Acting in the best interest of the Plan and its members
The CAAT Pension Plan is an independent, multi-employer Registered Pension Plan. By law the Plan must act in the best interest of the Plan and its members. Plan governors and staff abide by a number of important governance policies and guidelines. A few policies may be of use to members are outlined below.
Restated as of January 1, 2018 and consolidated to March 25, 2024.
Read the blacklined version of the CAAT Pension's Plan Text.
How we protect the confidentiality of your personal information. Visit the Privacy page.
How the Plan ensures accessibility for all stakeholders. Visit the Accessible Service Plan page.
The processes for reviewing interpretations of the provisions of the CAAT Pension Plan and resolving disputes and appeals on the part of individuals concerning their entitlements.
The Plan’s Review and Appeal Policy (See Downloads, below) sets out the framework and procedures for those with Plan entitlements to seek clarification concerning those entitlements, and to file an appeal with the Board of Trustees if they dispute the explanation they have received.
The Policy highlights and affirms the Board of Trustees’ commitment to ensuring that all information has been considered in administrative decisions, and that the intent of Plan provisions has been followed.
Right of review and appeal
Any individual who disagrees with an interpretation or application of Plan provisions made by staff concerning an entitlement may request a review, to be conducted by the Chief Legal & Regulatory Affairs Officer. This is the first step of a two-step process. The individual is responsible for providing complete documentation on all relevant issues.
If not satisfied with the conclusion reached by the Chief Legal & Regulatory Affairs Officer, the individual may then file an appeal with the Appeals Subcommittee of the Board of Trustees. This is the second step of the process. The Board of Trustees has delegated its authority to the Appeals Subcommittee to adjudicate appeals. The Board may review decisions of the Appeals Subcommittee if those decisions are inconclusive. There is no recourse within the Review and Appeal Policy to challenge a decision of the Board.
Note that the right of appeal does not extend to an interpretation by Plan staff that is required by law, or to a dispute in which there is a prior appeal decision on a similar set of facts.
Third party representation
The individual can authorize another person, such as a lawyer, to initiate or pursue a review or appeal. The Authorization to Discuss and Disclose Information form can be used for this purpose.
Review and Appeal Process
The Policy is accompanied by a Review and Appeal Process, which provides more details concerning the process. Each level of review, the Review and the Appeal, has an accompanying form that individuals will use to initiate the process. Review materials, along with the Request for Review form, should be directed to the attention of the Chief Legal & Regulatory Affairs Officer. Appeal materials, along with the Request for Appeal form, should be directed to the attention of the CEO and Plan Manager, who has been appointed by the Board of Trustees to administer the appeal process on its behalf.
Review and Appeal Policy (PDF)
Review and Appeal Process (PDF)
Request for Review form (PDF)
Request for Appeal form (PDF)
Authorization to Discuss and Disclose Information form (PDF)