, c. 24, s. 12 (1).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (4) is amended by striking out “for members and former members” and substituting “for members, former members and retired members”. See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 12 (2), 49 (4).
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 12 (1), 49 (4).
Ancillary benefits
40. (1) A pension plan may provide the following ancillary benefits:
1. Disability benefits.
2. Death benefits in excess of those provided in section 48 (pre-retirement death benefit).
3. Bridging benefits.
4. Supplemental benefits, other than bridging benefits, payable for a temporary period of time.
5. Early retirement options and benefits in excess of those provided by section 41 (early retirement option).
6. Postponed retirement options and benefits in excess of those referred to in subsection 35 (4).
7. Any prescribed ancillary benefit. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 40 (1).
Use in calculating pension benefit
(2) An ancillary benefit for which a member has met all eligibility requirements under the pension plan necessary to exercise the right to receive payment of the benefit shall be included in calculating the member’s pension benefit or the commuted value of the pension benefit. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 40 (2).
Consent of employer
(3) For the purposes of subsection (2) and clause 14 (1) (c), if the consent of an employer is an eligibility requirement for entitlement to receive an ancillary benefit and a member, former member or retired member has met all other eligibility requirements, the employer is deemed to have consented. 2010, c. 9, s. 27.
Same, jointly sponsored pension plan
(4) For the purposes of subsection (2) and clause 14 (1) (c), if the consent of the administrator is an eligibility requirement for entitlement to receive an ancillary benefit under a jointly sponsored pension plan and a member, former member or retired member has met all other eligibility requirements, the administrator is deemed to have consented. 2010, c. 9, s. 27.
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 40 is amended by adding the following subsection:
Treatment re target benefits
(5) Subsection (2) applies with respect to ancillary benefits under a pension plan that provides target benefits, except in such circumstances as may be prescribed. 2010, c. 24, s. 13 (1).
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 13 (1), 49 (4).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 40 is amended by adding the following subsection:
Treatment of optional benefits
(6) Subsection (2) applies with respect to ancillary benefits that are optional benefits, except in such circumstances as may be prescribed. 2010, c. 24, s. 13 (2).
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 13 (2), 49 (4).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, the Act is amended by adding the following section:
Optional benefits
40.1 (1) A pension plan that provides defined benefits may provide as optional benefits such benefits as may be prescribed. 2010, c. 24, s. 14.
Optional contributions
(2) Optional contributions may be made by a member for optional benefits under the pension plan and, if the pension plan so permits, the member may choose or vary the amount of the optional contributions to be made. 2010, c. 24, s. 14.
Same
(3) The optional contributions made by a member must be applied, in accordance with the terms of the pension plan, to provide only optional benefits upon the termination of employment or membership. 2010, c. 24, s. 14.
Requirements re contributions
(4) A pension plan that provides optional benefits must satisfy such requirements as may be prescribed about the manner of determining the amount of the optional contributions for the optional benefits. 2010, c. 24, s. 14.
Requirements re conversion
(5) The conversion of optional contributions into optional benefits is subject to such requirements as may be prescribed by regulation. 2010, c. 24, s. 14.
Non-application
(6) Such provisions of the Act and regulations as may be prescribed do not apply with respect to optional benefits and optional contributions. 2010, c. 24, s. 14.
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 14, 49 (4).
Early retirement option
41. (1) A former member is entitled to elect to receive an early retirement pension under the pension plan if he or she has terminated employment and is within 10 years of reaching the normal retirement date. 2010, c. 9, s. 28 (1).
Idem
(2) A member who is within ten years of attaining the normal retirement date and who would be entitled to a deferred pension on termination of employment with the employer is entitled upon termination of the employment or on the wind up of the pension plan in whole or in part to receive an early retirement pension under the pension plan. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 41 (2).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (2) is amended by striking out “in whole or in part”. See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 28 (2), 80 (2).
Commuted value
(3) The commuted value of a member’s early retirement pension must be not less than the commuted value of the member’s pension benefit under the pension plan. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 41 (3).
Idem, former member
(4) The commuted value of a former member’s early retirement pension must be not less than the commuted value of the former member’s deferred pension benefit under the pension plan. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 41 (4).
Payment
(5) The member or former member is entitled to require the commencement of payment of the early retirement pension at any time within the ten year period mentioned in subsection (1) or (2). R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 41 (5).
Election
(6) An election under subsection (1) or (2) shall be made in writing, signed by the member or former member and delivered to the administrator of the pension plan. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 41 (6).
Transfer
42. (1) A former member of a pension plan is entitled to require the administrator to pay an amount equal to the commuted value of the former member’s deferred pension,
(a) to the pension fund related to another pension plan, if the administrator of the other pension plan agrees to accept the payment;
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (a) is repealed and the following substituted:
(a) to the pension fund related to another pension plan, if the conditions set out in subsection (1.1) are satisfied;
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 15 (1), 49 (4).
(b) into a prescribed retirement savings arrangement; or
(c) if the pension plan so permits, for the purchase for the former member of a life annuity that will not commence before the earliest date on which the former member would have been entitled to receive payment of pension benefits under the pension plan. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 42 (1); 2010, c. 9, s. 29 (1); 2011, c. 9, Sched. 35, s. 3 (1).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 42 is amended by adding the following subsection:
Requirements re transfer to another pension plan
(1.1) The transfer described in clause (1) (a) to the pension fund related to another pension plan is authorized,
(a) if the other pension plan is a pension plan registered under this Act, a pension plan established or governed by a statute in a designated jurisdiction, a pension plan registered in a designated jurisdiction or a pension plan prescribed for the purposes of this section; and
(b) if the administrator of the other pension plan agrees to accept the payment. 2010, c. 24, s. 15 (2).
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 15 (2), 49 (4).
Limitation
(2) The entitlement under subsection (1) is subject to the prescribed limitations in respect of the transfer of funds from pension funds. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 42 (2).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 42 is amended by adding the following subsection:
Reduction re target benefits
(2.1) If a pension plan that provides target benefits does not require contributions to be made in respect of any solvency deficiency that relates to the target benefits, the amount that a former member is entitled to require the administrator to pay under subsection (1) that relates to target benefits may be reduced in the prescribed manner and in the prescribed circumstances. 2010, c. 24, s. 15 (3).
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 15 (3), 49 (4).
Application
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to a former member who is entitled to immediate payment of a pension under the pension plan or under section 41 unless the pension plan provides such an entitlement. 2010, c. 9, s. 29 (2).
Direction
(4) A former member may exercise his or her entitlement under subsection (1) by delivering a direction to the administrator within the prescribed period. 2010, c. 9, s. 29 (3).
Compliance with direction
(5) Subject to compliance with the requirements of this section and the regulations, the administrator shall comply with the direction within the prescribed period of time after delivery of the direction. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 42 (5).
Terms of arrangement or deferred annuity
(6) The administrator shall not make payment,
(a) under clause (1) (b) unless the retirement savings arrangement meets the requirements prescribed by the regulations; or
(b) under clause (1) (c) unless the contract to purchase the deferred life annuity meets the prescribed requirements. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 42 (6).
Lump sum payment
(6.1) If the amount of the commuted value of the deferred pension of the former member to be paid into a prescribed retirement savings arrangement under clause (1) (b) is greater than the amount prescribed under the Income Tax Act (Canada) for such a transfer, the administrator shall pay the portion that exceeds the prescribed amount as a lump sum to the former member. 1999, c. 15, s. 6.
Purchase of life annuity
(6.2) If a life annuity is purchased under clause (1) (c) for a former member and if the amount of the commuted value of the former member’s deferred pension that is used to purchase the life annuity is greater than the amount permitted under the Income Tax Act (Canada) for such a purchase, the administrator shall pay to the former member as a lump sum the portion of the commuted value that exceeds the amount permitted under that Act for the purchase of the life annuity. 2010, c. 26, Sched. 15, s. 1 (2); 2011, c. 9, Sched. 35, s. 3 (2).
Approval
(7) If a payment under subsection (1) does not meet the limitations prescribed in relation to transfers of funds from pension funds, the administrator shall not make the payment without the approval of the Superintendent. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 42 (7).
Terms and conditions
(8) The Superintendent may approve the payment subject to such terms and conditions as the Superintendent considers appropriate in the circumstances. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 42 (8).
Order for repayment
(9) If a payment that does not meet the limitations prescribed in relation to transfers of funds from pension funds is made without the approval of the Superintendent or there is failure to comply with a term or condition attached to the approval, the Superintendent by order, subject to section 89 (hearing and appeal), may require any person to whom payment under subsection (1) has been made to repay an amount not greater than the amount of the payment together with interest thereon. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 42 (9).
Enforcement
(10) Subject to section 89 (hearing and appeal), an order for payment under subsection (9), exclusive of the reasons therefor, may be filed in the Superior Court of Justice and is thereupon enforceable as an order of that court. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 42 (10); 2006, c. 19, Sched. C, s. 1 (1).
Discharge of administrator
(11) The administrator is discharged on making the payment or transfer in accordance with the direction of the former member if the payment or transfer complies with this Act and the regulations. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 42 (11).
Purchase of pension
43. (1) The administrator of a pension plan who is required by the pension plan to provide a pension, a deferred pension or an ancillary benefit may purchase the pension, deferred pension or ancillary benefit from an insurance company. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 43 (1).
Limitations
(2) The authority of the administrator under subsection (1) is subject to the entitlement of a member under section 42 and to the limitations prescribed in relation to transfers of funds from pension funds. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 43 (2).
Approval by Superintendent
(3) If a purchase under subsection (1) does not meet the limitations prescribed in relation to transfers of funds from pension funds, the administrator shall not make the purchase without the prior approval of the Superintendent. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 43 (3).
Idem
(4) The Superintendent may approve a purchase mentioned in subsection (3) subject to such terms and conditions as the Superintendent considers appropriate in the circumstances. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 43 (4).
Order for repayment
(5) If a purchase that does not meet the limitations prescribed in relation to transfers of funds from pension funds is made without the approval of the Superintendent or there is a failure to comply with a term or condition attached to the approval, the Superintendent, subject to section 89 (hearing and appeal), by order may require any person to whom payment under subsection (1) has been made to repay an amount not greater than the amount of the payment together with interest thereon. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 43 (5).
Enforcement
(6) Subject to section 89 (hearing and appeal), an order for payment under subsection (5), exclusive of the reasons therefor, may be filed in the Superior Court of Justice and is thereupon enforceable as an order of that court. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 43 (6); 2006, c. 19, Sched. C, s. 1 (1).
Joint and survivor pension benefits
44. (1) Every pension paid under a pension plan to a retired member who has a spouse on the date that the payment of the first instalment of the pension is due shall be a joint and survivor pension. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 44 (1); 1999, c. 6, s. 53 (5); 2005, c. 5, s. 56 (9); 2010, c. 9, s. 30 (1).
Commuted value
(2) The commuted value of a joint and survivor pension under subsection (1) shall not be less than the commuted value of the pension that would be payable under the pension plan to the retired member. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 44 (2); 2010, c. 9, s. 30 (2).
Amount of survivor benefit
(3) Upon the death of the retired member, the pension payable to his or her surviving spouse shall not be less than 60 per cent of the pension paid to the retired member during their joint lives. 2010, c. 9, s. 30 (3).
Same
(3.1) If the spouse of the retired member dies before the retired member, the pension payable to the retired member after the spouse’s death shall not be less than 60 per cent of the pension paid to the retired member during their joint lives. 2012, c. 8, Sched. 44, s. 2 (1).
Application of subss. (1-3.1)
(4) Subsections (1) to (3.1) do not apply,
(a) in respect of a pension benefit if payment of the pension has commenced before the 1st day of January, 1988; or
(b) in respect of a retired member who is living separate and apart from his or her spouse on the date that payment of the first instalment of the pension is due. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 44 (4); 1999, c. 6, s. 53 (7); 2005, c. 5, s. 56 (11); 2010, c. 9, s. 30 (4); 2012, c. 8, Sched. 44, s. 2 (2).
Deferred life annuity
(5) Where,
(a) prior to the 1st day of January, 1988, a deferred life annuity has been purchased from an insurance company for a person entitled to a deferred pension under the Pension Benefits Act, being chapter 373 of the Revised Statutes of Ontario, 1980;
(b) payments have not commenced under the annuity on the 1st day of January, 1988; and
(c) the recipient of the payments has a spouse on the date payments commence,
the annuity shall be paid as a joint and survivor pension in accordance with the requirements of this section and the insurance company shall make payments accordingly. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 44 (5); 1999, c. 6, s. 53 (8); 2005, c. 5, s. 56 (12).
Application of ss. 45, 46
(6) For the purposes of subsection (5), the insurance company shall be deemed to be the administrator under sections 45 and 46. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 44 (6).
Lump sum payment, small amounts
(7) A pension plan may provide for payment, upon the death of a retired member, of the commuted value of the survivor benefit to a person who is entitled to the survivor benefit if, at the date of death,
(a) the annual benefit payable is not more than 4 per cent of the Year’s Maximum Pensionable Earnings; or
(b) the commuted value of the benefit is less than 20 per cent of the Year’s Maximum Pensionable Earnings. 2010, c. 9, s. 30 (5); 2012, c. 8, Sched. 44, s. 2 (3).
Same
(7.1) However, if the first instalment of the retired member’s pension is due before the date on which subsection (7) comes into force, subsection (7) does not apply unless the person entitled to the survivor benefit upon the retired member’s death consents in writing to the payment of the commuted value of the survivor benefit. 2012, c. 8, Sched. 44, s. 2 (4).
Right to transfer lump sum
(8) The person to whom the payment under subsection (7) is to be made may require the administrator to pay the commuted value into a registered retirement savings arrangement and the person may exercise this entitlement by delivering a direction to the administrator within the prescribed period. 2010, c. 9, s. 30 (5).
Same
(9) Section 50.1 applies with respect to the payment into the registered retirement savings arrangement. 2010, c. 9, s. 30 (5).
Information for payment
45. (1) Before commencing payment of a pension or pension benefit, the administrator of a pension plan shall require the person entitled to the payment to provide to the administrator the information needed to calculate and pay the pension or pension benefit.
Person to provide information
(2) The person entitled to the payment shall provide the information to the administrator.
Discharge of administrator
(3) In the absence of actual notice to the contrary, the administrator is discharged on paying the pension or pension benefit in accordance with the information provided by the person in accordance with subsection (2) or, if the person does not provide the information, in accordance with the latest information in the records of the administrator. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 45.
Waiver of joint and survivor pension benefit
46. (1) The persons entitled to a joint and survivor pension benefit may waive the entitlement to receive payment of pension benefits in the form of a joint and survivor pension by delivering to the administrator of the pension plan or, in the case of a deferred life annuity, to the insurance company a written waiver in the form approved by the Superintendent or a certified copy of a domestic contract containing the waiver. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 46 (1); 1997, c. 28, s. 198; 2009, c. 11, s. 43.
Time
(2) The waiver is not effective unless the following condition is satisfied:
1. For a written waiver in the form approved by the Superintendent, the form is dated and signed within the 12 months preceding commencement of payment of the pension benefit and is delivered to the administrator or insurance company within that 12-month period.
2. For a certified copy of a domestic contract, the certified copy is delivered to the administrator or insurance company within the 12 months preceding commencement of payment of the pension benefit. 2010, c. 9, s. 31.
Cancellation of waiver
(3) Persons who have delivered a waiver may jointly cancel it by delivering a written and signed notice of cancellation to the administrator or the insurance company, as the case may be, before the commencement of payment of the pension benefit. 1999, c. 15, s. 7.
Remarriage, etc.
47. If the spouse of a deceased former member or retired member of a pension plan is receiving a pension under the pension plan, he or she is not disentitled to payment of the pension by reason only of becoming the spouse of another person after the death of the former member or retired member. 2010, c. 9, s. 32.
Pre-retirement death benefit
48. (1) If a member who is entitled under the pension plan to a deferred pension described in section 37 dies before payment of the first instalment is due, or if a former member or retired member dies before payment of the first instalment of his or her deferred pension or pension is due, the person who is his or her spouse on the date of death is entitled,
(a) to receive a lump sum payment equal to the commuted value of the deferred pension;
(b) to require the administrator to pay an amount equal to the commuted value of the deferred pension into a registered retirement savings arrangement; or
(c) to receive an immediate or deferred pension, the commuted value of which is at least equal to the commuted value of the deferred pension. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 48 (1); 1999, c. 6, s. 53 (10); 2005, c. 5, s. 56 (14); 2010, c. 9, s. 33 (1, 2).
Same
(2) If a member of a pension plan continues in employment after the normal retirement date under the pension plan and dies before payment of pension benefits referred to in section 37 begins, the person who is the spouse of the member on the date of death is entitled,
(a) to receive a lump sum payment equal to the commuted value of the pension benefits;
(b) to require the administrator to pay an amount equal to the commuted value of the pension benefits into a registered retirement savings arrangement; or
(c) to receive an immediate or deferred pension, the commuted value of which is at least equal to the commuted value of the pension benefits. 2010, c. 9, s. 33 (3).
Application of subss. (1, 2)
(3) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply where the member, former member or retired member and his or her spouse are living separate and apart on the date of death. 2010, c. 9, s. 33 (4).
Direction
(4) A spouse may exercise his or her entitlement under subsection (1) or (2) by delivering a direction to the administrator within the prescribed period and, if the spouse does not do so, the spouse is deemed to have elected to receive an immediate pension. 2010, c. 9, s. 33 (5).
Calculation of benefit
(5) For the purposes of this section, the deferred pension or pension benefits to which a member is entitled if the member dies while employed shall be calculated as if the member’s employment were terminated immediately before the member’s death. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 48 (5).
Designated beneficiary
(6) A member, former member or retired member described in subsection (1) may designate a beneficiary and the beneficiary is entitled to be paid an amount equal to the commuted value of the deferred pension mentioned in subsection (1) or (2),
(a) if the member, former member or retired member does not have a spouse on the date of death; or
(b) if the member, former member or retired member is living separate and apart from his or her spouse on the date of death. 2010, c. 9, s. 33 (6).
Estate entitlement
(7) The personal representative of a member, former member or retired member described in subsection (1) is entitled to receive payment of the commuted value mentioned in subsection (1) or (2) as the property of the member, former member or retired member if he or she has not designated a beneficiary under subsection (6) and,
(a) does not have a spouse on the date of death; or
(b) is living separate and apart from his or her spouse on the date of death. 2010, c. 9, s. 33 (6).
Dependent children
(8) If the pension plan provides for payment of pension benefits to or for a dependent child or dependent children of the member, former member or retired member upon the death of the member, former member or retired member,
(a) the commuted value of the payments in respect of employment after December 31, 1986 may be deducted from the entitlement of a beneficiary designated under subsection (6) or of a personal representative under subsection (7); and
(b) the commuted value of the payments in respect of employment before January 1, 1987 may be deducted from the entitlement in subsection (8.1) of a beneficiary designated under subsection (6) or of a personal representative under subsection (7). 2011, c. 9, Sched. 35, s. 4 (1).
Additional entitlement
(8.1) A spouse who has an entitlement under subsection (1) or (2), a designated beneficiary who has an entitlement under subsection (6) or a personal representative who has an entitlement under subsection (7) is entitled to a lump sum payment from the pension fund equal to the amount of any contributions that the member or former member was required to make under the pension plan in respect of employment before January 1, 1987, plus interest credited to the contributions. 2010, c. 9, s. 33 (7).
Spouse’s right to transfer additional entitlement
(8.2) A spouse entitled to a lump sum payment under subsection (8.1) may require the administrator to pay the lump sum into a registered retirement savings arrangement and may exercise this entitlement by delivering a direction to the administrator within the prescribed period. 2010, c. 9, s. 33 (7).
Payments into registered retirement savings arrangements
(8.3) Section 50.1 applies with respect to any payment into a registered retirement savings arrangement. 2010, c. 9, s. 33 (7).
Limitation on all payments
(8.4) The entitlements under this section are subject to the prescribed limitations in respect of the transfer of funds from pension funds. 2010, c. 9, s. 33 (7).
Information
(9) It is the responsibility of the person entitled to the payment to provide to the administrator the information needed to make the payment. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 48 (9).
Discharge of administrator
(10) In the absence of actual notice to the contrary, the administrator is discharged on making payment in accordance with the information provided by the person. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 48 (10).
Offset
(11) A pension plan may provide for reduction of an amount to which a person is entitled under this section to offset any part of a prescribed additional benefit that is attributable to an amount paid by an employer, subject to the following:
1. The reduction shall be calculated in the prescribed manner.
2. The reduction shall not exceed the prescribed limits. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 48 (11).
Discharge of entitlement
(12) Payment in accordance with this section replaces the entitlement of a member, former member or retired member in respect of a deferred pension mentioned in section 37. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 48 (12); 2010, c. 9, s. 33 (8).
Restriction on entitlement
(13) An entitlement to a benefit under this section is subject to any right to or interest in the benefit set out in an order made under Part I (Family Property) of the Family Law Act, a family arbitration award or a domestic contract. 2009, c. 11, s. 44.
Waiver
(14) The spouse of a member or former member may waive the spouse’s entitlement under subsection (1) or (2) by delivering a written waiver, in the form approved by the Superintendent, to the administrator of the pension plan. 1999, c. 15, s. 8; 2005, c. 5, s. 56 (20).
Cancellation of waiver
(14.1) A spouse who has delivered a waiver may cancel it by delivering a written and signed notice of cancellation to the administrator before the date of death of the member or former member. 1999, c. 15, s. 8; 2005, c. 5, s. 56 (21).
Effect of waiver
(14.2) If a waiver is in effect on the date of death of the member or former member, subsections (6) and (7) apply as if the member or former member does not have a spouse on the date of death. 1999, c. 15, s. 8; 2005, c. 5, s. 56 (22).
Definition
(15) In this section,
“personal representative” has the same meaning as in the Estates Administration Act. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 48 (15).
Variation of payment to disabled person
49. (1) A pension plan may permit variation in the terms of payment of a pension benefit, deferred pension or pension by reason of the mental or physical disability of a member, former member or retired member that is likely to considerably shorten his or her life expectancy. 2010, c. 9, s. 34.
Shortened life expectancy
(2) A pension plan shall be deemed to permit variation in the terms of payment of a pension or deferred pension in such circumstances of shortened life expectancy as may be prescribed, if the prescribed conditions are satisfied. 1999, c. 15, s. 9.
