The Corporation maintains a number of defined contribution schemes and contributions are charged to net earnings in the period in which they are due.
In addition, the Corporation operates defined benefit schemes which require contributions to be made to separately administered funds. The cost of providing benefits under defined benefit schemes is determined separately for each scheme using the projected unit credit actuarial valuation method. Current service costs, past service costs, curtailment costs and settlement costs along with interest costs which are based on a notional charge based on scheme liabilities during the year, less expected returns on scheme assets, are charged to net earnings. Actuarial gains and losses are fully recognized in equity through other comprehensive income as they arise. The consolidated statement of financial position reflects the schemes’ surplus or deficit as at the consolidated statement of financial position date.