Author: communications
PSPP is proud to welcome the members of the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) to the Public Service Pension Plan.
We are so happy to be part of your career journey. We support the AiGC mission to establish a regulatory framework that requires player protection in Alberta’s online gaming environment.
A Future You Can Count On
PSPP provides a defined benefit pension — a predictable retirement income paid for life. Your pension is based on a formula that reflects your years of service and salary, not market timing or individual investment decisions. Your benefit includes the option of taking your pension as early as age 55, and has options that will protect and support your family as well.
If you are a current member, employed with the Government of Alberta, and your new role with ASPS includes a PSPP pension, there will be no interruption in service as you transition to your new position during the transfer period. You will continue to accumulate years of service and your lifetime pension after retirement is absolutely secure.
Our Pledge To You
We are committed to making the pension side of your transition as easy as possible. We offer many supports for new or continuing members of PSPP, including an introductory video, webinars featuring popular topics, and brochures focused on specific questions you might have. We invite you to reach out if you need more information.
We are honoured to have you as part of PSPP.
Read more about the terrific value of a secure PSPP pension and stay tuned for further updates at pspp.ca.
PSPP is proud to welcome the members of Alberta Sheriffs Police Service (ASPS) to the Public Service Pension Plan.
Whether you are in the middle of a transition, or you are accepting a new role with a new organization, we are so happy to be part of your career journey. We support the ASPS mission in providing security and safety for Albertans.
A Future You Can Count On
PSPP provides a defined benefit pension — a predictable retirement income paid for life. Your pension is based on a formula that reflects your years of service and salary, not market timing or individual investment decisions. Your benefit includes the option of taking your pension as early as age 55, and has options that will protect and support your family as well.
If you are a current member, employed with the Government of Alberta, and your new role with ASPS includes a PSPP pension, there will be no interruption in service as you transition to your new position during the transfer period. You will continue to accumulate years of service and your lifetime pension after retirement is absolutely secure.
Our Pledge To You
We are committed to making the pension side of your transition as easy as possible. We offer many supports for new or continuing members of PSPP, including an introductory video, webinars featuring popular topics, and brochures focused on specific questions you might have. We invite you to reach out if you need more information.
We are honoured to have you as part of PSPP.
Read more about the terrific value of a secure PSPP pension and stay tuned for further updates at pspp.ca.
February 19, 2026 is Pension Awareness Day!
Pension Awareness Day is a time to raise awareness about the value of a workplace pension and encourage everyone to take charge of their retirement journey. It’s a reminder of the value of starting early, staying informed, and making the most of the many benefits a workplace pension plan offers. It also highlights the need to develop a realistic retirement plan and follow it.
Join PSPP in celebrating with The Great Pension Bake Off
PSPP invites you to The Great Pension Bake Off to show you what your Defined Benefit pension means to you: a well-baked retirement cake, made of essential ingredients, which will serve you slices of living expenses for the rest of your life!
The Great Pension Bake Off – watch it now! (10 min)
Join Alberta’s PSPP as we explore the recipe for a sweet retirement future. Find out about ingredients such as savings, government benefits and a workplace pension. Bake them together for the right amount of time, then top them with icing of the retirement lifestyle you want.
Your resulting retirement cake will last you the rest of your life – no soggy bottoms or underbaked futures!
#pension #abretirement #PensionAwareness26 #PensionAwarenessDay #AFutureYouCanCountOn
Promo Videos (released before the Great Pension Bake Off)
No shortcuts, no soggy bottoms and no underbaked futures! Join Alberta’s PSPP for The Great Pension Bake Off on Pension Awareness Day, Thursday February 19. We’ll serve up the perfect recipe for your retirement future.
Chris and Kathleen from Alberta’s PSPP invite you to The Great Pension Bake Off on Pension Awareness Day Thursday, February 19. That’s when they will reveal the value of a workplace pension and the perfect recipe for your retirement cake!
