Conference Coverage: 2026 DC Plan Summit

Now, more than ever, defined contribution pension plan sponsors have their work cut out for them.

The 2026 DC Plan Summit, which was hosted at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Alberta on Feb. 18-20, explored the pressing challenges they face today, including how to support members at all stages of the savings journeys amid the rising cost of living, the ever-changing geopolitical climate, evolving technologies and guidelines, as well as how to cater to the different financial priorities of their diverse workforces.

Find out what you missed!

PHOTO GALLERY

Marc-Antoine Morin
Manulife

What’s next for pension plan member advice in the evolution of human, digital and AI?

Workplace financial advice has evolved significantly over the past 15 years, moving from in-plan investment advice to more broad financial planning.

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Kelly Peters
Deloitte Canada
Kate Nazar
Canada Life
Reimagining workplace retirement and financial resilience for gen Z

As generation Z’s behaviours, motivators and stressors evolve in real time, a joint research project from Canada Life and Deloitte Canada is aiming to help bridge the gap between prudent financial planning and the generation’s legitimate concerns around long-term systemic risks.

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Peter Bowen
Fidelity Investments Canada

Tackling key retirement risks to achieve better outcomes with DC plans

Canadians’ outlook on retirement has dropped over the last decade, with 82 per cent having a positive attitude 10 years ago compared to 71 per cent last year.

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Liz Pecile
Sun Life
Unveiling member perceptions, motivations in workplace savings plans

While more than half (52 per cent) of workplace savings plan members count on the plan as their main source of retirement income, both men (16 per cent) and women (12 per cent) overstated their account balances.

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Jennifer Katzsch
Desjardins
Christine McCloskey-Bruno
Desjardins

A practical communications blueprint for a record-keeper transition

During a recent transition between record keepers, KPMG in Canada focused on keeping communications with employees human and simple, including what to say, when to say it and how to measure confidence.

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Jessica Sclafani
T. Rowe Price
Canadian insights on financial stress, retirement and investment preferences

Understanding retirement savers’ views, concerns and points of stress related to their financial lives allows the industry to build investment solutions and craft communications strategies that are more likely to resonate and be more impactful.

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Michael Keaveney
CIBC Asset Management

What’s helping and hindering DC plan members’ investment decisions?

On balance, Canadians believe they’re meeting their ambitions, including investment- and financial-related goals.

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Cristina Lisita
Honda Canada

Simon Cabral
Scotiabank

Jennifer Gottfriedson
PwC Canada

Panel: Generational divide, plan intricacies complicating member communications strategies

A workforce that’s sprawled across the country is pushing Scotiabank’s Simon Cabral to employ a fully digital approach when communicating with employees.

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Barbara Sanders
Simon Fraser University

Designing decision supports that drive appreciation, informed action for DC plan members

For defined contribution plan members, the ultimate positive DC experience is understanding the plan provisions, knowing what decisions to make, feeling confident about making well-informed choices and arriving at a prosperous retirement.

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Jafer Naqvi
TD Asset Management

How the evolution of default funds is threatening retirement security

The equity risk in target-date funds has been increasing substantially over the last decade, creating a ‘silent risk shift.’

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Gary Hutch
Plannera Pensions & Benefits

How the PEPP is adding flexibility with alternatives, decumulation option

By slotting alternative assets into portfolio offerings, Saskatchewan’s Public Employees Pension Plan is incorporating an element of the defined benefit pension plan model.

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Marina Lodyga
CPP Investments

CAPSA’s updated guideline prompts CPP Investments to hone accountability, global governance

The Canadian Association of Pension Supervisory Authorities’ updated capital accumulation plan guideline led CPP Investments to sharpen accountability and governance risk globally.

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To view highlights from the 2025 DC Plan Summit, click here.

To view highlights from the 2024 DC Plan Summit, click here.

To view highlights from the 2023 DC Plan Summit, click here.

To view highlights from the 2022 DC Plan Summit, click here.

To view highlights from the 2021 DC Plan Summit, click here.