OMERS economic contribution to Ontario grows to $15.3 billion, delivering stability and social value for members and communities
OMERS latest economic and social value analysis reveals that pensions do far more than support retirees; they fuel local economies, drive job creation, and provide lasting stability for communities across Ontario.
New data from the Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis (CANCEA) shows OMERS added $15.3 billion to Ontario’s GDP in 2025 and its activities benefitted 1 in 11 households, confirming its importance to the province’s economy. The research into the social value generated across Ontario by OMERS in 2025 – a year marked by global economic uncertainty - demonstrates the meaningful positive impact delivered to Plan members and their communities.
With 665,000 members, OMERS continues to deliver strong economic value through the spending of pension benefits, ongoing operations, and investments in communities across the province.
“OMERS is a powerful economic engine for Ontario,” said Jonathan Simmons, OMERS Chief Financial and Strategy Officer. “In 2025 alone, our activities generated billions in GDP and helped support more than 135,000 jobs across the province. These results underscore how pensions don’t just support retirees—they help strengthen local economies, create jobs, and provide a stable foundation.”
Beyond its economic impact, the research highlights the growing social value of OMERS defined benefit pension, particularly in today’s challenging economic environment.
CANCEA’s social value survey found that OMERS retirees report significantly high levels of life satisfaction, financial security, and overall well‑being, a difference researchers describe as the “stability dividend.”
“Every month, OMERS pensions reach communities across Ontario, providing reliable income that retirees can count on,” said OMERS Chief Pension Officer Celine Chiovitti. “This report demonstrates just how meaningful that stability is, not only for our members, but for the local businesses, services and communities they support. These findings reaffirm the value of a secure, defined benefit pension and show how OMERS continues to make a positive impact across generations.”
The study found that Defined Benefit (DB) pension members are significantly more likely to support their communities through charitable giving, with 61% of non-retired DB members donating $100 or more annually to charity. OMERS active members have higher workforce retention, with 90% citing their pension as a key reason for staying with their employer.
“By supporting local jobs and helping retirees enjoy greater dignity and confidence, OMERS plays an important role in Ontario’s social and economic fabric,” said Ms. Chiovitti.
“These findings highlight why defined benefit pensions are so valuable to current retirees and to the province’s continued well-being,” adds Dr. Paul Smetanin, President and CEO of CANCEA.
For more information, explore Essential Stability: OMERS continued impact on Ontario's Economy and members' lives.
A growing economic impact
The new report shows that OMERS activities contributed to:
$15.3 billion in provincial GDP (an 11% increase from 2023 and a 28% increase from 2020).
135,200 jobs across Ontario, including almost 40,000 jobs in rural communities.
Nearly $4.2 billion in combined federal and provincial tax revenue.
In total, more than 832,000 Ontarians - the equivalent of 1 in 11 households - benefited from OMERS activities in 2025.
Impact across all regions of Ontario
OMERS contribution to economic activity is felt across every region:
Greater Toronto Area: 71,500 jobs; $7.9B GDP contribution
Southwestern Ontario: 25,800 jobs; $2.7B GDP
Eastern Ontario: 16,800 jobs; $1.7B GDP
Central Ontario: 14,900 jobs; $2.4B GDP
Northern Ontario: 6,200 jobs; $0.6B GDP
Social value and essential stability
The social value of DB pensions has shifted from offering a 'lifestyle advantage' in 2020 to providing 'essential stability' in 2025, highlighting the OMERS role as a stable part of Ontario’s social infrastructure.
OMERS retirees scored high in life satisfaction. This reflects the well-being associated with retirement support programs like OMERS.
Health and well-being
DB retirees are more likely to report lower stress, positive mental health, and good physical health.
Community impact
Charitable Giving (Not Yet Retired): Active DB members are more than twice as likely to donate $100 or more each year to charity.
Charitable Giving (Retired): 75.7% of DB retirees donate significant amounts to charity.
Volunteering: 61% of OMERS retirees volunteer in their communities.
Workforce retention
Keeping employees: OMERS active members have higher workforce retention, with 90% citing their pension as a key reason for staying with their employer.
Retirement planning confidence
DB Members: 93% say their pension plays a meaningful role in their retirement planning.
About OMERS
OMERS is a jointly sponsored, defined benefit pension plan, with more than 1,000 participating employers ranging from large cities to local agencies, and 665,000 active, deferred and retired members. Our members include union and non-union employees of municipalities, school boards, local boards, transit systems, electrical utilities, emergency services and children’s aid societies across Ontario. OMERS teams work in Toronto, London, New York, Amsterdam, Luxembourg, Singapore, Sydney and other major cities across North America and Europe – serving members and employers, and originating and managing a diversified portfolio of high-quality investments in government bonds, public and private credit, public and private equities, infrastructure and real estate.
Media Contact:
Don Peat
Director, Media Relations
1 416.417.7385
dpeat@omers.com