Update on Class Action instituted against Bell
Members may recall that some time ago, a pensioner had commenced a class action against Bell arguing that the annual indexation for the year 2017 should have been 2% rather than the 1% calculated and implemented by Bell. We provided some background on this on the BPG website in January 2018: http://bellpensionersgroup.ca/index3news.php?lang=en&id=8568&chapt=corporate. We updated this in July 2018 once the court action had been scheduled: http://bellpensionersgroup.ca/index3news.php?lang=en&id=8707&chapt=corporate. We further updated this matter in August 2019 when the Ontario Superior Court rendered its decision upholding Bell’s interpretation and dismissing the class action :http://bellpensionersgroup.ca/index3news.php?lang=en&id=9155&chapt=corporate.
Subsequent to that judicial decision, the class action plaintiff launched an appeal to the Ontario Court of Appeal. On February 21, 2020, the appeal court rendered its decision which allowed the appeal and awarded judgment to the class action plaintiffs on behalf of all members of the class. Effectively, the decision requires Bell to implement a 2% indexation increase for the 2017 year rather than the 1% previously implemented and refers development of the implementation details back to the lower court.
Bell had 60 days from the date of the Ontario Court of Appeal's decision to apply for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada. We understand that Bell has sought an extension to this deadline of an additional 60 days. Should the appeal court’s decision stand, it is expected that persons who are or were entitled to benefits under the Bell Canada Pension Plan, and who were entitled to receive indexed pension payments as of January 1, 2017, together with representatives of any of the above who has died, will be entitled to benefit from the decision.
We will continue to monitor this matter closely and keep you advised of further developments, including whether there is any action required on members’ part to participate in this should the decision stand.
Feb 21 Class Action Decision
The Ontario Court of Appeal has allowed the appeal on the class action suit brought against Bell regarding 2017 indexing. This means that the class action has succeeded. BPG will provide additional information about what the next steps are, once known.
A copy of the decision is presented in the:
Court of Appeal Decision, released Feb 21, 2020.
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Cost of Living Adjustment for 2022
November 23rd, 2021
The Cost of Living Adjustment for 2022 has been announced. For Bell Canada pensions, it should be 2% for pensioners under 65 years of age and 2.82% for pensioners 65 years and over. For BCE penisons, it should be 2% for pensioners under 65 years of age and 2.4% for pensioners 65 years and over.
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Just another example of the value of BPG
November 18th, 2021
BPG's response to our members' questions on Pension Indexation court approved deductions
being deductible as expenses -
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE GREAT OFFERS FROM BPG.....
November 5th, 2021
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1998 Indexation Issue
November 5th, 2021
BPG is already aware about the 1998 indexation issue on the Bell Pension Plan.
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BCE reports third quarter 2021 results
November 5th, 2021
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Bell and The Personal: A partnership that delivers tangible benefits
October 27th, 2021
This year, The Personal will be distributing a total of $6.8 million to participants of the Bell home and auto insurance plan.
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Update on Class Action
October 22nd, 2021
Bell will be mailing out the personalized retroactive pension indexation adjustment statements to most qualifying pensioners from October 22nd to October 25th.
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Canadian Pensioners Deserve Protection
September 4th, 2021
This election, ask your federal candidates to commit to protecting the 4.2 million Canadians who rely on defined benefit pensions.
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New Pensioner Representatives on the Bell Pension Information Committee (PIC)
August 20th, 2021
BPG is pleased to announcenew PIC representatives.
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Go Green Contest
June 2nd, 2021
Reminder... that the Go Green with Bell contest ends July 2, 2021
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CFP Supports Bill C-253 for super-priority for pensioners
May 27th, 2021
... in the event of the plan sponsor's bankruptcy.
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BCE reports first quarter 2021 results
May 1st, 2021
BCE also announces election of Directors
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Ontario Central AGM
March 18th, 2021
The Ontario Central 2021 Annual General Meeting will be held May 11, 2021
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Bill C-253 Introduced
March 18th, 2021
Bill C-253 proposes amendments to Canada’s bankruptcy and insolvency laws to better protect pensioners. An online petition is available.
Sign the Petition.
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25th Anniversary Video
April 22nd, 2021
On May 11th, 2020 (BPG’s creation anniversary), we shared a 25th Anniversary video.
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BCE reports 2020 Q4 and full-year results
February 4th, 2021
BCE Inc. (TSX: BCE), (NYSE: BCE) today reported results for the fourth quarter (Q4) and full-year 2020.
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Bell to advance fibre, wireless and rural network rollouts
February 4th, 2021
With at least $1 billion in accelerated capital investment over the next 2 years
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Bell Let's Talk - 2021
January 30th, 2021
Now more than ever! Bell Let's Talk Day sets new records.
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Update on Class Action Lawsuit - Jan 2021
January 28th, 2021
Update on the Bell Canada Indexation of the Pension Plan Class Action
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Job Opportnities at BPG
January 30th, 2021
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CPP Investments: Investing today, for your tomorrow
January 11th, 2021
The committment and focus of CPP Investments is helping to ensure the Canada Pension Plan Fund is there for generations to come.
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Bell Let's Talk Day - January 28
January 6th, 2021
Get ready to join the world's biggest conversation about mental health on Bell Let's Talk Day, January 28!
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More Support for Seniors from the Government of Canada
December 19th, 2020
The Government of Canada (Economic and Social Development Canada), have provided Seniors more support from the Fall Economic Statement.
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Bell connecting Canadians at home for the holidays
December 19th, 2020
Free TV programming and no extra usage fees on residential Internet over the Holidays.
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Update from the Minister of Seniors
November 24th, 2020
Minister of Seniors, Deb Schulte, announced a new Aging in Place Challenge Program.
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Cost of Living Adjustment for 2021
November 20th, 2020
The Cost of Living Adjustment on Bell Canada's pensions should be 1% in 2021.
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2020 Bell Giving Campaign
November 8th, 2020
Bell’s Employee Giving Campaign runs from November 9 to 27 and offers you the opportunity to make a big
difference in the lives of Canadians. -
BCE Reports Third Quarter 2020 Results
November 6th, 2020
On Nov 5, BCE reported results for the third quarter (Q3) of 2020.
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Webinar - Money Tips During COVID-19
November 6th, 2020
OSC is having a webinar on Tuesday November 10th at 3pm, if interested...
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Protect Yourself from Telecom Fraud
November 6th, 2020
Check out how to protect yourself from telecom fraud...
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Annual AGM
August 22nd, 2020
The Annual AGM for 2020 has been scheduled for September 15, 2020.
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Bell Let's Talk launches new fund
July 30th, 2020
Bell Let's Talk launches new fund to support mental health and well-being of Canada's Black, Indigenous and People of Colour communities.
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Additional auto insurance refund from The Personal
July 22nd, 2020
The Personal are providing additional refunds on your auto insurance.
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Online Claims - Manulife
July 10th, 2020
With the pandemic and its consequences (e.g. mail delay), it is recommended that you submit your Health Care Program claims online.
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Reduction of required minimum withdrawals from RRIF
July 10th, 2020
The minimum withdrawals requirement from RRIFs will be reduced by 25% for 2020, in recognition of volatile market conditions and their impact on many seniors' retirement savings.
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Canadian Red Cross and Bell Let's Talk grow the Friendly Calls program
June 1st, 2020
$700,000 donation to Red Cross COVID-19 Appeal addresses increased need for mental wellbeing and supports, expands program to Atlantic Canada
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Pension and Economic News
May 31st, 2020
Several items of iinterest, on debt, RRSPs and Pension Plans.
Please check back regularly for updated articles.
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Enhancing Retirement Security for Canadians
May 26th, 2020
The Bell plan is currently at 100% solvency. BPG works with Bell to ensure your pension plan is protected and monitors the legislative environment to ensure the appropriate reform is being addressed. There is always risk but BPG’s role is to minimize this risk as much as possible on your behalf.
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Possible Refund from the Personal on Auto Insurance
May 22nd, 2020
You could get a refund on your auto insurance premium from the Personal. Complete the online form by June 30, 2020.
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COVID-19 and our Pensions
May 17th, 2020
Pension Update - May 15, 2020
Should BPG members be worried about their Bell pensions: NO
Please Read More for notes from BPGs President Denis Marquis -
Update on Class Action instituted against Bell
April 24th, 2020
On February 21, 2020, the appeal court rendered its decision which allowed the appeal and awarded judgment to the class action plaintiffs on behalf of all members of the class.
