The New Brunswick Task Force on Protecting Pensions has released a briefing note, outlining its plan to examine the pension risk management practices and regulatory structures being adopted by other jurisdictions, and to review written submissions "that promote and protect pension coverage".

As I discussed in an earlier blog post, New Brunswick was the fifth jurisdiction in Canada to appoint an expert panel to review pensions when it announced the formation of the Task Force last fall. The Task Force has indicated that it intends to issue an interim report, based on its initial review and stakeholders' submissions, in the fall of 2011, and that it will present recommendations to the New Brunswick government aimed at encouraging risk management and risk sharing and ensuring the long-term sustainability of New Brunswick pension plans. Written submissions are due by September 19, 2011 and may be sent via e-mail to: pensions-retraite@gnb.ca.

There will be an opportunity for further stakeholder feedback following the release of the interim report. The Task Force expects to review and evaluate the feedback it receives and issue its final report in the spring of 2012.

Lesha Van Der Bij, as a member of Osler's Knowledge Management team, Lesha facilitates Osler's efficient, effective and timely delivery of cutting-edge legal advice to clients by ensuring that the Pensions & Benefits and Labour & Employment Departments' legal, intellectual and practical expertise is captured and readily accessible by all legal professionals.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.