Hamilton Fire Department Pensioner's Association

	HMRF Pensions	City Pension Contacts	CPP Overview	Pension Reps
	OMERS Pensions	Benefits for Under 65	OAS Overview	Don Alford
				Don Scarratt

Pensions & Benefits

HMRF/HWRF and OMERS History

		The Hamilton Municipal Retirement Fund (HMRF) was formed in 1957 and included most City of Hamilton employees. The previous HFD benevolent fund was transferred into the HMRF giving the older firefighters full service. The HMRF ceased enrolling new fire employees in Sept. 1965.
		More information regarding the administration of the HMRF  and the HWRF (Hamilton-Wentworth Retirement Fund may be found on the city's website page: HMRF/HWRF Pension Administration.
		On April 18, 1962, the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System Act was passed by the Ontario Legislature, under the guidance of the Minister of Municipal Affairs. After July 1, 1968 All municipal employees were required to join OMERS.; responsibility was transferred from the Minister of Municipal Affairs to an 11 Member Board
		In 1969 disabled widowers became eligible to receive OMERS survivor pension Payments to children of deceased members extended from age 18 to age 21.
		In 1971, Surviving spouse's pension increases: additional 10% for each dependent child (up to 75% [max] of members pension
		In 1975, Widowers become eligible to receive 50% OMERS survivor pension;
		In 1978, Pension formula changes to 2% of average of member's highest five years of earnings, integrated with CPP.
		In 1998, A member contribution holiday inplemented on August 1, 1998 and after extensions, ended with the first pay period of 2003 at 1/3 of the full-rate.
		In 2004, Restoration of full contributions with the first pay period of 2004
		In 2006, the OMERS Act, 2006 was proclaimed on June 30, 2006. The legislation established a new governance model for OMERS that eliminated the role of the Province of Ontario as Plan sponsor. The act will be reviewed in 2012 to assess its fairness.
		In 2008, a new methof of calculating inflation increase. The new inflation increase method aligns with the way CPP increases pensions.
		In 2009, New contribution rates became effective on January 1
		In 2009, The maximum age limit for active membership in the Plan exteded from 69 to 71, the new maximum under the Income Tax Act.
		a more detailed account of OMERS activities may be found at OMERS History

		Hamilton Fire Department Pensioner's Association - "The Group"
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