Bell had 60 days from the date of the Ontario Court of Appeal's decision to apply for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada. We understand that Bell has sought an extension to this deadline of an additional 60 days.
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BPG 25th Anniversary Lunch & AGM
April 2nd, 2020
BPG 25th Anniversary Celebration and AGM Meeting originally scheduled for May 11, 2020 has been POSTPONED. We will revisit in the fall of 2020.
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No Change to Dividends amid COVID-19 Crisis
March 28th, 2020
BCE has 'no change in plans' for dividend amid COVID-19 crisis
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Bell Let's Talk Day
January 23rd, 2020
Join in the 10th Anniversary of Bell Let's Talk Day on January 29
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BPG's 25th Anniversary
January 7th, 2020
BPG's 25th Anniversary Update
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Bell Welcomes Mirco Bibic as new President and Chief Executive Officer
January 6th, 2020
Bell welcomes Mirko Bibic as new President and Chief Executive Officer
- 14th Bell chief executive leads Canada's communications company into its 140th year- Announces new strategic imperatives, promotions to Bell executive team -
CyberSecurity & Privacy
October 29th, 2019
CyberSecurity & Privacy review and types of attacks.
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BCE congratulates George Cope & Calin Rovinescu
October 17th, 2019
BCE congratulates George Cope and Calin Rovinescu on being named top CEOs by The Globe and Mail's Report on Business
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Federal Parties' Positions on Pension
October 10th, 2019
Federal parties’ positions on the pension security issues raised in Denis Marquis’ letter
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You can help!
October 7th, 2019
New Canadian Legislation needed now to fully protect our pensions.
You can help!
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Bell turns on wireless in Nunavut
September 23rd, 2019
Bell Mobility turns on wireless broadband service in all 25 Nunavut communities
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Bell Expands LTE-M Network Coverage In the US
September 23rd, 2019
Bell announced, on Sept 19, 2019, a reciprocal roaming agreement with AT&T in the United States.
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Class Action Suit Decision
August 19th, 2019
On August 13, the Ontarion Supreme Court redered a decision regarding the Class Action Suit brought against Bell regarding 2017 indexing.
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2019 AGM Presentations
May 29th, 2019
AGM Presentations from the May 28, 2019 meeting are now available.
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Exclusive Offer from CARP
May 14th, 2019
Exclusive offer from CARP negotiated by the Canadian Federation of Pensioners replaces the previous BPG discount.
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2019 Audited Financial Statement
April 28th, 2019
The 2019 Audited financial statement for The Bell Pensioners Group is now available.
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Help Wanted - BPG Board Volunteers
March 4th, 2019
Please step up and help us if you can!
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Bell's New Retirement Option
April 9th, 2019
On March 7th, Bell introduced a new Retirement Income option for Defined Contribution (DC) members.
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New Member Recruitment Survey
April 9th, 2019
Our chapter recently conducted a survey of new members to determine what recruitment channels are working best.
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Spreading The BPG Story At Creekbank
March 5th, 2019
Julie Dupuis and a group of volunteer members of the BPG Ontario Central Board were at Creekbank on March 20, 2019 to spread awareness of BPG. We had an information table at 5099 Creekbank and we also went to visit employees at 5025 Creekbank. Folks we spoke to did not initially understand what BPG is all about. Once they understood our mission, they were quick to sign up; Membership is only $20 per year to protect your pension.
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Bell to complete shutdown of CDMA wireless network on April 30
April 16th, 2019
Customers transitioning to Bell's national 4G LTE network, which now reaches more than 99% of the Canadian population.
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2019 Federal Budget
April 9th, 2019
Did you know?
BPG is a founding member and has a seat on the board of the Canadian Federation of Pensioners (CFP). CFP was created to give DB Pensioners a much larger voice when lobbying the government and it has been effective.
