Frequently Asked Questions

The Panel’s recommendations are non-binding. It will deliver its report to the Province and the NSTU, who jointly appointed it. The role of the Panel will then be complete.

The Panel cannot advise on personal pension matters and plan provisions. These questions should be addressed to the Plan Administrator at TPPTI@nspension.ca.

The Panel has not determined what a “reasonable period of time” will be for its recommendations. As a benchmark, pension legislation across Canada ranges between 10-15 years as the standard recovery period for addressing an unfunded liability.

The Panel has been asked to provide its non-binding recommendations to the Province and the NSTU by July 31, 2022. Anything beyond that timeframe is the decision of the Province and NSTU.

The Panel’s mandate is to provide non-binding recommendations to make the TPP fully funded in a reasonable time, so that the TPP will be sustainable for the future. The Panel has not yet developed those non-binding recommendations. However, to achieve its mandate, the Panel will review and consider all aspects of the TPP, which includes investments, contributions, and benefits. Indexation is one of the benefits of the TPP.

We understand that many people are anxious about the future of the survivor benefit. We recognize that this is very difficult.  However, to achieve its mandate, the Panel will review and consider all aspects of the TPP, which includes investments, contributions, and benefits. Survivor benefits is one of the benefits of the TPP.

We understand that many people are anxious about having to work longer before they can retire with an unreduced pension. The Panel has not yet developed its non-binding recommendations. However, to achieve its mandate, the Panel will review and consider all aspects of the TPP, which includes investments, contributions, and benefits. Early retirement is one of the benefits of the TPP.

The members of the Panel are not investment experts. We are not able to recommend investment strategies.

However, it is clear that many factors have to be considered in determining investment strategy. Striving for increased investment revenue has to be balanced with taking on increased risk. Further, the TPP has to be able to withstand a volatile market.

For details about the TPP’s investment performance and policies, please select the “Investments” tab on the TPP’s website (https://www.nstpp.ca/).

The Panel is working closely with the TPP’s actuary and a separate consulting actuary in the development of its report and non-binding recommendations. The increase in interest rates and population growth are some of the many factors the Panel will consider when making its non-binding recommendations.

No. The Panel’s mandate does not include conducting an in-depth review and comparison of the TPP against other teachers’ pension plans across Canada.

Furthermore, while there may be some similarities among the teachers’ pension plans across Canada, there are also very significant differences between each plan that may account for variations in performance.

No. The Panel’s mandate does not include conducting an in-depth review and comparison of the TPP against other public sector plans.

Furthermore, while there may be some similarities between the TPP and a public sector pension plan, there are also very significant differences that may account for variations in performance.

No. The Panel is making recommendations within the framework of TPP as it currently exists. Making recommendations to merge the TPP or convert the TPP into a defined contribution or shared risk plan is outside the Panel’s mandate.