Unlocking for small amounts
50. (1) A pension plan may provide for payment of the commuted value of a benefit to a former member or retired member,
(a) if the annual benefit payable at the normal retirement date is not more than 4 per cent of the Year’s Maximum Pensionable Earnings in the year that he or she terminated employment; or
(b) if the commuted value of the benefit is less than 20 per cent of the Year’s Maximum Pensionable Earnings in the year that he or she terminated employment. 2010, c. 9, s. 35 (1, 2).
Idem
(2) A pension plan registered before the 1st day of January, 1988 may provide that upon termination of employment a person entitled to a deferred pension under section 36 (deferred pension) is entitled to payment of an amount not greater than 25 per cent of the commuted value of the deferred pension. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 50 (2).
Right to transfer amount
(3) A person entitled to a payment described in subsection (1) or (2) may require the administrator to pay the applicable amount into a registered retirement savings arrangement and may exercise this entitlement by delivering a direction to the administrator within the prescribed period. 2010, c. 9, s. 35 (3).
Same
(4) Section 50.1 applies with respect to the payment into the registered retirement savings arrangement. 2010, c. 9, s. 35 (3).
Payments into registered retirement savings arrangements
Administrator’s duty
50.1 (1) When a person delivers a direction to the administrator of a pension plan in accordance with subsection 39 (4.1), 44 (8), 48 (4) or (8.2), 50 (3) or 63 (9) to pay an amount into a registered retirement savings arrangement, the administrator shall make the payment in accordance with the direction and shall do so within the prescribed period. 2010, c. 9, s. 36.
Lump sum payment
(2) If the amount to be paid into the registered retirement savings arrangement is greater than the amount prescribed under the Income Tax Act (Canada) for such a transfer, the administrator shall pay the portion that exceeds the prescribed amount as a lump sum to the person who gave the administrator the direction. 2010, c. 9, s. 36.
Discharge of administrator
(3) The administrator is discharged on making the payment in accordance with the person’s direction if the payment complies with this Act and the regulations. 2010, c. 9, s. 36.
51. Repealed: 2009, c. 11, s. 45.
Discrimination on basis of sex
52. (1) The sex of a member, former member, retired member or other beneficiary under a pension plan shall not be taken into account in,
(a) determining the amount of contributions required to be made by a member of the plan;
(b) determining the pension benefits, deferred pension or pension or the commuted value of pension benefits, deferred pension or pension to which the member, former member, retired member or other beneficiary may become entitled;
(c) the provision of eligibility conditions for membership; and
(d) the provision of ancillary benefits. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 52 (1); 2010, c. 9, s. 37.
Administration
(2) In order to comply with subsection (1), the administrator may,
(a) use annuity factors that do not differentiate as to sex;
(b) provide for employer contributions that vary according to the sex of the employee; or
(c) use any prescribed method of calculation or valuation. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 52 (2).
Application
(3) This section applies in respect of contributions, benefits and conditions in relation to,
(a) employment after the 31st day of December, 1986;
(b) employment before the 1st day of January, 1987, in so far as it is dealt with in an amendment made to the pension plan after the 31st day of December, 1986; and
(c) employment before the 1st day of January, 1987, in so far as it is dealt with in a pension plan established after the 31st day of December, 1986. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 52 (3).
Inflation protection
53. (1) Pension benefits, pensions or deferred pensions shall be adjusted in accordance with the established formula or formulas and in the prescribed manner to provide inflation-related increases.
Idem
(2) Any formula or formulas for any inflation related adjustments to pension benefits, pensions or deferred pensions shall be established only by amendment to this Act. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 53.
C.P.P. / Q.P.P. offsets
54. (1) The reduction of a pension benefit that may be required by a pension plan in relation to payments under the Canada Pension Plan, the Quebec Pension Plan or the Old Age Security Act (Canada) shall not exceed the reduction calculated in accordance with the prescribed formula applied in the prescribed manner. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 54 (1).
Restriction
(2) The amount of the reduction that is required by the pension plan in relation to those payments shall not be increased by reason of an increase in those payments after the date on which the member’s employment or membership in the plan is terminated. 2010, c. 9, s. 38 (1).
Reduction re Old Age Security Act (Canada)
(3) A pension plan for registration of which application is made on or after the 1st day of January, 1988 shall not permit the reduction of a pension benefit based on a person’s entitlement under the Old Age Security Act (Canada). R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 54 (3).
Application of subs. (3)
(4) Subsection (3) does not apply to a pension plan that is a successor of a pension plan registered under the Pension Benefits Act, being chapter 373 of the Revised Statutes of Ontario, 1980, that permitted such a reduction. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 54 (4).
Idem
(5) A pension plan shall not permit reduction of a pension benefit based on a person’s entitlement under the Old Age Security Act (Canada) in respect of a benefit accrued on or after the 1st day of January, 1987. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 54 (5).
Bridging benefit
(6) If a pension plan provides for the reduction of a bridging benefit because a person receives or is eligible to receive retirement benefits under the Canada Pension Plan or the Quebec Pension Plan before he or she reaches 65 years of age, the reduction may only be made in the prescribed circumstances. 2010, c. 9, s. 38 (2).
Variations based on other benefits
(7) Where a pension plan provides for the variation of a pension benefit by reason of benefits payable under the Canada Pension Plan, the Quebec Pension Plan or the Old Age Security Act (Canada), the variation shall be applied in the prescribed manner. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 54 (7).
Funding
55. (1) A pension plan must provide for funding sufficient to provide the pension benefits, ancillary benefits and other benefits under the pension plan in accordance with this Act and the regulations. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 55 (1); 2010, c. 9, s. 39 (1).
Payment by employers, etc.
(2) An employer required to make contributions under a pension plan, or a person or entity required to make contributions under a pension plan on behalf of an employer, shall make the contributions in accordance with the prescribed requirements for funding and shall make the contributions in the prescribed manner and at the prescribed times,
(a) to the pension fund; or
(b) if pension benefits under the pension plan are paid by an insurance company, to the insurance company that is the administrator of the pension plan. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 55 (2); 2005, c. 31, Sched. 18, s. 6 (1); 2010, c. 9, s. 39 (2).
Payment by members
(3) Members of a pension plan that provides contributory benefits shall make the contributions required under the plan in the prescribed manner and at the prescribed times. 2005, c. 31, Sched. 18, s. 6 (2).
Same, jointly sponsored pension plans
(4) Members of a jointly sponsored pension plan shall make the contributions required under the plan (including their obligations in respect of any going concern unfunded liability and, except in the case of plans described in subsection 1 (2.1), in respect of any solvency deficiency) in accordance with the prescribed requirements for funding and shall make the contributions in the prescribed manner and at the prescribed times. 2010, c. 24, s. 16.
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, the Act is amended by adding the following section:
Contribution holidays
55.1 (1) An employer required to make contributions under a pension plan, or a person or entity required to make contributions under a pension plan on behalf of an employer, may reduce or suspend, in the prescribed manner, contributions for the normal cost of the pension plan if the pension plan has a surplus and if such other requirements as may be prescribed are satisfied. 2010, c. 24, s. 17.
Same
(2) The contributions that members of a pension plan are required to make for the normal cost of the pension plan may be reduced or suspended in the prescribed manner if the pension plan has a surplus and if such other requirements as may be prescribed are satisfied. 2010, c. 24, s. 17.
Exception
(3) However, contributions cannot be reduced or suspended under this section if the documents that create and support the pension plan or the pension fund prohibit the reduction or suspension. 2010, c. 24, s. 17.
Conflict
(4) This section prevails over subsections 55 (2), (3) and (4). 2010, c. 24, s. 17.
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 17, 49 (4).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, the Act is amended by adding the following section:
Letters of credit
55.2 (1) This section applies if a prescribed employer is required to make payments into the pension fund with respect to a solvency deficiency. 2010, c. 24, s. 18.
Use of letter of credit
(2) Instead of making payments into the pension fund with respect to the solvency deficiency, the employer may provide a letter of credit to a prescribed person or entity if the requirements of this section are satisfied. 2010, c. 24, s. 18.
Requirements
(3) The letter of credit must satisfy such requirements as may be prescribed. 2010, c. 24, s. 18.
Restrictions
(4) The employer is not entitled to provide a letter of credit if the total amount of all letters of credit provided to the prescribed person or entity for the pension plan would exceed 15 per cent of the solvency liabilities of the pension plan. 2010, c. 24, s. 18.
Same
(5) For the purposes of subsection (4), the regulations may specify that solvency liabilities must be determined in a manner that may differ from the requirements that otherwise apply. 2010, c. 24, s. 18.
Distribution
(6) The employer must provide the letter of credit to the prescribed person or entity within such period after it is issued as may be prescribed and the employer must give a copy of the letter of credit to the administrator within the same period. 2010, c. 24, s. 18.
Notice to the Superintendent
(7) The administrator shall notify the Superintendent in the prescribed manner and within the prescribed period that a letter of credit has been provided and, upon request, the administrator shall give the Superintendent such information about the letter of credit as the Superintendent may specify. 2010, c. 24, s. 18.
Held in trust
(8) The prescribed person or entity holds the letter of credit in trust for the pension plan. 2010, c. 24, s. 18.
Demand for payment
(9) In such circumstances as may be prescribed, the prescribed person or entity shall demand payment of the amount of the letter of credit into the pension fund by the issuer of the letter of credit. 2010, c. 24, s. 18.
Costs of letter of credit
(10) The fees or expenses associated with obtaining, holding, amending or cancelling a letter of credit are not payable from the pension fund. However, subject to section 22.1, the fees and expenses associated with enforcing a letter of credit are payable from the pension fund. 2010, c. 24, s. 18.
Status of public sector pension plans
(11) This section does not apply with respect to a public sector pension plan unless the regulations specify that it applies to the pension plan. 2010, c. 24, s. 18.
Exclusion of multi-employer pension plans
(12) This section does not apply with respect to multi-employer pension plans. 2010, c. 24, s. 18.
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (12) is repealed and the following substituted:
Other exclusions
(12) Despite subsection (11), this section does not apply with respect to a jointly sponsored pension plan or a multi-employer pension plan. 2012, c. 8, Sched. 44, s. 3.
See: 2012, c. 8, Sched. 44, ss. 3, 11 (2).
Conflict
(13) This section prevails over subsection 55 (2). 2010, c. 24, s. 18.
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 18, 49 (4).
Duty re payment of contributions
56. (1) The administrator of a pension plan and the agent, if any, of the administrator who is responsible for receiving contributions under the pension plan shall ensure that all contributions are paid when due.
Notice
(2) If a contribution is not paid when due, the administrator and the agent, if any, shall notify the Superintendent in the prescribed manner and within the prescribed period. 1999, c. 15, s. 10.
Duty to pension fund trustees
56.1 (1) The administrator shall give the persons who are prescribed for the purposes of subsection 22 (6) (trustee of pension fund) a summary of the contributions required to be made in respect of the pension plan, and shall do so in the prescribed manner and within the prescribed period. 1999, c. 15, s. 10.
Exception
(1.1) Subsection (1) does not apply if the administrator is also the trustee of the pension fund. 2005, c. 31, Sched. 18, s. 7.
Notice re summary
(2) A person who is entitled to receive a summary shall notify the Superintendent in the prescribed manner and within the prescribed period if the person is not given the summary in accordance with subsection (1). 1999, c. 15, s. 10.
Notice re contributions
(3) A person who is entitled to receive a summary shall notify the Superintendent in the prescribed manner and within the prescribed period if a contribution is not paid when due. 1999, c. 15, s. 10.
Trust property
57. (1) Where an employer receives money from an employee under an arrangement that the employer will pay the money into a pension fund as the employee’s contribution under the pension plan, the employer shall be deemed to hold the money in trust for the employee until the employer pays the money into the pension fund. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 57 (1).
Money withheld
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), money withheld by an employer, whether by payroll deduction or otherwise, from money payable to an employee shall be deemed to be money received by the employer from the employee. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 57 (2).
Accrued contributions
(3) An employer who is required to pay contributions to a pension fund shall be deemed to hold in trust for the beneficiaries of the pension plan an amount of money equal to the employer contributions due and not paid into the pension fund. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 57 (3).
Wind up
(4) Where a pension plan is wound up in whole or in part, an employer who is required to pay contributions to the pension fund shall be deemed to hold in trust for the beneficiaries of the pension plan an amount of money equal to employer contributions accrued to the date of the wind up but not yet due under the plan or regulations. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 57 (4).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (4) is amended by striking out “in whole or in part”. See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 40, 80 (2).
Lien and charge
(5) The administrator of the pension plan has a lien and charge on the assets of the employer in an amount equal to the amounts deemed to be held in trust under subsections (1), (3) and (4). R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 57 (5).
Application of subss. (1, 3, 4)
(6) Subsections (1), (3) and (4) apply whether or not the money has been kept separate and apart from other money or property of the employer. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 57 (6).
Money to be paid to insurance company
(7) Subsections (1) to (6) apply with necessary modifications in respect of money to be paid to an insurance company that guarantees pension benefits under a pension plan. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 57 (7).
Accrual
58. (1) Money that an employer is required to pay into a pension fund accrues on a daily basis.
Interest
(2) Interest on contributions shall be calculated and credited at a rate not less than the prescribed rates and in accordance with prescribed requirements. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 58.
Collection of contributions
59. The administrator may commence proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction to obtain payment of contributions due under the pension plan, this Act and the regulations. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 59.
Bond
60. The administrator of a multi-employer pension plan may require a person who receives contributions to the pension fund or who administers or invests the pension fund to be bonded in an amount required by the administrator or in the prescribed amount. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 60.
Statement of employer’s obligation
61. An employer who is required to make contributions to a multi-employer pension plan shall transmit to the administrator of the plan a copy of the agreement that requires the employer to make the contributions or a written statement that sets out the contributions the employer is required to make and any other obligations of the employer under the pension plan. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 61.
Investment of pension fund
62. Every person engaged in selecting an investment to be made with the assets of a pension fund shall ensure that the investment is selected in accordance with the criteria set out in this Act and prescribed by the regulations. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 62.
Overpayments, etc., by employer
62.1 (1) This section applies,
(a) if an employer pays an amount in respect of a pension plan that should have been paid out of the pension fund; or
(b) if an employer makes an overpayment into the pension fund. 2010, c. 24, s. 19.
Prerequisite for reimbursement
(2) The administrator of the pension plan is not permitted to make or authorize a payment from the pension fund to reimburse the employer for a payment described in subsection (1) unless the Superintendent consents in advance to the payment from the pension fund to the employer. 2010, c. 24, s. 19.
Application for reimbursement
(3) The employer or, in the case of a jointly sponsored pension plan or multi-employer pension plan, the administrator may apply to the Superintendent for consent to the payment from the pension fund to reimburse the employer for a payment described in subsection (1). 2010, c. 24, s. 19.
Deadline
(4) The application must be made before the later of,
(a) 24 months after the date on which the employer made the payment described in subsection (1); and
(b) six months after the date on which the administrator, acting reasonably, becomes aware of the payment described in subsection (1). 2010, c. 24, s. 19.
Consent
(5) Subject to section 89, the Superintendent may consent to the payment from the pension fund to the employer if the application is made before the deadline described in subsection (4). 2010, c. 24, s. 19.
Refunds
63. (1) No member, former member or retired member is entitled to a refund from a pension fund of contributions made in respect of employment in Ontario or a designated jurisdiction on or after the qualification date. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 63 (1); 2010, c. 1, Sched. 23, s. 5; 2010, c. 9, s. 41 (1).
Idem
(2) Subsection (1) does not prevent the refund of an additional voluntary contribution and interest thereon to a member, former member or retired member or a payment under subsection 39 (4) (entitlement to excess amount). R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 63 (2); 2010, c. 9, s. 41 (2).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 63 is amended by adding the following subsection:
Same, optional contributions
(2.1) Subsection (1) does not prevent the refund of an optional contribution and interest thereon to a former member. 2010, c. 24, s. 20 (1).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (2.1) is amended by striking out “to a former member” at the end and substituting “to a former member or retired member”. See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 20 (2), 49 (4).
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 20 (1), 49 (4).
(3), (4) Repealed: 2010, c. 9, s. 41 (3).
Application of subs. (1)
(5) Subsection (1) does not apply,
(a) to prevent the commutation of a pension benefit under subsection 50 (1) (commuted value);
(b) to prevent a payment under subsection 50 (2); or
(c) to such other circumstances as are prescribed. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 63 (5).
(6) Repealed: 2010, c. 9, s. 41 (4).
Refund with consent
(7) Despite subsection (1), on application by the administrator of a pension plan, contributions may be refunded to a member, former member or retired member with the consent of the Superintendent. 1997, c. 28, s. 199; 2010, c. 9, s. 41 (5).
Consent of Superintendent
(8) On application by the administrator of a pension plan, the Superintendent may consent to a refund under subsection (7) if the pension plan provides or has been amended to provide for the refund and the employer has assumed responsibility for funding all pension benefits associated with the contributions. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 63 (8); 1997, c. 28, s. 200; 2010, c. 9, s. 41 (6).
Right to transfer amount
(9) A person entitled to a payment under subsection (2) or (7) may require the administrator to pay the applicable amount into a registered retirement savings arrangement and may exercise this entitlement by delivering a direction to the administrator within the prescribed period. 2010, c. 9, s. 41 (7).
Same
(10) Section 50.1 applies with respect to the payment into the registered retirement savings arrangement. 2010, c. 9, s. 41 (7).
64. Repealed: 2010, c. 9, s. 42.
Void transactions
65. (1) Every transaction that purports to assign, charge, anticipate or give as security money payable under a pension plan is void. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 65 (1).
Idem
(2) Every transaction that purports to assign, charge, anticipate or give as security money transferred from a pension fund in accordance with section 42 (transfer), 43 (purchase of pension), clause 48 (1) (b) (pre-retirement death benefit), section 67.3 (transfer of a lump sum for certain family law purposes), 67.4 (division of a pension for certain family law purposes) or subsection 73 (2) (transfer rights on wind up) is void. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 65 (2); 2009, c. 11, s. 46 (1).
Exemptions
(3) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to prevent the assignment of an interest in money payable under a pension plan or money payable as a result of a purchase or transfer under section 42, 43, clause 48 (1) (b), section 67.3 or 67.4 or subsection 73 (2) by an order under the Family Law Act, by a family arbitration award or by a domestic contract. 2009, c. 11, s. 46 (2).
Exemption from execution, seizure or attachment
66. (1) Money payable under a pension plan is exempt from execution, seizure or attachment. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 66 (1).
Idem
(2) Money transferred from a pension fund to a prescribed retirement savings arrangement or for the purchase of a life annuity under section 42, 43, 48, 67.3 or 67.4 or subsection 73 (2) is exempt from execution, seizure or attachment. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 66 (2); 2009, c. 11, s. 47 (1).
Idem
(3) Money payable from a prescribed retirement savings arrangement or from a life annuity purchased in accordance with section 42, 43, 48, 67.3 or 67.4 or subsection 73 (2) is exempt from execution, seizure or attachment. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 66 (3); 2009, c. 11, s. 47 (2).
Order for support
(4) Despite subsection (1), payments under a pension or that result from a purchase or transfer under section 42 or 43, clause 48 (1) (b), section 67.3 or 67.4 or subsection 73 (2) are subject to execution, seizure or attachment in satisfaction of an order for support enforceable in Ontario to a maximum of one-half the money payable. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 66 (4); 2009, c. 11, s. 47 (3).
Application of subs. (4)
(5) Subsection (4) applies to orders for support enforceable in Ontario whether made before or after the 1st day of January, 1988. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 66 (5).
Restriction, locked-in retirement account
(6) The entitlement of a person, in his or her discretion, to withdraw money from a locked-in retirement account as defined in the regulations shall not be considered when determining, for the purposes of any other Act, the income or assets available to the person. 1999, c. 15, s. 11.
Commutation or surrender
67. (1) A pension, deferred pension, pension benefit, annuity or prescribed retirement savings arrangement that results from a purchase or transfer under section 42, 43, 48, 67.3 or 67.4 or subsection 73 (2) to which a person is entitled is not capable of being commuted or surrendered, in whole or in part, during the person’s life. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 67 (1); 1998, c. 34, s. 91 (1); 2009, c. 11, s. 48.
Void transaction
(2) A transaction that purports to commute or surrender, in whole or in part, such a pension, deferred pension, pension benefit, annuity or prescribed retirement savings arrangement is void. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 67 (2); 1998, c. 34, s. 91 (2).
Application of subss. (1, 2)
(3) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to a variation of a pension or deferred pension under section 49 (variation of payment to disabled person) or to a commutation of a benefit under section 50 (commuted value). R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 67 (3).
Same
(4) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to the commutation or surrender, in whole or in part, of a prescribed retirement savings arrangement in such circumstances or in such amounts as may be prescribed, subject to such restrictions as may be prescribed. 1998, c. 34, s. 91 (3).
Exception for financial hardship
(5) Despite subsections (1) and (2), upon application, the Superintendent may consent to the commutation or surrender, in whole or in part, of a prescribed retirement savings arrangement of a type that is prescribed for the purposes of this subsection if the Superintendent is satisfied as to the existence of such circumstances of financial hardship as may be prescribed. 1999, c. 15, s. 12.
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (5) is repealed. See: 2012, c. 8, Sched. 44, ss. 4, 11 (2).
Same
(6) The owner of the prescribed retirement savings arrangement may apply in writing to the Superintendent for his or her consent under subsection (5). 1999, c. 15, s. 12.
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (6) is repealed. See: 2012, c. 8, Sched. 44, ss. 4, 11 (2).
Same
(7) The Superintendent’s authority to give his or her consent under subsection (5) is subject to such conditions and restrictions as may be prescribed. 1999, c. 15, s. 12.
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (7) is repealed. See: 2012, c. 8, Sched. 44, ss. 4, 11 (2).
Interpretation
67.1 (1) In this section and in sections 67.2 to 67.6,
“family law valuation date” means, with respect to a member, former member or retired member of a pension plan and his or her spouse,
(a) the spouses’ valuation date under Part I (Family Property) of the Family Law Act, or
(b) for spouses to whom Part I of that Act does not apply, the date on which they separate and there is no reasonable prospect that they will resume cohabitation; (“date d’évaluation en droit de la famille”)
“spouse” has the same meaning as in section 29 of the Family Law Act. (“conjoint”) 2009, c. 11, s. 49; 2010, c. 9, s. 43 (1).
