2018 Volunteer Awards - Canadian Institute of Actuaries
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2018 Volunteer Awards
Message from the President
Members of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries can year at our Annual Meeting. This year, the Institute
look at 2017 and feel great pride in the work our will present 20 gold awards, 15 silver awards, and
dedicated and hard-working volunteers completed. 24 bronze awards to those members who qualified
Over 540 members on volunteer groups contributed in 2017 for volunteer service recognition.
to diverse activities:
You will note a rather large number of gold award
• Research, standards, and guidance development; winners this year. This is because we have changed
• Education matters, including our relationship the period-of-service criteria to include service
with outside providers as well as the continuing in an elected position. This recognizes the very
professional development offerings at our significant commitment that Board members and
meetings and seminars; Officers make. On behalf of all members of the CIA,
• International relations, including the ongoing I want to personally thank those receiving awards
development of international standards and for their commitment to assist our profession in
guidance for a new regime of financial reporting; fulfilling its mission.
• Development of submissions in response to
Sharon Giffen requests from a variety of regulators; and The Institute strives to support the contributions of
CIA President its many volunteers. The Volunteer Management and
• Development of our own public statements on
Development Committee has developed initiatives
topics relevant to actuaries.
to do so and to make the volunteer experience more
Of course, an additional group of volunteers provides rewarding; these will be rolled out over the next year.
guidance and oversight to these groups and reports
on progress to the Board. A really big THANK YOU Through the dedication and support of its volunteers,
the CIA can make an even greater contribution to
to all volunteers.
Canada in the future.
The CIA recognizes members who have made a
significant volunteer contribution to the Institute each THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO!
2
2018 Volunteer Awards
GOLD
PRESENTED TO MEMBERS WHO HAVE
COMPLETED 12 TERMS OF SERVICE.
3
2018 Volunteer Awards
Louis Adam | FCIA (1989)
Professor, Université Laval
Louis sums up his career as a CIA volunteer with the following Board/Council Service
words: impact, contribution, and involvement. His role as a • CIA Board
member of the Research Committee from 2008–2014 led to
Committee Service
the CIA establishing, in 2014, the first mortality table based
• 1992 Congress Committee: Scientific
entirely on Canadian data. Previously, the mortality tables used • Communications
in Canadian pension practice came mainly from American data. • Electronic Services
The profession needed a modern table based on Canadian data, • Research
- Pension and Group Annuity Experience
and Louis helped devise a solution to this problem.
Subcommitee
Louis also served on two committees whose work helped the - Pension Experience Subcommittee
CIA enter the modern communications era by setting up services
Task Force Service
such as the CIA website and listservs from 1996–2009. It radically
• Enhancing the Demand for Actuaries
FIRST VOLUNTEERED IN changed the way members interacted and transmitted documents • Internet Services
1990. and information, which in turn affected exchanges by CIA members, • Mortality Improvement
SERVED ON 9 be it in their interactions among themselves or with the Head Office,
VOLUNTEER GROUPS. or in connection with the work done by committees or task forces.
Volunteering with the CIA allowed Louis to exchange ideas
with talented people who were also interested in contributing to
the work done by the CIA. Beyond gaining a better understanding
of the issues, he had the privilege of working alongside intelligent,
dynamic, and hardworking people and of learning about
important issues from a variety of perspectives. His exchanges
with them developed his communication skills.
“Don’t hesitate to get involved! Choose an area that interests
you and that you care about. Talk to your colleagues to
understand the objectives of the various committees and
councils. Once you’re on board, don’t be afraid to ask
questions of those with more experience on the committee.”
4
2018 Volunteer Awards
Gavin Benjamin | FCIA (1993)
Senior director, retirement, Willis Towers Watson
Volunteering has given Gavin many opportunities to give back Board/Council Service
to the public and the actuarial profession, particularly through his • Actuarial Standards Board (ASB)
work on the Committee on Pension and Post-retirement Benefit - Designated Group (DG) Stochastic Models for
Shared Risk Plans
Accounting Discount Rates and the Committee on Pension Plan - DG on the Development of Revisions to Standards
Financial Reporting (PPFRC). for Assumptions for Hypothetical Wind-up and
Solvency Valuations for Pension Plans
As chair of the former, Gavin developed guidance on the - DG on the Development of Revisions to the
creation of a corporate AA spot curve that many Canadian Standards for Pension Plan Incremental Cost and
Sensitivity
pension plans use to calculate pension accounting liabilities. - DG on the Development of Standards with Regard
For the PPFRC, he developed a process for providing pension to Pensions Hypothetical Wind-up and Solvency
(Round 2)
actuaries with quarterly guidance on group annuity pricing
using a combination of insurer illustrative pricing and actual Committee Service
FIRST VOLUNTEERED IN transactional data. These contributions have improved the • Pension Plan Financial Reporting
2005. measurement of pension obligations and costs. • Research
- Pension and Group Annuity Experience
SERVED ON 11 Gavin credits volunteering for improving his technical Subcommitee
VOLUNTEER GROUPS. knowledge and his ability to collaborate with others. Being - Pension Experience Subcommittee
seen as an expert in his field has helped his career.
