How does the Plan manage investments to help ensure your pension is secure?

The Fund’s Statement of Investment Policies and Procedures (SIP&P) guides the investment decision-making process. This document is created by independent consultants and matches the Fund’s assets with its liabilities, now and into the future. Upon its approval by the Board, this document is put into effect and is monitored for compliance. The SIP&P includes such things as appropriate asset mix limits, investment grade quality, holding limits, investment objectives, valuation procedures and investment management structure.

Asset mix is the single most important factor in determining pension fund performance. Different risk elements relating to market volatility and potential returns are factored into an investment decision. Investments that produce lower returns are generally a result of lower risk or volatility. In order to optimize returns and reduce investment volatility, Fund assets are diversified among the various asset classes and across the world’s economic regions.

The ultimate success of the Fund’s investment policy is measured by how well it meets the long-term obligations for its members. An actuarial valuation on the Fund is the best way to measure this obligation. Pension fund rates of return are sometimes measured in five-year periods to emphasize longer-term trends which are more relevant to pension funding, rather than short-term volatility.

Policies and procedures that continue to guide or impact investment decisions include:

• Statement of Investment Policies and Procedures
• Investment Manager Mandates

The amount of pension a member will receive is not directly related to investment returns. Good investment returns are necessary to secure the Fund’s ability to continue to meet its current and future obligations to pay benefits and are the major contributor to surplus.