Former spouse
(2) A reference in this section and in sections 67.2 to 67.6 to the spouse of a member, former member or retired member of a pension plan is, where circumstances require, a reference to him or her as the former spouse of the member, former member or retired member. 2010, c. 9, s. 43 (2).
Valuation for family law purposes
Preliminary valuation, member, former member or retired member
67.2 (1) The preliminary value of a member’s pension benefits, a former member’s deferred pension or a retired member’s pension under a pension plan, before apportionment for family law purposes, is determined by the administrator in accordance with the regulations and as of the family law valuation date of the member, former member or retired member and his or her spouse. 2010, c. 9, s. 44 (1).
Same, spouse
(2) The preliminary value of the pension of the spouse of a retired member under a pension plan, before apportionment for family law purposes, is determined by the administrator in accordance with the regulations and as of the family law valuation date of the spouse and the retired member. 2010, c. 9, s. 44 (2).
Adjustments
(3) If the pension benefits, pension or deferred pension are provided under a pension plan that provides defined benefits, the preliminary value includes such adjustments as may be prescribed for ancillary benefits and other entitlements. 2009, c. 11, s. 49.
Same
(4) There is no preliminary value attributable to ancillary benefits and other entitlements otherwise than by virtue of subsection (3). 2009, c. 11, s. 49.
Imputed value for family law purposes
(5) The imputed value, for family law purposes, of each spouse’s pension benefits, deferred pension or pension, as the case may be, is that portion of the preliminary value that is attributed by the administrator, in accordance with the regulations,
(a) to the period beginning with the date of the spouses’ marriage and ending on their family law valuation date, for the purposes of an order under Part I (Family Property) of the Family Law Act; or
(b) to the period beginning with the date determined in accordance with the regulations and ending on the spouses’ family law valuation date, for the purposes of a family arbitration award or domestic contract. 2009, c. 11, s. 49.
Application for statement of imputed value
(6) The following persons may apply to the administrator of the pension plan, in accordance with the regulations, for a statement of the imputed value, for family law purposes, of each spouse’s pension benefits, deferred pension or pension, as the case may be:
1. In the case of spouses to whom Part I of the Family Law Act applies, either spouse.
2. In the case of spouses to whom Part I of the Family Law Act does not apply, the member, former member or retired member. 2009, c. 11, s. 49; 2010, c. 9, s. 44 (3).
Application fee
(7) The application must be accompanied by the applicable fee, if any, imposed by the administrator and the applicable fee must not exceed the prescribed amount. 2009, c. 11, s. 49.
Duty to determine imputed value
(8) Once the application is complete, the administrator shall determine the imputed value, for family law purposes, of each spouse’s pension benefits, deferred pension or pension, as the case may be. 2009, c. 11, s. 49.
Duty to provide statement
(9) The administrator shall give a statement containing the prescribed information to both spouses within the prescribed period. 2009, c. 11, s. 49.
Transition
(10) Neither spouse is eligible to apply under paragraph 1 of subsection (6) for the statement if an order made under Part I of the Family Law Act before the day on which this section comes into force requires one spouse to pay to the other spouse the amount to which the other spouse is entitled under section 5 (equalization of net family properties) of that Act. 2009, c. 11, s. 49.
Transfer of a lump sum for certain family law purposes
Eligibility
67.3 (1) A spouse of a member, former member or retired member of a pension plan is eligible to apply under this section for an immediate transfer of a lump sum from the plan if all of the following circumstances exist:
1. The spouses are separated and there is no reasonable prospect that they will resume cohabitation.
2. No payment of an instalment of the member’s or former member’s pension was due on or before the family law valuation date.
3. A statement of the imputed value, for family law purposes, of the member’s pension benefits or the former member’s deferred pension has been obtained from the administrator under section 67.2.
4. The transfer is provided for by an order made under Part I (Family Property) of the Family Law Act or is authorized under a family arbitration award or domestic contract.
5. In the order, family arbitration award or domestic contract, the amount to be transferred as a lump sum is expressed,
i. as a specified amount, or
ii. as a proportion of the imputed value, for family law purposes, of the member’s pension benefits or the former member’s deferred pension. 2009, c. 11, s. 49; 2010, c. 9, s. 45.
Application for transfer
(2) The eligible spouse may apply, in accordance with the regulations, to the administrator of the plan for any of the following:
1. Transfer of a lump sum from the plan to another pension plan registered under the pension benefits legislation in any jurisdiction in Canada or provided by a government in Canada. This option is available only if the administrator of the other plan agrees to accept the transfer.
2. Transfer of a lump sum from the plan to a prescribed retirement savings arrangement.
3. Transfer of a lump sum to another prescribed arrangement.
4. Implementation of the transfer of a lump sum by leaving it in the plan to the credit of the eligible spouse. This option is available in such circumstances as may be prescribed and only if the administrator agrees to it. 2009, c. 11, s. 49; 2010, c. 1, Sched. 23, s. 6.
Restrictions on transfers
(3) The transfer is subject to the restrictions set out in this section and to such other restrictions as may be prescribed. 2009, c. 11, s. 49.
Duty to transfer
(4) Once the application is complete, the administrator shall make the transfer within the prescribed period. 2009, c. 11, s. 49.
Transfer to eligible spouse’s estate
(5) If the lump sum is not transferred under subsection (4) before the death of the eligible spouse, the lump sum is payable instead to the eligible spouse’s estate or as otherwise permitted by regulation. 2009, c. 11, s. 49.
Maximum percentage
(6) The order, family arbitration award or domestic contract is not effective to the extent that it purports to entitle the eligible spouse to the transfer of a lump sum that exceeds 50 per cent of the imputed value, for family law purposes, of the pension benefits or deferred pension, as updated for the purposes of this subsection if the regulations require the imputed value to be updated. 2009, c. 11, s. 49.
Partial transfer directly to spouse
(7) If the amount that would otherwise be transferred in accordance with the application is greater than the amount prescribed under the Income Tax Act (Canada) for such a transfer, the administrator shall pay the portion that exceeds the prescribed amount as a lump sum to the eligible spouse. 2009, c. 11, s. 49.
Duty to adjust pension benefits, etc.
(8) Upon making the transfer, the administrator shall, in accordance with the regulations, adjust the benefits and entitlements of the member or former member under the pension plan to take into account the transfer. 2009, c. 11, s. 49.
Discharge of administrator
(9) In the absence of actual notice to the contrary, the administrator is entitled to rely upon the information provided by the spouse in the application and is discharged upon making the transfer in accordance with the application and this section and making the adjustments required by subsection (8). 2009, c. 11, s. 49.
Effect of transfer
(10) Once the transfer is made in accordance with the application and this Act, the eligible spouse has no further claim against the pension plan in respect of the member or former member. 2009, c. 11, s. 49.
Orders for support
(11) This section does not affect any order for support enforceable in Ontario. 2009, c. 11, s. 49.
Priorities
(12) An entitlement to a transfer under this section prevails over any other entitlement under this Act to a payment from the pension plan in respect of the member or former member. 2009, c. 11, s. 49.
Same
(13) For the purposes of subsection (12), an entitlement to a transfer under this section arises on application under subsection (2) by an eligible spouse. 2009, c. 11, s. 49.
Division of a pension for certain family law purposes
Eligibility
67.4 (1) A spouse of a retired member of a pension plan is eligible to apply under this section for the division of the retired member’s pension if all of the following circumstances exist:
1. The spouses are separated and there is no reasonable prospect that they will resume cohabitation.
2. Payment of the first instalment of the retired member’s pension was due on or before the family law valuation date.
3. A statement of the imputed value, for family law purposes, of the retired member’s pension has been obtained from the administrator under section 67.2.
4. The division of the pension is provided for by an order made under Part I (Family Property) of the Family Law Act or is authorized under a family arbitration award or domestic contract.
5. In the order, family arbitration award or domestic contract, the amount of each pension instalment to be paid to the spouse is expressed,
i. as a specified amount, or
ii. as a proportion of the instalment otherwise payable to the retired member. 2009, c. 11, s. 49; 2010, c. 9, s. 46 (1-4).
Application for division and payment
(2) The eligible spouse may apply, in accordance with the regulations, to the administrator of the plan for division of the retired member’s pension and for payment of the eligible spouse’s share to him or her. 2009, c. 11, s. 49; 2010, c. 9, s. 46 (5).
Restrictions
(3) The division and payment of the pension is subject to the restrictions set out in this section and to such other restrictions as may be prescribed. 2009, c. 11, s. 49.
Duties of administrator
(4) Once the application is complete, the administrator shall revalue the retired member’s pension in the prescribed manner and begin the payments to the eligible spouse within the prescribed period. 2009, c. 11, s. 49; 2010, c. 9, s. 46 (6).
Maximum percentage
(5) The order, family arbitration award or domestic contract is not effective to the extent that it purports to entitle the eligible spouse to a share that exceeds 50 per cent of the imputed value, for family law purposes, of the pension, as updated for the purposes of this subsection if the regulations require the imputed value to be updated. 2009, c. 11, s. 49.
Discharge of administrator
(6) In the absence of actual notice to the contrary, the administrator is entitled to rely upon the information provided by the spouse in the application and is discharged on revaluing the retired member’s pension and making the payments to the eligible spouse in accordance with the application and this section. 2009, c. 11, s. 49; 2010, c. 9, s. 46 (7).
Orders for support
(7) This section does not affect any order for support enforceable in Ontario. 2009, c. 11, s. 49.
Waiver of joint and survivor pension
(8) Despite subsection 46 (2), the eligible spouse may waive his or her entitlement to a joint and survivor pension after payment of the first instalment of the retired member’s pension is due and before the pension is divided in accordance with this section. 2009, c. 11, s. 49; 2010, c. 9, s. 46 (8).
No cancellation
(9) A waiver authorized by subsection (8) cannot be cancelled. 2009, c. 11, s. 49.
Special case, combining payments
(10) The following rules apply if the eligible spouse is entitled to a joint and survivor pension in respect of the retired member in addition to being entitled to payment of a share of the retired member’s pension in accordance with this section:
1. The eligible spouse may make a written request, in the form approved by the Superintendent, to the administrator for payment of a single pension from the pension plan instead of payment of a share of the retired member’s pension and payment of a joint and survivor pension.
2. If the pension plan so permits, the administrator may comply with the request.
3. When the eligible spouse begins to receive the single pension, he or she ceases to be entitled to payment of the share of the retired member’s pension and to payment of the joint and survivor pension in respect of the retired member. 2009, c. 11, s. 49; 2010, c. 9, s. 46 (9-11).
Restriction on other ways of dividing pension benefits, etc.
67.5 (1) An order made under Part I (Family Property) of the Family Law Act, a family arbitration award or a domestic contract is not effective to the extent that it purports to require the administrator of a pension plan to divide the pension benefits, deferred pension or pension, as the case may be, of a member, former member or retired member of the plan otherwise than as provided under section 67.3 or 67.4. 2009, c. 11, s. 49; 2010, c. 9, s. 47 (1).
Transition, valuation date
(2) This section applies whether the family law valuation date for the member, former member or retired member and his or her spouse is before, on or after the date on which this section comes into force. 2009, c. 11, s. 49; 2010, c. 9, s. 47 (2).
Transition, previous orders, etc.
(3) This section does not apply to an order, family arbitration award or domestic contract to which section 67.6 applies. 2009, c. 11, s. 49.
Other transitional matters
67.6 (1) This section applies to an order under Part I (Family Property) of the Family Law Act, family arbitration award or domestic contract that requires one spouse to pay to the other spouse the amount to which that spouse is entitled under section 5 (equalization of net family properties) of that Act, if the order, award or contract was made before the date on which this section comes into force. 2009, c. 11, s. 49.
Amendments
(2) The application of this section to an order, family arbitration award or domestic contract described in subsection (1) is not affected by an amendment or variation made on or after the date on which this section comes into force to the order, award or contract, if,
(a) the order, award or contract provided, before that date, for the division of a party’s interest in a pension plan; and
(b) the amendment or variation is made in order to facilitate or effect the division of the party’s interest in the pension plan in accordance with the order, award or contract. 2009, c. 11, s. 49.
Timing of payment
(3) The order, family arbitration award or domestic contract is not effective to require payment of a pension benefit before the earlier of,
(a) the date on which payment of the pension benefit commences; or
(b) the normal retirement date of the relevant member or former member. 2009, c. 11, s. 49.
Maximum percentage
(4) The order, family arbitration award or domestic contract is not effective to cause the spouse to become entitled to more than 50 per cent of the pension benefits, calculated in the prescribed manner, accrued by the member, former member or retired member during the period when they were spouses. 2009, c. 11, s. 49; 2010, c. 9, s. 48 (1).
Discharge of administrator
(5) If payment of a pension or a deferred pension is divided between spouses by the order, family arbitration award or domestic contract, the administrator is discharged on making payment in accordance with the order, award or contract. 2009, c. 11, s. 49.
Revaluation of joint and survivor pension
(6) If the order, family arbitration award or domestic contract affects a pension, the administrator of the pension plan shall revalue the pension in the prescribed manner. 2009, c. 11, s. 49.
Entitlement to options
(7) The spouse has the same entitlement, on termination of employment by the member, former member or retired member, to any option available in respect of the spouse’s interest in the pension benefits as the member, former member or retired member has in respect of his or her pension benefits. 2010, c. 9, s. 48 (2).
Winding up
68. (1) The employer or, in the case of a multi-employer pension plan, the administrator may wind up the pension plan. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 68 (1); 2010, c. 9, s. 49 (1).
Same, jointly sponsored pension plans
(1.1) The following rules apply, and subsection (1) does not apply, with respect to jointly sponsored pension plans:
1. If a jointly sponsored pension plan is also a multi-employer pension plan, the administrator may wind up the plan unless the documents that create and support the plan authorize another person or entity to do so. In that case, the authorized person or entity may wind up the plan.
2. If a jointly sponsored pension plan is not a multi-employer pension plan, the administrator or another person or entity may wind up the plan if the documents that create and support the plan authorize the administrator, person or entity to do so. 2005, c. 31, Sched. 18, s. 8; 2010, c. 9, s. 49 (2, 3).
Notice
(2) If the employer or the administrator, as the case may be, intends to wind up the pension plan, the administrator shall give written notice of the intended wind up to,
(a) the Superintendent;
(b) each member, former member and retired member of the pension plan;
(c) each trade union that represents members of the pension plan or that, on the date of the wind up, represented the members, former members or retired members of the pension plan;
(d) the advisory committee of the pension plan; and
(e) any other person entitled to a payment from the pension fund. 2010, c. 9, s. 49 (4); 2010, c. 24, s. 21 (2).
(3) Repealed: 2010, c. 24, s. 21 (5).
Contents of notice
(4) The notice of the intended wind up must contain such information as may be prescribed. 2010, c. 24, s. 21 (6, 7).
Additional information and documents
(4.1) The Superintendent may require the administrator to give specified additional information and documents to the persons entitled to notice of the intended wind up, and to do so within a specified period. 2011, c. 9, Sched. 35, s. 5.
Effective date
(5) The effective date of the wind up shall not be earlier than the date member contributions, if any, cease to be deducted, in the case of contributory pension benefits, or, in any other case, on the date notice is given to members. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 68 (5).
Order by Superintendent
(6) Subject to section 89, the Superintendent by order may change the effective date of the wind up if the Superintendent is of the opinion that there are reasonable grounds for the change. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 68 (6); 2010, c. 24, s. 21 (8).
Winding up order by Superintendent
69. (1) The Superintendent by order may require the wind up of a pension plan if,
(a) there is a cessation or suspension of employer contributions to the pension fund;
(b) the employer fails to make contributions to the pension fund as required by this Act or the regulations;
(c) the employer is bankrupt within the meaning of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada);
(d) all or substantially all of the members of the pension plan cease to be employed by the employer;
(e) Repealed: 2010, c. 9, s. 50 (2).
(f) all or substantially all of the employer’s business or all or substantially all of the assets of the business are sold, assigned or otherwise disposed of and the person or entity who acquires the business or assets does not provide a pension plan for the members of the employer’s pension plan who become employees of the person or entity;
(g) the liability of the Guarantee Fund is likely to be substantially increased unless the pension plan is wound up;
(h) in the case of a multi-employer pension plan,
(i) there is a significant reduction in the number of members, or
(ii) there is a cessation of contributions under the pension plan or a significant reduction in such contributions; or
(i) any other prescribed event or prescribed circumstance occurs. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 69 (1); 2002, c. 18, Sched. H, s. 5 (1); 2010, c. 9, s. 50 (1-4).
Effective date
(2) The order must specify the effective date of the wind up. 2010, c. 9, s. 50 (5).
Notice of the order
(3) The administrator of the pension plan shall give notice of the order to the persons and entities listed in clauses 68 (2) (b) to (e) and shall include in the notice such information about the wind up as the order may specify. 2010, c. 9, s. 50 (5).
Duty to file notice
(4) The administrator shall file with the Superintendent a copy of the notice given under subsection (3). 2010, c. 9, s. 50 (5).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 69 is amended by adding the following subsection:
Interpretation
(5) A reduction or suspension of contributions under section 55.1 (contribution holidays) does not constitute a cessation or suspension of employer contributions for the purposes of clause (1) (a) or subclause (1) (h) (ii). 2010, c. 24, s. 22.
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 22, 49 (4).
Partial wind up not permitted
69.1 A pension plan cannot be wound up in part if the effective date of the wind up would fall on or after the date on which this section comes into force. 2010, c. 9, s. 51.
Wind up report
70. (1) The administrator of a pension plan that is to be wound up shall file a wind up report that sets out,
(a) the assets and liabilities of the pension plan;
(b) the benefits to be provided under the pension plan to members, former members, retired members and other persons;
(c) the methods of allocating and distributing the assets of the pension plan and determining the priorities for payment of benefits; and
(d) such other information as is prescribed. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 70 (1); 2010, c. 9, s. 52 (1, 2).
Restriction on payments
(2) If the administrator has given notice under section 68 or 69 of the intended wind up of the pension plan, no payment shall be made out of the pension fund until the Superintendent has approved the wind up report. 2010, c. 24, s. 23.
Same
(3) However, subsection (2) does not prevent the continued payment of a pension or other benefit if the payment commenced before the administrator gave notice of the intended wind up and it does not prevent any other payment that is prescribed or that is approved by the Superintendent. 2010, c. 24, s. 23.
Approval
(4) An administrator shall not make payment out of the pension fund except in accordance with the wind up report approved by the Superintendent. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 70 (4).
Refusal to approve
(5) The Superintendent may refuse to approve a wind up report that does not meet the requirements of this Act and the regulations or that does not protect the interests of the members, former members, retired members and other persons entitled to benefits under the pension plan. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 70 (5); 2010, c. 9, s. 52 (3).
(6) Repealed: 2010, c. 9, s. 52 (5).
Appointment of administrator to wind up
71. (1) If a pension plan that is to be wound up does not have an administrator or the administrator fails to act, the Superintendent may act as or may appoint an administrator. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 71 (1); 2010, c. 9, s. 53.
Costs of administration on winding up
(2) The reasonable administration costs of the Superintendent or of the administrator appointed by the Superintendent may be paid out of the pension fund. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 71 (2).
Termination
(3) The Superintendent may terminate the appointment of an administrator appointed by him or her if the Superintendent considers it reasonable to do so. 1999, c. 15, s. 13.
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 71 is repealed. See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 24, 49 (4).
Notice of entitlement upon wind up and election
72. (1) Within the prescribed period of time, the administrator of a pension plan that is to be wound up shall give to each person entitled to a pension, deferred pension or other benefit or to a refund in respect of the pension plan a statement setting out the person’s entitlement under the plan, the options available to the person and such other information as may be prescribed. 1999, c. 15, s. 14 (1); 2010, c. 9, s. 54 (1).
Additional information
(1.1) The Superintendent may require the administrator to give specified additional information and documents to persons to whom notice is to be given under subsection (1), and to do so within a specified period. 2012, c. 8, Sched. 44, s. 5.
Election
(2) If a person to whom notice is given under subsection (1) is required to make an election, the person shall make the election within the prescribed period of time or shall be deemed to have elected to receive immediate payment of a pension benefit, if eligible therefor, or, if not eligible to receive immediate payment of a pension benefit, to receive a pension commencing at the earliest date mentioned in clause 74 (1.3) (b). R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 72 (2); 1999, c. 15, s. 14 (2); 2010, c. 9, s. 54 (2, 3).
Same, certain pension plans
(2.1) If the notice under subsection (1) is given in respect of a pension plan for which an election under section 74.1 is in effect and if the person to whom the notice is given does not make an election within the prescribed period of time,
(a) he or she is deemed to have elected to receive immediate payment of a pension benefit, if he or she is eligible to receive the immediate payment; and
(b) in any other case, he or she is deemed to have elected to receive a pension beginning at the earliest date on which the person would be entitled to an unreduced pension under the pension plan as of the effective date of the wind up. 2010, c. 9, s. 54 (4).
Payment
(3) Within the prescribed period of time, the administrator shall make payment in accordance with the election or deemed election. 1999, c. 15, s. 14 (3).
Determination of entitlements
73. (1) For the purpose of determining the amounts of pension benefits and any other benefits and entitlements on the winding up of a pension plan,
(a) the employment of each member of the pension plan shall be deemed to have been terminated on the effective date of the wind up;
(b) each member’s pension benefits as of the effective date of the wind up shall be determined as if the member had satisfied all eligibility conditions for a deferred pension; and
(c) provision shall be made for the rights, if any, under section 74. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 73 (1); 2010, c. 9, s. 55 (1-3).
Transfer rights on wind up
(2) A person entitled to a pension benefit on the wind up of a pension plan, other than a person who is receiving a pension, is entitled to the rights under subsection 42 (1) (transfer) of a member who terminates employment and, for the purpose, subsection 42 (3) does not apply. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 73 (2).
Purchase of annuities on partial wind up
(3) Except as provided under subsection (2), the administrator is not required to purchase life annuities for members, former members, retired members or other persons entitled to benefits under the pension plan in order to distribute the assets of the pension fund in connection with a partial wind up. 2010, c. 9, s. 55 (4).
Distribution of assets
(4) If the administrator does not purchase life annuities in the circumstances described in subsection (3), the administrator shall comply with such requirements as may be prescribed in connection with the distribution of the assets of the pension fund in connection with a partial wind up. 2010, c. 9, s. 55 (4).
Repeal
(5) Subsections (3) and (4) are repealed on a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor. 2010, c. 9, s. 55 (4).