Task Force Service
• Contents of Pension Actuarial Reports
• Pension and Post-retirement Benefit Accounting
Discount Rates
“Start volunteering as soon as you can and get involved
with things you enjoy.”
5
2018 Volunteer Awards
Richard Bisson | FCIA (1977)
Of all the volunteer groups Richard has been a part of, he Board/Council Service
is most proud of his achievements on the Committee on Life • CIA Board
Insurance Financial Reporting (CLIFR) and the Publications • Eligibility and Education Council
• Member Services Council
Committee. In CLIFR, Richard represented small and medium-
sized life insurance companies when introducing new valuation Committee Service
methods like Method 78 and CALM. In the Publications • Actuarial Evidence Practice
Committee, he was active in matters pertaining to the University • Application of Rules and Standards
- Life Annual Questionnaire Subcommittee
Accreditation Program (UAP). He helped review universities
- Peer Review Subcommittee
vying for accreditation and participated in audits examining • Compliance
whether universities should keep their accreditation. Richard’s • Editorial
impact on the profession through these committees and others • Liaison with Labour, Employer and Plan Sponsor
Organizations on Pension Matters
FIRST VOLUNTEERED IN led to the modernization of the criteria for obtaining the ACIA
• Life Insurance Financial Reporting
1984. designation via university programs, and valuing the work of • Program
Appointed Actuaries.
SERVED ON 13 Task Force Service
VOLUNTEER GROUPS. Richard has developed familiarity with how the CIA
• The CIA’s 50th Anniversary
operates. This in turn helps him promote the CIA to students,
communicate with actuaries from across Canada, and encourage
the actuaries working for his employer to volunteer for the
CIA. Volunteering has helped him acquire the knowledge to
promote professionalism, work ethics, and communication with
colleagues and clients. It allowed Richard to further appreciate
the profession and the dedication of its members.
“It’s gratifying to play a role in growing the profession.
You get a lot out of it. It’s also in some respects a way to
pay it forward.”
6
2018 Volunteer Awards
Robert Boeckner | FCIA (1968)
Retired
As a volunteer, Robert spent time reflecting on the goals of Board/Council Service
the profession and thinking about ways to achieve them. He • Former CIA Council
learned how to promote his ideas while listening to those who
hold differing opinions to achieve a common goal. Committee Service
• Actuarial Careers
Robert worked with colleagues on the Task Force on the • Budget
Implementation of the Proposed Changes to the CPD Requirements • Education and Examinations
to develop the new qualification standard aimed at ensuring that - Advisory Subcommittee
CIA members obtain relevant continuing education to meet the duty • LIMRA–Financial Management Research (Liaison
Representative)
of the profession to the public. He also helped develop the process
• Persistency
to roll out the new qualification standard to the membership. • Program
This is just one of many volunteer roles that helped Robert • Public Relations
develop his ability to work with others as a team leader and team • Special Studies
FIRST VOLUNTEERED IN - Persistency Subcommittee
1968. member, great skills for his career where teamwork is necessary
regardless of the position. Also, he met other members of the Task Force Service
SERVED ON 10 profession outside his firm with whom he could exchange ideas. • Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Review
VOLUNTEER GROUPS.
To Robert, volunteering is important, as all CIA members benefit
from the work of previous CIA volunteers. He believes current
members have a duty to “pay it forward” for future members.
He adds that the profession would be much weaker if it relied
completely on staff, competent as they are. Only practitioners
who deal with the issues under consideration every day bring the
perspective needed to develop solutions that will work.
“Always find time for volunteering. It requires you to
balance the demands of work, family and the profession
but that is a good thing. I always learned something in
each volunteer position that I could take back to my job.
Also, I met other actuaries with whom I could interact
even years later to get a fresh perspective on an issue.”
7
2018 Volunteer Awards
Alan Brereton | FCIA (1971)
Retired
Veteran volunteer Alan Brereton describes himself as a “nerdy Board/Council Service
actuary” who appreciates how his volunteer opportunities • Former CIA Council
perfected his social skills. Meeting and engaging with others in
Committee Service
the profession helped his career, as it increased his knowledge
• Actuarial Careers
and understanding of the profession. • Budget
Another important aspect of volunteering for the CIA is how • CICA–Accounting Standards Committee–Central
Section (liaison representative)
it provides a way to give back what the profession has provided • Compliance
to Alan and its members. • Life Insurance Financial Reporting
• Public Relations
• Review of Membership Categories
Task Force Service
FIRST VOLUNTEERED IN
• CIA Organization
1971.
• Compliance Review
SERVED ON 10
VOLUNTEER GROUPS.
His advice for new members who want to volunteer in the
CIA is simply: “Go for it”.
