Canadian pension and benefit plans are facing a pivotal moment, where shifting caselaw, evolving regulations, and new legislative developments are redefining what it means to manage risk, ensure compliance, and protect members. Specifically, the panel will address:

• How are courts interpreting fiduciary duties in light of longevity risks and ESG considerations? How have adjudicators addressed whether terminating benefits at age 65 is discriminatory?
• How are arbitrators and courts interpreting the treatment of leaves of absence, including short and long-term disability leaves, in relation to pension contributions and benefit accruals?
• What new regulatory or legislative developments (CPP enhancements, CAPSA guidelines, etc.) should plan administrators be prepared for in 2026?
• How are governments and regulators addressing pension plan resilience in the face of economic uncertainty, including solvency funding, annuity buyouts, and de-risking strategies?
• What compliance challenges are arising around disclosure, member communications, and cybersecurity in pension administration?