Pension & Benefits Law Briefing Note: Changes to Post-Retirement Healthcare Benefits A Case Comment on Bennett v. British Columbia

9.10.09
Ron A. Skolrood

The recent decision of the British Columbia Supreme Court in Bennett v. British Columbia 2009 BCSC 1358 provides helpful guidance to employers and plan sponsors who may be considering changes to their retiree benefit programs. In that case, the court dismissed a class proceeding brought on behalf of retired members of the British Columbia Public Service Pension Plan (the “Pension Plan”) concerning changes to post-retirement healthcare benefits available through the Pension Plan. The background to the case and the key findings are summarized in this briefing note.