8
2018 Volunteer Awards
Steven Easson | FCIA (1986)
Vice-president and chief actuary, Canadian Life and Health Insurance
As a volunteer, Steven demonstrates how one can Board/Council Service
successfully balance work, family, and volunteerism at the • CIA Board
Canadian Institute of Actuaries. • Practice Council
From 2007–2010 and 2013–2016, Steve was a member of Committee Service
the CIA Board. In his first Board term, he had the challenging • Emerging Issues
task of a double workload for two years as he served on the • Expected Experience
- Individual Life Subcommittee
Society of Actuaries board at the same time.
• International Insurance Accounting
• Joint Risk Management Section (liaison
representative)
• Public Policy
• Public Relations
• Risk
FIRST VOLUNTEERED IN
1986. Task Force Service
• Appropriate Treatment of Reinsurance
SERVED ON 13
• CPC Membership
VOLUNTEER GROUPS.
• Financial Economics
• Develop a CIA Public Position on the Evolution of
Government Sponsored Plans
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2018 Volunteer Awards
Patricia Hladun | FCIA (2002)
Senior manager, actuarial, rewards & analytics, Deloitte
Patricia started to volunteer for the CIA right after becoming Board/Council Service
an FCIA in 2002. Out of her volunteer roles, including many • Actuarial Standards Board (ASB)
involving exams on Canadian regulations and financial reporting, - Designated Group (DG) for the General Review
of Secton 2000 (Insurance) of the Standards of
she cites her work as a member and a regulatory liaison for Practice
the Committee on Property and Casualty Financial Reporting
(PCFRC) as one that stands out. As an actuary working on Committee Service
• Accreditation
financial reporting, the PCFRC was an excellent way to keep up
• CIA Exam 6 Canada Syllabus
with and take the lead on current practices. • Communications
According to Patricia, networking opportunities are one of • Property and Casualty Insurance Financial
Reporting
the great benefits of her CIA volunteer work. During her years - Discounting Subcommittee
on the CAS exam committee, she has engaged with over 150 - Fair Value Subcommittee
FIRST VOLUNTEERED IN Canadian P&C actuaries. She also recognizes that volunteering - Materiality Subcommittee
2004. and her own role are important to the evolution of the profession - Round Table Subcommittee
SERVED ON 12 as it strives to keep up to date and relevant.
Task Force Service
VOLUNTEER GROUPS. • Materiality
• Develop Skills and Knowledge Inventories for
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
“Don’t be scared that you don’t have the knowledge or
experience to volunteer. Seasoned committee members
will guide your experience!”
10
2018 Volunteer AwardsJames Jeffery | FCIA (1973)
Senior actuary and firm principal, Dilkes, Jeffery & Associates
Another one of our experienced volunteers, James points Board/Council Service
to two volunteer opportunities where he made significant • Actuarial Standards Board (ASB)
contributions. The first is as a member of the Actuarial Standards - Designated Group (DG) for Part 4000 Actuarial
Evidence
Board (ASB), where he enhanced the visibility of the actuarial - DG to Develop General Standards for Reporting
evidence practice area within the CIA and influenced ASB of Assumptions, Margins, Methods and Related
Rationales
considerations and decisions from that perspective and the
- Designated Group for Linkages between General
perspective of the sole practitioner. and Practice-Specific Standards
Secondly, as Vice-chair of the Actuarial Evidence Committee,
Committee Service
he feels very satisfied with the work he accomplishes. Practitioners • Actuarial Evidence
regularly consult him for advice and guidance on technical, • Education and Examinations
professional, and ethical issues they encounter in their practices. - Operating Subcommittee
FIRST VOLUNTEERED IN • International Relations
James’ work for the actuarial evidence practice is significant
1974. - IAA Participation Subcommittee
and personally satisfying. The CIA recognizes this practice area • Life Insurance Financial Reporting
SERVED ON 12 as a relatively small but important contributor to the profession • Revisions to the Bylaws
VOLUNTEER GROUPS. as a whole, and particularly to the public face of the profession. • Younger Actuaries
James asserts that volunteering is a key element of real Task Force Service
professionalism. In the actuarial evidence practice area, personal • CIA Legal Services Provider Evaluation
reputation is crucial. Volunteering has been an important contributor • Pension Value Consistency
to his personal reputation within and outside of the CIA.
“Volunteering provides exposure to a variety of other
actuaries and their perspectives, and to the leading
edge of technical and professional developments, both
of which would be difficult or impossible to replicate any
other way.”
11
2018 Volunteer AwardsMinaz Lalani | FCIA (1985)
Executive chairman and CEO, Besurance
Among the 10 volunteer groups that Minaz has served on, Board/Council Service
two volunteer experiences stand out, especially in the field of • CIA Board
enterprise risk management applications (ERMA).
