GCE45 GS37 Governance Policy for the Pension Plan of The United Church of Canada for February 2026

1. What is the issue?

The Pension Board recommends that the General Council Executive approve the enclosed Governance Policy for The Pension Plan of The United Church of Canada (the Plan).

2. Why is the issue important?

By documenting, in one place, the existing governance documents and procedures for the Plan, the Governance Policy will facilitate a comprehensive third-party review of the Plan’s governance structure, which is anticipated to be initiated later in 2026.

3. How might the Executive of the General Council respond to this issue?

The Pension Board recommends that the General Council Executive approve the following motion:

THAT the General Council Executive approve the Governance Policy for The Pension Plan of The United Church of Canada.

4. What will be the impact?

With key regulatory policies having recently been finalized, and Plan resources required to support a comprehensive governance review anticipated to become available, the Pension Board will bring forward a recommendation to the Executive regarding the initiation of a Plan governance review later in 2026. Creation of the Governance Policy will support that review, which is a key risk management activity for the Plan.

5. How does this proposal help us live into the commitments on equity?

Robust governance of the pension plan helps to ensure that the Plan’s financial health is maintained to help keep the pension promise to members.

6. For the body transmitting this proposal to the General Council Executive:

The Governance Policy was prepared by Staff with support from legal counsel. The Pension Plan Advisory Committee reviewed the policy and endorsed it to the Pension Board, which now recommends the policy to the Executive for approval.