Challenges for Jointly Sponsored Pension Plans

Amidst the wave of pension reform in Ontario, one crest has peaked above the rest; jointly sponsored pension plans ("JSPPs") are under close examination by the government and the public. While JSPPs have proven to be a successful model of pension governance, they present some unusual governance challenges for stakeholders and advisors.

In this paper, we explore the current JSPP framework before moving to the very recent initiatives of the Ontario Government. As announcements continue up to the date of this writing, we offer no predictions for the future of JSPPs but the most obvious: successful growth of JSPPs in Ontario will require cooperation and compromise from all stakeholders, including government, members and sponsors.