CONNECTING YOU TO YOUR BENEFITS
Get to Know UA Local 67 Benefits & Our Partners
The Trustees and staff of UA Local 67 Benefits are dedicated to managing and administering meaningful and sustainable benefits plans for our current and retired members, and their families.
Working Together for Your Benefits
There are several essential parties involved in successfully delivering your benefits.
The UA Local 67 Benefits Board of Trustees and staff, working together with their advisors and investment managers, ensure:
- The plans are well run,
- The trust funds are invested wisely,
- The plans remain compliant, and
- The best interests of members are served.
The Trustees of the UA Local 67 Benefit Plans
The Board of Trustees is responsible for overseeing the Welfare, Supplemental Unemployment Benefits (SUB), and Pension plans, and their associated funds, for the UA Local 67 union. This Board consists of eight independent Trustees who hold a fiduciary duty—a legal obligation to act in the best interests of all plan members. Seven of these Trustees are elected by the union membership, while the Business Manager of the union is appointed as a Trustee by the constitution of UA International.
Your Board of Trustees
Steve Foffano, Chairman
With over 38 years of experience as a steamfitter, Steve has served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees since 2018. His career includes roles such as Project Manager, General Foreman and JATC Instructor. Steve has also served on the Benevolent Committee.
To support his responsibilities as a Trustee, he has completed certifications in Foundations of Trust Management (FTMS), Advanced Trust Management Standards – A (ATMS-A), and Advanced Trust Management Standards – B (ATMS-B). He has also participated in key industry events, including the Canadian Legal & Legislative Update and the Canadian Annual Employee Benefits Conference organized by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP).
When asked why he serves the membership, Steve says “As an early apprentice in this great union organization, I’ve learned to keep an open mind and be grateful for others who had an impact on my life. It’s always been about the collective in solidarity, to gain strength and resilience. These are the virtues I bring forward in servicing the membership and their beneficiaries. Giving back to the membership is a major highlight in my career.”
Ross French, Secretary
More info coming soon.
Frank Benincasa
Frank has served as a Trustee since 2022 and brings 40 years of experience as a plumber to the role. He has completed the Foundations of Trust Management (FTMS) and Advanced Trust Management Standards – A (ATMS-A) courses. Frank stays actively engaged through continued education and has attended several industry conferences, including the 2025 Canadian Investment Institute.
Sharing his motivation, Frank says: “I care deeply about all members and always strive to act in their best interest. I make it a priority to stay informed about ongoing developments so I can represent them effectively. Attending meetings and staying involved helps ensure I’m knowledgeable and ready to address any questions or concerns members may have.”
Nathan Bergstrand
More info coming soon.
Les Ellerker
More info coming soon.
Dave Marcus
Dave was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2009 and is proud to serve the membership in his role. He has worked as a plumber and steamfitter since 1990, gaining extensive experience in both maintenance and construction projects.
Over the years, Dave has held various leadership positions, including serving six cumulative years as Union Steward and teaching as a former JATC instructor. He has completed the Foundations of Trust Management (FTMS), Advanced Trust Management Standards – A (ATMS-A), Advanced Trust Management Standards – B (ATMS-B) and the Master of Trust Management Standards MTMS-A courses. He continues to invest in his professional development by attending relevant industry conferences such as the Canadian Health & Wellness Conference in 2025.
Committed to the well-being of his fellow members, Dave states: “I choose to serve the membership to improve the financial position of retirees, journeymen, and apprentices. I apprenticed under journeymen who taught me to earn a living and to care about other members.”
John Noseworthy
John became a proud member of the United Association in 2007 and now serves as Supervisor of Welding and Training at Local 67. With nearly 18 years in the trade, he has built his career on advancing member qualifications and mentoring the next generation of welders. He was acclaimed to the UA Examination Board and has represented Local 67 as a delegate at two UA Canadian Conferences, as well as participating twice in the UA Instructor Training Program, where he plans to graduate. Drawing on extensive experience as a multidisciplinary inspector, John has spent much of his career working under rigorous codes, standards, and policies to ensure safety, quality, and compliance. That same commitment to detail and accountability now guides his work as a newly elected Trustee.
John’s motivation as Trustee is clear: “These funds are more than numbers. They represent the security earned through years of hard work by our membership. It is essential to safeguard their long-term strength with transparency and accountability, while strengthening my ability to serve as a trusted and accessible resource for the membership.”
Bill Stanger
Bill has served as a Trustee since 2015 and brings over 42 years of experience as a steamfitter to the role. He has completed the Foundations of Trust Management (FTMS), Advanced Trust Management Standards – A (ATMS-A), and Advanced Trust Management Standards – B (ATMS-B) courses. Bill has attended several important industry conferences, including the 2025 Canadian Investment Institute.
When asked what drives his commitment to the Board of Trustees, Bill says: “To keep our members and their dependents well-informed about their plans, to support them, and to always do my best to help however I can.”
