Members > Member Handbook > Belonging to the Plan > The foundation of your future

The foundation of your future

The Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology (CAAT) Pension Plan is a multi-employer, defined benefit pension plan for the employees of:

Ontario's 24 Community Colleges
Ontario College Application Services, and
employees of the CAAT Plan itself.

It is funded by equal Member and Employer contributions, and by investment earnings. Members and Employers share equally in any Plan surplus, or in any increase in contributions required to fund a Plan deficit.

When you retire, your pension is calculated based on your years of service and your earnings during those years. See the formula that's used. There is more information about defined benefit plans here.

The CAAT Plan operates under the joint sponsorship of:

the Boards of Governors of the 24 Colleges
the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), and
the Ontario College Administrative Staff Association (OCASA)

A Board of Trustees, appointed by the sponsors, is responsible for administering the Plan's assets and benefits on behalf of the Members.

When you retire, your CAAT pension, your Canada Pension Plan (CPP) pension, your Old Age Security and your personal savings will make up your retirement income. Your personal savings are a key part of your retirement planning.

For more information about the CAAT Plan, contact the Human Resources Department at your College.

January 2008