Committee Service
On the ERMA Committee (ERMAC), he participated in the
• CIA Education Syllabus
development of two booklets: ERM – Should you be doing it? and • Education
ERM – Who is doing it?. He also worked with other ERMAC members • Elections
to advance ERM by presenting sessions on the topic for non- • Enterprise Risk Management Applications
insurance actuaries. • Governance
• Public Relations
On the Task Force on Canadian Eligibility Requirements, his past
expertise as the Chair of the Society of Actuaries’ ERM Curriculum Task Force Service
Committee gave him excellent insight into incorporating risk • Canadian Eligibility Requirements
management topics throughout the syllabus. He also assisted • Indvidual Savings and Financial Literacy
FIRST VOLUNTEERED IN
1998. the committee in developing the risk management portion of • Transfer Values
the Canadian syllabus.
SERVED ON 10 Minaz has benefited from volunteering, especially as a non-
VOLUNTEER GROUPS. traditional actuary. He acquired better understanding of actuarial
work in other fields (e.g., life insurance, property & casualty).
Volunteering gave him the opportunity to work with diverse
individuals from other actuarial practice areas, and the ability to
better understand differing views and approaches. Volunteering
has improved his leadership skills.
For Minaz, volunteering allows actuaries to contribute
their time and knowledge, thereby ensuring the long-term
sustainability of the profession and leaving the Institute in a
better state for the benefit of future actuaries.
“You get more out of volunteering than the effort you
put into it. You develop long-lasting relationships and
friendships, you broaden your knowledge base, and you
acquire invaluable lifelong personal skills.”
12
2018 Volunteer AwardsThomas Levy | FCIA (1970)
Senior vice-president, chief actuary emeritus, The Segal Group
When Thomas began volunteering in 2000, he was the Board/Council Service
only private-sector member on the Actuarial Standard Boards • Actuarial Standards Board (ASB)
(ASB) Designated Group on ISAP 2 (Social Security). His - Designated Group for ISAP2
- Working Group to Review ISAP2
accomplishments with this group include drafting the first • Practice Council
actuarial practice standards for social security actuarial work • Practice Standards Council
in Canada. Thomas also successfully used his leadership skills
as vice-chair of the Practice Standards Council to set actuarial Committee Service
• International Relations
practice standards for all CIA member actuaries in Canada.
- International Pension and Employee Benefits
For Thomas, volunteering is the cornerstone of his profession. Standards Subcommittee
As chief actuary of the Segal Group, volunteering allowed him to • Pension Plan Financial Reporting
• Organization of the Pension Seminar
demonstrate to his colleagues the firm’s commitment to giving
FIRST VOLUNTEERED IN back to the profession. Task Force Service
2000.
• International Pension and Employee Benefits
Standards
SERVED ON 11 • Multi-Employer Pension Plans
VOLUNTEER GROUPS. • MEPP/TBPP Funding
• Status of Defined Benefit Plans in Canada
“If you don’t participate, you may find that others create
guidance with which you must comply even if you don’t
agree with it.”
13
2018 Volunteer AwardsC. Ian Markham | FCIA (1980)
Managing director, Willis Towers Watson
Of the 11 volunteer groups that Ian has participated in, his Board/Council Service
time on the Committee on Pension Plan Financial Reporting • CIA Board
(PPFRC), Consolidated Standards of Practice Committee, and • Former CIA Council
Board are where he feels he made the biggest contribution. • Practice Standards Council
He saw the modernization of many of the then-existing Committee Service
pension standards and helping pension actuaries judge whether • Actuarial Education Research Fund (AERF) (liaison
the “green monster” (draft consolidated standards) reflected representative)
the existing pension standards and, if not reflected, the logic for • Consolidated Standards of Practice
• Economic Statistics
the modernization. His work on creating consistent standards
• Pension Plan Financial Reporting
across all practice areas where consistency was feasible (via
the General Standards) has impacted the actuarial profession. Task Force Service
FIRST VOLUNTEERED IN Volunteering on the Board gave him broad actuarial • Compliance Review
knowledge within and well beyond his practice area as he • Professional Conduct
1982.
• Status of Defined Benefit Plans in Canada
advocated change to the broad membership (especially
• Whistle-Blowing
SERVED ON 11 pension actuaries) and met senior pension regulators and
VOLUNTEER GROUPS. other professions. His career has also benefited from enhanced
visibility and credibility in his chosen field (pension consulting)
and gave him a far better sense of how pension actuaries and
others regard their work, their standards of practice, and how
they operate within them. This is why he feels volunteering is
so important, as it gives back to the profession that launched
our careers, and our volunteering efforts will be paid back in
spades (pride, visibility, breadth, financial gain).
“The actuarial community is friendly and invariably
generous in helping you develop your opinions and views.
What you learn through volunteering will hold you in great
stead as you apply your skills to clients and stakeholders
who will be judging and paying for your performance and
skills (not just in your work as an actuary, but well beyond).”
