The Alberta/British Columbia Joint Expert Panel on Pension Standards is inviting written submissions on how best to ensure pension plans continue to benefit workers, employers and investors in the two provinces.

The panel is charged with conducting a full review of private sector pension standards in Alberta and BC, and will present its findings and recommendations to both provinces‚ finance ministers by Sept. 30, 2008.

Some of the key issues that will be examined in the review include: the role of pensions in attracting and retaining the workforce; encouraging the establishment and maintenance of employee pension plans in the two jurisdictions, including removing barriers to their creation and continuation; and, changes that will allow both provinces to continue to be attractive for investment.

The panel was appointed in October by the governments of Alberta and B.C. and is made up of three representatives from each province. It is co-chaired by Christopher Brown, a partner with Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, Pensions and Benefits Department in Alberta, specializing in pension plan governance, administration, compliance andinvestment; and Scott Sweatman, senior legal counsel with Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP in British Columbia, specializing in pension, tax, trust, and benefit matters.

The deadline for submissions is Feb. 29, 2008.