Firestone Canada Inc. v. Ontario (Pension Commission) (H.C.J.)
Pension Eligibility: Growing Into Early Retirement Upon Wind-Up
Summary
This is a judicial review or statutory interpretation case concerning the eligibility for unreduced early retirement pensions under the Pension Benefits Act, 1987, following a plant closure. The court addressed whether employees could 'grow into' eligibility for benefits after the wind-up of the pension plan when they had not met credited service requirements at the time of closure. The court held that Section 75(1)(b) does not override specific plan terms regarding credited service.
Outcome
Court held that Section 75(1)(b) of the Pension Benefits Act, 1987 does not expand eligibility for unreduced early retirement pensions where credited service thresholds are unmet at the time of wind-up.
Key Factors
- Pension plan wind-up
- Early retirement eligibility
- Credited service requirements
- Statutory interpretation
- Pension Benefits Act, 1987
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