Candidate Trustees
Barrington Price
Barrington has served as a candidate Trustee since 2023 and was temporarily appointed as a Trustee while awaiting the 2024 election results. In addition to his role as Trustee, he is a JATC instructor and a member of the Finance Committee. Committed to ongoing education, Barrington has completed the Foundations of Trust Management (FTMS) and Advanced Trust Management Standards (ATMS – A) courses. He also attended the Fraud Prevention Institute Conference in 2025.
Barrington offers this insight into what inspires his service: “A journeyman once said that I can criticize and complain about the way things are or I can get involved to bring about the changes I want to see. I consider myself very lucky to be a part of Local 67 and serving my brothers and sisters in whatever capacity I can is the least I can do.”
Braedan McIntyre
Braedan has served as a candidate Trustee since 2023 and brings 9.5 years of experience as a steamfitter. He has completed the Foundations of Trust Management (FTMS) and Advanced Trust Management Standards (ATMS – A) courses. Braedan has attended key industry conferences, including the Canadian Legal & Legislative Update.
Reflecting on his motivation, Braedan shares: “After working alongside one of the trustees in 2017, I realized how valuable a strong union pension is for our membership. Being a candidate trustee has given me the opportunity to get educated and gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to maintain a healthy pension and Health & Welfare Plan.”
Trustee Education
The Trustees must be knowledgeable in matters related to the plans. This includes understanding the Trust Agreements, as well as general knowledge pertaining to plan funding matters, organizational structure, and governance. As part of their fiduciary responsibility, the Trustees must attend special training and pass a final exam.
Commitment to Member Welfare
The primary role of the Trustees is to manage the benefits plans effectively, ensuring that they serve the collective interests of all members. The Trustees of UA Local 67 Benefits uphold the values of the United Association, particularly the commitment to providing exceptional “Quality of Life for Members and their Families”. In managing the benefits plans, the Trustees regularly review plan analyses from expert advisors, engage in Trustee educational training, and stay informed about legislative changes and industry trends through participation in Pension and Benefit conferences.
UA Local 67 Benefits Plan Administrators
The UA Local 67 Benefits staff have served as the in-house administrator for the UA Local 67 Benefits Plans since December 1982. The team is dedicated to serving the UA Local 67 membership by providing oversight on the Welfare, Supplemental Unemployment Benefits (SUB), and Pension plans under the governance of the Board of Trustees. Our professional team is focused on administration and compliance with the terms of the Trust Agreements, Plan Texts, and related legislation. We are committed to delivering quality service and handling all inquiries with integrity, ensuring that UA Local 67 Benefits Plan members and their families receive the support they need. As the in-house administrator of the UA Local 67 Benefits Plans, the UA Local 67 Benefits team is responsible for:
- Collecting and processing employer contributions in compliance with the Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Processing and monitoring members’ eligibility
- Calculating pension benefits (retirement, termination, family law, death)
- All government required filings for the plans
- Member communication and statements
- Member inquiries
- Accounting services for the plans and preparation of year-end tax slips / filings
- Providing information to the Board of Trustees as required, including analysis, advice, updates on government policies, liaison between the membership and the Board, and assistance in achieving target goals or objectives
Our Team
Lisa Cryer
Health & Pension Benefits Administrator
About Lisa
Being a dedicated member of the UA Local 67 Benefits team for over 25 years, Lisa brings extensive expertise for her role. With a background in Accounting and prior experience in the field, she oversees office operations and manages various projects. Lisa holds a CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist) designation. Known for her professionalism and commitment, she takes pride in supporting both members and colleagues with the knowledge gained throughout her long-standing career.
Elisa Groves
Pension & Benefits Specialist
About Elisa
Elisa joined UA Local 67 Benefits in 2013 and holds a CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist) designation. Responsible for leading human resources functions, she also serves as a key point of communication between the union and employers, ensuring clarity, collaboration, and responsive service. Elisa’s HR background allows her to confidently navigate complex benefits matters and foster strong working relationships.
Maria Pereira
Pension & Benefits Co-ordinator
About Maria
Since 2023, Maria has played an integral role in managing UA Local 67’s pension and benefits programs. She holds a Certificate in Fundamentals of Retirement Plans and is committed to ongoing professional development, recently attending the 2025 Canadian Health and Wellness Innovations Conference and the Fraud Prevention Institute. Maria uses her 17 years of experience in the customer service industry to support members’ well-being with accuracy and care.
Bruna Pimenta
Communications & Benefits Analyst
About Bruna
Bruna has been part of UA Local 67 Benefits since 2024. Drawing on her background in Language Studies and experience in educational settings, she manages member communications -including the website and newsletters- and oversees aspects of the disability benefits program. Bruna also monitors plan performance and data to support informed decision-making by the Trustees. Her commitment to staying informed is reflected in her participation in recent industry events, including the 2025 Toronto Benefits Summit.
Laraine Poliquet
Receptionist
About Laraine
Laraine joined the team in 2025 and quickly became a reliable and welcoming point of contact for UA Local 67 members. With a strong background in customer service and recent training in Accounting and Bookkeeping, she supports members with benefit applications, claims assistance, and general inquiries. Laraine ensures every interaction is handled with attention and efficiency.