Application
(6) This section applies if the effective date of the wind up is on or after April 1, 1987. 2010, c. 9, s. 55 (5).
Grow-in benefits for members
Activating events
74. (1) This section applies if a person ceases to be a member of a pension plan on the effective date of one of the following activating events:
1. The wind up of a pension plan, if the effective date of the wind up is on or after April 1, 1987.
2. The employer’s termination of the member’s employment, if the effective date of the termination is on or after July 1, 2012. However, this paragraph does not apply if the termination occurs in any of the circumstances described in subsection (1.1).
3. The occurrence of such other events as may be prescribed in such circumstances as may be specified by regulation. 2010, c. 9, s. 56 (1); 2011, c. 9, Sched. 35, s. 6.
Same, termination of employment
(1.1) Termination of employment is not an activating event if the termination is a result of wilful misconduct, disobedience or wilful neglect of duty by the member that is not trivial and has not been condoned by the employer or if the termination occurs in such other circumstances as may be prescribed. 2010, c. 9, s. 56 (1).
Exceptions, election by certain pension plans
(1.2) This section does not apply with respect to a jointly sponsored pension plan or a multi-employer pension plan while an election made under section 74.1 for the plan and its members is in effect. 2010, c. 9, s. 56 (1).
Benefit
(1.3) A member in Ontario of a pension plan whose combination of age plus years of continuous employment or membership in the pension plan equals at least 55 on the effective date of the activating event has the right to receive,
(a) a pension in accordance with the terms of the pension plan, if, under the pension plan, the member is eligible for immediate payment of the pension benefit;
(b) a pension in accordance with the terms of the pension plan, beginning at the earlier of,
(i) the normal retirement date under the pension plan, or
(ii) the date on which the member would be entitled to an unreduced pension under the pension plan if the activating event had not occurred and if the member’s membership continued to that date; or
(c) a reduced pension in the amount payable under the terms of the pension plan beginning on the date on which the member would be entitled to the reduced pension under the pension plan if the activating event had not occurred and if the member’s membership continued to that date. 2010, c. 9, s. 56 (1).
Part year
(2) In determining the combination of age plus employment or membership, one-twelfth credit shall be given for each month of age and for each month of continuous employment or membership on the effective date of the activating event. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 74 (2); 2010, c. 9, s. 56 (2).
Member for 10 years
(3) Bridging benefits offered under the pension plan to which a member would be entitled if the activating event had not occurred and if his or her membership were continued shall be included in calculating the pension benefit under subsection (1.3) of a person who has at least 10 years of continuous employment with the employer or has been a member of the pension plan for at least 10 years. 2010, c. 9, s. 56 (3).
Prorated bridging benefit
(4) For the purposes of subsection (3), if the bridging benefit offered under the pension plan is not related to periods of employment or membership in the pension plan, the bridging benefit shall be prorated by the ratio that the member’s actual period of employment bears to the period of employment that the member would have to the earliest date on which the member would be entitled to payment of pension benefits and a full bridging benefit under the pension plan if the activating event had not occurred. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 74 (4); 2010, c. 9, s. 56 (4).
Notice of termination of employment
(5) Membership in a pension plan that is wound up includes the period of notice of termination of employment required under Part XV of the Employment Standards Act, 2000. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 74 (5); 2004, c. 31, Sched. 31, s. 3; 2010, c. 9, s. 56 (5).
Application of subs. (5)
(6) Subsection (5) does not apply for the purpose of calculating the amount of a pension benefit of a member who is required to make contributions to the pension fund unless the member makes the contributions in respect of the period of notice of termination of employment. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 74 (6).
Consent of employer
(7) For the purposes of this section, where the consent of an employer is an eligibility requirement for entitlement to receive an ancillary benefit, the employer shall be deemed to have given the consent. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 74 (7).
Consent of administrator, jointly sponsored pension plans
(7.1) For the purposes of this section, where the consent of the administrator of a jointly sponsored pension plan is an eligibility requirement for entitlement to receive an ancillary benefit, the administrator shall be deemed to have given the consent. 2005, c. 31, Sched. 18, s. 9.
Use in calculating pension benefit
(8) A benefit described in clause (1.3) (a), (b) or (c) for which a member has met all eligibility requirements under this section shall be included in calculating the member’s pension benefit or the commuted value of the pension benefit. 2010, c. 9, s. 56 (6).
(9) Repealed: 2010, c. 9, s. 56 (7).
Election re grow-in benefits, certain pension plans
Jointly sponsored pension plans
74.1 (1) The employers (or any persons or entities who make contributions on behalf of the employers or who represent the employers) and the members (or the representatives of the members) of a jointly sponsored pension plan may elect, in accordance with this section, to exclude the plan and its members from the operation of section 74. 2010, c. 9, s. 57.
Multi-employer pension plans
(2) The administrator of a multi-employer pension plan may elect, in accordance with this section, to exclude the plan and its members from the operation of section 74. 2010, c. 9, s. 57.
Restrictions
(3) An election may only be made within the prescribed period and the persons or entities making the election must satisfy such requirements as may be prescribed in connection with the election. 2010, c. 9, s. 57.
Same
(4) Only one election may be made in respect of a pension plan. 2010, c. 9, s. 57.
Notice of election
(5) An election to exclude a pension plan and its members from the operation of section 74 takes effect when notice of the election is filed with the Superintendent or on a later date specified in the notice. 2010, c. 9, s. 57.
Rescission
(6) An election may be rescinded by the persons and entities described in subsection (1) or (2), as the case may be, and the rescission takes effect when notice of the rescission is filed with the Superintendent or on a later date specified in the notice. 2010, c. 9, s. 57.
Liability of employer on wind up
75. (1) Where a pension plan is wound up, the employer shall pay into the pension fund,
(a) an amount equal to the total of all payments that, under this Act, the regulations and the pension plan, are due or that have accrued and that have not been paid into the pension fund; and
(b) an amount equal to the amount by which,
(i) the value of the pension benefits under the pension plan that would be guaranteed by the Guarantee Fund under this Act and the regulations if the Superintendent declares that the Guarantee Fund applies to the pension plan,
(ii) the value of the pension benefits accrued with respect to employment in Ontario vested under the pension plan, and
(iii) the value of benefits accrued with respect to employment in Ontario resulting from the application of subsection 39 (3) (50 per cent rule) and section 74,
exceed the value of the assets of the pension fund allocated as prescribed for payment of pension benefits accrued with respect to employment in Ontario. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 75 (1); 1997, c. 28, s. 200; 2010, c. 9, s. 58.
Payment
(2) The employer shall pay the money due under subsection (1) in the prescribed manner and at the prescribed times. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 75 (2).
Exception, jointly sponsored pension plans
(3) This section does not apply with respect to jointly sponsored pension plans. 2005, c. 31, Sched. 18, s. 10.
Liability on wind-up, jointly sponsored pension plans
Employers, etc.
75.1 (1) Where a jointly sponsored pension plan is wound up, the employer or the person or entity required to make contributions under the plan on behalf of the employer shall pay into the pension fund,
(a) an amount equal to the total of all payments that, under this Act, the regulations and the plan, are payable by the employer or by the person or entity on behalf of the employer, that are due or have accrued and that have not been paid into the pension fund; and
(b) any additional amounts that, under the documents that create and support the plan, are payable in the circumstances by the employer or the person or entity on behalf of the employer. 2005, c. 31, Sched. 18, s. 11; 2010, c. 9, s. 59 (1).
Members
(2) Where a jointly sponsored pension plan is wound up, the members shall pay into the pension fund,
(a) an amount equal to the total of all payments that, under this Act, the regulations and the plan, are payable by the members, that are due or have accrued and that have not been paid into the pension fund; and
(b) any additional amounts that, under the documents that create and support the plan, are payable in the circumstances by the members. 2005, c. 31, Sched. 18, s. 11; 2010, c. 9, s. 59 (2).
Payments
(3) The payments required by subsections (1) and (2) shall be made in the prescribed manner and at the prescribed times. 2005, c. 31, Sched. 18, s. 11.
Pension fund continues subject to Act and regulations
76. The pension fund of a pension plan that is wound up continues to be subject to this Act and the regulations until all the assets of the pension fund have been disbursed. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 76.
Insufficient pension fund
77. Subject to the application of the Guarantee Fund, where the money in a pension fund is not sufficient to pay all the pension benefits and other benefits on the wind up of the pension plan, the pension benefits and other benefits shall be reduced in the prescribed manner. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 77; 2010, c. 9, s. 60.
Authority for partial wind up
77.1 (1) A pension plan may be wound up in part if the effective date of the partial wind up precedes the date on which this section comes into force. 2010, c. 9, s. 61.
Restriction
(2) A pension plan cannot be wound up in part if the effective date of the partial wind up would fall on or after the date on which this section comes into force. 2010, c. 9, s. 61.
Effective date
(3) The effective date of the partial wind up may be determined after the date on which this section comes into force. 2010, c. 9, s. 61.
Same
(4) The Superintendent by order may change the effective date of the partial wind up if the Superintendent is of the opinion that there are reasonable grounds for the change. 2010, c. 9, s. 61.
Definition
(5) In this section and in sections 77.2 to 77.9,
“partial wind up” means the termination of part of a pension plan and the distribution of the assets of the pension fund related to that part of the pension plan. 2010, c. 9, s. 61.
Partial wind up by employer, administrator
77.2 Section 68 applies, with necessary modifications, with respect to a partial wind up of a pension plan. 2010, c. 9, s. 61.
Order by Superintendent for partial wind up
77.3 (1) The Superintendent by order may require the partial wind up of a pension plan,
(a) if a significant number of members of the pension plan cease to be employed by the employer as a result of the discontinuance of all or part of the business of the employer or as a result of the reorganization of the business of the employer;
(b) if all or a significant portion of the business carried on by the employer at a specific location is discontinued;
(c) if part of the employer’s business or part of the assets of the business are sold, assigned or otherwise disposed of and the person or entity who acquires the business or assets does not provide a pension plan for the members of the employer’s pension plan who become employees of the person or entity;
(d) if the liability of the Guarantee Fund is likely to be substantially increased unless the pension plan is wound up in part;
(e) if any of the circumstances described in clauses 69 (1) (a), (b), (c) or (h) exists; or
(f) if any other prescribed event or prescribed circumstance occurs. 2010, c. 9, s. 61.
Date
(2) The order must specify the effective date of the partial wind up. 2010, c. 9, s. 61.
Notice of the order
(3) The administrator of the pension plan shall give notice of the order to the persons and entities listed in clauses 68 (2) (b) to (e) and shall include in the notice such information about the partial wind up as the order may specify. 2010, c. 9, s. 61.
Duty to file notice
(4) The administrator shall file with the Superintendent a copy of the notice given under subsection (3). 2010, c. 9, s. 61.
Wind up report for partial wind up
77.4 (1) Section 70 applies, with necessary modifications, with respect to a partial wind up of a pension plan. 2010, c. 9, s. 61.
Rights and benefits
(2) On a partial wind up, the members, former members, retired members and other persons entitled to benefits under the pension plan shall have rights and benefits that are not less than the rights and benefits they would have on a full wind up of the pension plan on the effective date of the partial wind up. 2010, c. 9, s. 61.
Appointment of administrator for partial wind up
77.5 Section 71 applies, with necessary modifications, with respect to a partial wind up of a pension plan. 2010, c. 9, s. 61.
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 77.5 is repealed. See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 25, 49 (4).
Notice of entitlement upon partial wind up
77.6 (1) Within the prescribed period of time, the administrator of a pension plan that is to be wound up in part shall give to each person who is affected by the wind up and who is entitled to a pension, deferred pension or other benefit or to a refund in respect of the pension plan a statement setting out his or her entitlement under the plan, the options available to the person and such other information as may be prescribed. 2010, c. 9, s. 61.
Same
(2) Subsections 72 (2) and (3) apply, with necessary modifications, with respect to the partial wind up of a pension plan. 2010, c. 9, s. 61.
Determination of entitlements on partial wind up
77.7 (1) Section 73 applies, with necessary modifications, with respect to members’ entitlements on a partial wind up of a pension plan. 2010, c. 9, s. 61.
Purchase of annuities on partial wind up
(2) Except as provided under subsection 73 (2), the administrator is not required to purchase life annuities for members, former members, retired members or other persons entitled to benefits under the pension plan in order to distribute the assets of the plan in connection with the partial wind up. 2010, c. 9, s. 61.
Distribution of assets
(3) If the administrator does not purchase life annuities in the circumstances described in subsection (2), the administrator shall comply with such requirements as may be prescribed in connection with the distribution of the assets of the pension fund in connection with the partial wind up. 2010, c. 9, s. 61.
Grow-in on partial wind up
(4) Section 74 applies, with necessary modifications, with respect to members’ entitlements on a partial wind up of a pension plan. 2010, c. 9, s. 61.
Liability on partial wind up
77.8 Sections 75 and 75.1 apply, with necessary modifications, with respect to a partial wind up of a pension plan. 2010, c. 9, s. 61.
Administration of partial wind up
77.9 Sections 76 and 77 apply, with necessary modifications, with respect to a partial wind up of a pension plan. 2010, c. 9, s. 61.
Repeal of transitional provisions
77.10 Sections 77.1 to 77.9 are repealed on a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor. 2010, c. 9, s. 61.
Entitlement to surplus
77.11 (1) The documents that create and support a pension plan and pension fund govern the entitlement of the employer and other persons to payment of surplus under the pension plan, except as otherwise provided under this Act and subject to the restrictions on payment set out in sections 78 and 79. 2010, c. 24, s. 26 (1).
If no provision in a pension plan
(2) A pension plan that does not provide for the withdrawal of surplus money while the pension plan continues in existence shall be construed to prohibit the withdrawal of surplus money accrued after December 31, 1986. 2010, c. 24, s. 26 (1).
Same, on wind up
(3) If a pension plan does not provide for payment of surplus to the employer on the wind up of the pension plan, the pension plan shall be construed to require that surplus accrued after December 31, 1986 shall be distributed proportionately on the wind up of the pension plan among members, former members, retired members and other persons entitled to payments under the pension plan on the date of the wind up. 2010, c. 24, s. 26 (1, 2).
On wind up of successor pension plan
(4) If a pension plan is a successor pension plan and if it is being wound up in whole or in part, the employer is not entitled to payment of surplus under the pension plan unless the documents that created and supported the original pension plan and pension fund and those that create and support the successor pension plan and pension fund both provide for payment of surplus to the employer on the wind up or partial wind up, as the case may be, of the pension plan. 2010, c. 24, s. 26 (1).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (4) is amended by striking out “if it is being wound up in whole or in part” and substituting “if it is being wound up” and by striking out “on the wind up or partial wind up, as the case may be, of the pension plan” at the end and substituting “on the wind up of the pension plan”. See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 26 (3), 49 (4).
Same
(5) Subsection (4) does not preclude a written agreement described in subsection (7) from providing for payment of surplus to the employer in the circumstances specified in the agreement. 2010, c. 24, s. 26 (1).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (5) is amended by adding “or an arbitration award made in accordance with section 77.12” after “a written agreement described in subsection (7)”. See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 26 (4), 49 (4).
Transition
(6) Subsection (4) does not apply if the effective date of the transfer of assets from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan is earlier than the date on which the Securing Pension Benefits Now and for the Future Act, 2010 received Royal Assent. 2010, c. 24, s. 26 (1).
Agreement about surplus
(7) A written agreement among the following persons may provide for payment of surplus to the employer in the circumstances specified in the agreement and as of the date specified in the agreement:
1. If the surplus is to be paid to the employer while the pension plan continues in existence,
i. the employer,
ii. at least two-thirds of the members of the pension plan (and, for this purpose, a trade union that represents members may agree on behalf of those members), and
iii. the number which is considered appropriate in the circumstances by the Superintendent of former members, retired members and other persons who are entitled to payments under the pension plan as of the specified date for payment of the surplus.
2. If the surplus is to be paid to the employer on the wind up of the pension plan in whole,
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, paragraph 2 is amended by striking out “on the wind up of the pension plan in whole” in the portion before subparagraph i and substituting “on the wind up of the pension plan”. See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 26 (6), 49 (4).
i. the employer,
ii. at least two-thirds of the members of the pension plan (and, for this purpose, a trade union that represents or represented members on the date of the wind up may agree on behalf of those members), and
iii. the number which is considered appropriate in the circumstances by the Superintendent of former members, retired members and other persons who are entitled to payments under the pension plan as of the date of the wind up.
3. If the surplus is to be paid to the employer on the partial wind up of the pension plan,
i. the employer,
ii. at least two-thirds of the members of the pension plan affected by the partial wind up (and, for this purpose, a trade union that represents or represented affected members on the date of the partial wind up may agree on behalf of those members), and
iii. the number which is considered appropriate in the circumstances by the Superintendent of former members, retired members and other persons who are affected by the partial wind up and who are entitled to payments under the pension plan as of the date of the partial wind up. 2010, c. 24, s. 26 (1, 5).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, paragraph 3 is repealed. See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 26 (7), 49 (4).
Effect of agreement
(8) A written agreement prevails over any document that creates and supports the pension plan and pension fund, it prevails over subsections (2), (3) and (4), and it prevails despite any trust that may exist in favour of any person. 2010, c. 24, s. 26 (1).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 77.11 is amended by adding the following subsections:
Arbitration award
(9) If a pension plan is being wound up in whole or in part, an arbitration award made in accordance with section 77.12 may provide for the allocation of surplus between the employer, members, former members and other persons entitled to a pension, deferred pension or other benefit under the plan who are affected by the wind up or partial wind up. 2010, c. 24, s. 26 (8).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (9) is amended by striking out “the employer, members, former members” and substituting “the employer, members, former members, retired members”. See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 26 (9), 49 (4).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (9) is amended by striking out “wound up in whole or in part” and substituting “wound up” and by striking out “or partial wind up” at the end. See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 26 (10), 49 (4).
Effect of arbitration award
(10) An arbitration award prevails over any document that creates and supports the pension plan and pension fund, it prevails over subsections (3) and (4), and it prevails despite any trust that may exist in favour of any person. 2010, c. 24, s. 26 (8).
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 26 (8), 49 (4).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, the Act is amended by adding the following section:
Arbitration re allocation of surplus on wind up
77.12 (1) This section applies with respect to the wind up of a pension plan in whole or in part,
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (1) is amended by striking out “the wind up of a pension plan in whole or in part” in the portion before clause (a) and substituting “the wind up of a pension plan”. See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 27 (2), 40 (4).
(a) if the Superintendent has not consented, before the expiry of the prescribed period after the date of the wind up, to the payment of surplus to the employer; and
(b) if no agreement described in subsection 77.11 (7) is entered into before the expiry of the prescribed period after the date of the wind up. 2010, c. 24, s. 27 (1).
Proposal for arbitration
(2) Any of the following persons may file a notice with the Superintendent proposing that arbitration be used to allocate the surplus under the pension plan, and the notice must be accompanied by such information and documents as may be prescribed or as may be specified by the Superintendent:
1. The employer.
2. A trade union that represents members of the pension plan or that, on the date of the wind up, represented members or former members of the pension plan.
3. Any member of the pension plan.
4. Any former member or other person who is entitled to payments under the pension plan as of the date of the wind up. 2010, c. 24, s. 27 (1).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, paragraph 4 is amended by striking out “Any former member” at the beginning and substituting “Any former member, retired member”. See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 27 (3), 49 (4).
Same
(3) The employer or the trade union, if any, may file the notice with the Superintendent either before or after the expiry of the prescribed period after the date of the wind up. 2010, c. 24, s. 27 (1).
Proposal by Superintendent
(4) The Superintendent, on his or her own initiative, may propose that arbitration be used to allocate the surplus under the pension plan, and may do so either before or after the expiry of the prescribed period after the date of the wind up. 2010, c. 24, s. 27 (1).
Information
(5) At the Superintendent’s request, the employer and the administrator of the pension plan shall give the Superintendent such additional information and documents as the Superintendent may specify in connection with the proposed arbitration. 2010, c. 24, s. 27 (1).
Notice of proposed arbitration
(6) The Superintendent may require the administrator to give notice of the proposed arbitration to the persons and in the manner specified by the Superintendent and within a specified period, and the administrator shall do so. 2010, c. 24, s. 27 (1).
Same
(7) When deciding whether to require an administrator to give notice of the proposed arbitration, and the time and manner in which any notice is to be given, the Superintendent may consider the factors that he or she considers appropriate, including such factors as may be prescribed. 2010, c. 24, s. 27 (1).
Appointment of arbitrator
(8) An arbitrator may be appointed by an agreement entered into by the persons who would be authorized to make an agreement under subsection 77.11 (7) and, if no agreement to appoint an arbitrator is reached before the expiry of the prescribed period after notice is given under subsection (6), the Superintendent may appoint an arbitrator if and when he or she considers it appropriate to do so. 2010, c. 24, s. 27 (1).
Same
(9) When deciding whether, or when, to appoint an arbitrator, the Superintendent may consider the factors that he or she considers appropriate, including such factors as may be prescribed. 2010, c. 24, s. 27 (1).
Effect of appointment
(10) If an arbitrator is appointed, either by agreement or by the Superintendent, all of the persons described in paragraphs 1 to 4 of subsection (2) are deemed to have agreed to arbitration under this section and none of them is permitted to commence a civil proceeding in respect of any person’s entitlement to surplus under the pension plan. 2010, c. 24, s. 27 (1).
Jurisdiction of arbitrator
(11) The arbitrator shall make an arbitration award allocating the surplus or determining the manner in which the surplus is to be allocated and the proportions to be allocated to the affected persons or classes of persons. 2010, c. 24, s. 27 (1).
Same
(12) When making an arbitration award, the arbitrator may consider the factors that he or she considers appropriate, including such factors as may be prescribed. 2010, c. 24, s. 27 (1).
Parties
(13) The parties to the arbitration are determined in accordance with the regulations, but the Superintendent is not a party to any arbitration under this section. 2010, c. 24, s. 27 (1).
Procedures, etc.
(14) The Arbitration Act, 1991 applies with respect to the arbitration, with such restrictions and exclusions as may be prescribed by regulation, and the regulations may establish requirements that apply with respect to arbitrations under this section. 2010, c. 24, s. 27 (1).
Effect of arbitration award
(15) The arbitration award is final and binds the parties to the arbitration and every other person affected by it. 2010, c. 24, s. 27 (1).
