1. Using This Manual and Contacting HOOPP

Purpose

HOOPP is the Plan administrator and is responsible for interpreting the Plan’s terms. Participating employers, responsible for the day-to-day administration of HOOPP are essential to the delivery of the pension promise. This manual was created to support employers in their work and is intended to:

• Provide guidance to support Plan administration, in a manner consistent with the Plan text and HOOPPʼs policies and procedures and answer common questions. If you still have questions after reviewing the manual, contact a Regional Manager.

• The latest version of this manual is located in both the Employer Learning Centre and on the website hoopp.com.

• Always use the online manual for current information, so that you have the most recent version.

Contacting HOOPP

General Contact Information

Supporting Employers

In addition to this Administration Manual, employers have access to a number of supports and tools to help perform the duties associated with administering HOOPP:

HOOPP Insight: This the main online tool used by employers to conduct HOOPP administration activities for key member transactions (e.g. enrolments, terminations, member information updates, MDC, remittances, etc.). It also provides communication services such as secure mail, requests for information, and news articles.

Employer Learning Centre: This employer resource is located within HOOPP Insight and provides helpful information, videos and step by step guides for member data submission and event processing. All designated employer contacts are expected to refer to the Employer Learning Centre for up to date procedures.

HOOPP website: HOOPP’s website, located at hoopp.com, contains a summary of the Plan’s features, investment and funding information, corporate information, as well as forms and booklets and a glossary of terms. Members may also sign into HOOPP Connect, a secure information portal.

Join HOOPP Tool: The Join HOOPP Tool provides your employees with personalized guidance, including more information about the Plan and an estimate of what their future pension could be if they joined, including estimates for buying back service and spousal pension options.

Employer education sessions: HOOPP staff regularly hold webinars and employer education sessions. These sessions enable employers to review Plan administrative procedures and receive information on any new Plan provisions or government requirements. They also provide an opportunity to meet the HOOPP team.

Employer Services Representatives: Every employer is assigned a dedicated Employer Services Representative who will provide day-to-day administrative support to Employers.

Regional Managers: HOOPP Regional Managers can answer questions about Plan administration, features and benefits. They also support your organization's training needs, including personal visits, which may include member presentations on various topics, and regular contact with the members of your team who perform HOOPP administrative duties. Regional Managers may ask questions regarding how your organization is administering HOOPP, and you will be expected to provide responses to these requests. Individuals who are new in their position, or in need of assistance, can request additional support. They provide administrative education that include topics such as:

• HOOPP's benefit provisions

• Calculating and reporting contributions, including providing you with the support you need to understand your administrative obligations to help you explain these requirements to your payroll supplier

• Annual member data collection process

• Processes for events in a member's life cycle – from enrolment through leaves, disability and retirement or termination

• Using HOOPP's website and other information materials and tools

• HOOPP Insight training

If you wish to arrange a member presentation, please contact a Regional Manager. HOOPP offers comprehensive communications support, including secure and mobile-friendly online access for members though HOOPP Connect. This section describes the communication and education resources available from HOOPP. Employers can provide feedback to HOOPP through a Regional Manager.