A message from the chair of the Teachers’ Pension Board of Trustees: October 29, 2020

Your board of trustees is committed to keeping you updated on matters related to your pension.

Dear plan member,

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect our day-to-day life, and we are all adjusting to our “new normal.” During this time, we are committed to keeping you updated on matters related to your pension.

Your pension remains safe

In a tumultuous global environment, it’s reassuring to know your pension stands solid, sustainable and reliable.

The board invests in a broadly diversified portfolio and takes a long-term approach to investing. The early foundation laid to prepare the plan’s investment portfolio for a downturn has paid off, and your plan remains well funded.

We are starting to see encouraging but cautious signs of economic recovery. After a sharp decline earlier this year, global equities have experienced a substantial rebound. However, the pandemic is not over. Markets remain uncertain, and it will be some time before we can understand the full extent of the impact on the economy.

The board continues to maintain a thoughtful and disciplined investment approach, providing oversight of investments during these unpredictable times. We closely monitor the plan’s investment agent, British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI), and ensure investment-related questions from members are addressed.

Whether you are already receiving your pension or still contributing toward your pension, the plan is in a strong financial position for you.

Improved online services are available to you

As always, pension services continue to be available, and we encourage you to take advantage of the services and resources you can find on the plan website, including through My Account. You can contact the plan’s administrative agent, BC Pension Corporation (Pension Corporation), anytime through My Account Message Centre, a secure channel for sending and receiving personal messages and attachments online.

For members looking to learn even more about the plan, Pension Corporation is now offering instructor-led webinars to replace in-person sessions. Webinars can offer you valuable information about your pension, and you can access them from anywhere.

A reminder that the extended health and dental premium reduction is ending

If you’re a retired member who participates in the plan’s extended health and dental program, the temporary reduction on premiums ends this month and full premiums are reinstated. We will continue to review premiums for the extended health and dental program annually.

We remain committed to you

We continue to conduct board business through secure digital channels, and our work on your behalf remains a priority.

We recognize the teachers and staff who have returned to school, and all those conducting their work in new ways with flexibility and innovation. Thank you for all that you are doing to help students through this challenging time.

Sincerely,
Rob Taylor,
Chair
Teachers’ Pension Board of Trustees