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Types of pensions in Alberta

There are several types of pensions for people in the province of Alberta. Most pension plans fall into one of 4 categories:

Private sector employment pensions

Private sector employment pensions are pension plans established by private sector employers (or groups of employers or unions) for their employees.

Public sector employment pensions

Public sector employment pensions are pension plans for employees working in the public sector, (provincial and municipal public service, health and education).

Retirement income programs administered by the federal government for Canadians

Further information on the following programs is available from the federal government. The provinces are joint stewards of the Canada Pension Plan along with the federal government, and help establish policy for the Canada Pension Plan.

  • Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
  • Old Age Security (OAS)
  • Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

Alberta Seniors Benefits Program

This program provides support in addition to the federal benefits received under Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement, Federal Allowance and the GST credit. It is based on income and provides monthly benefits to eligible seniors. For details, see Alberta Seniors Benefit Program.

For information on other benefits and programs, see: Quick Facts - Programs and Services for Seniors.

Federally regulated pension plans

Please note that pension plans established by companies in federally regulated industries (such as banks, airlines, and telecommunications companies) are governed by the federal pension standards legislation, the Pension Benefits Standards Act, (1985) (Canada).
 
The federal government's Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions is the primary regulator and supervisor of federally regulated private sector pension plans. The federal government also manages the pension plans for federal public service employees.

Accessing pension funds

For information on accessing pension funds, see Information for indiduals - Unlocking pension funds.

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Private sector plans (current and former members)

Alberta public sector pension plans

Government of Canada pension related sites

Other pension related sites

Disclaimer: Links to other websites are provided solely for your convenience. The Government of Alberta does not control, endorse, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, efficacy and timeliness of other websites, and is not responsible for the privacy practices of other websites. Read our complete disclaimer.

Contact

Private sector pensions

To connect with the Office of the Alberta Superintendent of Pensions:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-8322 
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: employment.pensions@gov.ab.ca

Address:
Alberta Superintendent of Pensions
Alberta Treasury Board and Finance
Financial Sector Regulation and Policy
402 Terrace Building
9515 107 Street
Edmonton, Alberta  T5K 2C3

Public sector pensions

Contact the following for information on:

Alberta public sector employee pensions: Alberta Pensions Services Corporation
Alberta Teachers’ Pension Plans: Alberta Teachers’ Retirement Fund Board
Federal pension plans: Canada Pension Plan or Old Age Security