Join Alberta’s PSPP for Pension Awareness Day on Thursday, February 19 for The Great Pension Bake Off! Learn the value of a workplace pension and how sweet the perfect retirement cake will be. (30 seconds)
Your perfect Retirement Cake needs the right ingredients, including savings, government benefits and a workplace pension. Join Alberta’s PSPP for Pension Awareness Day on Thursday, February 19 and learn the recipe for a retirement cake that will last you the rest of your life! (24 seconds)
Updates to your Pension Payments due to Income Tax Changes
You may have noticed differences in your pension payment starting July 1, 2025. This change is the result of updated federal and provincial income tax rates, and we want to help you understand what’s behind the adjustment.
What’s Changed
Federal tax rate
The federal government reduced its base income tax rate from 15% to 14%, effective July 1, 2025. This new rate was applied to your pension payment.
Alberta provincial tax rate
On July 1, 2025, Alberta introduced a new 8% provincial income tax rate on income up to $60,000 – effective January 1, 2025 – down from the previous 10%. In 2026, this applies to annual Alberta income above the base exemption of $22,769 up to $61,200.
Because this change was applied retroactively to cover the full year after taxing pension payments at the original 10% for six months, your pension payments from July to December 2025 included:
- A 6% withholding rate, made up of:
- the new 8% provincial tax rate, and
- a temporary 2% reduction to account for the higher rate that was charged from January through June.
What does this mean?
Beginning January 2026, your pension will reflect the standard 8% provincial withholding rate, with no retroactive adjustments. If you were receiving a pension in 2025, this change from a 6% tax rate to an 8% tax rate may have caused your net monthly pension increase in 2026 to appear smaller than expected or may even have caused your net monthly pension payment to have decreased compared to your December 2025 pension payment.
You will notice, however, that your pension payments will be higher than the payments from January to June, 2025.
Please be assured that your 2026 Cost‑of‑Living Adjustment of 1.2% was applied correctly, and your net monthly pension amount is accurate.
If You Live Outside Alberta
If you reside in another province, the federal tax change still applies. Your provincial tax withholding, however, is based on the tax rates of the province where you live.
2026 COLA
The Cost of Living Adjustment for 2026 is 1.2% on base pension. This increase was effective as of January 1, 2026 and was automatically applied to your pension. Members who retired during 2025 will receive a prorated portion of this increase. Those who retired in, or prior to, 2024 will receive a full COLA.
COLA is currently granted at 60% of the increase in the Alberta Consumer Price Index (ACPI).
Tax Slips and Annual Pension Statements
In 2026, you must access your tax slips and annual pension statements through Your Pension Profile on www.pspp.ca.
Register today for Your Pension Profile (YPP) and select email as your preferred communication method. Please ensure your information is up to date so you can receive an email notification when your tax slip and annual pension statement are available online.
If you have difficulties logging in, please see our step by step guide at https://www.pspp.ca/members/videos-forms-resources/your-pension-profile/.
If you prefer to receive documents by mail in the future, you will need to call the Member Services Centre each year to request a printed copy. Mailed copies will only be available upon request after the documents become available.
Your annual pension statement will be available online by January 31st. Your tax slip will be available online by February 28th. This is the busiest time of year for the Member Services Centre call centre. If you don’t want to wait on hold, you can access your tax information any time through Your Pension Profile.
PSPP is proud to be part of the retirement plans of nearly 100,000 members across Alberta and around the world. Our 27 employers include the Government of Alberta, provincial agencies, boards and commissions plus nine post-secondary education institutions around Alberta.
We asked a few of our active, working members about their PSPP pension. What does it mean to them? Was it a factor in taking their position? What do their retirement dreams look like?
We are delighted to share some of their answers with you!
Whether retiree or active member, do you have a story of your own to share? Visit us at Member Stories and tell us all about it!
What does your PSPP pension mean to you?
I am the primary earner for our family. One of my deep worries was being an older woman living in poverty. Having a pension of the calibre of PSPP is a critical part of my retirement income and, as the years of employment added up, has given me great peace of mind.
Cathie C., University of Alberta Press
I have been in this role for 2 years, and I appreciate the pension. While I won’t be able to claim much of it, due to a shorter run until retirement, the value of a DB pension cannot be overstated.
Margaret, Alberta Post-Secondary Institution
After working abroad for much of my adult life, and primarily self-employed in Canada prior to that, I do not have much of a pension built up. However, knowing what I can expect from my PSPP pension as I approach retirement has helped reduce any anxiety I might have had. Life has been somewhat unpredictable these last few years and anything that can help bring in more certainty, like the PSPP pension, is more than welcome, as it allows me to sleep better at night with less worry.
Amar B., Alberta Ministry of Justice
It is a great asset and a unique one in Canada. It means the world to me, as I’ve worked for over thirty-four years for the Government of Alberta. I’ve invested a lot into this plan and my career. I appreciate how the plan works and the investments made to grow my pension.
Janice F., Alberta Ministry for Intergovernmental Relations
Was the pension a factor in applying for or accepting your position?
It was not originally a factor, but it is a great benefit. My PSPP pension means security to me: that I will be able to afford and enjoy my retirement.
Leanne L., Alberta Ministry of Children and Family Services
I didn’t think about it. Then I attended a webinar and now I realize how valuable it is to me in my retirement years.
Anonymous
Absolutely! And I advise young friends to seek out jobs that come with pensions too. The pension means the difference between a small but stable lifestyle and poverty, quite frankly.
Amy W., Alberta Ministry of Justice
Do you feel that you have learned about your pension and that you understand the benefit?
I attended a course a few years ago, offered by HR to U of A employees. It was a thorough grounding about the program. I wish I had attended it earlier in my career, as I did not know what my pension payment would be or what an “unreduced pension” was vs a full pension. I probably would have worked harder to save more via other tools (RRSP, TFSA).
Cathie C.
I am thinking of retiring in April – I will be 66. I do understand the benefits but will be taking the courses again just to make sure I understand everything.
Laurie P., Alberta Ministry of Transportation and Economic Corridor
What does your retirement dream look like?
Life has thrown me a few curveballs in the last decade or so, including a mid-life divorce, asset loss in the form of housing, and, on a more positive note, a wonderful and healthy baby boy and loving wife. As such, my retirement target has shifted somewhat, and I am hoping that I am able to work until I literally kick the bucket.
Most members of my family on both sides are exceptionally long-lived, and I would rather be working as a productive member of society for as long as I can, especially since I have a young family to provide for. I was fortunate as a young man to be able to travel considerably, and that is something I would like to continue to do with my family for as long as I can.
Amar B.
Retirement will include as much travel as possible, and my pension will fund part of that, perhaps allowing for a few upgrades.
Margaret
My retirement dream looks like spending time and visiting with family. Lots of camping and the occasional holiday to visit different parts of Canada.
Leanne L.
My dream retirement is long gone due to needing to provide financial support to some family members and the economy, which has also played a big factor. But I will still have a small but lovely retirement surrounded by those I love the most, with at least yearly trips back home to my hometown of Victoria, BC. I lived in Europe for 3 years and traveled the world quite extensively in younger years, so I am just fine with it all.
Amy W.
My dream is I will retire from government and go back to school to become the doctor I always wanted to be able to help others. I’m already in a health and wellness business and have looked into certification at a local university where I can go to school part time, build my business while working and then make a plan to start my next career. It is never too late to achieve your dreams!
Janice F.
What would you ask a retired PSPP member if you could?
What would you have waited to do and what would you have done asap or first? Would you retire at the same age?
Anonymous
Is your retirement what you thought it would be? Do you think that you waited too long to retire, or, conversely, do you wish that you had delayed your retirement?
Amar B.
How have you managed their money upon retirement? Did you work part time or just budget more wisely?
Janice F.
PSPP would like to thank all of our member storytellers for sharing their thoughts, hopes and dreams with us. We are proud to have been part of making their retirement dreams come true – and we will be proud to be part of yours.
Do you have a story of your own to share? Visit us at Member Stories.
PSPP is proud to be part of the retirement plans of over 90,000 members across Alberta and around the world. Our 27 employers include the Government of Alberta, provincial agencies, boards and commissions plus nine post-secondary education institutions around Alberta.
We asked our employers what PSPP means to them. Joanne Raycraft, Manager of Payroll and Benefits with Athabasca University, was delighted to chat with us!
Whether you’re a pension plan administrator, a retiree or an active member, do you have a story of your own to share? Visit us at https://www.pspp.ca/your-pension-plan/member-stories/ and tell us all about it!
How does PSPP support the overall goals and values of your organization?
At Athabasca University, our mission is to provide access to a university education for everyone. We need to recruit the right team members who can help us achieve that mission.
Having a pension plan as part of an employee’s overall compensation helps us to recruit those team members.
As part of every qualified job posting on our careers page, we have a section on the benefits that AU offers. Out of the ten or twelve items listed, the very first is PSPP’s defined benefit pension. We understand that it’s important and we want individuals who are considering applying to know that a pension plan is part of their compensation package.
PSPP offers a short paragraph promoting the PSPP defined benefit pension plan for employers to include in their job posting, available on our website.
How do you see PSPP impacting employee retention?
At some point, team members start to see retirement in their future. I think the pension plan plays a big part in encouraging them to stay. They know that they’re building that pension benefit and that their pension is going to be an important part of their retirement.
How does your organization communicate the value of PSPP to your employees?
Once an individual has accepted a position with Athabasca University, they receive a benefit orientation from our benefits team. This includes information about their pension plan. We include a link to the PSPP website – specifically there’s a great “Your PSPP Pension Plan” brochure. It provides the team member with an overview and introduction to the Plan and how they can access information beyond that overview.
For our existing employees, we have a retirement page on our intranet site. It provides an overview of PSPP, it describes a defined benefit pension plan, the current rates, and includes a link to the website.
What do you find employees misunderstand or question about PSPP?
It’s not unusual for us to get questions about deductions from their pay. It’s easy to explain to somebody who wears glasses or has a monthly prescription that their health coverage deduction is a small amount to pay for the service that they receive. When we talk about the pension plan deduction, it’s harder for them to envision what that deduction gives them because it could be something that’s 30 or 40 years out.
We can all admit that there was a time in our lives when we couldn’t see our lives in retirement because it was just too far away.
PSPP offers employers an easy one-page summary of the benefits of PSPP’s defined benefit pension plan, available for download on our website.
What advice would you give to other employers considering joining PSPP?
If an employer is looking for a way to add to their employee value proposition, having a compensation plan that includes retirement benefits is a good way to do that. PSPP has created a website and tools that make it easy for employers. The tools on the website – the videos, the brochures, the webinars, and the YPP where they can see their own pension benefit – are just amazing. It’s all there.
We know that when we send one of our team members to the site, they’ll get the answers that they need. If they can’t find them and they contact PSPP, they’ll get what they need from them. We have full confidence in that, so it’s a pleasure for us to say, “You have questions? Here’s where you can find the answers.”
If an employer doesn’t value a workplace pension, I would ask them to reconsider. I would ask them to talk to their employees about retirement. I would ask them to look in their community. Who has a pension plan in retirement? Who doesn’t?
What are the differences in how they live every day as retirees?
At Athabasca University, many of our former employees live in our community. That’s the powerful part of the pension plan. We can see that living example of the retiree who has a pension plan and security through retirement – and those who do not.
We want to thank Joanne Raycraft, Manager of Payroll and Benefits with Athabasca University, for her time and her candid answers to our questions about PSPP in the workplace. It is important to explore how a defined benefit pension plan benefits both employees and employers alike.
Do you have a story of your own to share? Visit us at https://www.pspp.ca/your-pension-plan/member-stories/.
Starting in 2026, members must access PSPP tax slips and annual pension statements through Your Pension Profile on www.pspp.ca.
If you are not yet registered for Your Pension Profile, we encourage you to do so right away. If you are already registered, we suggest you log in to confirm that your contact information is up to date.
You can follow our YPP step-by-step guide here: https://www.pspp.ca/members/videos-forms-resources/your-pension-profile/
Why is PSPP Going Green?
Safety. Our paperless strategy is to help our members and pensioners keep personal information secure so you and only you can access your pension information.
Cost. This initiative is part of our commitment to reduce costs to you and to the Plan. This way we save mailing costs for annual tax slips and statements to tens of thousands of members.
Sustainability. This is one step PSPP is taking to minimize our carbon footprint and reduce our environmental impact.
What You Can Do Now
- Register for Your Pension Profile or log in to confirm your information. Please set your preferred communication method to email before tax slips and annual statements are processed.
- Contact Member Services at 1-877-453-1777 if you need help accessing Your Pension Profile.
Reminder: Mailed copies of tax slips and annual pension statements will only be available upon request, and any requests for mailed copies must be made each year after February 10th.
PSPP pension benefits are funded by employer and employee contributions, along with investment returns. We maintain a formal Statement of Investment Policy and Procedures (SIPP) to guide investment of the plan fund.
Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo) is PSPP’s legislated provider of investment management services, implementing the SIPP in the financial marketplace. PSPP carries out decision making and oversight responsibilities.
In late 2024, the Government of Alberta rescinded all AIMCo Board appointments and then appointed former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper as AIMCo’s new board chair. The Honourable Nate Horner sent a mandate letter in January to The Right Honourable Stephen Harper.
The executive team at PSPP was pleased to note that the letter reinforces the Government of Alberta’s commitment to AIMCo providing independent, accountable investment management services to its clients and, when doing so, acting in client best interests.
The letter goes on to emphasize other important elements that AIMCo prioritizes as PSPP’s investment manager, including client-centered risk management, cost efficiency and returns that surpass asset class benchmarks.
“The letter sets a positive framework,” says PSPP CEO Lynette Martin. “By reinforcing AIMCo’s commitment to client best interests – along with a focus on careful risk management and independence from external influences – the Government of Alberta has shown support for a service model that will deliver responsible and accountable investment management services to the benefit of our members.”
“This letter clearly outlines that AIMCo’s mandate will remain intact. It also reaffirms AIMCo’s commitment to operational independence and accountability to our clients, ensuring that our investment decisions are guided by sound financial principles and long-term objectives,” said Mr. Harper in an AIMCo release. PSPP will continue working closely with AIMCo to achieve PSPP’s funding and investment objectives.
PSPP is one of Alberta’s largest public pension plans. It has served employees of the Government of Alberta and its agencies, boards and commissions, and other participating public bodies, since 1947.
Treasury Board and Finance Letter to AIMCo Board Chair – January 2025
PSPP has published its 2024 Annual Report, where you will see that following a return on investments of 14.8% the Plan fund has grown to $21.0 billion!
Board Chair David Lardner and CEO Lynette Martin offer their perspective on PSPP’s activities over the course of 2024. Make sure you also take a look at a summary of the organization’s Purpose, Promises and Values.
The Management Discussion and Analysis series provides a range of targeted analysis:
- In the Serving our Members and Employers section, you can read about our new logo and website as well as new and enhanced resources such as brochures, videos and information sessions. We talk about improved employer communication and how we collect their feedback.
- Dig in to Plan Funding for information about the Plan’s funding model and objectives, as well as contribution rates for members and employers. The financial position of the Plan is explored in Plan Financial Highlights.
- The expanded Investment Performance section examines investment policy and the drivers behind strong 2024 investment results.
- Read about expenses associated with pension administration under Pension Administration.
- Finally, available for download are the financial statements and auditor’s report for both the Plan and the Corporation, as well as a PDF version of the entire Annual Report.
You can find the 2024 Annual Report, previous Annual Reports, and other important documents on our About PSPP page.
PSPP is proud to be part of the retirement plans of over 90,000 members across Alberta and around the world. We asked a few of our retirees how their lives have changed since retirement and they were happy to share some updates with us!
Whether retiree or active member, do you have a story of your own to share? Visit us at Member Stories – Public Service Pension Plan and tell us all about it!
What activities or hobbies have you taken up since retiring?
Music is my passion so I have included a music room and recording studio in my home and spend many hours now in my ‘happy place’.
I also purchased an e-bike last summer and have been enjoying getting outdoors and putting miles on my new e-bike. I plan to do the legacy trail from Canmore to Banff this summer and enjoy some other biking adventures as well.
Terry V.
