Retirement news

Ontario defined-benefit pension funding reaches a record high

FSRA’s Q2 2026 report shows strong sector-wide funding, but members should still check the position and rules of their own plan.

← All retirement news

What is the news?

Ontario’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority reported that the estimated median solvency ratio for the defined-benefit pension plans covered by its quarterly report rose from 122% to a record 127% during Q2 2026. FSRA estimated that 93% of the plans were fully funded on a solvency basis, up from 90% at the end of Q1. An average net investment return of 5.8% was the main driver of the improvement.

FSRA announcement
August 27, 2026
Position measured
June 30, 2026
Median solvency ratio
127%

Who is affected?

Members of Ontario-regulated defined-benefit pension plans included in FSRA’s reporting. The figures are aggregate estimates and do not describe the funding position of every Ontario workplace pension.

What is the impact?

The report is encouraging evidence of financial resilience across the covered plans. Stronger funding generally provides a larger buffer against market and interest-rate changes.

Important limitation: A 127% median does not mean your plan is 127% funded, guarantee a cost-of-living increase, or change your pension formula. Indexation, contributions, and benefit improvements depend on the rules and financial position of each plan.

What should you do?

Review your own plan’s annual report, member statement, indexation policy, and latest funding notice. Contact the plan administrator if you need to understand how funding affects your promised pension or a retirement decision.

Official sources

General educational information only—not pension, financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult your plan documents and administrator for information about your pension.