Your Pension Advisory Committee
The Pension Advisory Committee (PAC) was established as a way to keep members involved in the administration of the Plan, make views of members known to the Board of Trustees, and promote awareness and understanding of the Plan.
What's on this page
- What you need to know
- Contribution formula
- Member contributions
- Pensionable earnings example
Representation is from members
The PAC is made up of 10 members that represent different groups of members that participate in the Plan. The PAC advocates on behalf of all pension plan members.
| Category of representation | Number of representatives | Method of appointment | Name | Formers members |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retirees/deferred members | 2 | Election process |
Lincoln Brown Beth Harris |
| Non-bargaining unit employees | |||
| WSIB non-bargaining employees | 2 | Election process |
Robert Alvarez Lisa Kolodziejski |
| Safe Workplace Association (SWA) non-bargaining employees | 1 | Election process | Kristy Cork |
| Bargaining unit employees | |||
| WSIB bargaining employees | 3 | Appointed by OCEU |
Nicole Francis April Leblanc Dave Peddle |
| IHSA bargaining employees | 1 | Appointed by OCEU | Peter Vi |
| PSHSA, WSN bargaining employees | 1 | Appointed by COPE 24 | Brandi Cramer |
The PAC will appoint up to three non-voting observers who will be entitled to attend every Board of Trustees meeting (other than in camera meetings and other special meetings held at the discretion of the Trustees) and provide input on administration of the Plan. The three observers will be made up of:
- Retired or deferred member representative
- Bargaining unit representative
- Non-bargaining unit representative
Robert Alvarez
Robert’s background and experience is in risk management, portfolio management, client services and pension administration with knowledge of pension plan design, pension legislation and regulation. In addition, Robert has experience in promoting awareness and understanding of the integral role that pension plans play in people’s lives.
Robert is currently serving as an Investment Analytics Manager at WSIB, primarily responsible for investment oversight of IMCO.
Robert holds an MBA from Dalhousie University and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). In my spare time I enjoy playing tennis, hiking and cooking for my family.
Robert is currently serving as an Investment Analytics Manager at WSIB, primarily responsible for investment oversight of IMCO.
Robert holds an MBA from Dalhousie University and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). In my spare time I enjoy playing tennis, hiking and cooking for my family.
Lincoln Brown
Lincoln emigrated to Canada in June 1977. His first job in Toronto was with a small Marketing Research Company in Thorncliffe Park.
In 1978 his employer received a contract from the former Workman’s Compensation Board (WCB) to conduct customer satisfaction telephone interviews with Ontario residents. Lincoln was offered a job as a Claims Adjudicator on January 2, 1979. After becoming a permanent staff member, the Chairman, Lincoln M. Alexander, QC, shared inspiring words in a personal letter which served as motivation to continue pursuing a career in the workplace safety industry. Over time Lincoln had the opportunity to work at all levels of the Workplace Safety & Insurance (WSI) system: Claims Adjudication, Legal Policy Analyst, General Counsel’s Office, Research Analyst, Legal Branch and Community Liaison Specialist, Chair’s Office (four Chairs). Lincoln also worked at the Office of the Worker Adviser (OWA) and the Office of the Employer Adviser (OEA), Ministry of Labour.
With respect to volunteer activities, Lincoln was the President of OPSEU, Local 580 for over 15 years and Board President for Mini – Skool, A Child’s Place, from 2008 – 2020. Lincoln retired on December 1, 2020 after a 40 year career in the Workplace Safety and Insurance field.
In 1978 his employer received a contract from the former Workman’s Compensation Board (WCB) to conduct customer satisfaction telephone interviews with Ontario residents. Lincoln was offered a job as a Claims Adjudicator on January 2, 1979. After becoming a permanent staff member, the Chairman, Lincoln M. Alexander, QC, shared inspiring words in a personal letter which served as motivation to continue pursuing a career in the workplace safety industry. Over time Lincoln had the opportunity to work at all levels of the Workplace Safety & Insurance (WSI) system: Claims Adjudication, Legal Policy Analyst, General Counsel’s Office, Research Analyst, Legal Branch and Community Liaison Specialist, Chair’s Office (four Chairs). Lincoln also worked at the Office of the Worker Adviser (OWA) and the Office of the Employer Adviser (OEA), Ministry of Labour.
With respect to volunteer activities, Lincoln was the President of OPSEU, Local 580 for over 15 years and Board President for Mini – Skool, A Child’s Place, from 2008 – 2020. Lincoln retired on December 1, 2020 after a 40 year career in the Workplace Safety and Insurance field.
Kristy Cork
With a sharp focus on health and well-being, Kristy assists leaders in developing purpose-driven, employee focused workplace cultures that support and respect workers as individuals.
In her role as Specialized Services Lead – Healthy Workplaces, she understands that, to thrive, workers need to be supported by an integrated approach that includes physical, mental and social wellbeing.
Kristy is a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP), and a Certified Psychological Health and Safety Advisor (CMHA). She continues to advance her education, pursuing a Degree in Psychology through Athabasca University. Harnessing the knowledge and experience gained in the field, she developed the Workplace Violence and Harassment Prevention: Situational Awareness and De-escalation Course for WSPS.
Seeing the positive impact of her work on employee well-being is what keeps her motivated and inspired.
In her role as Specialized Services Lead – Healthy Workplaces, she understands that, to thrive, workers need to be supported by an integrated approach that includes physical, mental and social wellbeing.
Kristy is a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP), and a Certified Psychological Health and Safety Advisor (CMHA). She continues to advance her education, pursuing a Degree in Psychology through Athabasca University. Harnessing the knowledge and experience gained in the field, she developed the Workplace Violence and Harassment Prevention: Situational Awareness and De-escalation Course for WSPS.
Seeing the positive impact of her work on employee well-being is what keeps her motivated and inspired.
Brandi Cramer
Brandi has held several union leadership roles before being elected to the role of President for Local 24 of the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union (COPE 24). This Local is made up of employees from both Public Services Health and Safety Association as well as Workplace Safety North.
She began her career at Workplace Safety North in 2006 as a contract writer and now holds the position of Writer/Multimedia Specialist. Previously, she worked for several news publications during a career spanning more than 15 years as a reporter and photographer. Brandi has an extensive skill set in communications, breaking down complicated information and relaying it to people in a clear, concise way using written word, still imagery and video.
In her various roles with COPE Local 24, she has also been a part of Workplace Safety North’s Labour Management Committee as Co-Chair and was a member of the negotiation committee in the last two collective agreements. Brandi has diplomas in Social Service Work, Print Journalism and Photojournalism.
She began her career at Workplace Safety North in 2006 as a contract writer and now holds the position of Writer/Multimedia Specialist. Previously, she worked for several news publications during a career spanning more than 15 years as a reporter and photographer. Brandi has an extensive skill set in communications, breaking down complicated information and relaying it to people in a clear, concise way using written word, still imagery and video.
In her various roles with COPE Local 24, she has also been a part of Workplace Safety North’s Labour Management Committee as Co-Chair and was a member of the negotiation committee in the last two collective agreements. Brandi has diplomas in Social Service Work, Print Journalism and Photojournalism.
Nicole Francis
Nicole has worked at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board for the past 22 years.
Nicole started her career as an Adjudicator/Case Manager and currently holds the role of Appeals Resolution Officer. She has worked in various areas of specialty, including Serious Injuries in the Complex Claims Division working with seriously injured workers, to those who have had accident dates prior to 1990. Nicole works as lead Officer on various portfolios within OCEU including Recruitment/Selection and Diversity, Equity and Inclusions. Nicole is passionate about her work and is a dedicated advocate for the labor movement who participated in the most recent round of collective bargaining.
Prior to her career at the WSIB Nicole worked in a clinical and research role in the health care field at Sunnybrook and Women’s College hospitals. Nicole is trilingual and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from York University with healthcare certifications.
Nicole started her career as an Adjudicator/Case Manager and currently holds the role of Appeals Resolution Officer. She has worked in various areas of specialty, including Serious Injuries in the Complex Claims Division working with seriously injured workers, to those who have had accident dates prior to 1990. Nicole works as lead Officer on various portfolios within OCEU including Recruitment/Selection and Diversity, Equity and Inclusions. Nicole is passionate about her work and is a dedicated advocate for the labor movement who participated in the most recent round of collective bargaining.
Prior to her career at the WSIB Nicole worked in a clinical and research role in the health care field at Sunnybrook and Women’s College hospitals. Nicole is trilingual and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from York University with healthcare certifications.
Beth Harris
Beth has more than 30 years experience in the public and private sectors. She began her career in the private sector; primarily focused in Customs and Import for automotive parts manufacturing companies. She honed her analytical and interpersonal skills working in a team environment.
Joining the WSIB in 1987 as a payment specialist, Beth then moved into the Health Care area and eventually Operations as an Adjudicator/Case Manager. She was an active CUPE 1750 representative in the Windsor office, building on her belief that relationships and people are a core value to a successful life, both personal and professional. She held numerous Executive Roles including, Director, of Area and Regional Offices, Vice President of Regions and Area Offices and Chief Steward, as well as serving on committees and bargaining teams with OCEU.
Beth retired as Director, Employee Relations and Engagement in the Operations Division, having led the multi-cluster committee on Employee Recognition and Co-chaired the Mental Health Strategy Project endorsed and implemented by the WSIB.
Beth co-created the WSIB Retirees Voice Group in 2017 working to represent all retirees, which opened discussions with the employer. These discussions successfully enhanced the JSPP agreement for retirees.
Beth has a proven record of taking action and achieving results and is looking forward to working with WISETrust and the Pension Advisory Committee (PAC) as your PAC representative. I have found working with the PAC Committee a positive experience as I seek to fulfill the obligations of our elected role. I look forward to being your representative as enhance my knowledge of our plan as WISETrust implements the sponsor(s) agreement as a Jointly Sponsored Pension Plan.
Joining the WSIB in 1987 as a payment specialist, Beth then moved into the Health Care area and eventually Operations as an Adjudicator/Case Manager. She was an active CUPE 1750 representative in the Windsor office, building on her belief that relationships and people are a core value to a successful life, both personal and professional. She held numerous Executive Roles including, Director, of Area and Regional Offices, Vice President of Regions and Area Offices and Chief Steward, as well as serving on committees and bargaining teams with OCEU.
Beth retired as Director, Employee Relations and Engagement in the Operations Division, having led the multi-cluster committee on Employee Recognition and Co-chaired the Mental Health Strategy Project endorsed and implemented by the WSIB.
Beth co-created the WSIB Retirees Voice Group in 2017 working to represent all retirees, which opened discussions with the employer. These discussions successfully enhanced the JSPP agreement for retirees.
Beth has a proven record of taking action and achieving results and is looking forward to working with WISETrust and the Pension Advisory Committee (PAC) as your PAC representative. I have found working with the PAC Committee a positive experience as I seek to fulfill the obligations of our elected role. I look forward to being your representative as enhance my knowledge of our plan as WISETrust implements the sponsor(s) agreement as a Jointly Sponsored Pension Plan.
Lisa Kolodziejski
Lisa has spent her career in the Project Management discipline, managing large projects world-wide in the insurance, banking, government, telecommunications and International Sporting Event industries. She has lived and worked in Canada, Australia, and Argentina. She also enjoys managing her own personal real estate and construction projects.
Lisa has been with the WSIB since 2018 and has managed various programs including the Transition to the Jointly Sponsored Pension Plan, the Return to Office and Workplace Strategy, and now the Digital Services Transformation Program. Lisa values herself as someone who pays attention to details, asks hard questions, is a great communicator, knows how to monitor budgets, and holds people accountable for what they’ve committed to.
Outside of work, Lisa has a husband and 2 children and enjoys playing volleyball, travelling, skiing, and hiking.
Lisa has been with the WSIB since 2018 and has managed various programs including the Transition to the Jointly Sponsored Pension Plan, the Return to Office and Workplace Strategy, and now the Digital Services Transformation Program. Lisa values herself as someone who pays attention to details, asks hard questions, is a great communicator, knows how to monitor budgets, and holds people accountable for what they’ve committed to.
Outside of work, Lisa has a husband and 2 children and enjoys playing volleyball, travelling, skiing, and hiking.
April Leblanc
April Leblanc has worked with the WSIB for eight years and she has also served as a Regional Director for OCEU since 2018.
“I decided to become part of the PAC as a union member for a few different reasons. Our pension plan should be important to all of us and for me the longevity of the plan for myself and those to come needs to be protected. Pension plans are complicated to say the least and there is great deal to be learned. I can only help myself and others by learning this role and to help educate my fellow union members how important our pension is.
Thanks to Harry and a fantastic team we have a jointly sponsored pension plan to work with. I hope that my 20+ years of finance experience and my tenacity serves well in this role.”
“I decided to become part of the PAC as a union member for a few different reasons. Our pension plan should be important to all of us and for me the longevity of the plan for myself and those to come needs to be protected. Pension plans are complicated to say the least and there is great deal to be learned. I can only help myself and others by learning this role and to help educate my fellow union members how important our pension is.
Thanks to Harry and a fantastic team we have a jointly sponsored pension plan to work with. I hope that my 20+ years of finance experience and my tenacity serves well in this role.”
Dave Peddle
Dave currently serves the OCEU as one of the Head Office Directors. He holds a B.A. in Economics from McMaster University and has a sound understanding of pensions, investments, and financial literacy. He has worked for the WSIB since 2010 in various positions, most recently as an Appeals Resolution Officer.
Peter Vi
Peter Vi is a seasoned Ergonomist with the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA), where he has been making significant contributions since 1999.
With a Master of Engineering degree in Integrated Manufacturing (Industrial Engineering) from the University of Toronto, Peter has honed his expertise in spinal biomechanics, ergonomic task analysis, physical risk assessment, and ergonomic intervention studies.
At IHSA, he is an integral part of the Research and Stakeholder Relations department, coordinating various Trade/Sector and Regional Labour-Management Health and Safety Committees. Peter's work is pivotal in assisting organizations with musculoskeletal risk assessments, training, and ergonomic interventions to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSD).
In addition to his professional duties, Peter has been the senior steward of Unit 40 with the Ontario Compensation Employees Union (OCEU) since 2018. He has also played a crucial role in three rounds of bargaining committees, representing OCEU in collective bargaining with the IHSA.
With a Master of Engineering degree in Integrated Manufacturing (Industrial Engineering) from the University of Toronto, Peter has honed his expertise in spinal biomechanics, ergonomic task analysis, physical risk assessment, and ergonomic intervention studies.
At IHSA, he is an integral part of the Research and Stakeholder Relations department, coordinating various Trade/Sector and Regional Labour-Management Health and Safety Committees. Peter's work is pivotal in assisting organizations with musculoskeletal risk assessments, training, and ergonomic interventions to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSD).
In addition to his professional duties, Peter has been the senior steward of Unit 40 with the Ontario Compensation Employees Union (OCEU) since 2018. He has also played a crucial role in three rounds of bargaining committees, representing OCEU in collective bargaining with the IHSA.