Newsroom

Annual member statements for the 2025 plan year will be issued to active members of the pension plan at the end of June 2026. If you have not received your statement by the first week of July, please contact pension@united-church.ca to ensure the address on file is correct.

Remember that if you have a spouse, they will automatically receive any pre-retirement death benefit as per pension legislation. However, you should also designate a beneficiary in case your spouse predeceases you. If you do not have a spouse and have not designated a beneficiary, your benefit will go to your estate.

If you have not begun receiving your pension, the statement will contain a box that looks something like this:

¹THE AMOUNT YOU HAVE EARNED ALREADY – is calculated based on your pensionable earnings and years of credited service.

²YOUR PROJECTED ANNUAL PENSION TO AGE 65 – is an estimate based on the assumption that you continue working in the same job category until you reach age 65. If you stop working before then, or if your pensionable earnings change, this amount will also change.

³MAXIMUM C/QPP BENEFITS – The amount shown as an example on your pension statement was the maximum amount payable under the Canada Pension Plan in January 2025. Not all Canadians receive the maximum possible payout from the Canada Pension Plan. Please note that the average monthly amount of CPP paid to new recipients (at age 65) in June 2026 is $925.35.

To determine your personal benefit under the Canada Pension Plan, you can request a Personal Access Code (PAC). You can use this code to register for My Service Canada Account, which will provide access to your personal record of contributions and benefits earned under the Canada Pension Plan.

⁴MAXIMUM OAS BENEFITS – Old Age Security is a pension you can receive if you are 65 years of age or older and have lived in Canada for at least 10 years. The amount you receive depends on your income and how long you lived in Canada or specific countries after the age of 18. If your net income exceeds an income threshold ($95,323 for 2026) you will have to repay some or all of your OAS pension.

When planning for retirement, all of these sources of income, as well as your personal savings and any pension from previous employers, should be considered. We recommend that you consult with a financial planner to help with the financial aspects of your retirement planning.

In 2022, the United Church Pension Plan (“the Plan”) committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas[3] (GHG) emissions in our investment portfolio by 2050. In December 2025, the Pension Board (“the Board”) approved a Climate Action Plan to operationalize our climate commitment. The Climate Action Plan sets out our climate priorities and commitments and the steps we will take to make progress over time.

Why climate action matters for the pension plan

We recognize that climate change can present risks and opportunities that can affect investment outcomes over time. These risks can take different forms. Physical risks can result from events such as floods, wildfires, or other extreme weather that affect assets, operations, and supply chains. Transition risks can arise as the economy adapts to lower-carbon technologies, policies, and market expectations with consumer demand shifts and regulatory shifts. These changes can affect how companies perform and how investments are valued over time.

As a long-term investor and steward of our members’ financial future, we have a responsibility to manage risks that can influence the value, resilience, and performance of your Plan’s investment over the decades to come.

The Plan’s net-zero by 2050 commitment reflects the scientific consensus on climate change, as well as our fiduciary responsibility to consider factors that may impact our investments. Our Climate Action Plan helps translate that long-term ambition into a structured approach, while building on our existing responsible investment approach and ownership practices.

What is in the Climate Action Plan

The Climate Action Plan is a strategic document that helps explain how we intend to achieve our net-zero commitment.

Our Climate Action Plan sets out key elements of our approach, including:

1. Governance and oversight

The Board and Investment Committee oversee the Climate Action Plan. Staff manage day-to-day implementation and work with external investment managers (managers) to advance climate integration, engagement, and reporting. We will review the Climate Action Plan every five years, alongside our strategic planning cycle.

2. Investment Integration

We assess and monitor our managers’ approach to integrating climate considerations into investment decision-making. This includes due diligence during manager selection, annual reviews of climate integration and engagement practices, and ongoing dialogue to better understand climate risks and opportunities across the portfolio.

3. Capital Stewardship

We engage with managers and portfolio companies to improve practices that reduce climate risk. Our plan commits to engaging all investment managers each year on their approach to climate. This includes discussions on how managers integrate climate into investment processes, what climate targets they have set, how they identify and manage climate-related risks and opportunities, and how they engage companies on climate-related issues.

