On January 9, 2009, the Government of Canada launched a consultation process for federally regulated private pension plans with the release of a discussion paper entitled, “Strengthening the Legislative and Regulatory Framework for Private Pension Plans Subject to the Pension Benefits Standards Act, 1985”.  The paper can be viewed on the Department of Finance website at www.fin.gc.ca/n08/09-005-eng.asp

Canadians are welcome to share their views on this issue, and may make on-line submissions to pensions@fin.gc.ca until midnight, March 16, 2009.  Individuals may also use this address to express their interest in presenting at one of the public consultation meetings I will be chairing. 

I am writing to advise you that I will be chairing a public meeting on federal regulation of pension plans in the below cities and would like to request your assistance in circulating this message within your constituency.

Furthermore, should your schedule permit and you are in the area I would like to invite you to join me during the morning meetings. 

The meetings will take place at the following locations during the March Constituency Week:

March 13–Ottawa
Venue: Old City Hall
Address: 111 Sussex Drive
Meeting room: Victoria Hall
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

March 17–Halifax
Venue: Prince George Hotel
Address: 1725 Market Street
Meeting room: Regency Room
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

March 18–Montréal
Venue: Queen Elizabeth Hotel
Address: 900 René Lévesque Blvd. West
Meeting room: Jolliet Room
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

March 20–Toronto
Venue: The Fairmont Royal York
Address: 100 Front Street West
Meeting room: Confederation 5/6
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

The meetings will take place at the following locations during the April Constituency Week:

April 14–Vancouver
Venue: The Westin Bayshore
Address: 1601 Bayshore Drive
Meeting room: Cypress Room
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

April 15–Whitehorse
Venue: High Country Inn
Address: 4051 – 4th Avenue
Meeting room: Ballroom A & B
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

April 16–Edmonton
Venue: The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
Address: 10065 – 100 Street
Meeting room: Jasper Room
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

April 17–Winnipeg
Venue: Winnipeg Convention Centre
Address: 375 York Avenue
Meeting room: Millennium Room
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

The Government intends to make permanent improvements to the legislative and regulatory framework for federally regulated private pension plans before the end of the year.  Important consideration will be given to the views expressed during the consultation meetings on this issue. On behalf of Minister Flaherty and I, we appreciate your assistance in making these public hearings a success.

Please RSVP to menzies.t@parl.gc.ca at your earliest convenience.

Thank you,

Ted Menzies, MP
 Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance