ABOUT US
We’re driven by one clear purpose: supporting our members. Providing you with outstanding service and a secure retirement is not just what we do—it’s who we are.
This promise is woven into our culture and guides everything we do. Every decision, every effort, and every step we take is rooted in our commitment to serving you with care, integrity, and excellence. Together, we’re building a future you can rely on.
As the Plan Administrator and Trustee for the Teachers’ Pension Plan of Newfoundland & Labrador, the Teachers’ Pension Plan Corporation (TPPC) holds itself to the highest standards of governance, risk management, stewardship, and reporting.
Integrity
We do the right thing.
Service
We make every interaction count.
Performance
We are driven to succeed.
Accountability
We take responsibility for our actions and results.
Partnership
We build strong and collaborative relationships.
Inclusive
We actively value everyone’s diversity.
As the Plan Administrator and Trustee for the Teachers’ Pension Plan of Newfoundland & Labrador, the Teachers’ Pension Plan Corporation (TPPC) holds itself to the highest standards of governance, risk management, stewardship, and reporting.
Integrity
We do the right thing.
Service
We make every interaction count.
Performance
We are driven to succeed.
Accountability
We take responsibility for our actions and results.
Partnership
We build strong and collaborative relationships.
Inclusive
We actively value everyone’s diversity.
How we are governed
In 2016, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador (GNL) and the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association (NLTA) signed a Joint Sponsorship Agreement (JSA). Ultimately, the goal was to create a world-class organization to administer the Teachers’ Pension Plan (Plan) and its fund—hence, the birth of the TPPC.
The Sponsor Body
The Sponsor Body is a dedicated team of four representatives from the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association (NLTA) and four from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, working together to safeguard the strength and stability of our pension plan. United by a shared commitment to teachers’ futures, the Sponsor Body brings thoughtful oversight to balancing members’ needs and plan sustainability.
The Sponsor Body is responsible for approving Plan amendments, determining the frequency of actuarial valuations, amending actuarial assumptions, implementing the funding policy, and ensuring Plan longevity.
The TPPC Board of Directors
Eight individuals appointed to the Board of Directors — four individuals appointed by NLTA, and four by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador serve as Trustee for the Teachers’ Pension Fund, overseeing its management and administration, and the prudent investment of the Plan’s assets.
Chosen for their specialized skills in governance, investments, finance, human resources, pensions, customer service, stakeholder involvement, regulatory matters and risk management, each expert Board member carries fiduciary responsibilities that ensure decisions are made in the best interest of all members.
The TPPC Board has set up a strong governance framework to guide its work, which includes the creation of three standing committees to ensure everything runs efficiently:
Investment Committee (IC) — Assist in the oversight of all TPPC investment activities.
Audit and Finance Committee (AFC) — Ensure the TPPC’s financial reporting, accounting systems, internal controls, and risk management run smoothly and responsibly.
Governance and Human Resources Committee (GHRC) — Dedicated to promoting best practices in corporate governance and in our HR policies, procedures, and practices.
These specialized committees contribute to the Board’s work, bringing focused expertise and deep knowledge to areas that demand specialized insights.
And, the TPPC’s Appeals Committee ensures there’s a clear and fair process in place for addressing questions about how the Plan rules are interpreted.
Board of Directors
Paula McDonald
BComm, FCPA, FCA, CMA
Chair of the Board
Member of IC, GHRC, AFC
Eric Thoms
BA, MBA, CPA, CMA
Vice-Chair of the Board
Chair of AFC
Don Ash
BSc, BEd, MBA
Member of IC, GHRC
Robert Blais
BSc, FSA, FCIA
Member of IC, AFC
Richard Dixon
BA, MIR, ICD.D
Chair of GHRC
Scott Perkin
BComm, LLB, ICD.D.
Member of AFC, GHRC
Janet Rabovsky
BA, MBA
Chair of IC
Gretchen Van Riesen
BSc
Member of GHRC, AFC
Investment Committee Members (external)
Kevin Fahey
BComm, LLB, CFA
Johannus (John) A. Poos
BA, LLB
Our leadership
Our Leadership team oversees all operations at the TPPC. Guided by the CEO, they bring a wealth of experience and diverse expertise as they lead the way in bringing the Corporation’s strategic priorities to life.
Living and working right here in Newfoundland and Labrador, our team is deeply connected to the community. We share an unwavering vision and a commitment to reaching our goals, always with the best interests of our members in mind. Together, our work authentically reflects our unique culture and values, guiding us as we shape a future that stays true to what makes us, us.
Our strategic plan
Our strategic plan is derived from the four key pillars that form the foundation of everything we do:
Investments
Invest Plan assets with a long-term view, so we can deliver on our pension promise now and in the future.
Member experience
Develop proactive, digital-first services that elevate member experience and engagement at every point of contact.
Thriving culture
Empower our people and foster a culture of innovation, belonging and operational excellence, to support the success of our organization and the members we serve.
Strong governance
Lead, govern and execute with excellence. Always.
These core elements guide every decision and action we take, driving our commitment to delivering exceptional service and enhancing our members’ pension security.
How the Plan is funded
Funding the Plan is a long-term commitment, and we work carefully to ensure that your benefits are secure both now and in the future. The Plan is funded through a combination of contributions from members and employers, investment and related returns, and a promissory note issued by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Our Funding Policy, outlined in the Joint Sponsorship Agreement, is designed to help keep the Plan on track to maintain a fully funded status. The policy sets specific thresholds that must be met before any Plan improvements can be made and ensures adjustments are considered if needed to strengthen the Plan’s funding.
As at December 31, 2023, the Plan’s funded status is 118.1%, reflecting our strong financial health and commitment to stability.