We also commit to engaging the 20 companies with the highest financed emissions in our portfolio on an annual basis. These discussions may focus on transition planning, emissions reduction, and climate-related disclosure and may occur directly, through investment managers, or through a third-party engagement service provider. This work is also supported through proxy voting at companies’ shareholders meeting.

4. Metrics and Targets

We track financed emissions in line with guidance from the Partnership for Carbon Accounting for Financials (PCAF) Global GHG Accounting and Reporting Standard, a recognized standard for calculating financed emissions.

As part of our climate action plan, we commit to a 20% reduction in tCO2e per $ million invested by 2030 relative to a 2024 base year in our listed equity and corporate bond portfolios. This target is informed by industry guidance, including the Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance (NZAOA) Target Setting Protocol.

We recognize that achieving our target will ultimately require the companies we invest in to reduce their GHG emissions. This will depend on a range of factors, such as the availability of new technologies, the overall carbon-intensity of the grid and government policy. If governments and companies do not meet or drop their stated climate targets than it will impact our ability to achieve our financed emissions reduction goals. We also recognize that divestment from high-emitting companies will not reduce real world emissions. We therefore focus our efforts on engaging companies in our portfolio to reduce their emissions. We intend to reassess our financed emissions target every five years.

How members will be kept informed

We aim to provide transparent updates on our progress as we execute against our Climate Action Plan. We will report on our progress through the Responsible Investment Report section of our Annual Report.

Looking ahead

The Climate Action plan is an important step in our ongoing journey. We expect our approach to keep evolving as data improves, guidance develops, and market practice changes. We will remain focused on effectively managing long-term climate risks in support of members’ retirement security. If you have any questions about our Climate Action Plan, please reach out to pensionboard@united-church.ca.

[3] Net-zero refers to a state where the emissions of the companies we invest in are reduced to near-zero with any remaining emissions removed from the air.

[4] This refers to tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents per million invested.

This June, we’re focusing on connection and community, two essential pillars of social wellbeing. When we take time to build meaningful relationships at work, we create more than just a productive environment—we foster a culture of support, collaboration, and belonging.

In today’s fast-paced and often hybrid workplaces, connection doesn’t always happen by chance. It takes intention. Whether it’s a quick check-in with a colleague, participating in team discussions, or simply taking a moment to listen, these small acts can have a big impact. Strong workplace relationships can boost morale, encourage open communication, and help us feel more engaged and supported in our roles.

Why Connection Matters

Social wellbeing thrives when we feel seen, heard, and valued. A sense of community at work can:

• Strengthen teamwork and collaboration
• Increase resilience during busy or challenging times
• Create a more inclusive and positive workplace culture
• Enhance overall wellbeing and job satisfaction

Honoring Pride Month

June is also Pride Month, a time to celebrate and support the 2S and LGBTQIA+ community. It’s an important reminder that true connection starts with inclusion, respect, and authenticity. Creating a workplace where everyone feels safe to be themselves is key to building a strong, connected community.

Pride Month encourages each of us to reflect on how we can contribute to a more inclusive environment, because when we embrace differences and celebrate individuality, we strengthen the fabric of our workplace community.

Small Ways to Build Connection

• Reach out to a colleague you don’t often work with
• Share appreciation or positive feedback
• Practice active listening and empathy
• Support inclusive initiatives and conversations

May is Global Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize a crucial truth: mental health isn’t optional—it’s essential. Just as we care for our physical wellbeing, nurturing our mental and emotional health plays a vital role in living a balanced, fulfilling life.

Mental health shapes how we think, feel, relate to others, and handle daily life. By taking care of our mental wellbeing, we build resilience, sharpen our focus and creativity, and nurture stronger relationships. Above all, it’s a reminder that it’s okay to struggle, and reaching out for support is always a valuable step.