About Lisa
Being a dedicated member of the UA Local 67 Benefits team for over 25 years, Lisa brings extensive expertise for her role. With a background in Accounting and prior experience in the field, she oversees office operations and manages various projects. Lisa holds a CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist) designation. Known for her professionalism and commitment, she takes pride in supporting both members and colleagues with the knowledge gained throughout her long-standing career.
About Elisa
Elisa joined UA Local 67 Benefits in 2013 and holds a CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist) designation. Responsible for leading human resources functions, she also serves as a key point of communication between the union and employers, ensuring clarity, collaboration, and responsive service. Elisa’s HR background allows her to confidently navigate complex benefits matters and foster strong working relationships.
About Maria
Since 2023, Maria has played an integral role in managing UA Local 67’s pension and benefits programs. She holds a Certificate in Fundamentals of Retirement Plans and is committed to ongoing professional development, recently attending the 2025 Canadian Health and Wellness Innovations Conference and the Fraud Prevention Institute. Maria uses her 17 years of experience in the customer service industry to support members’ well-being with accuracy and care.
About Bruna
Bruna has been part of UA Local 67 Benefits since 2024. Drawing on her background in Language Studies and experience in educational settings, she manages member communications -including the website and newsletters- and oversees aspects of the disability benefits program. Bruna also monitors plan performance and data to support informed decision-making by the Trustees. Her commitment to staying informed is reflected in her participation in recent industry events, including the 2025 Toronto Benefits Summit.
About Laraine
Laraine joined the team in 2025 and quickly became a reliable and welcoming point of contact for UA Local 67 members. With a strong background in customer service and recent training in Accounting and Bookkeeping, she supports members with benefit applications, claims assistance, and general inquiries. Laraine ensures every interaction is handled with attention and efficiency.
External Professional Advisors
The Trustees select and monitor a number of professional advisors to help ensure the plan is run effectively. These experts and advisors provide data analysis to the Board, enabling informed decisions on cost, value, and the needs of our members.
Fund Managers:
Beutel Goodman & Company Ltd
Blackstone
Blue Bay Asset Management
Brown Advisory
Capital Group
Connor, Clark and Lunn Financial Group
Federated Investors Canada ULC
Guardian Capital
RBC Wealth Management
Current external professional advisors include:
Actuary: Eckler LTD
Legal: Koskie Minsky LLP
Auditor: BDO Canada LLP
Investment Consultant: RBC Wealth Management
Custodian: RBC Dominion Services
The UA Local 67 Union
The United Association (UA) Canada, and its Local 67 chapter, is a pioneer of organized labour in Canada. Since 1899, they’ve fought to protect those working in the plumbing and pipefitting industry throughout Hamilton, Brantford and Niagara, ensuring that you have access to the resources you need for your health and financial security.
The union also has a role in supporting the well-being of its members. The national union and its Local 67 chapter offer members:
- The UA Canada National Wellness Program, including the Member Assistance Program (MAP) and Pregnancy Benefit, offered to all UA members.
- The UA Local 67 Benevolent Fund for members in need who are not receiving other monetary benefits, or those who are bereaved and burying a close family member.
- De Novo, an alcohol and drug treatment program available to UA members.
The union is also responsible for negotiating employer contributions during collective bargaining.
Insurance Carriers and Program Providers
Similar to other kinds of insurance (home, auto, etc.), group benefits plans also typically use insurance carriers for the processing and payment of claims. UA Local 67 Benefits have contracted the following insurers and vendors for the provision of various parts of the benefits plans:
GreenShield
Provider for the following UA Local 67 Benefits Plans:
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- Prescription Drugs
- Extended Health & Paramedical Services
- Health Care Spending Account (HCSA)
- Dental
Canada Life
Provider for the following UA Local 67 Benefits Plans:
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- Group Life Insurance
- Short Term Disability
- Long Term Disability
TELUS Health Virtual Pharmacy
A virtual pharmacy that will deliver maintenance drugs to your home, your requested address, or your local post office for pick-up, all for a low dispensing fee.
AIG Insurance
Travel medical insurance provider with Travel Guard as AIG’s Assistance Company.
Funding & Governance
Trust Agreements
The Trustees operate under the terms of the Trust Agreements, ensuring that all actions taken are in compliance with legal and regulatory standards. This commitment to governance helps protect the interests of our members and their families.
How the UA Local 67 Benefits Plans are Funded
Employer contributions made on behalf of all plan members are held in a trust fund for each plan: Welfare, SUB, and Pension. The trust funds are managed by the Board of Trustees, who choose professional investment managers to invest the funds’ assets based on the Board’s guidelines. The funds’ assets are solely used to pay the costs associated with the UA Local 67 Benefits Plans.
Policies
At UA Local 67 Benefits, we are committed to providing our members with clear and comprehensive benefits. Our policies serve as the foundation for how we administer these benefits, ensuring transparency and fairness in all our processes. To learn more about the guidelines that govern your benefits and to understand your rights and responsibilities as a member, please review our current policies.
