On October 13, 2020, PIAC commented on OSFI’s proposed Instruction Guide for the Preparation of Actuarial Reports for Defined Benefit Pension Plans. PIAC outlined in detail its concerns regarding changes in the determination of liability values using the replicating portfolio approach, and a supervisory cap on the going concern discount rate. Both issues particularly impact PIAC’s federally regulated plans. PIAC questioned the timing of both proposals, which put further pressure on resources at a time when the cash could be reinvested in businesses and the economic recovery. PIAC re-iterated the urgent need to reform pension funding rules at the federal level, which PIAC has sought for many years, given the record low interest rates and weak growth outlook due to COVID-19. PIAC urged the federal government to follow the direction of the larger provinces by moving to a single going-concern funding regime. For the full report visit https://piac.in1touch.org/site/publications/advocacy

On September 16, 2020 PIAC commented on FSRA's draft Principles and Practices Regarding Missing Members. PIAC supported the transfer of unlocatable members’ assets on plan wind up and automatic small benefit unlocking where FSRA has appointed an administrator. The increase of the small benefit threshold and a discharge for benefits of missing members at a certain age was recommended. PIAC advocated for a vehicle that allows plans to send money on behalf of unlocatable members so that the responsibility for these benefits rests with a government entity such as the Bank of Canada. PIAC encouraged the creation of a missing member registry and information sharing arrangements with governments. A waiver on sending statements for missing retired members would alleviate an administrative burden, but PIAC questioned the need for a waiver, since sending confidential pension information to an incorrect address may contravene the administrator’s duty of care.