| |
1 |
PURPOSE |
| |
1.1 |
The purpose of this directive is to inform compensation advisors of the new Pension Benefits Division Act (PBDA) process, effective September 7, 2004. |
| |
1.2 |
This directive must be read in conjunction with Section 4.13.1 of the Superannuation Administration Manual (SAM), SAM Special Bulletin 2003-004 and Compensation Directive 2004-007. |
| |
1.3 |
In this text, use of the masculine is generic and applies to both men and women. |
| |
1.4 |
A PBDA contact information sheet and the new process for compensation advisors have been included with this Compensation Directive.
|
| |
2 |
BACKGROUND |
| |
2.1 |
In March 2003, the Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) Compensation Sector released the findings of a nine-month study on pension services. The study, conducted with the agreement of the Human Resources (HR) Forum, assessed the current delivery of pension services and proposed how they could be delivered in the future. The HR Forum and the Treasury Board Secretariat have endorsed the proposal and PWGSC's Pension Services Directorate is beginning to implement the new model. |
| |
2.2 |
The Pension Services Delivery Project (PSDP) has been established to develop and progressively implement new pension services and business processes in accordance with the new model. The model will centralize pension administration services to allow for the direct provision of services to employees. As well, it will establish self-service options for employees using several channels for accessing pension expertise. The project is expected to take several years to complete and will include stakeholder consultations at every stage of the process. The project will bring significant changes in the way pension services are delivered by compensation advisors. |
| |
2.3 |
Over the past year, a National Working Group, composed of about 40 compensation advisors from across Canada, has been providing feedback regarding the centralization of PBDA pension services.
|
| |
3 |
POLICY |
| |
3.1 |
Effective September 7, 2004, the administration of all PBDA activities, including providing advice to employees, spouses/ex-spouses or legal representatives will be the responsibility of the Superannuation, Pension Transition and Client Services Sector (SPTCSS) in Shediac, New Brunswick.
|
| |
4 |
PROCEDURES/INSTRUCTIONS |
| |
4.1 |
Under the new procedure, employees, spouses/ex-spouses or legal representatives will receive expert pension advice directly from a team of PBDA specialists in the SPTCSS. PBDA estimates will be provided, with few exceptions, based on the data available in PWGSC systems. |
| |
4.2 |
Compensation advisors will provide employees, spouses/ex-spouses or legal representatives with the necessary SPTCSS information such as telephone numbers and Web site address. For this purpose, the PBDA contact information sheet has been included with this compensation directive. |
| |
4.3 |
On an exception basis, the compensation advisors will provide data verification as requested by the SPTCSS team before a PBDA estimate can be properly calculated. |
| |
4.4 |
Refer to the new PBDA process for compensation advisors for additional details. The document has been included with this Compensation Directive. |
| |
4.5 |
The process for PBDA applications has not changed, the responsibility remains with SPTCSS.
|
| |
5 |
COMMUNICATIONS |
| |
5.1 |
The project team will monitor the progress following implementation and will keep you apprised of the progress. |
| |
5.2 |
For additional information regarding project objectives, targeted services, and upcoming project activities, please consult the project Web site accessible in September 2004 at http://www.pwgsc.gc.ca/compensation/psdp.
|
| |
6 |
INQUIRIES |
| |
6.1 |
Any inquiries on the information contained in this document should be addressed to your PWGSC Compensation Services Office.
|
[Print Version]