Description: This paper reviews and compares the Canadian and U.S. Social Security systems as to their adequacy, actuarial equity and progressiveness. It concludes that the Canadian system[s] provide larger minimum benefits and, thus, greater adequacy than the U. S. On the other hand, the analysis indicates more emphasis on actuarial equity in the U.S. system [in total] than in Canada. Finally, both systems are shown to be highly progressive in that lower-wage earners get larger benefits per dollar of contribution than do higher wage earners. The paper concludes by noting that while the systems in these two countries have remarkably different actuarial formulae for determining benefits, and remarkably different structures, that the benefits that result from the two systems are surprisingly similar. From Actuarial Research Clearing House 1999, Vol. 1.

Description: This paper explores the relationship between the Wealth Transfer Index, a statistic defined by Brown and Bilodeau 1997, and retirement age, which is the age at which the workers in an economy cease to be economically productive. There appears to be a strong positive correlation between the Wealth transfer Index and retirement age based on Canadian historical data.

Description: This paper examines the growing trend toward phased retirement in which workers move slowly into full-time leisure, and then the paper suggests alternative pension designs to accommodate the trend. From Retirement Needs Framework, M-RS00-1.

Description: Risk-shared plan designs have been gaining significant popularity with employers and members in response to the shortcomings of traditional defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans. The presenters will explore risk-shared plan design innovations recently implemented in Canada to better balance the competing needs of members and employers, including the growing trend toward pension plan consolidation.

Description: Our panel discusses research conducted by the SOA's committee on post-retirement needs and risks current trends in retirement, including phased and partial retirement special issues for different types of industries and employers and pension and health benefit design issues surrounding phased retirement. From the Record of the Society of Actuaries, Volume 29, No. 3, Session 10pd.