I am a quilter so I spend time every day quilting.
The other benefit of retirement is having the time every day to walk and exercise. I found it difficult to find the time when I was working even though I was only working 7.5 hours, by the time I was done and prepared a meal, there was no inclination to walk or exercise. I now am able to easily work exercise into my day.
Karen O.
Have you travelled since retiring? Where have you been and what are some of the most wonderful things you have seen?
We have travelled to Palm Springs and/or Hawaii every year since I retired to get away from the winter weather. Hawaii truly is “Paradise” and hiking in the tropical rainforests is beautiful.
Jim N.
We completed a road trip up the Alaska highway to Whitehorse and to Skagway, Alaska. The scenic tour is a must to include in people’s travel plans. Be sure to plan your trip when the forest fires are not threatening!
Terry V.
In 2023, I spent seven weeks in Australia.
While in Sydney, I climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge and attended Miss Saigon at the Sydney Opera House. I cycled and did a walking tour of Sydney’s famous sites.
Then I travelled to Melbourne. In addition to the cycling and walking tour, we took a bus trip to Phillip Island to see the penguins. Along the way we stopped at Moonlit Sanctuary to see animals unique to Australia. I had my picture taken with a koala!
Then I crossed the continent to spend the rest of my time in the Perth area where I reconnected and enjoyed time with my brother and nieces who moved to Australia in 2008. I met their spouses and kids for the first time. I toured many places and sites in Western Australia, including the five wooden Giants in the Mandurah area and a road trip to the most southern tip of Western Australia to visit Esperance. The area and beaches were breath taking but the water was cold.
My second bucket list dream completed.
Shirley C.
How have your retirement dreams come true?
We are doing what we planned to do and can afford what we want to do. I am grateful for the pension I have. We can live our lives within our means and we are living the dream
Nancy G.
Since retirement, my three main activities are family, summers in our BC cottage and volunteer work. We spend time with our daughters, sons in law and four granddaughters – plus set aside funds for their post-secondary education.
My wife and I prepared for retirement with a goal to be debt-free, with mortgages on our two properties paid off. That goal was achieved years before I retired in 2005.
Retirement for the past twenty years has been a wonderful time in my “sunset” years. I have the life I dreamed about but just didn’t really understand was possible without years of planning and sticking to goals.
Colin G.
What were the most challenging aspects of transitioning into retirement?
The first six months were tough. I think I called my colleagues at work weekly, as I was very curious as to what was happening. My colleagues were very kind, but I think they were relieved when I “finally” quit calling so often!
I did miss many of the people I worked with – some for 30 years – as they were such wonderful people, hard-working and dedicated to the clients they served. Today I look back and I am so thankful for all the great people I knew.
Jim N.
If you are looking at retirement, I recommend participating in any information sessions that are available through PSPP or your employer. The first course I took was about ten years prior to retirement, and that seminar provided the steps to take to prepare. I took another course the year I anticipated retiring to update my information.
After retiring, for the first few weeks, I would wake and panic when I realized I had nothing I HAD to do. But a couple of weeks passed and I started enjoying my time until now, a couple of years after retirement, I wonder how I got to be so busy.
The key is preparation and not just the year of – but years prior. I hope you will be able to take advantage of the blessings of retirement.
Karen O.
How has PSPP helped you maintain your lifestyle in retirement?
Yes, my pension has greatly helped me in my retirement. I am in a wheelchair so am not able to travel very far; I have missed out on any kind of holiday places. I am happy to stay home and have the luxury of knowing that I can pay my monthly bills. My monthly pension is more than my CPP and Old Age Security Pensions. I am so thankful for my PSPP.
Sharon P.
With planning and hard work, my husband and I moved into a rural area 50 minutes from Edmonton with a lake and golf close by. Daily we see birds and wildlife in an incredible setting. We are enjoying life with confidence, financially stable.
Nancy G.
PSPP would like to thank all of our retiree storytellers for sharing their experiences with us. We are proud to have been part of making their retirement dreams come true – and we will be proud to be part of yours.
Do you have a story of your own to share? Visit us at Member Stories – Public Service Pension Plan.