CUPE submission on potential changes to the Public Service Superannuation Plan

Dear CUPE members:

On open call for submissions was made by the Trustee Board of the Nova Scotia Public Service Superannuation Plan (PSSP), asking whether or not adjustments should be made to the PSSP in response to the CPP increases that are being rolled out until 2025. On behalf of our members, CUPE Nova Scotia sent a letter to the board on November 27, in which we state our support for a submission made by CUPE Local 1867.


Read CUPE Nova Scotia’s letter.

Read CUPE 1867’s full submission.


The changes to the PSSP that the Trustee Board are considering would effectively cancel the much-needed CPP enhancement for thousands workers, including CUPE members who are plan members of the pension plan.

CUPE Nova Scotia is strongly opposed to any changes to the PSSP.

The fact that the PSSP is an integrated plan does not mean further integration is automatic – or necessary. It is a choice.

Through the PSSP, we earn pension at the lowest rate among comparator defined benefit plans across the country. PSSP benefits are already frozen for the next five years and will decline in real value as the cost of living increases over this period.

This change would hit low-income workers in the PSSP the hardest. Higher-income workers would see less of a cut.

For most CUPE members, the new CPP benefits would cost the employer 1% of payroll, which is being phased in over five years.

CUPE NS, CUPE 1867 and the Nova Scotia General Employees’ Union (NSGEU) represent the vast majority of active PSPP members and strongly oppose any changes.

In solidarity,

Nan McFadgen
CUPE Nova Scotia President