Active Member Newsletter October 2025

Retirement planning is about more than just numbers. It’s about ensuring you and your loved ones feel secure, supported, and confident about the future. That’s why, on May 28, 2025, we introduced exciting enhancements to your pension plan, designed to offer greater flexibility and protection for your loved ones, when it matters most.

What changed?

1. Extended minimum payment guarantee 
   You’ve worked hard to build your pension — and now, there’s added peace of mind. If you pass away early in retirement, your loved ones will receive at least 180 times your first monthly pension payment.

   This extends the previous 60-month guarantee and offers more financial security for those who matter most. It’s automatic, comes at no extra cost, and applies to members who are alive on or after May 28, 2025. (Note: it doesn’t apply to survivor pensions already in pay.)

2. New 100% survivor pension option

   If you have a spouse, you now have more choice. Alongside the default 60% survivor pension, you can choose 75% or 100% — giving your spouse more financial security for life. Selecting a higher survivor benefit will reduce your own pension, and the change is permanent. This option is available to members retiring on or after May 28, 2025.

Our commitment to supporting you 

These enhancements reflect CAAT’s ongoing commitment to evolving with your needs. With a strong funding position and a member-first approach, we’re proud to offer improvements that help you retire with confidence—and provide peace of mind for those closest to you.

You asked, we answered

Q: Who qualifies for these enhancements? 
The 180-month guarantee applies to all members who were alive on or after May 28, 2025. The 100% survivor option is available to members retiring on or after that date.

Q: Can I change my survivor option after retiring? 
No. Survivor options must be selected before your first pension payment begins. Once your pension starts, your choice is locked in. 

Q: What happens if I selected a 100% survivor pension and my spouse passes away before I do? 
We understand this can be a difficult scenario to think about, which is why it’s important to take time when choosing your survivor benefit. Everyone’s situation is unique, and your decision should reflect what’s best for you and your family.

If you’ve chosen a 100% survivor pension, your pension amount is adjusted to reflect that choice — and that adjustment remains in place even if your spouse passes away before you. 

Q: Does inflation protection still apply to the 100% survivor pension option? 
Yes. Conditional inflation increases continue to apply, whether you choose the 60%, 75%, or new 100% survivor option.

Q: How do I update my beneficiary information? 
Keeping your beneficiary details current ensures your pension supports those who matter most. You can update your information anytime by logging into My Pension.

Q: Why do I need to name a beneficiary?

Naming a beneficiary ensures your pension benefits go to the person you choose. It helps avoid delays or complications and ensures your pension provides the protection you intend.   

At CAAT, innovation isn’t a buzzword. It’s about designing the right solutions that genuinely benefit you as a member. It’s how we’ve built your defined benefit pension, and why we offer new solutions like GROWTHplus. We are proud to be recognized internationally for our ongoing efforts, most recently with a nomination for the Excellence in Plan Design at the 2025 Pensions & Investments WorldPensionSummit Excellence and Innovation Awards. 

This recognition reflects a commitment across our entire staff to innovate with purpose and deliver meaningful outcomes for our members. 

GROWTHplus is celebrating its first year — and it’s helping more members grow their retirement savings with confidence.

This optional, tax-sheltered investment account works alongside your defined benefit or DB pension, giving you a simple way to save more with CAAT’s trusted investment team. Whether you’re just starting out or planning ahead, GROWTHplus offers:

• Strong long-term returns — 10-year average of  9.6%
• Professional investment management — no guesswork required
• Lifetime participation — stay invested even after retirement

If you haven’t explored GROWTHplus yet, now’s a great time to see how it can support your financial goals.

• Watch the explainer video
• Log into My Pension to use the GROWTHplus modeller
• Questions? Call us at 1-866-350-2228 we’re here to help you

You know what it’s like to be a CAAT member — what’s helpful, what’s confusing, and what could be even better. That’s why very soon we’ll be inviting you to join the CAAT Insights Panel — a community of members who help us improve the tools, communications, and services you use every day.

Why your voice matters

• You influence real change. Your feedback helps us design better experiences from the way we explain your pension to the tools and services we offer. In fact, member input helped shape GROWTHplus.

• It’s quick and easy. Every so often, you’ll get a short survey – quick, simple, and designed to give you a chance to share your thoughts on things that matter to you.

Keep an eye on your inbox for your invitation.

CAAT’s free online learning sessions are a great way to understand your DB pension — no matter where you are in your career. These sessions are led by pension experts who make complex topics easy to understand. You’ll also have the chance to ask questions throughout.

What’s new?

We’ve updated our Retirement Planning and A Future You Can Count On: Your CAAT Pension sessions to reflect recent plan changes. If you’ve attended before, this is your chance to catch up on the latest information from the Plan.

We’re also continuing to offer education on GROWTHplus to help you learn how it works and what it could mean for you. Stay tuned for dates to save your spot.

No commute needed — just click and join

You can join a session from anywhere, including the comfort of your own home. Find the time that’s right for you.

The Member Care Centre team is equipped with a blend of technical knowledge and genuine care. Each team member completes extensive training in pension administration and service excellence, including a recent service management certification that focuses on:

• Relationship building 

• Clear, compassionate communication

• Active listening and needs-based support 

This training ensures that when you reach out – whether you’re planning for retirement, managing a life change, or simply looking for clarity – you’re met with someone who understands both the facts and the feelings behind your questions.

How can we help?

• Contact the Member Care Centre  
  We’re here to help by phone at 1-866-350-2228 or secure messaging through My Pension.

• Visit the Support Centre  
  Find answers to your pension questions, day or night.