Your pathway to retirement income for life

With a defined benefit pension plan, you can count on monthly payments for life, giving you the freedom to enjoy your retirement with confidence.

Discover plan basics
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Established in 1939, CSSB is one of Manitoba’s largest public sector pension plans. Our members include current and former employees of the Manitoba government and other public sector organizations.

$8.1B

Net assets

10.68%

Rate of return (2023)

39

Employers

56,000+

Plan members

Latest news

  • New tax rules and your pension

    If you’re a retired member, you may notice your monthly pension is different for July. This may be due to the cost-of-living adjustment, changes to income tax, or both. Recently, the federal and provincial governments made changes to how income is taxed. The federal government cut taxes for the lowest tax bracket. This means all…

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  • CSSB welcomes Mike Emslie as new Chief Administrative Officer

    CSSB welcomes Mike Emslie as new Chief Administrative Officer (formerly titled General Manager), effective July 14, 2025. Mike brings deep experience in public sector leadership, governance, and financial oversight to this role. Mike has served in executive leadership roles in Manitoba public sector organizations for the past 16 years. He has also worked as an…

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  • 2025 cost-of-living adjustment

    The cost-of-living adjustment for 2025 is 0.87%. This increase is based on the change in the Canadian Consumer Price Index (CPI) for 2024, which was 1.83%. If you’re a retired member, this adjustment will be added to your July pension payment and included in your monthly pension going forward. Although not guaranteed, adjustments offer some…

    Link

  • New tax rules and your pension

    If you’re a retired member, you may notice your monthly pension is different for July. This may be due to the cost-of-living adjustment, changes to income tax, or both. Recently, the federal and provincial governments made changes to how income is taxed. The federal government cut taxes for the lowest tax bracket. This means all…

    Link

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Member Stories

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Your pension at a glance

Your defined benefit pension plan is designed to give you worry-free retirement income for life.

Income protection for loved ones

At retirement, you can choose continued income for your spouse if you pass away first. Benefits are also payable if you die before retirement.

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No investment decisions to make

With a team of experts managing all investments, you can trust the portfolio is in capable hands.

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Financial security if you become ill or disabled

If you’re ill or unable to work, benefits can provide income after ten years of membership.

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Inflation protection

Though not guaranteed, throughout your retirement you may receive pension increases to help your income keep pace with inflation.

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Flexibility with career changes

If you change jobs or employers, you have options, like transferring the plan to your new employer or leaving the account with CSSB until you retire.

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Your employer pays their share

You and your employer contribute to the plan to build the value of your pension.

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Most
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Most Requested

Forms

  • Report a death

    Use this form to report the death of a pension plan member.

Frequently
asked
questions

Frequently Asked Questions

The earliest you can retire is age 55. The latest you can start your pension is in the year you turn 71.

Learn more about when you can retire.

Pensionable service is the time during which contributions are made to the pension plan. It also includes purchased service and service transferred from another plan (if eligible). Pensionable service is a key factor in calculating your pension amount when you retire. 

Qualifying service is employment (or combined periods of employment) that continues without a break due to resignation, termination, or retirement. Temporary absences or layoffs of more than 54 consecutive weeks are an exception. Qualifying service doesn’t affect the amount of your pension—it determines your eligibility and when you can start your pension.

Pensionable service and qualifying service may differ because they’re calculated differently. Qualifying service is measured until the end of the year, while pensionable service is credited at the end of each pay period. This often results in a slight difference between the two numbers. This evens out by the time you end employment or retire. 

There may also be differences because you took a leave of absence. This can include maternity leave, parental leave, and many more. If this is the case, you can look into buying this missed pensionable service.

As an active member of the plan, you can’t access your pension funds—even in cases of financial hardship or shortened life expectancy.

However, if you have a shortened life expectancy and are covered by group life insurance or the Public Service Group Insurance Fund, you can borrow against your insurance policy.

You can’t borrow against your pension fund or use it to purchase a home under the Home Buyers’ Plan. These restrictions are set out in current legislation. 

You can’t make extra voluntary contributions to your pension plan. Your pension amount at retirement isn’t based on the amount you contributed. Rather, it is calculated using a formula that uses your years of service and earnings. Contributing more doesn’t help you get ahead.   

One exception is for missed periods of pensionable service. For example, if you took parental leave and didn’t contribute to your pension, you can choose to buy that service.   

Learn more about how your pension is calculated.

You have several options to explore:  

  1. Start your pension: If you’re eligible, you can start your monthly pension right away. 
  2. Defer your pension: You can leave your pension with CSSB until you’re ready to start receiving it. This is called a deferred pension. 
  3. Transfer it to your new employer’s pension plan: If your new employer’s pension plan accepts transfers, you can move your pension funds there.  
  4. Transfer the lump sum pension out of the plan: Your options will depend on whether the funds are locked in or non-locked-in. 

To explore these possibilities, visit our page: leaving employment for any reason. 

Explore the latest CSSB annual report here!

Whether you’re looking for financial details, cost-of-living info, or a deeper understanding of your retirement pathway, the annual report provides information designed to keep you informed every step of the way.

Discover the Annual Report Here