Governance

What is governance? Governance is the process of providing the framework and standards for the oversight, management and administration of the pension plan. The Board of Trustees implemented a governance policy to ensure that the plan is administered and invested effectively, prudently and in compliance with all applicable legal requirements. It identifies the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved and has been prepared recognizing the principals established by the Canadian Association of Pension Supervisory Authorities as set out in their Pension Plan Governance Guidelines. It is an internal document drafted by the Board of Trustees.

The Board of Trustees and the Administrator have a fiduciary duty to act and administer the Fund in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the plan, the Trust agreement, applicable pension legislation and in the best interest of the plan members. Each year the Board of Trustees undergoes a performance evaluation to ensure that the trustees, administrator and contracted professional advisors are compliant with the roles and responsibilities as outlined in the Governance Policy.

The administration of the plan and management of the fund must at all times satisfy all applicable statutory and legal requirements. Governance Policy provisions should never be taken as replacing or superseding any plan or fund statutory or legal requirement.

Governance Objectives

The Board of Trustees is committed to maintaining the required standards and processes to ensure that the oversight, management, administration and fiduciary obligations of the pension plan are being met. With this in mind, they have established four objectives:

1. Investment Objectives

Achieve long-term investment returns that contribute to the financial strength of the plan and to meet or exceed those returns identified in the plan’s Statement of Investment Policy and Procedures.

2. Organizational Objectives

Manage the affairs of the plan professionally, cost effectively and in compliance with all applicable laws and policies.

3. Communications Objectives

Communicate broadly and effectively so all plan members, beneficiaries and stakeholders understand what the Board is doing and how the Board is helping to keep the plan’s long-term pension promises.

4. Administration Objectives

Treat members and beneficiaries impartially by interpreting the plan terms fairly, impartially and in good faith. Prevent personal interests from conflicting with those of the plan or fund. Maintain accurate and complete records and, within the scope of its authority, ensure members and beneficiaries receive their benefits accurately and on a timely basis.

Group Benefits Information

RX/Extended Health Policy and Carrier Number

Active/Retired Policy#: 00551000; Carrier#: 07
Card Provider: Express Scripts Canada

Dental Policy and Carrier Number

Active/Retired Policy#: 00551000; Carrier#: 610158
Card Provider: Express Scripts Canada/Manions

Health Services (Paramedical Practitioners) Policy and Carrier Details

Active/Retired Policy #: 00551000;
Carrier: Manion
Provider: Telus eClaims

Certificate Number/ID
This number can be found on your card under your name.

Travelling

Emergency Out of Province Medical Coverage is provided through AIG for insured members under age 80, for a trip duration up to 90 days.

In an Emergency, Travel Assist must be contacted immediately: 1-877-204-2017 (Canada & US), 0-715-295-9967 (collect – outside Canada/US).

Group Policy Name: Newfoundland Plumbers & Pipefitter Local 740 Benefit Trust Fund
Policy Number: SRG 9148885

Learn More

Struggling with Substance Abuse?

The RDTC/NLBTC Members’ Trust provides members with a substance abuse and rehabilitation program at no direct cost to the member.

Contact the Plan Administrator, Corey Parsons, for immediate, confidential help: 1-709-832-5116.

Member and Family Assistance Program

Life happens. Let us help.

Your MFAP is a confidential, no cost, support service that can help you find solutions to all kinds of challenges at any age and stage of life.

Call for confidential and immediate support with your work, health and life at:

1-866-448-9444. Visit their website at workhealthlife.com and search: RDTC NLBTC MEMBERS TRUST

Professionals in Piping

Roles and Responsibilities

The Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees has retained the services of an in-house Administrator and a Third Party Administrator. Together they provide all necessary, customary and required services for the proper and complete administration of the plan. In other words, they are responsible for the day to day operation and administration of the plan. As Administrators, they also have a fiduciary responsibility to act in the best interests of the plan’s members and beneficiaries.

The identified roles and responsibilities for the Board of Trustees are identified in the Governance Policy and reviewed annually to ensure compliance.

Administrator

The Board of Trustees is the legal administrator of the plan and has overall responsibility with respect to the administration of the plan and management of the fund. They have a fiduciary responsibility towards the plan members, beneficiaries and other stakeholders. Despite being appointed by the Union or CLRA, they recognize the differences between their duties as plan administrators and their respective roles with the Union or affiliated employer with the CLRA.

The identified roles and responsibilities for the Administrator are identified in the Governance Policy and reviewed annually to ensure compliance.

Professional Advisors

Given the complexity of modern day trust funds and the legal framework under which the trustees and trust funds must operate, professional advice is increasingly critical to trustees. While the Trust Agreement allows the Board of Trustees to retain the services of professional advisors to assist them in the administration and management of the plan, they are still responsible for the actions of the Trust.

As such, they must ensure that the appropriate care and attention is given to the selection of suitable professional advisors. Furthermore, they have an obligation to supervise the professional advisors to the extent that it is reasonable to do so. Each year the professional advisors undergo a performance evaluation to ensure they are compliant with the roles and responsibilities set out in their written contracts with the Board of Trustees.

Pension Plan Consultant

Manion Wilkins & Associates Ltd.

Asset Management Consultant

Eckler Ltd.

Legal Advisors

Martin, Whelan, Hennebury, Stamp.

Accountant

Wade Morrison, CPA, CA

Actuary

Eckler Ltd.

Custodian

Manulife Financial

Auditor

MNP

Education

UA Local 740’s benefit plans are complex and diverse plans that require specific skills to administer and manage. The Board of Trustees and the administrator are committed to continuous education in order to effectively govern the plans and manage the day to day operations. Participation in conferences, seminars and other educational opportunities gives the trustees and administrator an opportunity to exchange information with their peers and to gain the knowledge and training needed to carry out their duties and responsibilities. An Education Policy has been implemented and is reviewed annually to ensure compliance.

In addition, the Board of Trustees retain the services of professional advisors to assist them in the administration and management of the plan.

Privacy

An important part of the Board of Trustees commitment to providing our plan participants with excellent service is their respect for the plan participants right to privacy. As a plan participant, your personal information is only collected, used and disclosed by the Board of Trustees through its Administrator and Third Party Administrator in accordance with a Privacy Policy the trustees have implemented.

Personal information is information that identifies you as an individual. It includes not only your name, address, age, and gender, but also your identification numbers, work history, the names of your designated beneficiary(ies) and covered dependents (if applicable). Any medical or dental history provided to us in connection with Health & Welfare claims is personal health information, which is also considered personal information, but is treated with extra sensitivity.