Navigating Uncertainty: Legal Considerations for Employers

Rising tensions with the U.S., economic uncertainty, and disruptive technologies are forcing employers to adapt once again. How do these changes impact workplace policies, benefit programs, and legal obligations? Join us for a discussion on the latest employment and benefits law developments.

• How is AI changing HR and benefits, and where does innovation cross into legal risk?

• Workplace expectations are evolving— is your organization meeting its obligations when it comes to workplace and psychological safety?

• With more gig and contract workers the definition of employment is being tested - what are the key legal considerations for employers?

• As employees work longer, are benefit programs keeping up with evolving needs? Understand the legal and practical considerations of benefits beyond age 65.

• The conversation around employer obligations for employees on long-term disability benefits is changing - what should employers be considering as legal landscapes shift?

Pension Regulatory Update

Canadian pension plans inhabit a dynamic landscape with significant challenges ahead: sustainability, public / private sector gaps, interjurisdictional differences in regulation, expanding funds, and financial market volatility, among others.  In this session, we will hear from representatives from the Nova Scotia and New Brunswick Superintendents of Pensions about on recent changes to pension legislation, their experiences over the past couple years, and any developments to guidance, as the pension model continues to evolve in the Atlantic region and across the country.  Attendees will also have the opportunity to address the panel with their own questions regarding current regulation or possible future directions.

Our Presenters:

Angela Mazzerole

Vice President, Regulatory Operations Superintendent of Pensions Superintendent of Insurance Superintendent of Credit Unions Financial and Consumer Services Commission

Angela is the Vice President, Regulatory Operations for the New Brunswick Financial and Consumer Services Commission, and in that role is responsible for the direction and oversight of all regulatory functions of the Commission. This includes direct oversight and responsibility for the Commission’s Financial Institutions Division, Consumer Affairs Division, Pensions Division, Insurance Division, Unclaimed Property Division, and Securities Division. Angela serves as the statutory regulator in many of these areas, including as the Superintendent of Pensions and Superintendent of Insurance.

Angela has been involved for 20 years in both policy development and the regulation of financial and consumer services.

Angela is the Vice Chair of the Canadian Association of Pension Supervisory Authorities (CAPSA) and of the General Insurance Statistical Agency (GISA). She is also a Steering Committee Member of the International Pension & Employee Benefits Lawyers Association (IPEBLA), and an active member of the Canadian Council of Insurance Regulators (CCIR), the Canadian Insurance Services Regulatory Organizations (CISRO), and the Joint Forum of Financial Market Regulators. Angela received her Bachelor of Commerce degree (Honours - Economics) from Mount Allison University and her Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Alberta.

Patti Trenholm - Deputy Superintendent of Pensions Nova Scotia Department of Finance and Treasury Board

Patti joined the Nova Scotia Department of Finance and Treasury Board as Deputy Superintendent of Pensions in April 2022.  In this role she is responsible for the administration and application of the Nova Scotia Pension Benefits Act and Regulations. She also makes recommendations in the development of legislation and regulations to ensure the preservation and protection of pension plans and their members. With over 13 years’ previous experience as an Analyst within the Pension Regulation Division, she has a solid background in the regulatory field.

Patti has also worked as a Pension Analyst and Senior Consultant with Lifeworks and as the Group Pension and Benefits Manager for a Nova Scotia-based private holding company with employees across five provinces, overseeing six defined benefit and five defined contribution pension plans. Her time spent working in the private sector has enriched and informed her perspective as a regulator.

Patti is a member of the Canadian Association of Pension Supervisory Authorities. She has earned degrees from the University of King’s College and Mount Saint Vincent University and has attained Advanced Trust Management Standards and Certificate Employee Benefits Specialist designations from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans.

Dante Manna, Partner, Stewart McKelvey Law

Dante is a labour and employment lawyer specializing in pensions, benefits, and executive compensation.  Dante helps employers and plan administrators establish, maintain and administer benefits and pension plans and represents them in regulatory proceedings and claim-related disputes.  He also assists plans with reviewing investment subscription agreements and service contracts, and advises on plan governance, texts and policies.

Dante provides full service in labour and employment matters, from employment agreements, policies, and equity compensation plans, to collective bargaining, workforce management, and dispute resolution.  His ultimate goal in all matters is to develop an understanding of his client’s interests and help them reach practical, lasting resolutions as quickly as possible.

A former mathematics professor and, prior to that, professional Lego model builder, Dante takes joy in solving difficult technical problems, employing creativity within a framework, and explaining complex concepts to audiences of varying sophistication. In addition to his quantitative abilities, Dante brings focused thought, determination and dedication to his work.

Dante has interest in all things tech and innovation and has been leading practice re-engineering efforts in the labour and employment group at Stewart McKelvey.   He is a passionate supporter of professional development, as a frequent author of thought leadership pieces, invited speaker on legal topics, and organizer of seminars, webinars and conferences.