Clarity and Change in Municipal Employee Pensions

On August 22, 2023, the Government of Saskatchewan enacted the Municipal Employees’ Pension Amendment Regulations, 2023, under the authority of The Municipal Employees’ Pension Act. These amendments introduce changes to the existing regulations, particularly regarding the definitions of certain organizations and their relationship to the pension plan.
The modifications begin with Section 2, where clause 2(a.1) replaces “The Labour Standards Regulations, 1995” with “section 32 of The Employment Standards Regulations,” aligning the regulations with current employment standards law. Additionally, a new definition for “SDLC” (Saskatchewan Distance Learning Corporation) is introduced, specifying its status as a Treasury Board Crown corporation under The Crown Corporations Act, 1993. This formalizes the recognition of SDLC within the context of municipal pension regulations.
A new subsection (1.2) has been added to Section 3.1, clarifying that the Act does not apply to certain employees of the SDLC. This exclusion specifically pertains to employees who, as of July 1, 2023, were not members of the pension plan due to previous employment with the Sun West School Division, as well as those defined as teachers under The Teachers Superannuation and Disability Benefits Act from the date when specific amendments take effect. This aims to clarify the eligibility of SDLC employees concerning pension membership.
The previous appendix has also been repealed and replaced with a new version that lists various groups or organizations alongside their effective dates of designation as employers under The Municipal Employees’ Superannuation Act. Organizations such as the Art Hauser Centre Board Inc. and the City of Yorkton are included, providing historical context for their participation in the pension plan. Notably, the inclusion of the SDLC in this list indicates that employees of the SDLC who were part of the pension plan as of July 1, 2023, are recognized as eligible participants.
The Municipal Employees’ Pension Amendment Regulations, 2023, introduce important clarifications and modifications aimed at aligning the pension regulations with contemporary organizational structures and employment standards. By defining the role of the SDLC and outlining specific exclusions for its employees, the amendments provide clarity and ensure that the pension system remains responsive to the needs of municipal employees in Saskatchewan.
Saskatchewan (80/2023) September 1, 2023