Pension law and regulation is complex, technical and, to the unwary or uninitiated, a minefield of potential liability. The list of “must know” topics seems endless: difficulties in dealing with shortfalls in funding; problems with handling plans during mergers, acquisitions and takeovers; multi-employer plans; governance and risk management issues; the complex technical and practical issues involved in insolvency situations and the growth of class actions. In addition, employment law and human rights considerations in the pensions context are becoming all the more apparent, while concerns about pension law reform, and the very future of pensions themselves remain front and centre.

As a lawyer, pension professional, CFO, HR Manager, Consultant or executive sitting on a pension committee, you may be called upon to give advice on or make decisions concerning pension issues. It is critical that you have an understanding of the key issues and their implications. This unique Osgoode Certificate in Pension Law, now in its second year, was developed to provide a comprehensive review and analysis of the major areas of pension law and practice. This ground-breaking program is taught by acknowledged experts in the pension field who will equip you with the knowledge, insights, strategies and tactics you need in your day-to-day work.

Key Benefits: What You Will Learn

• Savings and investment over the life cycle – overview of the role of pensions
• A review of the regulatory framework
• Pension plans and the employment relationship – key areas of concern
• Pension investment principles
• Asset liability studies
• Conversion of DB to DC – key legal and structural considerations
• MEPPS and other multiple employer plans
• Pensions in corporate transactions and restructuring – the principal considerations
• Pension governance and risk management
• Key strategies to manage plans during insolvency
• Increasing class action activity concerning plan deficits – what you need to know
• Pension litigation – the landmark cases
• The future of pension reform: expert roundtable discussion on where things are headed

Program Directors

Mark Newton, Heenan Blaikie LLP
Jeremy J. Forgie, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

OPD Program Lawyer

David Thomas

dthomas@osgoode.yorku.ca