Julius Melnitzer | November 15, 2016

Uncertainty surrounding litigation outcome puts a damper on pension reform Employers across the country are keeping a close eye on New Brunswick, as the province becomes the legal battleground where decisions on the scope of the right to convert defined benefit pension plans into target benefit plans will likely play out.

“The judge in our case has already acknowledged that all eyes in Canada are on this litigation,” says Ari Kaplan, a Toronto lawyer. Kaplan is co-counsel for the plaintiffs, who are all members of a group known as Pension Coalition NB, in the case of Kennedy v. New Brunswick.

The Coalition received late last week Judge Clendening's decision on the issue of representation‎.  Given that we received a negative decision and following discussion with our legal counsel, the Steering Committee authorized an appeal to be filed with the Court of Appeal.  The appeal documents were filed Friday, Nov 4, 2016. This appeal is now scheduled for hearing on December 15, 2016.
 

Good day Pension Coalition NB supporters – we hope you are having a terrific summer in spite of the high humidity felt in most of NB this summer.  Fall is just around the corner which means less humidity and more comfortable temperatures.
 
We are reaching out to you at this time to solicit financial support for our operational fund.  As there are 2 legal cases advocating for the recognition of the rights of retirees slowly moving through the judicial system, we feel it's important for the Coalition to keep its members properly informed, as opposed to you hearing it from the media.  At this stage, our operational fund is close to depletion and have only enough funds for the next couple of months.  Our monthly costs of approximately $600 cover the costs of maintaining our website (and membership information) as well as the toll free number through Bell Aliant and our mailbox.  If we were to lose the contract for our website, there would be no way to communicate with you in the future. We think you would agree that keeping that line of communication open is essential.

We had two days in court, July 12 and 13, where our legal counsel, Ari Kaplan, presented our case to Madam Justice Judy Clendening, for a Representation Order.  If the Order is granted, he will be the legal representative of all affected pensioners whose rights were vested as of January 1, 2014 unless they decide to opt out of his representation and presumably, retain their own counsel.

Judge Clendening has reserved judgement and her decision will be forthcoming.

Thanks to all who attended court those two days to show solidarity and support – it was much appreciated.  Have a wonderful summer with family and friends and we will be in touch when a decision has been granted.

Pension Coalition NB

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Notre avocat Ari Kaplan‎, était présent le 12 et 13 juillet dernier, devant la Juge Judy Glendenning, ou il revendiquait pour une decision de la Cour, pour la représentativité des Retraités. Si la Cour lui donne raison, il sera le représentant légal de tous retraités qui avaient, des droits acquis en date du 1er janvier, 2014. Toute personne ne voulant pas faire parti de cette représentation, peut opter pour une exclusion et possiblement retenir leur propre représentant juridique.

La Juge Glendenning doit déposer sa décision plus tard.

Un merci spécial à ceux et celles qui étaient présent avec nous en Cour. Votre appui est fort apprécier.
Nous aimerions vous souhaiter un bel été et dès qu' une décision sera rendu, nous vous en ferons part.

Pension Coalition NB