Biographical notes for Michel Benoit

Contributing Editor, Pension Planning (PP) 1994–

"Trust Rules Under the New Quebec Civil Code" (1994) 1 PP 19

"Increased Responsibility for Pension Committees in Quebec" (1994) 1 PP 46

"Group Retirement Plan Investment Contracts with Confederation Life: Should Plan Sponsors and Administrators Be Concerned?" (1995) 2 PP 80

"Pension Fund Investment Managers in Quebec Assume Significant Liability" (1995) 2 PP 86

"After the Singer Decision: Should Sponsors Across Canada Be Concerned?" (1995) 2 PP 114

"Surplus Ownership – Another Hurdle for Employers From the Quebec Court of Appeal" (1997) 4 PP 198

"New Civil Code Prescription May Limit Claims" (1997) 4 PP 266

"Pension Plans Subject to Federal Jurisdiction: Important Amendments to the Pension Benefits Standards Act" (1998) 5 PP 297

"Contribution Holidays in Quebec: Lack of Support for a Revised Statutory Framework" (1998) 5 PP 314

"Multi-Jurisdiction Pension Plans – The Memorandum of Reciprocal Agreement Could Be Compromised" (1998) 5 PP 326

"Claims by Retirees to Surplus in Ongoing Pension Plans – Recent Case Law" (1999) 6 PP 367

Born 4 May 1947

Educated University of Montreal B.A. 1966; McGill University B.C.L. 1969

Partner, Desjardins Ducharme Stein Monast 1984–

Vice-President, Régie des rentes du Québec 1982-84

Executive Director, Montreal Urban Community Police Pension Fund 1980-82

Associate with present firm 1970-80

Called to the Bar of Quebec 1970

Articled with present firm 1970

Member, Canadian Pension Conference 1986-90

Chair of Regional Council, Canadian Pension Conference 1988-90

Chair, Canadian Association of Pension Supervisory Authorities 1983-84

Member, International Pension and Employee Benefits Lawyers Association (IPEBLA) 1989–; Editorial Board, Estates, Trusts and Pensions Journal (Canada Law Book), 1999–

Lecturer, professional organizations including INSIGHT, the Canadian Institute, Lexium, IPEBLA, Canadian Pension and Benefits Institute, International Bar, National Defined Contribution Council (U.S.), Canadian Bar Association, the Canadian Institute of Actuaries, and the International Foundation of Employee Benefits Plans

Mr. Benoit's practice covers the full range of pension and employee benefits law, including taxation, pension benefits legislation (Quebec and federal), and representation before pension supervisory authorities (Quebec and federal), labour arbitrators and the Courts in matters involving disputes on application and interpretation of pension legislation, surplus ownership and contribution holidays. He also has extensive experience in negotiating and implementing pension and employee benefits in connection with labour agreements, corporate reorganizations, acquisitions, divestitures and mergers.