Costs of arbitration
(16) The arbitrator shall determine how and by whom the costs of the arbitration shall be paid, including whether the costs may be paid out of the pension fund, but the arbitrator cannot order the Superintendent to pay any of the costs of the arbitration. 2010, c. 24, s. 27 (1).
Transition
(17) If the date of the wind up or partial wind up of a pension plan falls before the day on which this section comes into force, and if there is no written agreement before this section comes into force with respect to the payment of surplus, the allocation of the surplus may be determined by arbitration under this section within the prescribed transitional period and in accordance with such requirements as may be prescribed. 2010, c. 24, s. 27 (1).
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 27 (1), 49 (4).
Payment out of pension fund to employer
78. (1) No money that is surplus may be paid out of a pension fund to the employer without the prior consent of the Superintendent. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 78 (1); 1997, c. 28, s. 200; 2010, c. 24, s. 28 (1).
Application for payment
(2) An employer who applies to the Superintendent for consent to payment of money that is surplus to the employer out of a pension fund shall transmit notice of the application, containing the prescribed information, to,
(a) each member, former member and retired member of the pension plan to which the pension fund relates;
(b) each trade union that represents members of the pension plan;
(b.1) each trade union that represents the members, former members or retired members of the pension plan on the date of the wind up, if the pension plan is being wound up;
(c) any other individual who is receiving payments out of the pension fund; and
(d) the advisory committee of the pension plan. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 78 (2); 1997, c. 28, s. 200; 2010, c. 9, s. 62 (1, 2).
Representations
(3) A person to whom notice has been transmitted under subsection (2) may make written representations to the Superintendent with respect to the application within thirty days after receiving the notice. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 78 (3); 1997, c. 28, s. 200.
(4), (5) Repealed: 2010, c. 24, s. 28 (2).
Payment of surplus
Continuing pension plan, payment to employer
79. (1) Subject to section 89, the Superintendent shall not consent to payment of surplus to an employer out of a continuing pension plan unless,
(a) the Superintendent is satisfied, based on reports provided with the employer’s application for payment of the surplus, that the pension plan has a surplus;
(b) the withdrawal of surplus by the employer while the pension plan continues in existence is authorized either as provided in section 77.11 or by a court order declaring that the employer is entitled to the surplus while the plan continues;
(c) where all pension benefits under the pension plan are guaranteed by an insurance company, an amount equal to at least two years of the normal cost of the pension plan, determined in accordance with the regulations, is retained in the pension fund as surplus;
(d) the greater of the following amounts is retained in the pension fund as surplus:
(i) the sum of “A” and “B” where,
“A” is an amount equal to twice the normal cost of the pension plan, and
“B” is an amount equal to 5 per cent of the liabilities of the pension plan, determined in accordance with the regulations, and
(ii) an amount equal to 25 per cent of the liabilities of the pension plan, determined in accordance with the regulations; and
(e) Repealed: 2010, c. 24, s. 29 (1).
(f) the applicant and the pension plan comply with all other requirements prescribed under other sections of this Act in respect of the payment of surplus money out of a pension fund. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 79 (1); 1997, c. 28, s. 202 (1, 2); 2010, c. 9, s. 63 (1, 2); 2010, c. 24, s. 29 (1).
(2) Repealed: 2010, c. 24, s. 29 (2).
Wind up, payment to employer
(3) Subject to section 89, the Superintendent shall not consent to payment of surplus to an employer out of a pension plan that is being wound up in whole unless,
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (3) is amended by striking out “being wound up in whole” in the portion before clause (a) and substituting “being wound up”. See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 29 (4), 49 (4).
(a) the Superintendent is satisfied, based on reports provided with the employer’s application for payment of the surplus, that the pension plan has a surplus;
(b) the payment of surplus to the employer on the wind up of the pension plan is authorized either as provided in section 77.11 or by a court order declaring that the employer is entitled to the surplus when the plan is being wound up;
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (b) is amended by striking out “section 77.11 or” and substituting “section 77.11, or by an arbitration award made under section 77.12, or”. See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 29 (5), 49 (4).
(c) provision has been made for the payment of all liabilities of the pension plan as calculated for purposes of the termination of the pension plan; and
(d) the applicant and the pension plan comply with all other requirements prescribed under other sections of this Act in respect of the payment of surplus. 2010, c. 24, s. 29 (3).
Same, partial wind up
(3.1) Subject to section 89, the Superintendent shall not consent to payment of surplus to an employer out of a pension plan that is being wound up in part unless,
(a) all of the criteria described in clauses (3) (a), (c) and (d) are satisfied; and
(b) the payment of surplus to the employer on the partial wind up of the pension plan is authorized either as provided in section 77.11 or by a court order declaring that the employer is entitled to the surplus when the plan is being wound up in part. 2010, c. 24, s. 29 (6).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (b) is amended by striking out “section 77.11 or” and substituting “section 77.11, or by an arbitration award made under section 77.12, or”. See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 29 (7), 49 (4).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (3.1) is repealed. See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 29 (8), 49 (4).
(3.2) Repealed: 2010, c. 24, s. 29 (6).
Wind up, payment to members, etc.
(4) If a pension plan is being wound up in whole or in part, payment from surplus may be made to or for the benefit of members, former members, retired members and other persons, other than an employer, who are entitled to payments under the plan as of the date of the wind up or partial wind up. 2010, c. 24, s. 29 (9, 10).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (4) is amended by striking out “being wound up in whole or in part” and substituting “being wound up” and by striking out “or partial wind up” at the end. See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 29 (11), 49 (4).
(5)-(8) Repealed: 1997, c. 28, s. 202 (5).
Superintendent’s order re surplus
79.0.1 (1) The Superintendent may order the administrator of a pension plan to distribute surplus in accordance with a written agreement described in subsection 77.11 (7). 2010, c. 24, s. 30 (1).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (1) is amended by adding at the end “or an arbitration award made under section 77.12”. See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 30 (2), 49 (4).
Same
(2) The order of the Superintendent is final. 2010, c. 24, s. 30 (1).
Enforcement
(3) An order under this section, excluding the reasons for the order, may be filed in the Superior Court of Justice and upon being filed it is enforceable as an order of that Court. 2010, c. 24, s. 30 (1).
Asset Transfers Between Pension Plans
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, the Act is amended by adding the following section:
Prohibition on asset transfers
Transfers re defined benefits
79.1 (1) No person shall transfer assets between pension plans if the transferred assets relate to the provision of defined benefits unless,
(a) the transfer is authorized under section 21, 42, 80, 80.1, 80.2 or 81; or
Note: On July 1, 2015, clause (a) is amended by striking out “80.1”. See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 65 (2), 80 (4).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (a) is amended by striking out “80.2 or 81” and substituting “80.2, 80.3 or 81”. See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 31 (1), 49 (4).
(b) the transfer satisfies the prescribed requirements and the Superintendent has consented in advance to the transfer. 2010, c. 9, s. 65 (1).
Transfers re defined contributions
(2) No person shall transfer assets between pension plans if the transferred assets relate to the provision of defined contribution benefits unless,
(a) the transfer is authorized under section 21, 42, 80, 80.2 or 81; or
(b) the transfer satisfies the prescribed requirements and the Superintendent has consented to the transfer. 2012, c. 8, Sched. 44, s. 6.
See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 65 (1), 80 (2).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 79.1 is amended by adding the following subsection:
Transfers re target benefits
(3) No person shall transfer assets between pension plans if the transferred assets relate to the provision of target benefits unless the transfer satisfies the prescribed requirements and the Superintendent has consented in advance to the transfer. 2010, c. 24, s. 31 (2).
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 31 (2), 49 (4).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, the Act is amended by adding the following section:
Requirements, etc., for all asset transfers
“original pension plan” means the pension plan from which assets are transferred, and includes the pension fund for that pension plan; (“premier régime de retraite”)
“successor pension plan” means the pension plan to which assets are transferred, and includes the pension fund for that pension plan. (“régime de retraite subséquent”) 2010, c. 9, s. 66 (1).
Application
(2) This section applies to every transfer of assets between pension plans that is authorized under section 79.1, 80, 80.1, 80.2 or 81. 2010, c. 9, s. 66 (1).
Note: On July 1, 2015, subsection (2) is amended by striking out “80.1”. See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 66 (2), 80 (4).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 79.2 is amended by adding the following subsection:
Same, transfers between certain public sector pension plans
(2.1) For a transfer of assets to which section 80.3 applies,
(a) subsections (4), (5), (6), (7) and (14) apply, with necessary modifications, with respect to the original pension plan and its administrator; and
(b) subsections (8) and (9) apply with respect to individuals. 2010, c. 24, s. 32 (1).
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 32 (1), 49 (4).
Effective date
(3) The effective date of the transfer of assets is determined in accordance with the regulations. 2010, c. 9, s. 66 (1).
Conditions re defined benefits
(4) If any of the assets to be transferred relate to the provision of defined benefits in the original pension plan, the transferred assets must be used to provide defined benefits in the successor pension plan at the effective date, in accordance with such requirements as may be prescribed. 2010, c. 9, s. 66 (1).
Conditions re funding
(5) Every transfer of assets must satisfy such funding requirements as may be prescribed. 2010, c. 9, s. 66 (1).
Same
(6) If either pension plan has going concern unfunded liabilities or solvency deficiencies determined as of the effective date of the transfer, the transfer of assets must satisfy such additional requirements as may be prescribed. 2010, c. 9, s. 66 (1).
Duty of administrator
(7) The administrator of each pension plan shall comply with such requirements as may be prescribed with respect to the transfer of assets between the pension plans. 2010, c. 9, s. 66 (1).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (7) is amended by adding at the end “including any requirement to give notice about the transfer”. See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 32 (2), 49 (4).
Transfer to prescribed retirement savings arrangement
(8) If the value of the assets to be transferred in relation to an individual’s pension benefits and other benefits under the original pension plan is greater than the amount prescribed under the Income Tax Act (Canada) for such a transfer, the administrator of the original pension plan shall pay the portion that exceeds the prescribed amount into a prescribed retirement savings arrangement on behalf of the individual. 2010, c. 9, s. 66 (1).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (8) is repealed and the following substituted:
Transfer to prescribed retirement savings arrangement
(8) If the amount of the assets to be transferred in relation to an individual’s pension benefits and other benefits under the original pension plan is greater than the amount allowed under the Income Tax Act (Canada) for such a transfer, the administrator of the original pension plan shall pay the portion that exceeds that allowed amount into a prescribed retirement savings arrangement on behalf of the individual. 2010, c. 24, s. 32 (3).
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 32 (3), 49 (4).
Exception
(9) If the amount to be paid under subsection (8) into a prescribed retirement savings arrangement is greater than the amount prescribed under the Income Tax Act (Canada) for such a transfer, the administrator shall pay the portion that exceeds the prescribed amount as a lump sum to the individual. 2010, c. 9, s. 66 (1).
Effect of transfer of assets
(10) When the assets are transferred in accordance with this Act and the regulations, the transferred assets become part of the assets of the pension fund for the successor pension plan and they cease to be identified as assets of the original pension plan. 2010, c. 9, s. 66 (1).
Same, status of transferred members, etc.
(11) When the assets are transferred in accordance with this Act and the regulations, the employer who is the sponsor of the successor pension plan assumes responsibility for providing pension benefits and other benefits under the original pension plan to the transferred members, former members, retired members and other persons entitled to payments under that plan, and they have no further claim against the original pension plan. 2010, c. 9, s. 66 (1).
Pension benefits, etc., under successor pension plan
(12) Subsection (11) does not require the successor pension plan to provide the same pension benefits and other benefits for the transferred members that were provided for them under the original pension plan. 2010, c. 9, s. 66 (1).
Claims of transferred members, etc.
(13) Subsection (12) does not affect any claims of the transferred members, former members, retired members or other persons under the successor pension plan. 2010, c. 9, s. 66 (1).
Discharge of administrator
(14) If the transfer of assets is made with the consent of the transferred member, former member, retired member or other person, the administrator of the original pension plan is discharged on transferring the assets in accordance with this Act and the regulations. 2010, c. 9, s. 66 (1).
Order to return assets
(15) The Superintendent by order may require the administrator of the successor pension plan to return to the original pension plan, with interest calculated in the prescribed manner, assets transferred in contravention of this Act or the regulations. 2010, c. 9, s. 66 (1).
Enforcement
(16) Subject to section 89, an order under subsection (15), exclusive of the reasons therefor, may be filed in the Superior Court of Justice and is thereupon enforceable as an order of that court. 2010, c. 9, s. 66 (1).
See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 66 (1), 80 (2).
Continuation of benefits under successor employer
80. (1) Where an employer who contributes to a pension plan sells, assigns or otherwise disposes of all or part of the employer’s business or all or part of the assets of the employer’s business, a member of the pension plan who, in conjunction with the sale, assignment or disposition becomes an employee of the successor employer and becomes a member of a pension plan provided by the successor employer,
(a) continues to be entitled to the benefits provided under the employer’s pension plan in respect of employment in Ontario or a designated jurisdiction to the effective date of the sale, assignment or disposition without further accrual;
(b) is entitled to credit in the pension plan of the successor employer for the period of membership in the employer’s pension plan, for the purpose of determining eligibility for membership in or entitlement to benefits under the pension plan of the successor employer; and
(c) is entitled to credit in the employer’s pension plan for the period of employment with the successor employer for the purpose of determining entitlement to benefits under the employer’s pension plan. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 80 (1); 2010, c. 1, Sched. 23, s. 7 (1).
Exception
(2) Clause (1) (a) does not apply if the successor employer assumes responsibility for the accrued pension benefits of the employer’s pension plan and the pension plan of the successor employer shall be deemed to be a continuation of the employer’s plan with respect to any benefits or assets transferred. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 80 (2).
Employment deemed not terminated
(3) Where a transaction described in subsection (1) takes place, the employment of the employee shall be deemed, for the purposes of this Act, not to be terminated by reason of the transaction. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 80 (3).
Transfer on sale
(4) Where a transaction described in subsection (1) occurs and the successor employer assumes responsibility in whole or in part for the pension benefits provided under the employer’s pension plan, no transfer of assets shall be made from the employer’s pension fund to the pension fund of the plan provided by the successor employer without the prior consent of the Superintendent or contrary to the prescribed terms and conditions. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 80 (4).
Consent by Superintendent
(5) The Superintendent shall refuse to consent to a transfer of assets that does not protect the pension benefits and any other benefits of the members and former members of the employer’s pension plan or that does not meet the prescribed requirements and qualifications. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 80 (5).
Order for return
(6) The Superintendent by order may require the transferee to return to the pension fund, with interest, assets transferred without the prior consent required by subsection (4). R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 80 (6).
Enforcement
(7) Subject to section 89 (hearing and appeal), an order for return of assets under subsection (6), exclusive of the reasons therefor, may be filed in the Superior Court of Justice and is thereupon enforceable as an order of that court. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 80 (7); 2006, c. 19, Sched. C, s. 1 (1).
Multi-employer pension plan
(8) Where a group of members of a multi-employer pension plan are represented by a trade union and in accordance with section 62 of the Labour Relations Act, 1995 the trade union ceases to represent the members and they become represented by a different trade union certified as their bargaining agent and become members of a different pension plan, the administrator of the first pension plan shall transfer to the administrator of the new pension plan all the assets and liabilities respecting those members who have elected under section 42 to transfer their entitlement to the new pension plan and the administrator of the new pension plan shall accept the transfer as assets and liabilities of the new plan. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 80 (8); 2004, c. 31, Sched. 31, s. 4.
Idem
(9) Where a group of members of a multi-employer pension plan are represented by a trade union and in accordance with section 62 of the Labour Relations Act, 1995 the trade union ceases to represent the members and they become represented by a different trade union certified as their bargaining agent and become members of a different pension plan and the members are not entitled to make an election under section 42, the administrator of the old pension plan shall transfer to the administrator of the new pension plan all assets and liabilities of the pension plan attributable to such members determined as prescribed and the administrator of the new pension plan shall accept them as assets and liabilities, determined as prescribed, of the new plan. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 80 (9); 2004, c. 31, Sched. 31, s. 4.
Application of subss. (8, 9)
(10) Subsections (8) and (9) do not apply where there is a reciprocal agreement respecting the pension plans. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 80 (10).
Definition
(11) In this section,
“successor employer” means the person who acquires the business or the assets of the employer. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 80 (11).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 80 is repealed and the following substituted:
Transfers upon the sale of a business
Definitions
“employers’ agreement” means the agreement described in subsection (6); (“accord des employeurs”)
“original employer” means the employer who sells, assigns or otherwise disposes of all or part of the employer’s business or all or part of the assets of the employer’s business; (“premier employeur”)
“original pension plan” means the original employer’s pension plan; (“premier régime de retraite”)
“sale of the business” means the sale, assignment or other disposal referred to in subsection (2) of all or part of a business or all or part of the assets of the business; (“vente de l’entreprise”)
“successor employer” means the person who acquires the business or the assets of the original employer; (“employeur subséquent”)
“successor pension plan” means the successor employer’s pension plan; (“régime de retraite subséquent”)
“transferred member” means the original employer’s employee who is a member of the original pension plan who becomes the successor employer’s employee and a member of the successor pension plan in connection with the sale of the business. (“participant transféré”) 2010, c. 9, s. 68.
Application
(2) This section applies if an employer who contributes under a pension plan (or on whose behalf another person or entity makes contributions under a pension plan) sells, assigns or otherwise disposes of all or part of the employer’s business or all or part of the assets of the employer’s business to another person or entity. 2010, c. 9, s. 68.
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 80 is amended by adding the following subsection:
Same, transfers between certain public sector pension plans
(2.1) If section 80.3 applies with respect to a transfer of assets,
(a) subsections (3) and (5) to (9) apply, with necessary modifications, with respect to the transfer; and
(b) if the transfer requires the consent of the eligible former employee and if he or she does not consent to the transfer, clauses (4) (a) and (c) apply. 2010, c. 24, s. 33 (1).
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 33 (1), 49 (4).
Transfer of employment
(3) If, in conjunction with the sale of the business, an employee of the original employer who is a member of the original pension plan becomes an employee of the successor employer and a member of the successor pension plan, his or her employment is deemed, for the purposes of this Act, not to have been terminated by the change of employer. 2010, c. 9, s. 68.
Transferred employees’ entitlements
(4) If the original employer’s employee who is a member of the original pension plan becomes the successor employer’s employee and a member of the successor pension plan,
(a) he or she continues to be entitled to the benefits provided under the original pension plan in respect of employment in Ontario or in a designated jurisdiction to the effective date of the sale of the business without further accrual;
(b) he or she is entitled to credit in the successor pension plan for the period of his or her membership in the original pension plan, for the purpose of determining eligibility for membership in or entitlement to benefits under the successor pension plan; and
(c) he or she is entitled to credit in the original pension plan for the period of employment with the successor employer for the purpose of determining entitlement to benefits under the original pension plan. 2010, c. 9, s. 68; 2010, c. 1, Sched. 23, s. 7 (4).
Exception
(5) If the successor employer assumes responsibility for the accrued pension benefits of the transferred member under the original pension plan, clause (4) (a) does not apply with respect to him or her and the successor pension plan is deemed to be a continuation of the original pension plan with respect to any benefits or assets transferred. 2010, c. 9, s. 68.
Employers’ agreement to transfer assets, etc.
(6) The original employer and the successor employer may enter into an agreement,
(a) to transfer to the successor employer the responsibility for providing pension benefits and other benefits under the original pension plan for transferred members, former members, retired members and other persons entitled to benefits or for classes of them; and
(b) to transfer assets from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan in connection with this transfer of responsibility. 2010, c. 9, s. 68.
Same
(7) A person or entity required to make contributions on behalf of the original employer or the successor employer, as the case may be, under the employer’s pension plan may enter into the employers’ agreement on behalf of that employer. 2010, c. 9, s. 68.
Same
(8) Clause (6) (a) does not require the successor pension plan to provide the same pension benefits and other benefits for the transferred members that were provided for them under the original pension plan. 2010, c. 9, s. 68.
Consent of member, etc.
(9) The employers’ agreement may require the prior consent of a member, former member, retired member or other person to the transfer of assets in respect of his or her pension benefits and ancillary benefits for which any eligibility requirements have been met and, if consent is required, the consent must be obtained in accordance with such requirements as may be prescribed. 2010, c. 9, s. 68.
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (9) is repealed and the following substituted:
Consent of members, etc.
(9) If the employers’ agreement provides for the consent of any member, the consent of any former member, the consent of any retired member or the consent of any other person to the transfer of assets in respect of his or her pension benefits and ancillary benefits for which any eligibility requirements have been met,
(a) the agreement must give all members, all former members, all retired members or all other persons, as the case may be, the opportunity to consent to the transfer of assets in respect of their pension benefits and ancillary benefits for which any eligibility requirements have been met; and
(b) their prior consent must be obtained in accordance with such requirements as may be prescribed. 2011, c. 9, Sched. 35, s. 7 (1).
See: 2011, c. 9, Sched. 35, ss. 7 (1), 14 (2).
Requirement for Superintendent’s consent
(10) The Superintendent’s prior consent is required to authorize the transfer of assets from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan. 2010, c. 9, s. 68.
Application for consent
(11) The administrator of either pension plan or such other person as may be prescribed may apply for the Superintendent’s consent to the transfer of assets from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan. 2010, c. 9, s. 68.
Notice of application
(12) If the employers’ agreement to transfer assets requires the consent of transferred members, former members, retired members or other persons, the applicant shall ensure that notice of the application for the Superintendent’s consent is given in accordance with such requirements as may be prescribed. 2010, c. 9, s. 68.
Statutory criteria for Superintendent’s consent
(13) The Superintendent shall consent to the transfer of assets in accordance with the application and in accordance with the employers’ agreement if all of the following criteria, and such other criteria as may be prescribed, are satisfied:
1. The original employer and the successor employer must have entered into an agreement to transfer the assets, and the applicant must give the Superintendent notice of their agreement.
2. If the agreement requires the consent of the transferred members, former members and retired members of the original pension plan, their consent must have been given for the transfer, and the applicant must give the Superintendent notice of their consent.
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, paragraph 2 is repealed and the following substituted:
2. If the agreement requires the consent of the transferred members, former members and retired members of the original pension plan, or the consent of other persons entitled to benefits under the original pension plan, their consent must have been given for the transfer, and the applicant must give the Superintendent notice of their consent.
See: 2011, c. 9, Sched. 35, ss. 7 (2), 14 (2).
