University Pension Plan Ontario

We’re proud to share that UPP has been recognized as a 2026 Canadian HR Awards Excellence Awardee in two categories: Excellence in Flexible & Hybrid Work Strategy and Excellence in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging.    This recognition reflects our continued commitment to fostering a flexible, inclusive and purpose-driven workplace culture where every employee is empowered to thrive and make an impact.    Thank you to Human Resources Director Canada for this recognition, and congratulations to all this year’s Excellence Awardees! See the full list here: https://lnkd.in/gEcXfnKP     #HRAwardsCA 

Today, we're pleased to welcome Pierre Charette to University Pension Plan Ontario (UPP) as our new Chief Pension Services Officer. Pierre joins UPP with more than 35 years of experience in pensions, benefits, consulting, and operations leadership. He brings deep expertise in pension administration, service delivery, and operational excellence, along with a strong commitment to supporting members and employers. In his role, Pierre will lead UPP's Pension Services function and help advance our commitment to serving members, employers, and employee partners with care. Please join us in welcoming Pierre to the team. Learn more about Pierre's appointment and role at UPP: https://lnkd.in/ezrtFqDF

Last week, UPP was pleased to host members of the Ivey Business School at Western University’s Women in Asset Management (WAM) program for our annual networking event.     As a proud partner since the program’s launch in 2022, we stand behind WAM’s mission to increase the representation of women in Canada’s asset management industry through education, mentorship, networking and career opportunities.     This year, we welcomed 35 WAM interns, including two of our own, to connect with and learn from UPP colleagues. Highlights included:    🔹Opening remarks from President and CEO Barbara Zvan and CIO Aaron Bennett, including reflections on building the Plan, leading through change and shaping a fulfilling career with a modern pension organization.    🔹A career journey panel moderated by former WAM intern and current UPP Intern Analyst Mabel Zhao, featuring colleagues from our Private Markets team.    🔹Networking opportunities with investment professionals and leaders across UPP.    Thank you to everyone who helped make the event a success. Together, we’re helping to build a stronger and more inclusive future for the industry. 

This month, UPP was proud to celebrate our fifth anniversary – a meaningful milestone that gave us the opportunity to reflect on our progress and look ahead to what’s next. Over the past five years, the Plan has grown from serving three founding institutions to more than 46,000 members across six universities and 19 sector organizations. Through it all, our commitment has remained constant: providing secure lifetime pensions for members across Ontario’s university sector. Thank you to our members, stakeholders and partners for your continued trust and collaboration. Your confidence in our stewardship is the foundation of our success, and we look forward to building on it together.

Last week, UPP was proud to host the fourth summer gathering of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Pension Peers Community of Practice. Alongside co-host HOOPP (Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan), we welcomed leaders from across the pension sector for two days of engaging discussion, knowledge sharing and collaboration on topics including Truth and Reconciliation, psychological safety and belonging, organizational strategy and sustaining momentum on EDI.   We’re grateful to our colleagues from BCI, CPPIB, Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, PSP Investments | Investissements PSP, La Caisse (Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec), Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo), OPTrust and OMERS for their openness, insights and shared commitment. Together, we continue to foster inclusive workplaces and advance our shared purpose of delivering lasting value for our members and the communities we serve.

Team UPP was honoured to once again march in the Toronto Pride Parade this past weekend in support of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Marking its 45th year, Pride Toronto’s theme, We Won’t Stop, is an important reminder that progress is ongoing and sustained through collective action and allyship. UPP colleagues also participated in the Pride & Remembrance Run, a meaningful event that celebrates 2SLGBTQI+ communities and honours those we have lost. At UPP, we are committed to living our values every day by fostering a safe, equitable and inclusive workplace. We are proud to stand alongside colleagues, partners, family and friends to celebrate the diversity that strengthens our organization and reflects the communities we serve. #Pride2026

In a recent episode of the Powering Sustainable Ideas podcast, UPP President and CEO Barbara Zvan joined Sarah Thompson, Global Head of Sustainable Finance at RBC Capital Markets, to discuss the development of Canada’s Sustainable Finance Taxonomy and how it can help accelerate investment in Canada’s energy transition. Three key takeaways emerged from the discussion: 1️⃣ For the taxonomy to be effective, it must be clear, credible and science-based – giving investors the confidence and clarity they need to align capital with climate objectives. 2️⃣ Canada is collaborating with international partners to ensure that the taxonomy is interoperable, leveraging best practices while developing a framework that reflects Canada’s unique transition requirements. 3️⃣ With federal funding, the Taxonomy and Transition Planning Council established, and sector guidance under development, the taxonomy is moving from vision to reality. Its long-term success will be driven by broad market participation, strong governance, and continued collaboration across the sector. Listen to the full episode: https://lnkd.in/gTVKpXqH

UPP CIO Aaron Bennett, CFA Bennett recently spoke with Leo Kolivakis from Pension Pulse about our 2025 annual report and UPP’s ongoing work to build a portfolio that balances the long-term value creation and risk management needed to deliver secure, lifelong pensions for our members.

For pension plans like UPP, resilience requires more than diversification. It also depends on understanding, measuring and managing risk across the entire portfolio. In a recent ACPM - ACARR | Association of Canadian Pension Management Observer article, Nelson Chau and Joyce Chen, CFA, MFin. break down the key pillars of UPP’s integrated risk management framework, including our total-portfolio mindset, deliberate approach to portfolio construction, comprehensive scenario analysis and stress testing, and a risk-aware culture of shared accountability. From leadership through to our investment teams, there is a shared understanding that delivering long-term value requires taking risks thoughtfully and intentionally. This approach is key to funding pensions that generations of our members can rely on. Read the article to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gV2bbtSZ

As a proud partner to Ontario’s university community, UPP was honoured to be the lead sponsor of last week’s Empire Club of Canada event marking the public launch of the Council of Ontario Universities’ AI Task Force Report. The event brought together leaders from Ontario’s universities, industry and across Canada’s AI ecosystem for an insightful discussion focused on how the province can leverage AI to drive economic growth, productivity and global competitiveness while maintaining public trust. UPP President and CEO Barbara Zvan's opening remarks highlighted the critical role universities will continue to play in helping to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape: “While AI is moving incredibly quickly, realizing its potential will depend on human judgement, strong governance and public confidence,” she shared. “Ontario’s universities have a critical role to play in preparing students, advancing research, and helping Canada compete in an increasingly AI-enabled economy. Watch the full discussion: https://lnkd.in/eEeHZiPi