Canada's Economy
The Canada Pension Plan Investment Model
How Canada reformed its public pension in the late 1990s and built large, professionally managed pension funds that invest worldwide, including in India.
Canada’s public pension system is considered a model.
The reform
- In the 1990s, the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) faced funding problems.
- In 1997, reforms raised contributions and created the CPP Investment Board to invest surplus funds professionally.
The Maple 8
Canada’s largest public pension funds, sometimes called the “Maple 8”, include:
- CPP Investments.
- Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec.
- Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan.
Investment approach
- Independent boards and professional managers.
- Large investments in private equity, infrastructure and real estate worldwide.
India investments
Canadian pension funds are among the largest foreign investors in Indian roads, renewable energy, airports and companies.
Lessons
- Governance at arm’s length from politics.
- Long-term investing.
Comparison
India’s EPFO and NPS invest mainly in government bonds and some equity.
The Indian highway
A Canadian pension fund invests in a portfolio of Indian toll roads, earning steady returns to pay retired Canadian teachers.
Thinking public pensions must invest only in government bonds
Canada's funds invest globally in diverse assets.
Key takeaways
- Canada reformed the CPP in 1997.
- Large public funds invest professionally worldwide.
- They're major investors in Indian infrastructure.
- Independent governance is key.
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