3. The administrators of the two pension plans must have agreed upon the valuation of the assets to be transferred, and the applicant must give the Superintendent notice of their agreement.
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, paragraph 3 is repealed and the following substituted:
3. The administrators of the two pension plans must have agreed upon the manner of determining the amount of the assets to be transferred, and the applicant must give the Superintendent notice of their agreement.
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 33 (2), 49 (4).
4. If the pension benefits and other benefits to be provided under the successor pension plan for the transferred members are not the same as the pension benefits and other benefits provided for them under the original pension plan, the commuted value of the benefits provided for the transferred members under the successor pension plan must not be less than the commuted value of the benefits provided for them under the original pension plan, as adjusted for any payments made from the original pension plan to a prescribed retirement savings arrangement or directly to the transferred members in connection with the transfer of the assets.
5. The commuted value of the benefits referred to in paragraph 4 is determined as of the effective date of the transfer of the assets.
6. If the original pension plan has a surplus as of the effective date of the transfer of assets, the value of the assets to be transferred must include a portion of the surplus determined in accordance with the regulations. 2010, c. 9, s. 68.
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, paragraph 6 is amended by striking out “the value of the assets to be transferred” and substituting “the amount of assets to be transferred”. See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 33 (3), 49 (4).
Notices
(14) The notices required by subsection (13) must comply with such requirements as may be prescribed. 2010, c. 9, s. 68.
Waiver of conditions
(15) The Superintendent may waive one or more of the conditions referred to in subsections 79.2 (5) and (6) in the prescribed circumstances. 2010, c. 9, s. 68.
Transition, transfers upon the sale of a business
Interpretation
“original employer” means the employer who sells, assigns or otherwise disposes of all or part of the employer’s business or all or part of the assets of the employer’s business; (“premier employeur”)
“original pension plan” means the original employer’s pension plan; (“premier régime de retraite”)
“sale of the business” means the sale, assignment or other disposal referred to in subsection (2) of all or part of a business or all or part of the assets of the business; (“vente de l’entreprise”)
“successor employer” means the person who acquires the business or the assets of the original employer; (“employeur subséquent”)
“successor pension plan” means the successor employer’s pension plan; (“régime de retraite subséquent”)
“transfer agreement” means the agreement described in subsection (4). (“accord de transfert”) 2010, c. 9, s. 68.
Application
(2) This section applies if, before the day on which this section comes into force, an employer who contributes under a pension plan (or on whose behalf another person or entity makes contributions under a pension plan) sells, assigns or otherwise disposes of all or part of the employer’s business or all or part of the assets of the employer’s business to another person or entity. 2010, c. 9, s. 68.
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (2) is repealed and the following substituted:
Application
(2) This section applies if both of the following criteria are satisfied:
1. Before the day on which this section comes into force, an employer who contributes under a pension plan (or on whose behalf another person or entity makes contributions under a pension plan) sells, assigns or otherwise disposes of all or part of the employer’s business or all or part of the assets of the employer’s business to another person or entity.
2. The pension plan is in a prescribed class of pension plans or is a prescribed pension plan. 2011, c. 9, Sched. 35, s. 8 (1).
See: 2011, c. 9, Sched. 35, ss. 8 (1), 14 (2).
Eligible employees
(3) This section applies with respect to employees of the original employer who were members of the original pension plan and who, in connection with the sale of the business, become the successor employer’s employees and members of the successor pension plan. 2010, c. 9, s. 68.
Transfer agreement
(4) The administrator of the original pension plan and the administrator of the successor pension plan or such other persons as may be prescribed may enter into an agreement,
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (4) is amended by striking out “an agreement” at the end of the portion before clause (a) and substituting “one or more agreements.” See: 2011, c. 9, Sched. 35, ss. 8 (2), 14 (2).
(a) authorizing eligible employees to elect to transfer the value of their accrued pension benefits under the original pension plan to the successor pension plan;
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (a) is repealed and the following substituted:
(a) authorizing eligible employees who are employed by the successor employer on the day this section comes into force to elect to transfer the value of their accrued pension benefits under the original pension plan to the successor pension plan;
(a.1) authorizing eligible employees whose employment with the successor employer or whose membership in the successor pension plan terminated on or after May 18, 2010 and before the date on which this section comes into force to elect to transfer the value of their accrued pension benefits under the original pension plan to the successor pension plan;
See: 2011, c. 9, Sched. 35, ss. 8 (3), 14 (2).
(b) transferring to the successor employer the responsibility for providing pension benefits and other benefits under the original pension plan for all or any of the transferred members;
(c) authorizing the transfer of assets from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan in connection with this transfer; and
(d) establishing how the value of the assets to be transferred is determined. 2010, c. 9, s. 68.
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (d) is repealed and the following substituted:
(d) establishing the manner of determining the amount of assets to be transferred.
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 34 (1), 49 (4).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 80.1 is amended by adding the following subsection:
Same
(4.1) A transfer agreement may authorize the election described in clause (4) (a) or (a.1) or in both clauses. 2011, c. 9, Sched. 35, s. 8 (4).
See: 2011, c. 9, Sched. 35, ss. 8 (4), 14 (2).
Same, employers
(5) A person or entity required to make contributions on behalf of the original employer or the successor employer, as the case may be, under the employer’s pension plan may enter into the transfer agreement on behalf of that employer. 2010, c. 9, s. 68.
Same, eligible employees
(6) The transfer agreement cannot authorize individuals to elect to make the transfer described in clause (4) (a) or (a.1) if, before May 18, 2010, they began receiving a pension from the original pension plan or the successor pension plan. 2012, c. 8, Sched. 44, s. 7.
Same, benefits
(7) Clause (4) (b) does not require the successor pension plan to provide the same pension benefits and other benefits for the transferred members that were provided for them under the original pension plan. 2010, c. 9, s. 68.
Same, prescribed requirements
(8) The transfer agreement must satisfy such requirements as may be prescribed. 2010, c. 9, s. 68.
Duty to transfer assets
(9) The administrator of the original pension plan shall transfer assets to the successor pension plan in accordance with the transfer agreement if all of the following criteria, and such other criteria as may be prescribed, are satisfied:
1. The transfer agreement must be filed with the Superintendent before the assets are transferred.
2. The transfer agreement must establish the way in which the value of the assets to be transferred is determined.
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, paragraph 2 is repealed and the following substituted:
2. The transfer agreement must establish the manner of determining the amount of assets to be transferred.
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 34 (2), 49 (4).
3. Eligible employees must have been given notice of their right, under the transfer agreement, to elect to transfer the value of their accrued pension benefits and the ancillary benefits for which they have met the eligibility requirements to the successor pension plan, and the notice must satisfy such requirements as may be prescribed.
4. The eligible employees who elected to make this transfer must have made their election in accordance with the transfer agreement and in accordance with such other requirements as may be prescribed. 2010, c. 9, s. 68.
Repeal
(10) This section is repealed on July 1, 2015. 2010, c. 9, s. 68.
See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 68, 80 (2).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, the Act is amended by adding the following section:
Transfers upon a change of trade unions, MEPPs
80.2 (1) This section applies if a group of members of a multi-employer pension plan (the “original pension plan”) are represented by a trade union and, in accordance with section 62 of the Labour Relations Act, 1995, the trade union ceases to represent the members and they become represented by a different trade union certified as their bargaining agent and become members of a different pension plan (the “successor pension plan”). 2010, c. 9, s. 69.
Transfer, election by members
(2) The administrator of the original pension plan shall transfer to the successor pension plan all the assets and liabilities respecting those members who have elected under section 42 to transfer their entitlement to the successor pension plan and the administrator of the successor pension plan shall accept them as assets and liabilities of the successor pension plan. 2010, c. 9, s. 69.
Transfer, other circumstances
(3) If the members of the original pension plan are not entitled to make an election under section 42, the administrator shall transfer to the successor pension plan all assets and liabilities of the pension plan attributable to such members determined as prescribed and the administrator of the successor pension plan shall accept them as assets and liabilities, determined as prescribed, of the successor pension plan. 2010, c. 9, s. 69.
Exception
(4) This section does not apply where there is a reciprocal transfer agreement respecting the pension plans. 2010, c. 9, s. 69.
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (4) is amended by adding at the end “or in such other circumstances as may be prescribed”. See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 35, 49 (4).
See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 69, 80 (2).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, the Act is amended by adding the following section:
Transfers between certain public sector pension plans
Definitions
“federal public service” has the same meaning as “public service” in subsection 2 (1) of the Public Service Employment Act (Canada); (“fonction publique fédérale”)
“Public Service Superannuation Plan (Canada)” means the pension plan established under the Public Service Superannuation Act (Canada). (“Régime de pension de retraite de la fonction publique (Canada)”) 2010, c. 24, s. 36.
Interpretation
(2) Expressions used in this section have the same meaning as in section 80 unless the context requires otherwise. 2010, c. 24, s. 36.
Eligible former employees
(3) A person who ceases to be employed in the Ontario public sector is an eligible former employee for the purposes of this section if he or she becomes an employee in the federal public service in connection with the sale of a business to the Government of Canada. 2010, c. 24, s. 36.
Application
(4) This section applies with respect to the transfer of assets from such public sector pension plans as may be prescribed to the Public Service Superannuation Plan (Canada) in respect of eligible former employees. 2010, c. 24, s. 36.
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 80.3 is amended by adding the following subsection:
Exception
(4.1) However, this section does not apply with respect to a transfer of assets under section 6.1 of the Ministry of Revenue Act. 2011, c. 9, Sched. 35, s. 9.
See: 2011, c. 9, Sched. 35, ss. 9, 14 (2).
Requirement for Superintendent’s consent
(5) The Superintendent’s prior consent is required to authorize a transfer of assets from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan, and the Superintendent shall consent to the transfer if the requirements of this Act are satisfied. 2010, c. 24, s. 36.
Same
(6) The administrator of the original pension plan or such other person as may be prescribed may apply for the Superintendent’s consent to the transfer of assets from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan. 2010, c. 24, s. 36.
Same, if eligible former employee’s consent is required
(7) If the employers’ agreement requires the prior consent of an eligible former employee to the transfer of assets in respect of his or her benefits and if the eligible former employee gives his or her consent in accordance with the agreement, the administrator of the original pension plan is authorized to transfer the assets in accordance with the employers’ agreement. 2010, c. 24, s. 36.
Commuted value
(8) If the pension benefits and other benefits to be provided under the successor pension plan for the eligible former employees are not the same as the pension benefits and other benefits provided for them under the original pension plan, the commuted value of the benefits provided for them under the successor pension plan must not be less than the commuted value of the benefits provided for them under the original pension plan, as adjusted for any payments made from the original pension plan to a prescribed retirement savings arrangement or directly to the eligible former members in connection with the transfer of assets. 2010, c. 24, s. 36.
Same
(9) The commuted value of the benefits referred to in subsection (8) is determined as of the effective date of the transfer of the assets. 2010, c. 24, s. 36.
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 36, 49 (4).
Adoption of new pension plan
81. (1) Where a pension plan is established by an employer to be a successor to an existing pension plan and the employer ceases to make contributions to the original pension plan, the original pension plan shall be deemed not to be wound up and the new pension plan shall be deemed to be a continuation of the original pension plan. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 81 (1).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (1) is amended by striking out “the new pension plan” and substituting “the successor pension plan”. See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 70 (1), 80 (2).
Continuation of benefits
(2) The benefits under the original pension plan in respect of employment before the establishment of the new pension plan shall be deemed to be benefits under the new pension plan. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 81 (2).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (2) is repealed and the following substituted:
Continuation of benefits
(2) The benefits under the original pension plan in respect of employment before the establishment of the successor pension plan are deemed to be benefits under the successor pension plan. 2010, c. 9, s. 70 (2).
Same
(2.1) Subsection (2) does not require the successor pension plan to provide the same pension benefits and other benefits for the transferred members that were provided for them under the original pension plan. 2010, c. 9, s. 70 (2).
See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 70 (2), 80 (2).
Application of subs. (2)
(3) Subsection (2) applies whether or not the assets and liabilities of the original pension plan are consolidated with those of the new pension plan. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 81 (3).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (3) is amended by striking out “the new pension plan” at the end and substituting “the successor pension plan”. See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 70 (3), 80 (2).
Transfer of assets
(4) No transfer of assets shall be made from the pension fund of the original pension plan to the pension fund of the new pension plan without the prior consent of the Superintendent or contrary to the prescribed terms and conditions. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 81 (4).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (4) is repealed and the following substituted:
Requirement for Superintendent’s consent
(4) The Superintendent’s prior consent is required to authorize the transfer of assets from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan. 2010, c. 9, s. 70 (4).
See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 70 (4), 80 (2).
Consent by Superintendent
(5) The Superintendent shall refuse to consent to a transfer of assets that does not protect the pension benefits and any other benefits of the members and former members of the original pension plan or that does not meet the prescribed requirements and qualifications. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 81 (5).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (5) is repealed and the following substituted:
Application
(5) The administrator of either pension plan or such other persons as may be prescribed may apply for the Superintendent’s consent to the transfer of assets from the original pension plan to the successor pension plan. 2010, c. 9, s. 70 (4).
See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 70 (4), 80 (2).
Order
(6) The Superintendent by order may require the transferee to return to the pension fund assets, with interest calculated in the prescribed manner, transferred without the prior consent of the Superintendent or transferred contrary to a prescribed term or condition. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 81 (6).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (6) is repealed and the following substituted:
Statutory criteria for Superintendent’s consent
(6) The Superintendent shall consent to the transfer of assets in accordance with the application if all of the following criteria, and such other criteria as may be prescribed, are satisfied:
1. The administrators of the two pension plans must have agreed upon the valuation of the assets to be transferred, and the applicant must give the Superintendent notice of their agreement.
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, paragraph 1 is repealed and the following substituted:
1. The administrators of the two pension plans must have agreed upon the manner of determining the amount of assets to be transferred, and the applicant must give the Superintendent notice of their agreement.
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 37 (1), 49 (4).
2. If the pension benefits and other benefits to be provided under the successor pension plan for the transferred members are not the same as the pension benefits and other benefits provided for them under the original pension plan, the commuted value of the benefits provided for the transferred members under the successor pension plan must not be less than the commuted value of the benefits provided for them under the original pension plan, as adjusted for any payments made from the original pension plan to a prescribed retirement savings arrangement or directly to the transferred members in connection with the transfer of the assets.
3. The commuted value of the benefits referred to in paragraph 2 is determined as of the effective date of the transfer of the assets.
4. If the original pension plan has a surplus as of the effective date of the transfer of assets, the value of the assets to be transferred must include a portion of the surplus determined in accordance with the regulations. 2010, c. 9, s. 70 (4).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, paragraph 4 is amended by striking out “the value of the assets to be transferred” and substituting “the amount of assets to be transferred”. See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 37 (2), 49 (4).
See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 70 (4), 80 (2).
Enforcement
(7) Subject to section 89 (hearing and appeal), an order for return of assets under subsection (6), exclusive of the reasons therefor, may be filed in the Superior Court of Justice and is thereupon enforceable as an order of that court. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 81 (7); 2006, c. 19, Sched. C, s. 1 (1).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (7) is repealed and the following substituted:
Waiver of conditions
(7) The Superintendent may waive one or more of the conditions referred to in subsections 79.2 (5) and (6) in the prescribed circumstances. 2010, c. 9, s. 70 (4).
See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 70 (4), 80 (2).
Fund to fund
(8) No transfer of assets shall be made from one pension fund to another pension fund in circumstances where subsections (1) to (7) do not apply or where section 42 or 80 does not apply, without the prior consent of the Superintendent or contrary to the prescribed terms and conditions and for the purpose, subsections (5) to (7) apply with necessary modifications. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 81 (8).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (8) is repealed. See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 70 (5), 80 (2).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, the Act is amended by adding the following section:
Authority to approve agreements re insolvency, etc.
Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada)
81.1 (1) For the purposes of subsection 6 (7) of the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada), the Superintendent may approve an agreement by the relevant parties referred to in that subsection respecting the payment to a pension fund of certain amounts referred to in subsection 6 (6) of that Act in connection with a compromise or arrangement under that Act. 2010, c. 9, s. 71.
Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada)
(2) For the purposes of subsection 60 (1.6) of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada), the Superintendent may approve an agreement by the relevant parties referred to in that subsection respecting the payment to a pension fund of certain amounts referred to in subsection 60 (1.5) of that Act in connection with a proposal under that Act. 2010, c. 9, s. 71.
Prerequisites
(3) The Superintendent shall not approve an agreement under this section unless it satisfies such requirements as may be prescribed. 2010, c. 9, s. 71.
Decision
(4) A decision by the Superintendent under this section to approve or not to approve an agreement is final and is not subject to a hearing or an appeal. 2010, c. 9, s. 71.
See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 71, 80 (2).
Pension Benefits Guarantee Fund
Guarantee Fund continued
82. (1) The Pension Benefits Guarantee Fund is continued under the name Pension Benefits Guarantee Fund in English and Fonds de garantie des prestations de retraite in French. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 82 (1).
Administration
(2) The Superintendent is responsible for the administration of the Guarantee Fund including the investment of the assets of the Guarantee Fund. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 82 (2); 1997, c. 28, s. 203.
Expenses
(3) The Superintendent may charge to the Guarantee Fund the reasonable expenses incurred by the Superintendent in the administration of the Guarantee Fund. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 82 (3); 1997, c. 28, s. 203.
Funding of the Guarantee Fund
(3.1) The Guarantee Fund is to be funded by all employers required to make contributions under pension plans that provide defined benefits that are not exempt from the application of the Guarantee Fund by this Act or the regulations. 2009, c. 18, Sched. 24, s. 1 (1).
Same
(3.2) The amounts to be paid under subsection (3.1) by employers to the Guarantee Fund shall be determined in accordance with the prescribed rules. 2009, c. 18, Sched. 24, s. 1 (1).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 82 is amended by adding the following subsection:
Matters to be considered in determining amount of funding
(3.3) In making regulations to prescribe rules for determining the amount to be paid by employers to the Guarantee Fund, the Lieutenant Governor in Council shall take into account the following:
1. The risk of claims against the Guarantee Fund and the estimated amount of potential claims to be paid by the Guarantee Fund.
2. That the amount standing to the credit of the Guarantee Fund should be sufficient for the purpose of paying claims without any additional amount provided by a loan or grant under subsection (4) or (5).
3. That the level of funding required from employers should be reasonably stable over the long term. 2009, c. 18, Sched. 24, s. 1 (2).
See: 2009, c. 18, Sched. 24, ss. 1 (2), 3 (2).
Loans to Guarantee Fund
(4) If at any time the amount standing to the credit of the Guarantee Fund is insufficient for the purpose of paying claims, the Lieutenant Governor in Council may authorize the Minister of Finance to make loans out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund to the Guarantee Fund on such terms and conditions as the Lieutenant Governor in Council directs. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 82 (4); 2004, c. 31, Sched. 31, s. 5.
Grant to Guarantee Fund
(5) If at any time the amount standing to the credit of the Guarantee Fund is insufficient for the purpose of paying claims, the Lieutenant Governor in Council may authorize the Minister of Finance to make a grant, on such terms and conditions as the Lieutenant Governor in Council directs, to the Guarantee Fund out of money appropriated for that purpose by the Legislature. 2009, c. 18, Sched. 24, s. 1 (3); 2010, c. 1, Sched. 23, s. 8.
Loans and grants discretionary
(6) Nothing in this Act or the regulations requires the Lieutenant Governor in Council to authorize the Minister of Finance to make either a loan or a grant to the Guarantee Fund. 2009, c. 18, Sched. 24, s. 1 (3).
Liability of Guarantee Fund limited
(7) The total liability of the Guarantee Fund to guarantee pension benefits at any particular time is limited to the assets of the Guarantee Fund at that time, calculated after including any loan or grant that may have been made to the Guarantee Fund under subsection (4) or (5). 2009, c. 18, Sched. 24, s. 1 (3).
Guarantee Fund declaration
83. (1) Subject to section 89 (hearing and appeal), the Superintendent shall by order declare, in the circumstances mentioned in subsection (2), that the Guarantee Fund applies to a pension plan. 1997, c. 28, s. 204 (1).
Conditions precedent
(2) The Superintendent shall make the declaration if,
(a) the pension plan is registered under this Act or is registered in a designated jurisdiction to provide for the reciprocal application of this Act;
(b) the pension plan provides defined benefits that are not exempt from the application of the Guarantee Fund by this Act or the regulations;
(c) the pension plan is wound up in whole or in part; and
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (c) is amended by striking out “in whole or in part”. See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 72 (1), 80 (2).
(d) the Superintendent is of the opinion, upon reasonable and probable grounds, that the funding requirements of this Act and the regulations cannot be satisfied. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 83 (2); 1997, c. 28, s. 204 (2); 2010, c. 1, Sched. 23, s. 9; 2010, c. 9, s. 72 (2).
Guaranteed benefits
84. (1) If the Superintendent by order declares that the Guarantee Fund applies to a pension plan, the following are guaranteed by the Guarantee Fund, subject to the limitations and qualifications as are set out in this Act or are prescribed:
1. Any pension in respect of employment in Ontario.
2. Any deferred pension in respect of employment in Ontario to which a former member is entitled, if the former member’s employment or membership was terminated before the 1st day of January, 1988 and the former member was at least forty-five years of age and had at least ten years of continuous employment with the employer, or was a member of the pension plan for a continuous period of at least ten years, at the date of termination of employment.
3. A percentage of any defined pension benefits in respect of employment in Ontario to which a member or former member is entitled under section 36 or 37 (deferred pension), or both, if his or her employment or membership was terminated on or after the 1st day of January, 1988, equal to 20 per cent if the combination of his or her age plus years of employment or membership in the pension plan equals fifty, plus an additional 2/3 of 1 per cent for each additional one-twelfth credit of age and employment or membership to a maximum of 100 per cent.
4. All additional voluntary contributions, and the interest thereon, made by members, former members or retired members while employed in Ontario.
5. The minimum value of all required contributions made to the pension plan by a member, former member or retired member in respect of employment in Ontario plus interest.
6. That part of a pension or deferred pension guaranteed under this subsection to which a former spouse of a member, former member or retired member is entitled under an order under the Family Law Act, a family arbitration award or a domestic contract.
7. Any pension to which a survivor of a former member or retired member is entitled under subsection 48 (1) (death before commencement of payment). R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 84 (1); 1997, c. 28, s. 205; 1999, c. 6, s. 53 (20); 2005, c. 5, s. 56 (26); 2010, c. 9, s. 73 (1-5).