Why Mental Health Awareness Matters

• It reduces stigma. Open conversations help normalize mental health challenges and encourage people to seek help sooner.
• It improves overall wellbeing. Good mental health supports better sleep, stronger physical health, and increased engagement.
• It builds stronger teams. When people feel psychologically safe and supported, they’re more likely to thrive and collaborate.

Small Actions Can Make a Big Difference

Caring for your mental health doesn’t require major changes. A few simple, everyday habits can help:

• Take short breaks during the day to reset and recharge
• Stay connected—reach out to a colleague, friend, or loved one
• Set healthy boundaries between work and personal time
• Practice self‑compassion and challenge negative self‑talk

Support Is Always Available

Mental health experiences are deeply personal, but no one should have to navigate them alone. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or simply not yourself, reaching out for support is a sign of strength. Explore your EFAP, or consider speaking with a mental health professional.

This May (and every month!), let’s continue to create a community where mental health matters. Check in with yourself. Check in with each other. Together, we can foster a healthier, more compassionate workplace for all.

The Pension and Benefits Administration System (PABAS) Member Portal is open now through May 15, 2026, allowing you to enter:

• Pension beneficiary(ies), and

• Life insurance beneficiary(ies) (for benefits eligible members)

You will receive a letter this week from the Benefits Centre with more information about this eBeneficiary campaign and the steps on how to designate your beneficiary(ies).

If you want to get a head start, you can find an electronic copy of the letter below, and step-by-step instructions can be found on the PABAS page of the Benefits Centre website.

English eBeneficiary letter

French eBeneficiary letter

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at pabas-go-live@united-church.ca or at 1-855-647-8222.

In our busy day-to-day lives, movement can easily become just another task to check off the list. Mindful movement invites us to slow down and reconnect by being fully present as we move—tuning into our bodies, breathing with intention, and letting go of distractions rather than focusing on performance or outcomes. Practiced this way, physical activity supports not only strength, but also mental health, emotional wellbeing, reduced stress, improved focus, and a greater sense of balance throughout the day. 

What does mindful movement look like? 

Mindful movement doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It can include: 

• A gentle stretch break between meetings 

• A short walk outdoors while noticing your surroundings 

• Yoga, tai chi, or Pilates at your own pace 

• Slow, intentional movements paired with deep breathing 

• Light strength or mobility exercises done with awareness and control 

Easy ways to integrate it into your routine 

• Start small: Even five minutes of intentional movement can make a difference. 

• Check in with your body: Notice areas of tension and adjust your movements accordingly. 

• Focus on your breath: Let your breath guide your pace and rhythm. 

• Be kind to yourself: There’s no “right” way—what matters is how it feels for you. 

Mindful Movement Challenge 

Choose one moment each workday to practice mindful movement for five minutes, then pay attention to how your body feels before and after: 

1. Pause what you’re doing and take a few slow, deep breaths 

1. Move gently—stretch, walk, or shift positions with intention 

At the end of the week, reflect: 

• Did you notice a change in your energy or stress levels? 

• Did taking a pause help you feel more grounded or focused? 

Small, mindful moments add up. Just remember, wellness is a journey, not a destination, so keep moving in ways that feel good to you. 

As part of our ongoing commitment to strengthen the Care Navigation experience, plan members will now see Medical Second Opinion listed under Telemedicine on GreenShield+. This enhancement, introduced on January 1, directs members to a cobranded landing page where they can easily submit a request online. Members who prefer phone support can continue to reach Novus Health directly at 1‑855‑908‑1275 to speak with a Health Information Specialist. 

What this means for plan members 

Beginning January 1, 2026: 

• Teladoc Medical Experts will no longer accept new requests. They will, however, continue supporting any cases opened before January 1, 2026, ensuring uninterrupted care for members and their dependents. 

• All new medical second opinion requests will be handled by Novus Health, offering a more integrated experience within GreenShield+. 

Get answers to your questions 

Novus Health’s Medical Second Opinion Program can help you get answers to your questions, such as: 

• Do I have the right diagnosis? 

