This fall marked my second ACPM National Conference since joining the Association just over a year ago - and it was our largest yet, welcoming more than 440 delegates from across Canada and beyond. The scale alone was a milestone, but what stood out most to me was the strength of the program itself: the depth of expertise, the quality of debate, and the clear sense that our industry is ready to tackle the challenges ahead with collaboration and conviction.

Having participated in the development of this year’s sessions, I had the opportunity to see first-hand how thoughtfully our volunteers, speakers, and staff shaped each topic - from global economic outlooks to pension coverage innovation, sustainable investing, and governance. Every session reflected ACPM’s ability to convene the best minds in our field and to generate discussion that informs not only our members, but the broader retirement community.

That’s why this edition of the Observer is dedicated to capturing and sharing those ideas more widely. The articles you’ll find here draw directly from the insights and conversations that took place in Halifax, offering a record of where our sector is heading, and how ACPM continues to play a central role in shaping that direction.

One of the most memorable moments from the conference was the launch of our Women’s Networking Breakfast. The room was filled beyond capacity and buzzing with energy - a clear reminder of how much appetite there is for mentorship, visibility, and connection across our profession. It’s an initiative we look forward to growing in the years ahead.

As I reflect on this past year, I continue to be inspired by the dedication of our members, volunteers, and sponsors. Their engagement is what gives ACPM its strength and credibility as the national voice of retirement income.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the Halifax conference such a success. and to those who are keeping these conversations alive through their writing, research, and advocacy. I hope this issue of the Observer extends that dialogue and reinforces what I witnessed in Halifax: a community that is informed, engaged, and united in its purpose.