Bridging benefits
(2) For the purpose of this section, if a member, former member or retired member has at least ten years of continuous employment with the employer, a deferred pension or a pension benefit includes bridging benefits. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 84 (2); 2010, c. 9, s. 73 (6).
Part year
(3) In determining the combination of age and membership or employment for subsection (1), one-twelfth credit shall be given for each full month of age and for each full month of continuous employment or membership as of the date of termination of employment. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 84 (3).
Application
(3.1) This section applies if the effective date of the wind up of the pension plan is on or after April 1, 1987. 2010, c. 9, s. 73 (7).
(4) Repealed: 2010, c. 9, s. 73 (8).
Payments not guaranteed
85. The following are not guaranteed by the Guarantee Fund:
1. The payment of a pension or pension benefit under a pension plan that has been established or maintained for less than five years at the date of the wind up, if the date of the wind up is on or after the date on which the Securing Pension Benefits Now and for the Future Act, 2010 received Royal Assent.
1.1 The payment of a pension or pension benefit under a pension plan that has been established or maintained for less than three years at the date of the wind up, if the date of the wind up is before the date on which the Securing Pension Benefits Now and for the Future Act, 2010 received Royal Assent.
2. Any increase to a pension or pension benefit or increase to the value of a pension or pension benefit that became effective within five years before the date of the wind up, if the date of the wind up is on or after the date on which the Securing Pension Benefits Now and for the Future Act, 2010 received Royal Assent.
2.1 Any increase to a pension or pension benefit or increase to the value of a pension or pension benefit that became effective within three years before the date of the wind up, if the date of the wind up is before the date on which the Securing Pension Benefits Now and for the Future Act, 2010 received Royal Assent.
3. The amount of any pension or pension benefit, including any bridging supplement, in excess of $1,000 per month or such greater amount as is prescribed by the regulations.
4. Pension benefits provided under a multi-employer pension plan.
4.1 Pension benefits provided under a designated multi-jurisdictional pension plan in respect of employment outside Ontario or in respect of included employment as defined in subsection 2 (1) of the Pension Benefits Standards Act, 1985 (Canada).
5. Pension benefits provided under a pension plan that provides defined benefits, if the obligation of the employer to contribute to the pension fund is limited to a fixed amount set out in a collective agreement.
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 85 is amended by adding the following paragraph:
5.1 Pension benefits that are target benefits.
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 38 (2), 49 (4).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 85 is amended by adding the following paragraph:
5.2 Optional benefits.
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 38 (3), 49 (4).
6. Pension benefits provided by prescribed pension plans or prescribed classes of pension plans. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 85; 2010, c. 1, Sched. 23, s. 10; 2010, c. 24, s. 38 (1).
Lien for payment out of Guarantee Fund
86. (1) Where money is paid out of the Guarantee Fund as a result of the wind up, in whole or in part, of a pension plan, the Superintendent has a lien and charge on the assets of the employer or employers who provided the pension plan. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 86 (1); 1997, c. 28, s. 206.
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (1) is amended by striking out “in whole or in part”. See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 74, 80 (2).
Amount of lien
(2) The lien and charge is in an amount equal to the amount of the payment out of the Guarantee Fund plus interest thereon calculated at the rate and in the manner prescribed by the regulations. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 86 (2).
Real property
(3) The lien and charge does not affect assets that are real property until a notice of the lien and charge that includes a description of the real property is registered in the proper land registry office, and the Superintendent may so register notice of the lien and charge. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 86 (3); 1997, c. 28, s. 206.
Subrogation
(4) The Superintendent is subrogated to the rights of the administrator of a pension plan in respect of which the Superintendent authorizes payment from the Guarantee Fund in satisfaction of a pension, deferred pension, pension benefit or contribution guaranteed under section 84 (guaranteed benefits). R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 86 (4); 1997, c. 28, s. 206.
Order by Superintendent
87. (1) The Superintendent, in the circumstances mentioned in subsection (2) and subject to section 89 (hearing and appeal), by a written order may require an administrator or any other person to take or to refrain from taking any action in respect of a pension plan or a pension fund. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 87 (1).
Condition precedent to order
(2) The Superintendent may make an order under this section if the Superintendent is of the opinion, upon reasonable and probable grounds,
(a) that the pension plan or pension fund is not being administered in accordance with this Act, the regulations or the pension plan;
(b) that the pension plan does not comply with this Act and the regulations; or
(c) that the administrator of the pension plan, the employer or the other person is contravening a requirement of this Act or the regulations. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 87 (2).
Time
(3) In an order under this section, the Superintendent may specify the time or times when or the period or periods of time within which the person to whom the order is directed must comply with the order. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 87 (3).
Reasons for order
(4) An order under this section is not effective unless the reasons for the order are set out in the order. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 87 (4).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 87 is repealed and the following substituted:
Superintendent’s orders
Order re administration in contravention of Act
87. (1) Subject to section 89, the Superintendent may make an order requiring an administrator or any other person to take or refrain from taking any action in respect of a pension plan or a pension fund if the Superintendent is of the opinion, upon reasonable and probable grounds,
(a) that the pension plan or pension fund is not being administered in accordance with this Act, the regulations or the pension plan;
(b) that the pension plan does not comply with this Act and the regulations; or
(c) that the administrator of the pension plan, the employer or the other person is contravening a requirement of this Act or the regulations. 2010, c. 9, s. 75.
Same
(2) An order under subsection (1) may specify one or more deadlines or periods for complying with the order. 2010, c. 9, s. 75.
Same
(3) An order under subsection (1) is not effective unless the reasons for the order are set out in it. 2010, c. 9, s. 75.
Order re preparation of report
(4) Subject to section 89, the Superintendent may make an order requiring an administrator to take an action specified in subsection (5) if the Superintendent is of the opinion,
(a) that the assumptions or methods used in the preparation of a report required under this Act or the regulations in respect of a pension plan are inappropriate for a pension plan;
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (a) is repealed and the following substituted:
(a) that the assumptions or methods used in the preparation of a report required under this Act or the regulations in respect of a pension plan are not consistent with accepted actuarial practice;
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 39 (1), 49 (4).
(b) that the assumptions or methods used in the preparation of a report required under this Act or the regulations in respect of a pension plan are not consistent with accepted actuarial practice; or
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, clause (b) is repealed and the following substituted:
(b) that the assumptions or methods used in the preparation of a report required under this Act or the regulations in respect of a pension plan are inappropriate in the circumstances for the pension plan, whether or not those assumptions or methods are otherwise consistent with accepted actuarial practice; or
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 39 (1), 49 (4).
(c) that a report submitted in respect of a pension plan does not meet the requirements and qualifications of this Act, the regulations or the pension plan. 2010, c. 9, s. 75.
Same
(5) An order under subsection (4) may include, but is not limited to, requiring the preparation of a new report and specifying the assumptions or methods or both to be used in the preparation of the new report. 2010, c. 9, s. 75.
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 87 is amended by adding the following subsection:
Same
(5.1) An order under subsection (4) may specify one or more deadlines or periods for complying with the order. 2010, c. 24, s. 39 (2).
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 39 (2), 49 (4).
Special order re preparation of report
(6) In such circumstances as may be prescribed, the Superintendent may make an order requiring an administrator, an employer or any other person to prepare and file a new report or another prescribed type of report in respect of a pension plan if the Superintendent is of the opinion that there are reasonable and probable grounds to believe,
(a) that there is a substantial risk to the security of the benefits payable under the pension plan to members, former members, retired members or other persons entitled to payments under the pension plan; or
(b) that there has been a significant change in the circumstances of the pension plan. 2010, c. 9, s. 75.
Same
(7) An order under subsection (6) may,
(a) specify the assumptions or methods or both to be used in the preparation of the report;
(b) require an employer or other person to give the administrator any information necessary to prepare the report;
(c) require the administrator, employer or other person to pay all or part of the cost of preparing the report; and
(d) specify one or more deadlines or periods for complying with the order. 2010, c. 9, s. 75.
Same
(8) The order takes effect immediately upon its making. 2010, c. 9, s. 75.
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (8) is repealed. See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 39 (3), 49 (4).
Notice of special order
(9) The Superintendent shall serve a copy of the order under subsection (6), together with written reasons, upon the administrator, the employer and every other person who is required to comply with it. 2010, c. 9, s. 75.
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 87 is amended by adding the following subsection:
Effective date of order
(10) The order under subsection (6) takes effect on the later of,
(a) the latest date on which a person is served under subsection (9) with a copy of the order; and
(b) the date specified in the order. 2010, c. 24, s. 39 (4).
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 39 (4), 49 (4).
See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 75, 80 (2).
Order by Superintendent
88. (1) The Superintendent, in the circumstances mentioned in subsection (2) and subject to section 89 (hearing and appeal), by order may require an administrator to take the action specified in subsection (3). R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 88 (1); 1997, c. 28, s. 207 (1).
Grounds for order
(2) The Superintendent may make an order under this section where the Superintendent is of the opinion,
(a) that the assumptions or methods used in the preparation of a report required under this Act or the regulations in respect of a pension plan are inappropriate for a pension plan;
(b) that the assumptions or methods used in the preparation of a report required under this Act or the regulations in respect of a pension plan are not consistent with accepted actuarial practice; or
(c) that a report submitted in respect of a pension plan does not meet the requirements and qualifications of this Act, the regulations or the pension plan. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 88 (2); 1997, c. 28, s. 207 (2); 1999, c. 15, s. 15.
Contents of order
(3) An order under this section may include, but is not limited to, requiring the preparation of a new report and specifying the assumptions or methods or both that shall be used in the preparation of the new report. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 88 (3).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 88 is repealed and the following substituted:
Appeal or judicial review of special orders
88. (1) A person who is required to comply with an order made under subsection 87 (6) may appeal the order to the Tribunal by filing a notice of appeal with the Tribunal, and serving it on the Superintendent, within 15 days after the person receives the order. 2010, c. 9, s. 75.
Effect of appeal
(2) The appeal does not stay the order but the Tribunal may grant a stay until it disposes of the appeal. 2010, c. 9, s. 75.
Parties
(3) The parties to the appeal are the appellant, the Superintendent and such other persons as the Tribunal may specify. 2010, c. 9, s. 75.
Power of the Tribunal
(4) The Tribunal may, by order, confirm, vary or revoke the order or substitute another order. 2010, c. 9, s. 75.
Effect of judicial review
(5) An application for judicial review of an order made under subsection 87 (6) or under subsection (4), and any appeal from an order of the court on the application for judicial review, does not stay the order made under subsection 87 (6) or under subsection (4), as the case may be. 2010, c. 9, s. 75.
Same
(6) Despite subsection (5), a judge of the court to which the application is made or a subsequent appeal is taken may grant a stay until the matter is finally determined. 2010, c. 9, s. 75.
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 88 is repealed and the following substituted:
Tribunal hearing re special orders
88. (1) A person who is required to comply with an order made under subsection 87 (6) is entitled to a hearing by the Tribunal about the order if the person delivers a written request to the Tribunal within 30 days after a copy of the order is served on the person. 2010, c. 24, s. 40.
Effect of request
(2) The request for a hearing by the Tribunal does not stay the order, but the Tribunal may grant a stay until it disposes of the request. 2010, c. 24, s. 40.
Hearing
(3) Upon receiving the request made in accordance with subsection (1), the Tribunal shall appoint a time for and hold the hearing. 2010, c. 24, s. 40.
Parties
(4) The parties to the hearing are the person who requests the hearing, the Superintendent and such other persons as the Tribunal specifies. 2010, c. 24, s. 40.
Power of Tribunal
(5) At or after the hearing, the Tribunal by order may confirm, vary or revoke the order or substitute another order. 2010, c. 24, s. 40.
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 40, 49 (4).
See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 75, 80 (2).
Notices of, and Appeals From, Intended Decisions and Orders
Notices and hearings
Notice of intention re registration
89. (1) If the Superintendent intends to refuse to register a pension plan, an amendment to a pension plan or part of an amendment to a pension plan or to revoke such a registration, the Superintendent shall serve notice of the intended decision, together with written reasons for it, on the applicant or administrator of the plan. 2010, c. 24, s. 42 (1).
Notice of intention re various orders
(2) If the Superintendent intends to make or refuse to make any of the following orders, the Superintendent shall serve notice of the intended decision, together with written reasons for it, on the administrator of the pension plan and on any other person to whom the intended order is to be directed:
1. An order under subsection 42 (9) or 43 (5) (repayment of money).
1.1 An order under subsection 68 (6) (effective date of a wind up).
2. An order under subsection 80 (6) or 81 (6) (return of transferred assets).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, paragraph 2 is repealed and the following substituted:
2. An order under subsection 79.2 (15) (return of transferred assets).
See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 77 (2), 80 (2).
3. An order under section 83 (application of the Guarantee Fund).
4. An order under section 87 (administration of pension plan).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, paragraph 4 is repealed and the following substituted:
4. An order under subsection 87 (1) (administration of pension plan).
See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 77 (3), 80 (2).
5. An order under section 88 (preparation of a report). 2010, c. 9, s. 77 (1); 2010, c. 24, s. 42 (2, 3).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, paragraph 5 is repealed and the following substituted:
5. An order under subsection 87 (4) (preparation of a report).
See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 77 (3), 80 (2).
Notice of intention re membership
(3) If the Superintendent intends to make or refuse to make an order requiring an administrator to accept an employee as a member of a class of employees for whom a pension plan is established or maintained, the Superintendent shall serve notice of the intended decision, together with written reasons for it, on the administrator of the pension plan and the Superintendent shall serve, or require the administrator to serve, a copy of the notice and written reasons on the employee. 2010, c. 24, s. 42 (4).
Notice re reimbursement of overpayment, etc.
(3.0.1) If the Superintendent intends to consent or refuse to consent under subsection 62.1 (5) to a payment from the pension fund to the employer, the Superintendent shall serve notice of the intended decision, together with written reasons for it, on the applicant and the Superintendent may require the applicant to transmit a copy of the notice and written reasons to such other persons or classes of persons or both as the Superintendent specifies in the notice to the applicant. 2010, c. 24, s. 42 (5).
Notice re payment of surplus
(3.1) If an application is filed in accordance with subsection 78 (2) for the payment of surplus to the employer and the Superintendent intends to consent or refuse to consent under subsection 78 (1), the Superintendent shall serve notice of the intended decision, together with written reasons for it, on the applicant and on any person who made written representations to the Superintendent in accordance with subsection 78 (3). 2010, c. 24, s. 42 (6).
(3.2) Repealed: 2010, c. 24, s. 42 (7).
Notice re terms and conditions of approval or consent
(4) If the Superintendent intends to refuse to give an approval or consent or intends to attach terms and conditions to an approval or consent under this Act or the regulations, other than a consent referred to in subsection (3.0.1) or (3.1), the Superintendent shall serve notice of the intended decision, together with written reasons for it, on the applicant for the approval or consent. 2010, c. 24, s. 42 (8).
Notice re wind up order
(5) If the Superintendent intends to make an order requiring the wind up of a pension plan or declaring a pension plan wound up, the Superintendent shall serve notice of the intended decision, together with written reasons for it, on the administrator and the employer, and the Superintendent may require the administrator to transmit a copy of the notice and written reasons to such other persons or classes of persons or both as the Superintendent specifies in the notice to the administrator. 2010, c. 24, s. 42 (9).
Notice requiring hearing
(6) A notice under subsection (1), (2), (3), (3.0.1), (3.1), (4) or (5) shall state that the person on whom the notice is served is entitled to a hearing by the Tribunal if the person delivers to the Tribunal, within thirty days after service of the notice under that subsection, notice in writing requiring a hearing, and the person may so require such a hearing. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 89 (6); 1997, c. 28, s. 208 (6); 2010, c. 24, s. 42 (10).
Power of Superintendent
(7) Where the person on whom the notice is served does not require a hearing in accordance with subsection (6), the Superintendent may make the intended decision indicated in the notice. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 89 (7); 2010, c. 24, s. 42 (11).
Hearing
(8) Where the person requires a hearing by the Tribunal in accordance with subsection (6), the Tribunal shall appoint a time for and hold the hearing. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 89 (8); 1997, c. 28, s. 208 (7).
Power of Tribunal
(9) At or after the hearing, the Tribunal by order may direct the Superintendent to make or refrain from making the intended decision indicated in the notice and to take such action as the Tribunal considers the Superintendent ought to take in accordance with this Act and the regulations, and for such purposes, the Tribunal may substitute its opinion for that of the Superintendent. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 89 (9); 1997, c. 28, s. 208 (7); 2010, c. 24, s. 42 (12).
(10) Repealed: 1997, c. 28, s. 208 (8).
Parties
(11) The Superintendent, the person who requires a hearing and such other persons as the Tribunal specifies are parties to the proceeding before the Tribunal under this section. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 89 (11); 1997, c. 28, s. 208 (9).
(12), (13) Repealed: 1997, c. 28, s. 208 (10).
Release of documentary evidence
(14) Documents and things put in evidence at a hearing shall, upon the request of the person who produced them, be released to the person within a reasonable time after the matter in issue has been finally determined. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 89 (14).
90. Repealed: 1997, c. 28, s. 209.
Appeal to court
91. (1) A party to a proceeding before the Tribunal under section 89 may appeal to the Divisional Court from the decision or order of the Tribunal. 1997, c. 28, s. 210 (1).
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, subsection (1) is amended by striking out “section 89” and substituting “section 88 or 89”. See: 2010, c. 9, ss. 78, 80 (2).
Certified copy of record
(2) Upon the request of a party desiring to appeal to the Divisional Court and upon payment of the fee established by the Minister, the Tribunal shall furnish the party with a certified copy of the record of the proceeding, including the documents received in evidence and the decision or order appealed from. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 91 (2); 1997, c. 28, s. 210 (2).
92. Repealed: 1997, c. 28, s. 211.
Financial Services Commission of Ontario
93. Repealed: 2010, c. 1, Sched. 23, s. 11.
94. Repealed: 1997, c. 28, s. 213 (1).
Reciprocal agreements
95. (1) The Commission may, subject to the approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council,
(a) enter into agreements with the authorized representatives of another province or the Government of Canada to provide for the reciprocal application and enforcement of pension benefits legislation, the reciprocal registration, audit and inspection of pension plans and for the establishment of a Canadian association of pension supervisory authorities;
(b) authorize a Canadian association of pension supervisory authorities to carry out such duties on behalf of the Commission as the Commission may require; and
(c) delegate to a pension supervisory authority or the government of a designated jurisdiction such functions and powers under this Act as the Commission may determine and the Commission may accept similar delegations of functions and powers from a pension supervisory authority or the government of a designated jurisdiction. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 95 (1); 2010, c. 1, Sched. 23, s. 12 (1, 2).
Same
(2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), an agreement may provide for,
(a) the delegation of any powers and duties of the Superintendent under this Act and the regulations to a pension supervisory authority or the government of a designated jurisdiction;
(b) the delegation to the Superintendent of any powers and duties of a pension supervisory authority or of the government of a designated jurisdiction under pension benefits legislation. 1999, c. 15, s. 17; 2010, c. 1, Sched. 23, s. 12 (3-5).
Delegation to the Superintendent
(3) The Superintendent may accept a delegation described in clause (2) (b). 1999, c. 15, s. 17.
96. Repealed: 1997, c. 28, s. 213 (1).
Research
97. (1) It is a function of the Superintendent to conduct surveys and research programs and to compile statistical information related to pensions and pension plans. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 97 (1); 1997, c. 28, s. 214.
Provision of information
(2) The Superintendent may request an employer or an administrator or a member of a pension plan to provide information necessary to compile the statistical information and such persons shall comply with the request within a reasonable period of time. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 97 (2); 1997, c. 28, s. 214.
Confidentiality
(3) The Superintendent shall use the information only for the purpose of compiling the statistical information. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 97 (3); 1997, c. 28, s. 214.
Order to provide information to the Superintendent
98. (1) The Superintendent may, by order, require an employer, an administrator or any other person to give such information as the order specifies to the Superintendent or a person designated by the Superintendent for the purpose of enabling the Superintendent or designate to ascertain whether this Act and the regulations are being complied with. 2010, c. 24, s. 43.
Contents
(2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), the order may require the administrator to secure an appraisal of any or all of the assets of the pension fund by one or more independent valuators and provide the appraisal to the Superintendent or designate or it may authorize the Superintendent to obtain an appraisal at the administrator’s expense. 2010, c. 24, s. 43.
Same
(3) The order may specify the form in which information is to be provided and the time within which it is to be provided to the Superintendent or designate. 2010, c. 24, s. 43.
Same
(4) The order has no effect unless the reasons for the order are set out in it. 2010, c. 24, s. 43.
Enforcement
(5) An order under this section, excluding the reasons for the order, may be filed in the Superior Court of Justice and upon being filed it is enforceable as an order of that court. 2010, c. 24, s. 43.
Security
99. Every person entrusted by the Superintendent with the custody or control of money in the course of employment shall give security in the manner and form provided by the Public Officers Act. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 99; 1997, c. 28, s. 216.
Agreements with Designated Jurisdictions
Agreements with designated jurisdictions
100. (1) With the approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, the Minister may enter into one or more agreements on behalf of the Crown with a representative of a designated jurisdiction concerning the pension benefits legislation that governs designated multi-jurisdictional pension plans in Ontario and in the designated jurisdiction. 2010, c. 1, Sched. 23, s. 13.
Contents
(2) An agreement may provide for the application of this Act and the regulations to designated multi-jurisdictional pension plans, the application of the pension benefits legislation of a designated jurisdiction to those plans, the application of the agreement itself to those plans and the supervision and regulation of those plans. 2010, c. 1, Sched. 23, s. 13.
Same, changes in legal requirements
(3) Without limiting the generality of subsection (2), an agreement may provide for any of the following matters in relation to a designated multi-jurisdictional pension plan:
1. It may establish a mechanism for determining whether the Superintendent, or a person who has supervisory or regulatory powers under the pension benefits legislation of another designated jurisdiction, has the principal regulatory jurisdiction for the pension plan.
2. It may provide that this Act and the regulations, or any portion thereof, does not apply with respect to the pension plan in specified circumstances.
3. It may establish additional requirements that apply with respect to the pension plan in specified circumstances.
4. It may provide that a requirement of this Act or a regulation is deemed to be satisfied in respect of the pension plan if a corresponding requirement of the principal regulatory jurisdiction is satisfied or in such other circumstances as may be specified. 2010, c. 1, Sched. 23, s. 13.