Federal 2019 Budget
The Federal 2019 Budget is out and has created a lot of conversations and controversy. Every news source is carrying articles. -
The 5 W's of BPG
April 2nd, 2019
Take a look at the 5 W's of BPG to see why we need BPG and what we have to offer. -
Update - Advocacy Day is February 20th 2019
February 17th, 2019
Advocacy Day - Update:
Dave Palmer and Denis Henry from BPG attended an Advocacy Day on Parliament Hill in February. For that day, both CFP and NAFR (National Association of Federal Retirees) had brochures designed to address pension protection, and a couple of other issues near and dear to our retirees’ hearts. An example of the work we are doing with our partners. Do you know that between CFP and NAFR they represent 2,000,000 retirees? That’s a loud voice! More details to follow with the President’s report at the AGM. Stay tuned!
Advocacy Day - Feb 20, 2019:
The National Association of Federal Retirees has organized an Advocacy Day for February 20th at Parliament Hill.
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Cost of Living (COLA) clause increases your pension in 2019
February 22nd, 2019
The good news is that your 2019 pension payments reflect a full 2% increase for the COLA clause. This is calculated on the increase of the CPI for the 12 month period ending October 31. See your Annual Pension statement for further details.
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Latest Update on Bell’s Pension Plan
February 13th, 2019
As Bell Defined Benefit pensioners, we are in a good place. Bell topped up our Pension plans increasing the solvency ratio to 99% as of December 2017 and 2018 brings another top up.
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BPG President Patte Seaton, OC Directors and Member Interviews
January 21st, 2019
We at BPG are focussed on awareness and recruitment. It is important that all Defined Benefit Pension holders know that BPG is their advocate, and their voice.This year at our Ontario Central Chapter members’ meetings, we decided to ask some of our members and board volunteers along with Patte Seaton, the President of BPG, their thoughts
Your Chapter & Corporate Boards
Patte Seaton discusses BPG Board's role and values of membership
Camie discusses her experiences as a BPG member and role on the board
Lynn and Wendy Discuss their reasons for Joining BPG
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Bell Corporate Discounts
December 5th, 2018
Are you booking a hotel or renting a car this holiday season? If you are then why not take advantage of a Bell Corporate Discount.
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UPDATE ON CLASS ACTION REGARDING 2017 PENSION INDEXATION
July 19th, 2018
Update
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Telco Community Volunteers
May 9th, 2018
Telco Community Volunteers
Located in Brampton, Mississauga, Oakville, Scarborough and Toronto, the clubs organize various activities, including member meetings, cultural and touristic outings, and volunteerism. Info: www.telcocommunityvolunteers.com.
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Understanding Your Pension ?
April 11th, 2018
Understanding Your Pension ?
BPG is a volunteer organization and as such we often get questions from members about our pension plan. After much consideration our team has put together a document that details everything a member should know about their Bell pension.
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Help Support Bill C-384
April 4th, 2018
Help Support Bill C-384
You know we have been fighting hard to ensure pensions are protected in insolvency. You don’t need to be reminded of how Nortel and Sears pensioners saw significant reductions in their pensions.
Scott Duvall (NDP MP for Hamilton Mountain) has authored Bill C-384 which reflects BPG’s position: Any deficit in the funding of defined benefit pension plans when companies are insolvent should be classed as “super-priority” so that those deferred wages (pensions) can be fully paid out.
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Facebook in the news
March 27th, 2018
One week ago, we launched the Ontario Facebook page with great success. Since then, we have had 2,859 page views, 793 followers and 698 total likes which is absolutely fabulous. Two people have expressed reservations as it is their preference not to use any Social Media sites.
In light of the recent breach and exploitation of data from Facebook, the following article and links provide information about Facebook and the various features. Hopefully, this information would allow users to make better use of the site and also protect themselves by making informed decisions of what should and should not be posted, thereby keeping your personal information private.
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Protecting Canadians' Pensions
March 1st, 2018
Protecting Canadians’ Pensions
In the budget presented on Feb 27th 2018 the Minister of finance promised to obtain feedback
from pensioners, workers, and companies and. will take a whole-of -government, evidence-
based approach towards addressing retirement security for all Canadians.
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Managing your Drug Costs
April 13th, 2017
Most people simply take their prescription to their usual pharmacy without much thought about the various charges assuming that they are all similar. However now......
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Why Become a Member of the Bell Pensioners Group?
February 2nd, 2017
In an effort to expand our membership we need every member to help us explain our position to other potential members. The following was created to help all members in this regard.
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