14
2018 Volunteer AwardsDonald McIsaac | FCIA (1973)
Retired
Donald began his volunteering career right after receiving his Board/Council Service
FCIA. Of the 10 volunteer groups Donald participated in, two really • Former CIA Council
stand out for him: his role as secretary-treasurer on the Board,
Committee Service
and as a member of the Committee on Life Insurance Financial
• 1992 Congress Committee: Finance
Reporting (CLIFR). As the secretary-treasurer, much progress • Budget
was made in the development of professional standards for the • Consider Broadened Role for the Valuation Actuary
organization. As a member of CLIFR, he developed and helped • Dividend Principles and Practices
• IAA Supranational Relations (liaison representative)
adopt new standards for life insurance company financial reporting.
• Life Insurance Financial Reporting
This was a great collaboration with the accounting profession. • Society of Actuaries–Book Revisions (liaison
Donald is also proud of his impact on the profession by representative)
• Special Interests
working with the Office of the Superintendent of Financial
FIRST VOLUNTEERED IN Institutions (OSFI). He assisted in the development of new federal Task Force Service
1973. legislation that, in addition to many other features, entrenched • Publicity for Disciplinary Procedures
SERVED ON 10 the role of the Appointed Actuary in legislation and practice.
VOLUNTEER GROUPS. Volunteering has enhanced his ability to communicate
with other professionals, government officials, and officials
representing other countries and other actuarial organizations.
This led to a wonderful opportunity to initiate the annual meetings
of the International Actuarial Association and executives of the
World Bank. Volunteering is the ideal means of continuing
professional development following completion of formal
training.
“I would seize any opportunity to volunteer. Organizations
such as the CIA must rely on volunteers to manage their
heavy agenda. Volunteers are best equipped to carry the
message of what actuaries seek to achieve into other
arenas and to other professions.”
15
2018 Volunteer AwardsPeter Muirhead | FCIA (1968)
Actuary, PBI Actuarial Consultants
For Peter, being a part of a volunteer group helps make the Committee Service
Institute what it is today and without it, the profession would • Accreditation
be marginalized. Two of the 17 volunteer groups he served on • Continuing Education
- Group Life and Health Subcommittee
are evidence of this impact. On the University Accreditation • Emerging Issues
Program, he worked with education groups and universities • Expected Experience
to streamline the education and assessment of actuaries - Group Life and Health Subcommittee
in Canada. On the Committee on Expected Experience – • Research
- Group Life and Health Experience Subcommittee
Group Life and Health, Peter helped produce the inaugural
• Society of Actuaries –Education Working Groups
Canadian disability study which included a life waiver valuation (liaison representative)
component for continuation of benefits while disabled. • Society of Actuaries –ASA Level Education Working
Group (liaison representative)
Volunteering has provided Peter with insight into alternative • Workers’ Compensation
FIRST VOLUNTEERED IN methods and opinions. It has also helped his career immensely
1994. by creating a network of contacts and friends. Task Force Service
• Recommend a Future Education Model for the CIA
SERVED ON 17 • Review the Merits of the Accreditation Program for
VOLUNTEER GROUPS. UAP
• Workers’ Compensation
“Find an area you are interested in and passionate about
and dig in. You will never regret it.”
16
2018 Volunteer AwardsDaniel Pellerin | FCIA (1983)
Senior vice-president and chief actuary, ivari
For Daniel, volunteering with the CIA keeps the profession Board/Council Service
relevant in an ever-changing world. He believes it is not only his • CIA Board
duty but the duty of the membership to get involved and change • Member Services Council
• Practice Council
the profession for the better.
Out of the 10 volunteer groups he has been involved with, Committee Service
he is most proud of his work on the Member Services Council • Continuing Education
• Risk Management
(MSC) and the Board. Daniel oversaw the development and
• Risk Management and Capital Requirements
adoption of the current CIA logo, the design of the current format - Solvency Framework Subcommittee
for e-mail communications with members, and the creation
of the Research Committee. With the Board, he simplified the Task Force Service
Rule of Professional Conduct #13. In addition, he worked on • Blue Ribbon Task Force on Public Policy
• Communications
FIRST VOLUNTEERED IN several files aimed at growing the profession by bringing an
• Member Communications
1995. internal efficiency perspective to the table and encouraging the • Review Rule of Professional Conduct #13
profession to expand beyond its traditional boundaries.
SERVED ON 10
VOLUNTEER GROUPS. Daniel was able to further express and develop his
leadership abilities and acquire better communication skills.
His volunteering also helped his career by allowing him to work
with distinguished professionals. It is a great opportunity to learn
how to manage individuals with different personalities and from
a variety of backgrounds.
“Don’t be intimidated by people who are more experienced
at volunteering or who have tons of professional
experience. It’s essential to express your ideas and opinions,
as they can be a catalyst in finding a solution to complex
problems. Making an active contribution teaches you how
to express your opinions and prepares you to defend your
point of view within a context of collaboration.”
