Amendments Made to Public Service Superannuation Act

Amendments to the Public Service Superannuation Act were introduced today, Nov. 30, by acting Finance Minister Angus MacIsaac.

"These changes have been made largely to bring the legislation up-to-date to ensure fairness for all public servants within the plan, and to make our plan more consistent with other related plans," said Mr. MacIsaac.

The legislation now better defines the term spouse, recognizing common-law and same-sex unions. It will give credit for years lived common-law, directly before marriage, in the event of a marriage breakdown. It also allows plan members to designate a beneficiary.

The updated legislation also clarifies that all employee contributions be matched by the employer, whether it is the province or otherwise.

The amendments have no affect on members' contribution to the pension plan or benefits.

The Public Service Superannuation Act governs the Public Service Superannuation Plan (pension plan), which is administered through the Nova Scotia Pension Agency.

For more information about these and other changes, visit www.novascotiapension.ca or contact the Nova Scotia Pension Agency at 902-424-5070 or 1-800-774-5070.