Same
(4) For greater certainty, an agreement may provide for the following matters:
Final location
1. If, under a designated multi-jurisdictional pension plan, a member or former member has service in Ontario and in a designated jurisdiction, the agreement may establish requirements for determining the amount of the pension benefits, deferred pension, pension or ancillary benefits or any other amount payable under the pension plan in relation to the member or former member that differ from the requirements that would otherwise apply in the absence of the agreement. The requirements established by the agreement may result in an increase or a decrease in the amount to which the person would otherwise be entitled.
Additional contributions
2. It may require an employer, or a person or entity required to make contributions to the pension plan on the employer’s behalf, to make contributions in addition to those required under this Act and the regulations and may specify the times and manner in which the contributions are to be made.
Allocation of assets
3. It may provide for the allocation of the assets of the pension plan between jurisdictions at the times and in the manner specified. 2010, c. 1, Sched. 23, s. 13.
Same, administrative matters
(5) Without limiting the generality of subsection (2), an agreement may provide for the following matters:
1. Matters respecting the administration and enforcement of this Act and the regulations and of the pension benefits legislation of the designated jurisdiction.
2. The reciprocal application and enforcement of pension benefits legislation and the reciprocal registration, audit and inspection of the designated multi-jurisdictional pension plans.
3. The delegation of any powers or duties of the Superintendent under this Act and the regulations to a person who has supervisory or regulatory powers under the pension benefits legislation of the designated jurisdiction.
4. The delegation to the Superintendent of any powers or duties of a person who has supervisory or regulatory powers under the pension benefits legislation of the designated jurisdiction.
5. The reciprocal exchange of information between the Superintendent and a person who has supervisory or regulatory powers under the pension benefits legislation of the designated jurisdiction if the information is necessary for the purposes of,
i. complying with, implementing or enforcing the agreement, or
ii. the administration and enforcement of this Act and the regulations and the pension benefits legislation of the designated jurisdiction. 2010, c. 1, Sched. 23, s. 13.
Effective date
(6) An agreement or an amendment to an agreement with a designated jurisdiction does not come into effect in Ontario until a date that is specified by regulation. 2010, c. 1, Sched. 23, s. 13.
Same
(7) An agreement with a designated jurisdiction ceases to have effect in Ontario on a date that is specified by regulation. 2010, c. 1, Sched. 23, s. 13.
Publication of agreements
(8) The Minister shall publish each agreement and any amendments to the agreement in The Ontario Gazette. 2010, c. 1, Sched. 23, s. 13.
Status of agreement
101. (1) An agreement under section 100 is enforceable with respect to a designated multi-jurisdictional pension plan as if the agreement formed part of this Act and, in case of a conflict between the agreement and this Act or the regulations, the agreement prevails. 2010, c. 1, Sched. 23, s. 13.
Exception
(2) Sections 84 and 85 prevail over an agreement under section 100. 2010, c. 1, Sched. 23, s. 13.
Restriction
(3) An agreement under section 100 is not enforceable until it is published in The Ontario Gazette. 2010, c. 1, Sched. 23, s. 13.
Status of agreement
(4) An agreement under section 100 is not a regulation within the meaning of Part III (Regulations) of the Legislation Act, 2006. 2010, c. 1, Sched. 23, s. 13.
Exemptions and Special Arrangements
Arrangements re windup of Nortel pension plans
102. (1) This section applies with respect to the following pension plans:
1. The pension plan known as the Nortel Networks Limited Managerial and Non-Negotiated Pension Plan, registered under this Act as number 0342048.
2. The pension plan known as the Nortel Networks Negotiated Pension Plan, registered under this Act as number 0587766. 2011, c. 9, Sched. 35, s. 10.
Transfer re pension
(2) A person who is receiving a pension from a Nortel pension plan as of the date of the wind up of the plan is entitled, despite subsection 73 (2), to require the administrator to transfer an amount equal to the commuted value of the person’s pension into a life income fund that satisfies the prescribed requirements. 2012, c. 8, Sched. 44, s. 8.
Restriction
(2.1) However, the person’s entitlement to the transfer is subject to such conditions and restrictions as may be prescribed. 2012, c. 8, Sched. 44, s. 8.
Direction
(3) The person may exercise his or her entitlement by delivering a direction to the administrator within the prescribed period, and the direction must be in a form approved by the Superintendent and must contain the prescribed information. 2011, c. 9, Sched. 35, s. 10.
Compliance
(4) The administrator shall comply with the direction within the prescribed period of time after it is delivered. 2011, c. 9, Sched. 35, s. 10.
Discharge of administrator
(5) The administrator is discharged on making the payment in accordance with the direction of the person if the payment complies with this Act and the regulations. 2011, c. 9, Sched. 35, s. 10.
Life income fund
(6) In this section,
“life income fund” has the meaning assigned in the regulations. 2011, c. 9, Sched. 35, s. 10.
Pension agency
103. The Lieutenant Governor in Council may establish or designate an agency for the purposes, among others, of receiving, holding and disbursing pension benefits under this Act. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 103.
Transitional
104. Every pension plan that was registered and that continued to be qualified for registration under the Pension Benefits Act, being chapter 373 of the Revised Statutes of Ontario, 1980, immediately before the 1st day of January, 1988 is deemed to be registered. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 104.
Extension of time
105. (1) Upon application by an affected person, the Superintendent may, before or after its expiration, extend any procedural time limit related to the powers conferred on or duties assigned to the Superintendent under this Act or the regulations if the Superintendent is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for applying for the extension. 1997, c. 28, s. 218.
Terms
(2) In granting the extension, the Superintendent may impose such terms or conditions as the Superintendent considers proper. 1997, c. 28, s. 218.
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 105 is repealed and the following substituted:
Extension of time
Procedural time limits
105. (1) Upon application by an affected person, the Superintendent may extend the following time limits, before or after they have expired, if the Superintendent is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for doing so:
1. A procedural time limit related to the powers and duties of the Superintendent under this Act or the regulations. 2010, c. 24, s. 44.
Filing deadlines
(2) Upon application by an affected person, the Superintendent may extend the following time limits subject to the limits indicated, before or after they have expired, if the Superintendent is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for doing so:
1. A time limit related to the filing of such documents as may be prescribed that, under this Act or the regulations, must be filed. The time limit may be extended for a maximum of 60 days and, if the Superintendent is satisfied that extraordinary grounds exist and that no person will be unduly prejudiced, for further periods. 2010, c. 24, s. 44.
Conditions
(3) When extending a time limit under this section, the Superintendent may impose such conditions as he or she considers appropriate in the circumstances. 2010, c. 24, s. 44.
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 44, 49 (4).
Examinations, investigations and inquiries
Interpretation, persons
106. (1) The persons referred to in subsections (3) to (5) and (8) to (10) are the following:
1. The Superintendent.
2. A person designated by the Superintendent, and the designate does not have to be a person who is employed in the Commission. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 106 (1); 1997, c. 28, s. 219; 2010, c. 24, s. 45.
Interpretation, purposes
(2) The purposes mentioned in subsections (3) to (5) and (10) are the following:
1. The administration of this Act and the regulations.
2. The administration of the Guarantee Fund.
3. The enforcement of any section of this Act or the regulations.
4. The exercise of a power or the carrying out of a duty under this Act or the regulations.
5. The carrying out of an order made under this Act.
Entry
(3) For a purpose mentioned in subsection (2), a person mentioned in subsection (1) may enter and have access to, through and over any business premises, where the person has reasonable grounds to believe books, papers, documents or things are kept that relate to a pension plan or pension fund.
Examinations
(4) A person mentioned in subsection (1) may make examinations, investigations and inquiries and may require the production of any book, paper, document or thing related to a pension plan or pension fund.
Copies or extracts
(5) A person mentioned in subsection (1) may make, take and remove or require the making, taking and removal of copies or extracts related to an examination, investigation or inquiry for a purpose mentioned in subsection (2).
Reasonable times
(6) The authority under subsections (3) to (5) shall be exercised only at reasonable times.
Private residence
(7) Subsection (3) is not authority to enter a private residence without the consent of the occupier.
Removal of books, etc., for copying
(8) A person mentioned in subsection (1) who is making an examination, investigation or inquiry may, upon giving a receipt therefor, remove any books, papers, documents or things relating to the subject-matter of the examination, investigation or inquiry for the purpose of making copies of the books, papers, documents or things, but the copying shall be carried out with reasonable dispatch and the books, papers, documents or things shall be returned forthwith after the copying is completed.
Copies
(9) A copy of any written or recorded material found in an examination, investigation or inquiry and purporting to be certified by a person mentioned in subsection (1) is admissible in evidence in any action, proceeding or prosecution for all purposes for which the original would have been admissible.
Application for warrant
(10) If an occupier of premises,
(a) denies entry or access to, through or over the premises to a person mentioned in subsection (1);
(b) instructs a person mentioned in subsection (1) to leave the premises;
(c) obstructs a person mentioned in subsection (1) who is acting for a purpose mentioned in subsection (2);
(d) refuses to comply with a request for the production of any thing the production of which is requested for the purpose of an examination, investigation or inquiry or for a purpose mentioned in subsection (2),
a person mentioned in subsection (1) may apply to a justice of the peace for an inspection order under section 108.
Identification
(11) A person exercising a power under this section shall provide identification at the time of entry. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 106 (2-11).
Opinion, report, etc.
(12) The Superintendent may require a person exercising power under this section to prepare an opinion, report or professional attestation about the results of any examination, investigation or inquiry made by the person under this section.
Cost of examination, etc.
(13) The Superintendent may order any person to pay all or part of the cost of an examination, investigation or inquiry under this section and to pay all or part of the cost of any opinion, report or professional attestation prepared following such an examination, investigation or inquiry (whether or not the opinion, report or attestation was required by the Superintendent), if the Superintendent considers it to be reasonable and fair in the circumstances to do so.
Same
(14) Without limiting the generality of subsection (13), an administrator or employer may be required to make a payment under that subsection. 1999, c. 15, s. 18.
Payment for reports
106.1 The Superintendent may order an administrator, an employer or any other person to pay all or part of the cost of preparing any report required by this Act or the regulations, if the Superintendent considers it to be reasonable and fair in the circumstances to do so. 1999, c. 15, s. 19.
Obstruction
107. (1) No person shall hinder or obstruct a person mentioned in subsection 106 (1) who is lawfully carrying out a duty under this Act.
Private residence
(2) A refusal of consent to enter a private residence is not and shall not be deemed to be hindering or obstructing within the meaning of subsection (1). R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 107.
Order by justice of the peace
108. (1) Where a justice of the peace is satisfied on evidence upon oath or affirmation,
(a) that there is reasonable and probable ground for believing that it is necessary,
(i) to enter and have access to, through and over any premises,
(ii) to make examinations, investigations or inquiries, and
(iii) to make, take and remove photographs, samples, copies or extracts related to an examination, investigation or inquiry,
or to do any of such things, for a purpose mentioned in subsection 106 (2); and
(b) that a person mentioned in subsection 106 (1),
(i) has been denied entry to the premises,
(ii) has reasonable grounds to believe that entry to the premises will be denied,
(iii) has been instructed to leave the premises,
(iv) has been obstructed, or
(v) has been refused production of any thing related to an examination, investigation or inquiry,
by the occupier of the premises,
the justice of the peace may issue an inspection order authorizing a person mentioned in subsection 106 (1) to act as mentioned in clause (a) in respect of the premises specified in the inspection order, by force if necessary, together with such police officer or officers as the person calls upon for assistance.
Execution of order
(2) An inspection order issued under this section shall be executed between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. standard time unless the justice of the peace otherwise authorizes in the order.
Expiry of order
(3) An inspection order issued under this section shall state the date on which it expires, which shall be a date not later than fifteen days after the inspection order is issued.
Application without notice
(4) A justice of the peace may receive and consider an application for an inspection order under this section without notice to and in the absence of the owner or the occupier of the premises. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 108.
Offence
109. (1) Every person who contravenes this Act or the regulations is guilty of an offence.
Idem
(2) Every person who contravenes an order made under this Act is guilty of an offence. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 109.
Penalty
110. (1) Every person who is guilty of an offence under this Act is liable on conviction to a fine of not more than $100,000 for the first conviction and not more than $200,000 for each subsequent conviction. 1997, c. 28, s. 220 (1).
Persons re corporation
(2) Every director, officer, official or agent of a corporation and every person acting in a similar capacity or performing similar functions in an unincorporated association is guilty of an offence if the person,
(a) causes, authorizes, permits, acquiesces or participates in the commission of an offence referred to in section 109 by the corporation or unincorporated association; or
(b) fails to take all reasonable care in the circumstances to prevent the corporation or unincorporated association from committing an offence referred to in section 109. 1997, c. 28, s. 220 (1).
Penalty
(3) A person who is guilty of an offence described in subsection (2) is liable on a first conviction to a fine of not more than $100,000, and on each subsequent conviction to a fine of not more than $200,000, whether or not the corporation or unincorporated association has been prosecuted for or convicted of an offence arising from the same facts or circumstances. 1997, c. 28, s. 220 (1).
Order for payment
(4) Where a person is convicted of an offence related to the failure to submit or make payment to a pension fund or to an insurance company, the court that convicts the person may, in addition to any fine imposed, assess the amount not submitted or not paid and order the person to pay the amount to the pension fund or to the insurance company. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 110 (4).
Enforcement
(5) An order for payment under subsection (4), exclusive of the reasons therefor, may be filed in the Superior Court of Justice and is thereupon enforceable as an order of that court. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 110 (5); 2006, c. 19, Sched. C, s. 1 (1).
Time limit
(6) No prosecution for an offence under this Act shall be commenced after five years after the date when the offence occurred or is alleged to have occurred. 1997, c. 28, s. 220 (2).
Power to restrain
111. Where a provision of this Act or the regulations or an order, approval or consent of the Superintendent under this Act is contravened, in addition to any other remedy and to any penalty imposed by law, the contravention may be restrained by action at the instance of the administrator of the pension plan affected by the contravention. 1997, c. 28, s. 221.
Service
112. (1) Any notice, order or other document under this Act or the regulations is sufficiently given, served or delivered if delivered personally or sent by regular mail addressed to the person to whom it is to be given, served or delivered at the person’s last known address. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 112 (1); 2004, c. 31, Sched, 31, s. 6.
Deemed service
(2) A notice, order or other document sent by regular mail in accordance with subsection (1) shall be deemed to be given, served or delivered on the fifth day after the day of mailing, unless the person to whom it is sent establishes that, acting in good faith, the person did not receive the notice, order or other document, or did not receive it until a later date, through absence, accident, illness or other cause beyond the person’s control. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 112 (2); 2004, c. 31, Sched, 31, s. 6; 2011, c. 9, Sched. 35, s. 11.
General notice
(3) Where the Superintendent is of the opinion that because the persons who are to be given any notice or document under this Act or the regulations are so numerous or for any other reason it is not reasonable to give the notice or document to all or any of the persons individually, the Superintendent may authorize the giving of the notice or document or reasonable notice of the contents of the notice or document to the persons by public advertisement or otherwise as the Superintendent may direct and the date on which the notice or document or the reasonable notice of the contents is first published or otherwise given as directed shall be deemed to be the date on which the notice or document is given. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 112 (3).
Time for actions by administrator
113. An administrator of a pension plan who is required to take an action under this Act or the regulations shall take the action within the prescribed period of time. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 113.
Fees
113.1 The Minister may require the payment of fees in relation to any matter under this Act and may approve the amount of those fees. 1997, c. 28, s. 223.
Forms
113.2 (1) The Superintendent may approve forms for any purpose of this Act and require their use. 1997, c. 28, s. 223.
Content
(2) Any person required to use forms approved by the Superintendent shall provide the information specified in them. 2002, c. 18, Sched. H, s. 5 (2).
Conflict
114. In the event of a conflict between this Act and any other Act, except the Financial Services Commission of Ontario Act, 1997, this Act prevails unless the other Act states that it is to prevail over this Act. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 114; 1997, c. 28, s. 222.
Regulations
115. (1) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations,
(a) prescribing any matter that, under this Act, is permitted or required to be prescribed or to be otherwise done by regulation or in accordance with the regulations;
(b) prescribing the times for filing or the last dates for filing of documents that are required to be filed under this Act;
(c) prescribing reports that shall be submitted to the Superintendent, the contents and the method of preparation of the reports and the persons or classes of persons by whom the reports must be prepared;
(d) prescribing pension benefits that are not guaranteed by the Guarantee Fund;
(e) governing the payment of amounts by employers to the Guarantee Fund under subsection 82 (3.2), including rules,
(i) relating to assessments of amounts required to be paid,
(ii) determining due dates for required payments,
(iii) imposing interest or penalties on late payment or non-payment of amounts required to be paid and describing the method for determining the rate of interest or the amount of a penalty,
(iv) determining the amount of any overpayment made by an employer and the circumstances in which the overpayment is to be refunded or applied in whole or in part against the amount of a future assessment;
(f) prescribing procedures that shall govern the appointments of members of pension committees;
(g) prescribing procedures that shall govern the establishment of advisory committees and the appointments of members of advisory committees;
(h) prescribing requirements and restrictions that apply with respect to actuarial methods and assumptions that may be used in the preparation of reports required under this Act or the regulations;
(i) prescribing the methods of calculating the values of assets and liabilities of pension funds;
(j) prescribing criteria that must be complied with before any surplus may be paid out of a pension fund;
(k) prescribing the rate or the method of determining the rate at which an employer shall pay money due from the employer under this Act on the winding up of a pension plan, and prescribing the manner of payment and to whom the payments shall be made;
(l) regulating or prohibiting the investment of money from pension funds and prescribing investments or classes of investments in which such money may be invested;
(m) prescribing requirements for retirement savings contracts and life annuity contracts between members, former members and retired members of pension plans and trustees to whom administrators may make payment when required in accordance with this Act, requiring such trustees to file specimens of such contracts before such payments may be made, and authorizing the Superintendent to refuse to file a specimen contract that does not meet the requirements;
(n) prescribing the rate of interest and the method of calculating interest payable under this Act or the regulations, if such rate or method is not specified in the requirement for payment of the interest;
(o) Repealed: 1997, c. 28, s. 224 (2).
(p) prescribing the time within which any document specified in the regulations that this Act requires to be given, transmitted, filed or served shall be given, transmitted, filed or served;
(q) prescribing requirements that shall be complied with in the administration of a pension plan;
(r) prescribing records that shall be kept by the administrator of a pension plan and the period of time for which such records shall be retained by the administrator;
(s) requiring the audit of pension plans or classes of pension plans and pension funds and classes of pension funds and prescribing the persons or classes of persons who may perform the audits and the manner of performing the audits;
(t) prescribing the manner of determining the portion of a pension benefit, pension, deferred pension or ancillary benefit that is attributable to employment before the 1st day of January, 1988 or that is attributable to employment on or after the 1st day of January, 1988;
(u) prohibiting or regulating the reduction of bridging benefits or the variation of pension benefits by reference to benefits payable under the Canada Pension Plan, the Quebec Pension Plan or the Old Age Security Act (Canada);
(v) governing the wind up of pension plans or classes of pension plans and prescribing priorities or the method of determining priorities on wind up, including priorities in allocation of assets;
(w) governing the receiving, holding and disbursing of pension benefits by any agency established or designated under this Act;
(x) exempting pension plans, pension funds, employees, administrators or other persons from the application of this Act or the regulations or from any section of this Act or the regulations;
(y) governing the fees that may be imposed by an administrator under section 67.2;
(z) prescribing, for the purposes of the definition of “designated jurisdiction” in subsection 1 (1), any jurisdiction in Canada, including Canada itself, as a jurisdiction in which there is in force legislation substantially similar to this Act;
(z.1) prescribing the date on which an agreement under section 100 comes into effect with respect to a designated jurisdiction, and the date on which such an agreement ceases to have effect with respect to the designated jurisdiction;
(z.2) providing for any matter that the Lieutenant Governor in Council considers necessary or advisable for the implementation of an agreement under section 100. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 115 (1); 1997, c. 28, s. 224; 2007, c. 7, Sched. 31, s. 3 (1); 2009, c. 11, s. 50; 2009, c. 18, Sched. 24, s. 2 (1); 2010, c. 1, Sched. 23, s. 14 (1, 2); 2010, c. 9, s. 79 (1); 2010, c. 24, s. 46 (1).
Scope of regulations
(2) A regulation may be general or particular in its application and may be limited as to time or place or both. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 115 (2).
Adoption of codes in regulations
(3) A regulation may adopt by reference, in whole or in part, with such changes as the Lieutenant Governor in Council considers necessary, any code, formula, standard or procedure, and may require compliance with a code, formula, standard or procedure so adopted. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 115 (3).
Terms, conditions, qualifications, requirements
(4) Any provision of a regulation may be subject to such terms, conditions, qualifications or requirements as are specified in the regulation. R.S.O. 1990, c. P.8, s. 115 (4).
Classes of multi-employer pension plans
(5) Without limiting the generality of subsection (2), a regulation may establish one or more classes of multi-employer pension plans. 2007, c. 7, Sched. 31, s. 3 (2).
Public sector pension plans
(5.1) Different requirements may be prescribed for public sector pension plans than are prescribed for other classes of pension plans. 2010, c. 24, s. 46 (2).
Transitional authority to make retroactive regulations re funding defined benefit plans
(6) A regulation relating to the funding of a pension plan that provides defined benefits, including any regulation prescribing anything referred to in section 55 as being prescribed and any regulation prescribing matters referred to in clause 115 (1) (c) or (i), may come into force on a day earlier than the day the regulation is filed and apply to a period that commences on or after December 31, 2009. 2009, c. 18, Sched. 24, s. 2 (2); 2010, c. 1, Sched. 23, s. 14 (3); 2010, c. 9, s. 79 (2).
Repeal of transitional authority
(7) Subsection (6) is repealed on June 30, 2013. 2009, c. 18, Sched. 24, s. 2 (2); 2010, c. 1, Sched. 23, s. 14 (4); 2011, c. 9, Sched. 35, s. 12; 2012, c. 8, Sched. 44, s. 9.
Note: On a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, the Act is amended by adding the following section:
Review of Act, regulations
116. The Minister shall initiate a review of this Act and the regulations, or portions of this Act and the regulations, every five years beginning within five years after this section comes into force. 2010, c. 24, s. 47.
See: 2010, c. 24, ss. 47, 49 (4).