Pensions & Benefits
Canada Guide 2025 : Nationwide - Canada
Band 3
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+1 416 366 8381About
Provided by Fasken
We address pension and benefit plan structure, funding, conversions, investment, governance, freezes and wind-ups for all types of registered and non-registered plans. We draft and review all plan documents, including the funding and governance policies that are becoming mandatory. As stakeholder communications gain importance, we work with clients to structure effective messaging, ensure regulatory compliance and reduce the risk of litigation down the road.
We are well-known for our expertise in pension and benefits litigation. Fasken represented the first employer in Canada to succeed in a pension dispute before the Supreme Court of Canada. We have particular expertise in dealing with pension priority issues in insolvency proceedings.
We regularly address pensions and benefits issues in the context of M&A transactions, bank loans and restructurings.
We advise on incentive plans for executives and broader employee groups. As well as drafting new plans, we adapt plans of foreign parent companies to the Canadian tax and securities law regimes.
Our clients include employers of all types, plan administrators, financial institutions, governments, actuarial and benefits consultants and pension regulators.
Chambers Review
Fasken offers an experienced pensions team exhibiting strengths in matters ranging from the administration and governance of complex pension plans to advising on the benefits aspects of contentious claims. The firm has notable experience of pensions litigation and represents a range of international and national employers, plan administrators and agencies across various sectors, including financial services, manufacturing and energy. It maintains a strong bench in this field, with teams of pensions specialists in Vancouver, Toronto, Montréal and Calgary.
Work Highlights
- Fasken advised TC Energy on a range of issues regarding plans, including governance, investment, trust and day-to-day administration.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Fasken's expertise in pensions and related legal provisions has been superb. The experience of the pension lawyers has been invaluable to the work we have undertaken together."
"They have very experienced lawyers with a pragmatic approach."
"Fasken handle all of our issues seamlessly. They are excellent generalists and subject matter experts, with timely and high-quality services."
"The team members we have interacted with exhibited very strong depth in their areas of expertise. They are committed to providing a high level of service, which includes being very responsive."
"Fasken has a strong team nationally to assist us with any inquiry. They have experts in all fields."
"Fasken's expertise in pensions and related legal provisions has been superb. The experience of the pension lawyers has been invaluable to the work we have undertaken together."
"They have very experienced lawyers with a pragmatic approach."
"Fasken handle all of our issues seamlessly. They are excellent generalists and subject matter experts, with timely and high-quality services."
"The team members we have interacted with exhibited very strong depth in their areas of expertise. They are committed to providing a high level of service, which includes being very responsive."
"Fasken has a strong team nationally to assist us with any inquiry. They have experts in all fields."
Notable Practitioners
Michael Wolpert of Fasken splits his time between Toronto and Calgary and is widely praised for his work in pension and benefits reorganisations, as well as advising on the governance and administration of both private and public sector pension plans.
"I am incredibly pleased working with Michael. He is a trusted and reliable advisor."
Ross Gascho is a skilled pensions lawyer based in Fasken's Toronto office, who possesses notable experience advising on federal pension plans. His clients include insurers and other financial institutions, and he has experience concerning both governance and investment issues.
"Ross' significant understanding of market practices and commercial considerations means he consistently provides actionable solutions aligned with business objectives."
"Ross is always available to assist us on pension matters."
"Ross is a very professional, practical lawyer providing expertise in pension law through complicated pension plan transactions and changes."
"Ross is very commercial and collaborative."
Allyson Marta is based in Fasken's Toronto office and focuses on pensions and benefits in corporate transactions, creditor/debtor agreements and restructurings and insolvencies. She advises clients in public and private sectors on pension plan compliance, governance, investments and administration.
"Working with Allyson feels like working with an extended member of the team. The strong working relationship she built resulted in a more ready exchange of information and creative problem-solving."
"Allyson Marta is a great lawyer."
Ranked Lawyers at
Fasken
Nationwide - Canada