GC44 GCE44 GS 143 Benefits Plan Benefits Committee Terms of Reference for March 2025 1. What is the issue?The working group was established by the Executive of the General Council in Spring 2024 to consider governance and funding of the Benefits Plan of The United Church of Canada. The working group consisted of external volunteers from the actuarial community, members of the Executive, and church staff.Given the complexity of the benefits plan, the working group recommended that the Executive delegate oversight of the Plan to a dedicated “Benefits Committee”. A Benefits Committee would be a key component of a more robust governance structure for the Plan. Those involved with the Benefits Committee would have more specific knowledge, understanding and accountability for the obligations and liabilities of the Plan. The Executive is now asked to approve the Terms of Reference for this committee.2. Why is this issue important?To meet our fiduciary duties to the plan members and the participating employers, the Benefits Committee will support the Executive in overseeing the Benefits Plan in responsible and professional ways in the best interests of the Plan’s members and participating employers, and to best support the Plan’s continued sustainability. 3. How might the General Council Executive respond to the issue?It is proposed that the Executive of the General Council:adopt the attached Benefits Committee Terms of Reference.4. For the body transmitting this proposal to the General Council Executive:The proposal will support the Executive of the General Council in meeting its fiduciary duties to plan members and participating employers by effectively managing the Benefits Plan. Is this proposal in response to assigned work – either from General Council or a previous GCE meeting? GS66 GROUP BENEFITS PLANS ADMININSTRATIVE EXPENSE FUNDING, November 2023 meeting. GS115 BENEFITS PLAN GOVERNANCE CHANGES, November 2024 meeting. Resources GS 143a Terms of Reference - Benefits Committee.pdf Save to PDF True Document Date March 7, 2025 Document Type Proposal Originating Body General Secretary Latest News GCE Summary, March 7-9, 2025 The 44th General Council Executive (GCE) met in person in London, Ontario, on March 6-9, 2025, for the final planned meeting of the triennium. 44th General Council Executive meeting: March 7-9 The Executive will deal with a number of proposals that will go to the 45th General Council in August GCE Summary, November 22-23, 2024 The General Council Executive (GCE) met in person in Mississauga, Ontario, on November 21-23, 2024. The meeting wrapped up a week of meetings with Regional Council Executive Ministers and General Council Executive Ministers, Senior Leads and Directors.