News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Responding to an urgent need for a candid, high-level conversation about pensions, Canada's Public Policy Forum and the New Brunswick government are convening a National Summit on Pension Reform in Fredericton, Feb. 19-20.

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 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," said Premier David Alward. "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:

●    Alward;
●    Ted Menzies, federal minister of state for finance;
●    Jim Leech, president and chief executive officer, Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan;
●    Marilyn Quinn, president, New Brunswick Nurses' Union;
●    Gerald McCaughey, president and chief executive officer, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce;
●    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; and
●    Jeffrey Simpson, columnist, Globe and Mail.

"Demographic shifts and ongoing economic volatility are increasing pressure on both public and private pensions," said David Mitchell, president and chief executive officer of the forum. "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 is the kind of dialogue we are aiming for at this summit."  

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

For more information about the summit, including agenda updates, visit http://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.