17
2018 Volunteer AwardsCatherine Robertson | FCIA (2004)
Principal/actuary, Eckler
Catherine has volunteered for an impressive 20 CIA groups Board/Council Service
over the course of 14 years. • Actuarial Standards Board (ASB)
- Designated Group (DG) for ISAP 3
Among those groups, Catherine points to the Actuarial - DG on the Promulgation of Current Mortality Table
Standards Board and the Committee on Pension Plan Financial for Pension Commuted Values
Reporting (PPFRC) as two of her many great accomplishments. - DG on the Development of Standards with Regard
to Pensions Hypothetical Wind-up and Solvency
On the ASB, Catherine contributed her own area of expertise, (Round 2)
but also provided meaningful input across all areas of actuarial - DG on the Development of Revisions to Standards
for Assumptions for Hypothetical Wind-up and
practice. On the PPFRC, she was able to directly support the Solvency Valuations for Pension Plans
pension practice. • International Relations Council
Volunteering has allowed Catherine to gain some key
Committee Service
knowledge and skills such as a deeper understanding of how
FIRST VOLUNTEERED IN • International Pension and Employee Benefits
standards of practice and actuarial guidance evolve, which in turn Standards
2005.
have enabled her to become a better consultant. Additionally, her • International Relations
- International Pension and Employee Benefits
SERVED ON 20 career has also benefited from her involvement in CIA volunteer
Standards Subcommittee
VOLUNTEER GROUPS. groups, as collaborating with actuaries working in different • Pension Plan Financial Reporting
practice areas has broadened her perspective. • Research
- Pension and Group Annuity Experience
Subcommitee
- Pension Experience Subcommittee
• Rules of Professional Conduct
Task Force Service
• IFRS Readiness
• International Pension and Employee Benefits
Standards
“Don’t hesitate. You’ll not only give back to the
profession, but you will most definitely learn something
along the way.”
18
2018 Volunteer AwardsJosephine Robinson | FCIA (1982)
Retired
Josephine noted two meaningful experiences as a CIA Board/Council Service
volunteer: the Committee on Life Insurance Financial Reporting • CIA Board
(CLIFR) and the Task Force on Communications. On CLIFR, she • Former CIA Council
• Member Services Council
learned something new at every meeting, and a number of those • Practice Council
committee members became valued colleagues. As the chair of • Practice Standards Council
the Member Services Council’s Task Force on Communications, • Actuarial Standards Board (ASB)
she helped develop a communications template for the Head
Office to follow when communicating with members. The format Committee Service
• Editorial
allowed members to view the material at a glance. • Emerging Issues
Josephine notes that leading a team of volunteers was critical - Membership Survey Subcommittee
• International Relations
in developing her leadership skills. She found influencing
• Life Insurance Financial Reporting
FIRST VOLUNTEERED IN committee members to contribute and share the work • Program
1983. fulfilling and productive. Additionally, participating on various
SERVED ON 12 committees allowed her to meet and work with actuaries from Task Force Service
a number of companies as well as different practice areas and • Communications
VOLUNTEER GROUPS.
levels of management. She had underestimated the personal
value of volunteering until a fellow committee member sought
her out to work for him. It was an opportunity to go to work for
a great company.
“I encourage members to volunteer and contribute to
the profession. It will also benefit you personally.”
19
2018 Volunteer AwardsMartin Roy | FCIA (1990)
Retired
With over 25 years of experiences as a volunteer, Martin Board/Council Service
selected his work on the Committee on Investment Practice • CIA Board
(CIP) and the Board as his most memorable experiences. On
Committee Service
the CIP, he organized the Investment Seminar and reviewed and
• Finance
read the research papers for the chair of the committee. On the • Investment Practice
Board he served as secretary-treasurer. - Economic Statistics Working Group
- Investment Symposium Organizing Committee
Volunteering allowed Martin to acquire the skills needed
• Younger Actuaries
to plan and manage projects, and helped him stay current on
professional topics. It also benefitted his career, as he made Task Force Service
lasting friendships with other actuaries. • The CIA’s 50th Anniversary
• CIA Legal Services Provider Evaluation
For Martin, volunteering is important if we want the • Develop a CIA Public Position on the Evolution of
FIRST VOLUNTEERED IN
profession to stay relevant, as we need volunteers to keep us Government Sponsored Plans
1992.
up to date with the changing economy/world. Volunteers keep • Liaison with Banks and Trusts
SERVED ON 10 our profession relevant in a changing world.
VOLUNTEER GROUPS.
“Don’t be scared to volunteer. Even if you are not an
expert in that specific field, you can still contribute and
help advance the profession. Along the way you will
become more knowledgeable and one day an expert.”
20
2018 Volunteer AwardsFrançois Vachon | FCIA (1965)
Retired
Out of the 10 volunteer groups François has served on, he is Board/Council Service
particularly proud of his work on the Education and Examinations • Former CIA Council
Committee. For five years he helped prepare examination questions
as well as correcting exams. In addition, he participated in the Committee Service
• Education and Examinations
discussions on the content of the syllabus and study materials.
