© Copyright 2002 Rogers Media. The following article first appeared in the March 2002 edition of BENEFITS CANADA magazine.

Keith Ambachtsheer fails to recognize that different mechanisms work best in different situations. There is no one standard 'mousetrap' that fits all.

I agree with his view that we needed greater clarity in underlying pension deals, and still do. That view is held by many, but not by all. Over the last 20 years, legislators, regulators, the accounting profession and even to some extent the courts, have wittingly or unwittingly imposed 'one deal fits all' models on the pension system. Even some pension actuaries are trying to convince the profession to adopt a 'one deal fits all' standard for funding, although they are in the minority. However well intentioned, this has not been good for the health of the system, and it still isn't.

Congratulations on your 25th anniversary.

The Viewpoint on expanding the role of registered social workers (RSWs) could not have been more timely. As provincial governments move increasingly toward the privatization of services and community-based models, many support services once available for individuals and families within the public sector will cease to exist. The demand for these services, however, will remain high and likely escalate given the current social and economic climate.

There is no better time for insurance providers to incorporate coverage for the professional and affordable services of RSWs in their benefits plans.

The Romanow Commission has released its final report on the future of healthcare in Canada.

For Commissioner Romanow's recommendations, click here.

Click here for Senator Michael Kirby's report, "The Health of Canadians – The Federal Role: Recommendations for Reform."