National Summit on Pension Reform to feature top Canadian speakers, examine recent New Brunswick public pension overhaul

OTTAWA, Feb. 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Responding to an urgent need for a candid, high-level conversation about pensions, Canada's Public Policy Forum and the Government of New Brunswick are convening a National Summit on Pension Reform in Fredericton, NB, February 19-20, 2013.

The Summit will examine issues such as pension sustainability, inter-generational equity, and the private sector savings gap. The Summit will also analyze New Brunswick's experience with its own recent public pension reforms, and will explore whether this model can be emulated elsewhere.

"We are proud to welcome leaders from across the country to share, discuss, and develop new strategies and ideas to deal with this serious global challenge," says the Honourable David Alward, Premier of New Brunswick. "In New Brunswick, this inclusive approach has helped our government work with partners to bring forward an innovative, sustainable, and affordable pension model that provides workers and citizens with confidence for the future."

The Summit will bring together a diverse group of leaders and experts from governments, private companies and labour unions across Canada. Confirmed speakers include:

• New Brunswick Premier David Alward
• The Hon. Ted Menzies, federal Minister of State for Finance
• Jim Leech, President and CEO, Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan
• Marilyn Quinn, President, New Brunswick Nurses' Union
• Gerald McCaughey, President and CEO, CIBC
• Sue Rowland, Chair, New Brunswick Task Force on Protecting Pensions
• William Morneau, Executive Chairman, Morneau Shepell
• Paul Moist, National President, Canadian Union of Public Employees
• Globe and Mail columnist Jeffrey Simpson

"Demographic shifts and ongoing economic volatility are increasing pressure on both public and private pensions," says David Mitchell, President and CEO of the Forum, "In order to ensure our retirement plans are both sustainable and equitable without placing unbearable strain on public or corporate finances, we must start exploring creative solutions with leaders from all sectors. That's the kind of dialogue we are aiming for at this Summit."

Sessions are open to the media. Interviews with speakers can be arranged through the media contacts below. A detailed report on the National Summit on Pension Reform will be made public later this spring.

For more information on the Summit, including agenda updates, visit www.ppforum.ca/pension-reform. Follow the Summit on Twitter: @ppforumca, #cdnpensionsummit.

The Public Policy Forum is an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of government in Canada through enhanced dialogue among the public, private, academic and non-profit sectors.

SOURCE: PUBLIC POLICY FORUM

Natasha Gauthier
Director of Communications, Public Policy Forum
[phone], ext. 220
[email protected]

Brendan Langille
Director of Communications
New Brunswick Department of Finance
[phone]
[email protected]