- Advisory Subcommittee
He eloquently expresses his impact on the profession by • Expenses
describing the Institute as a living organism. He considers • Life Insurance Financial Reporting
making examination questions and marking examinations part • Program
of the reproductive cycle of the Institute, and reviewing and • Québec Committee to Consider Bill 7
modifying the syllabus as part of the evolution of this living
organism. François’ work on the Education and Examinations
Task Force Service
• Bilingualism
Committee has ensured the continuity of the progress of that • Contribution Holidays
FIRST VOLUNTEERED IN living organism that is our Institute. • Professional Liability Insurance for Members
1968.
His experience with marking examinations gives him some
SERVED ON 10 key knowledge and skills such as reconciling, when needed,
VOLUNTEER GROUPS. different opinions of two correctors when that difference is such
that it determines whether a candidate will pass or fail. The essential
skill for reconciliation is the ability to see and appreciate others’
different points of view. Additionally, meeting with actuaries
outside his organization allowed him to see more than just one work
environment and to establish relationships with other actuaries.
“When, during a meeting of the Institute, you attend a
session or a workshop presented by a working group on a
subject that interests you, take note of the speakers and,
thereafter, contact one or more of them. There is a good
chance that the group will be happy to welcome a new
member. However, remember that you must be prepared
to sometimes meet and listen to people who have a
different point of view.”
21
2018 Volunteer AwardsTony Williams | FCIA (1985)
President and consulting actuary, PBI Actuarial Consultants
Of the 13 volunteer groups Tony has volunteered on, Board/Council Service
his proudest achievements have been on the Committee on • Actuarial Standards Board (ASB)
Investment Practice (CIP) and the Actuarial Standards Board - Designated Group (DG) on Disclosure
- DG on Stochastic Models for Shared Risk Plans
(ASB). Tony served as both member and chair on the committee
where he helped reintroduce the investment seminar and worked Committee Service
to bridge the gap between pension and insurance investment • Actuarial Careers
practice. In various roles on the ASB he helped shape the ASB’s • Continuing Education
- Investments Subcommittee
direction as well as setting specific standards. He has been
• Investment Practice
exposed to new ideas and alternative points of view in pension - Pension Investment Practice Subcommittee
and investment practice. Volunteering has helped him increase • Pension Advisory Committee
his network of contacts and keeps him current with developments
FIRST VOLUNTEERED IN in the actuarial profession. Task Force Service
• MEPP/TBPP Funding
1990. For Tony, volunteering for the CIA allows the profession to • Pension Advisory
SERVED ON 13 maintain high quality and professional independence through • Pension Funding and Transfer Values
VOLUNTEER GROUPS. self-education and regulation while controlling membership fees.
“Volunteering is very rewarding and I would encourage
actuaries to become volunteers early in their career.
I have had a great career as a consulting actuary and am
glad that I could help the profession as a volunteer.”
22
2018 Volunteer AwardsA. Kim Young | FCIA (1994)
Specialist, estate & financial planning services, Sun Life Financial
Kim believes that volunteering for the CIA is important Board/Council Service
because if you want to be part of the profession, it is • CIA Board
imperative that you give back to it as well. In thinking of his • Eligibility and Education Council
past volunteer experiences, Kim highlighted his roles on the
Committee Service
Pension Experience Subcommittee and the CIA Board. As chair • Eligibility
of the Pension Experience Subcommittee, he was primarily • Governance
responsible for project management, and as a Director, he • Pension and Social Security Liaison
• Professionalism
participated in Board discussions.
• Research
Kim gained valuable project management and presentation - Pension Experience Subcommittee
skills that allowed him to be more visible within the profession.
Task Force Service
• Define Professionalism Within the CIA
FIRST VOLUNTEERED IN
• Implementation of Proposed Changes Regarding
1996.
the Protection of Public Interest
SERVED ON 10
VOLUNTEER GROUPS.
His advice for actuaries thinking about joining a volunteer
group: “Just do it! It will broaden your horizons when
thinking about our profession”.
23
2018 Volunteer AwardsSILVER
PRESENTED TO MEMBERS WHO HAVE
COMPLETED SIX TERMS OF SERVICE.
24
2018 Volunteer AwardsJeremy Bell | FCIA (2005)
“By volunteering, I developed a deeper understanding • First volunteered in 2009.
of what it means to be an actuary. I know how education, • Served on 9 volunteer groups.
guidance, and rules are set, both functionally and politically.
I have interacted with actuaries with different preconceived
notions than me and my peers in consulting, and have a better
understanding of where they come from.”
Jacques Y. Boudreau | FCIA (1991)
Genetic Testing • First volunteered in 2003.
“I presented on Parliament Hill on four occasions about the • Served on 7 volunteer groups.
impact of the genetic non-discrimination bill [S-201], updated
the CIA position on genetic testing, and commissioned two
technical papers to support the CIA position.”
