In early September, the oral argument was being presented at both the Public Service Class Action and the Canadian Forces Class Action concerning the Supplementary Death Benefits (SDB). The actions went to trial on the common issues at the Law Courts in Vancouver, on 13 June 2005. Under the Public Service Superannuation Act (PSSA) and the Canadian Forces Superannuation Act (CFSA), a Supplementary Death Benefit is payable to beneficiaries of deceased federal Public Servants and Canadian Forces members. Until late 1999, the amount of the benefit payable was reduced by 10°/o per year for covered members who died after age 60. Since 1999, the 10°/o yearly reduction under the PSSA applies after age 65, rather than age 60. The class actions challenge the age-related benefit reduction as discriminatory, contrary to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. A similar case brought on an individual basis in the Federal Court of Canada by Mrs. Ruth Margolis resulted in a favourable judgement for the plaintiff. The class actions are brought on behalf of all members insured under the SDB program. Updates are to be posted on this web site: www.branmac.com
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