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If Ontario workers emerge from the global economic emergency with more secure pensions than the crisis would otherwise allow, they have York University president Harry Arthurs to thank for it.

Arthurs led an expert commission on pensions which submitted its report with recommendations to the Ontario government.

Using the report as a springboard, Finance Minister Dwight Duncan announced Thursday, Nov. 20 he is considering temporary relief measures to help bolster pensions during the crisis.

He said he will take immediate action to strengthen and protect the viability of the province's pension system by increasing the capacity of Ontario's pension regulator to oversee pension plans.

"Global financial uncertainties have posed serious challenges for pension plans and we are taking action to address the effect of market uncertainty on pensions," Duncan said in a statement.

"The government will move forward with reforms to strengthen our pension system, reforms that are affordable and fair and that balance the interest of all Ontarians."

The province is seeking public feedback on Arthur's report before Feb. 27 but said it is committed to introducing legislation to deal with the issue.