Mathieu Boudreault | ACIA (2010)
“Sitting on the EEC and chairing committees have given • First volunteered in 2010.
me the abilities and confidence I need to take on key roles • Served on 7 volunteer groups.
within the department, which will eventually enable me
to hold important positions in the Dean’s or Chancellor’s
office. It has also made it easier for me to manage ambitious
research projects involving dozens of researchers and scores
25 of students needing supervision.”
2018 Volunteer AwardsDavid Burke | FCIA (1984)
Quotation not provided. • First volunteered in 1989.
• Served on 5 volunteer groups.
Pierre Caron | FCIA (1977)
“Make sure to fully grasp the true implications of volunteering • First volunteered in 1982.
(in terms of how much time you’ll have to invest, for example) • Served on 6 volunteer groups.
to be able to make a significant contribution. Don’t look on
this opportunity as a way to enhance your résumé, but rather
as a way of contributing to the profession.”
Douglas Chandler | FCIA (1991)
“I’ve learned about perspectives beyond my own firm, • First volunteered in 2001.
including the perspectives of regulators and accounting • Served on 6 volunteer groups.
standards boards. That expertise increased my profile and
led to new responsibilities and opportunities within my firm.”
26
2018 Volunteer AwardsPeter Douglas | FCIA (1991)
University Accreditation • First volunteered in 2003.
Member from the start of the committee, and indeed prior • Served on 6 volunteer groups.
to that as a member of the joint CIA/CAS/SOA committee.
Involved in design of the University Accreditation Program
(UAP) plus initial on-site visits to several universities.
Edward Gibson | FCIA (1994)
“Volunteering is a great way to improve your understanding • First volunteered in 2005.
of actuarial science and a great way to meet actuaries from • Served on 6 volunteer groups.
other organizations.”
Kathryn Hyland | FCIA (1982)
“A good way to reacquaint myself with Canadian practice • First volunteered in 2008.
(after 15 years of living and working elsewhere).” • Served on 6 volunteer groups.
27
2018 Volunteer AwardsBruce Jones | FCIA (1989)
“Professional volunteer work is recognized and valued by • First volunteered in 2010.
Western University, my employer.” • Served on 7 volunteer groups.
Isabelle Périgny | FCIA (1991)
“Volunteering at the CIA has helped me gain a more holistic • First volunteered in 2005.
understanding of the issues facing the profession and thus • Served on 7 volunteer groups.
act more strategically in my work. My exchanges with
colleagues from different backgrounds have enabled me
to broaden my horizons and learn!”
Jean-François Poitras | FCIA (2004)
“Regardless of how much time you have to devote, there’s • First volunteered in 2010.
something for everyone and for all needs. The worst that can • Served on 9 volunteer groups.
happen is that you come out of it a better person.”
28
2018 Volunteer AwardsJean-Yves Rioux | FCIA (2005)
“My volunteering activities placed me at the forefront of • First volunteered in 2007.
what is happening in the profession, which allowed me to • Served on 6 volunteer groups.
stay current, anticipate things to come, and influence the
direction in some instances.”
Dean Stamp | FCIA (2001)
“Highly recommended! Volunteering can be highly engaging • First volunteered in 2002.
and often provides meaningful career development • Served on 5 volunteer groups.
opportunities.”
Anne-Marie Vanier | FCIA (1991)
“Volunteering has helped my career by forcing me to stay • First volunteered in 1992.
more current than I otherwise would have and enabling me • Served on 9 volunteer groups.
to better anticipate changes to come.”
29
2018 Volunteer AwardsBRONZE
PRESENTED TO MEMBERS WHO HAVE
COMPLETED THREE TERMS OF SERVICE.
30
2018 Volunteer AwardsFaizel Alladina Jill Knudsen
Laura Anders Hrvoje Lakota
Paul Burnell Leslie Lohmann
Maxime Carrier Scott McManus
Sylvie Charest Ricardo Mitchell
Anna Doudina Simon Nelson
Marc Drouin Nathalie Ouellet
Claudia Gagné Myriam Roux
Jia (Jenny) Ge Yeh Ching Seto
Andrew Gillies June Smyth
Ling Guo Taylor Wasko
Brian Jenkins Si Xie
31
2018 Volunteer AwardsCIA VOLUNTEERS 2018: WHO ARE WE?
Distribution by Practice Area Geographical Distribution
45%
70%
40%
60% Volunteers Members
35%
50%
30%
25%
Volunteers Members 40%
20%
30%
15%
20%
10%
10%
5%
0% 0%
Life P&C Pension AE ERM Investment Retired Other Ontario Québec Western Canada Atlantic Canada Outside of Canada
Distribution by FCIA Year
40%
35% Volunteers Fellows
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
5 years or less From 6 to 10 years From 11 to 15 years From 16 to 20 years More than 20 years
32
2018 Volunteer AwardsThank you!
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