About

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

Provided by Chambers

Pensions & Benefits - Nationwide - Canada

3
Band 3

What the Team is Known For

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 acted as counsel to Avon Canada and New Avon in connection with a class action proceeding by its retirees claiming a breach of contract regarding termination of their post-retirement benefits.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Michael Wolpert
3
Michael Wolpert
3
Band 3

Michael Wolpert of Fasken splits his time between Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver 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.

Michael mitigates risks in a timely manner and has a broad knowledge of all issues.

Ross Gascho
3
Ross Gascho
3
Band 3

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 has been excellent. He has a tremendous wealth of knowledge and experience and is able to provide very helpful context.

Ranked Lawyers at
Fasken

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Nationwide - Canada

Pensions & Benefits

Michael Wolpert
3
Michael Wolpert
3
Band 3
Ross Gascho
3
Ross Gascho
3
Band 3

Members

Provided by Fasken