• Are there other treatment options I should consider? 

• Are there any clinical trials currently available for my condition? 

This transition strengthens the long‑term vision for Care Navigation and ensures members continue receiving trusted, high‑quality guidance when navigating important health decisions. 

Women’s health evolves in meaningful ways from youth through later adulthood. Each life stage brings its own set of changes - physical, emotional, and hormonal - so in recognition of International Women’s Day on March 8, we’re highlighting the importance of awareness, proactive care and early support for women at every stage of life. 

During their lifetime, women may experience shifts in menstrual health, reproductive needs, fertility, mental wellbeing, and later in life, the transition through perimenopause and menopause. Understanding these changes helps women make informed decisions and seek support that reflects their unique needs at each stage. 

This month, we’re focusing on awareness around women’s health, with an emphasis on: 

• recognizing how health needs shift over time - what you can get away with in your 20s may not be the same as in your 40s! 

• encouraging regular preventive care (HPV and mammograms) 

• supporting emotional and mental wellbeing 

• promoting open conversations and reducing stigma 

• encouraging use of available benefits and resources, like EFAP 

Every woman’s journey is different—but access to information, care, and supportive environments can make a significant difference in long-term health and quality of life. 

By increasing awareness, we can create space for understanding, empowerment, and healthier outcomes for women at every age. 

Just a reminder, if you want to access your EFAP services such as online appointment booking and live chat, you will need to create a personal account. Follow these steps to set up your account. 

Website: one.telushealth.com

Username: unitedchurch 

Password: eap

We previously shared that GreenShield would be moving to mandatory receipt uploads for all claims submitted through GreenShield+ starting March 4, 2026. GreenShield has now advised that this transition has been deferred, and there is no new implementation date at this time.

What this means for you:

• No changes will be made to the current claims submission process.
• Any earlier messaging about mandatory uploads should be considered paused.
• GreenShield has removed related information from its channels.

You can keep submitting claims the same way through GreenShield+, just remember to hold on to your receipts in case they’re needed later.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the Benefits Team at Benefits@united-church.ca

Pension Awareness Day on February 19 is a reminder of how important it is to understand and make the most of your pension. Even if retirement feels far away, learning about your United Church pension plan and the benefits it provides can help you and your loved ones build a stronger financial future. The earlier you start planning and saving, the more prepared and comfortable you’ll be when life after work finally arrives!

The Power of Financial Literacy: What you need to know

Financial literacy is more than understanding money — it’s about feeling confident in the decisions that shape your future. Learning the basics now makes it much easier to build long-term financial security.

Know your retirement goals

Think about the lifestyle you want — compare what you spend today with what you might spend once you stop working.

Expect some costs to change — fewer work expenses, different priorities like travel or hobbies, and possible health-related costs.

Use simple planning tools — the Government of Canada’s Retirement Income Calculator can help you estimate future income and expenses.

Attend our Pension Information Seminar - learn about how the plan works, what it costs, what it provides, and how to apply for your pension when you're ready. The next session is February 19 starting at 1:00 p.m. EST.

Understand what shapes your retirement

• When you want to retire and what kind of lifestyle you hope to maintain.
• Whether you’ll work part-time or relocate.
• Any debts you may still carry and whether you’ll have other financial support, such as a spouse’s pension or personal savings.
• Where you plan to live — downsizing or staying put can affect your long-term costs.
• Try tools like checklists or quizzes to help clarify your goals and identify gaps.

Start saving now

• Saving early gives your money more time to grow through compound interest.
• Inflation matters — programs like the Canadian Pension Plan (CPP)/Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) adjust for inflation.
  • Please note - there is no automatic indexing in the United Church pension plan.
• Check how our plan works by visiting the Pension Plan page.
• Use calculators or talk to a financial professional to estimate how much you’ll need.

The Bottom Line

Building financial literacy today sets you up for a more secure and fulfilling retirement tomorrow. Understanding your lifestyle, planning ahead, and using available tools can make a meaningful difference in your future comfort and confidence!