Imminent C/QPP Expansion versus Targeted PRPP Solution; PEI Announces Changes to its Public Sector Pensions

These are among the subjects included in the current issue of the Morneau Shepell News & Views, a monthly publication dedicated to providing insights to its clients in Canada

TORONTO, Nov. 27, 2013 /CNW/ - Morneau Shepell, in the current issue of its newsletter, News & Views, points to Canada being on the verge of a major development in pension reform.

• IMMINENT C/QPP EXPANSION OR TARGETED PRPP SOLUTION? - We have witnessed several events over the last few months focusing on improvements to our retirement system.  But governments need to consider carefully the implications of a possible expansion in the Canada/Quebec Pension Plan and they might want to examine simpler solutions as well.
• P.E.I. ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO PUBLIC SECTOR PENSIONS - Pointing to an estimated $400 million deficit its public sector pension plans, the government of Prince Edward Island recently announced significant changes that will impact the civil servants (as well as health sector workers) and teachers belonging to the two large plans in the province.
• CANADA-EUROPEAN UNION TRADE AGREEMENT INCLUDES CHANGES TO PRESCRIPTION DRUG PATENT RULES - Under the trade agreement in principle signed in October between Canada and the European Union, prescription drug patent protection could be extended by up to two years, delaying the availability of lower cost, generic equivalent drugs.
• MARKET INDICES - Monthly summary of returns from various market indices such as the TSX Group / PC Bond Indices and Canadian, U.S. and Foreign Equity Indices. Also includes returns from benchmark portfolios used by pension funds.
• TRACKING THE FUNDED STATUS OF DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLANS - Impact of past returns on plan assets and the effect of interest rate changes on solvency liabilities.
• IMPACT ON PENSION EXPENSE UNDER INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNTING - Expense impact for a typical defined benefit pension plan.

About Morneau Shepell Inc.
Morneau Shepell is the largest company in Canada offering human resources consulting and outsourcing services. The Company is the leading provider of Employee and Family Assistance Programs, as well as the largest administrator of retirement and benefits plans. Through health and productivity, administrative, and retirement solutions, Morneau Shepell helps clients reduce costs, increase employee productivity, and improve their competitive position. Established in 1966, Morneau Shepell serves more than 8,000 clients, ranging from small businesses to some of the largest corporations and associations in North America. With approximately 3,300 employees in offices across North America, Morneau Shepell provides services to organizations across Canada, in the United States, and around the globe. Morneau Shepell is a publicly-traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: MSI). For more information, visit morneaushepell.com.

SOURCE: Morneau Shepell Inc.

Nathan Gibson
Corporate Communications
416-390-2641
[email protected]