Archives Benefits Canada Archive

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Editorial: The more things change, the more they stay the same

For most of the decade since I joined Benefits Canada, it feels like the pension industry has been moving at a snail’s pace. Don’t get…

Head to head: Are there underlying risks in using AI and machine learning in pension administration and governance?

The benefits of artificial intelligence go hand in hand with the many risks, but the pension industry’s requirements around fiduciary responsibility and governance, as well…

How UBC’s internal awards impact employee recognition and well-being

Awarding employees in a genuine manner for their accomplishments at work and in the community can go a long way to support employee recognition and…

2025 Group Benefits Providers Report: A look at the different benefits plan models available to Canadian employers

While many benefits plan sponsors have traditionally considered moving their plan from an insured arrangement to an administrative-services only model upon reaching a certain threshold…

Emerging markets regions building resiliency amid geopolitical shifts, tariff woes

With a second Donald Trump presidency unleashing global uncertainty, emerging markets nations are forging new alliances and building a foundation for sustainable long-term growth. Indeed,…

Building a hands-on investment approach at the Nova Scotia Pension Services Corp.

In an increasingly uncertain investment landscape, the Nova Scotia Pension Services Corp. is aiming to become more hands-on with its investment implementation. “Each asset class…

Q&A with 1Password’s Katya Laviolette

The software company’s chief people officer discusses family-building benefits, managing a fully remote workforce and quiet days with her four rescue animals. Q: What new…

Editorial: Sleep is the best medicine in an increasingly foreboding world

It’s been nearly two years since I slept through the night — my 15-month-old daughter is still waking up to nurse and I wasn’t sleeping…

Head to head: Do mental-health first aiders do more harm than good?

While research so far indicates being a mental-health first aid trainee is neither clearly beneficial or harmful, it’s also important to consider potential risks and…

How 5 employers are designing mental-health benefits that cater to a diverse workforce

Most Canadian benefits plan sponsors (89 per cent) and members (73 per cent) agree their workplace environment supports mental wellness, according to the 2024 Benefits…

Psychological safety, DEI rising considerations in workplace mental-health support

While the conversation around mental-health benefits is typically focused on coverage levels, it’s important for employers to unpack the entire mental-health bucket and consider the…

Institutional investors keeping events in perspective in 2025

In the social media age, it’s easier than ever to lose perspective on events and even institutional investors are susceptible to overreaction amid the avalanche…

Review leads to structural changes at NAV Canada

Natasha Trainor has overseen the pension strategy at NAV Canada for nearly half a decade and she’s made her imprint by adding a novel review…

Back to basics on sleep

Even though humans spend a third of their lives asleep, it’s often taken for granted, but people are waking up to how sleep — or…

How social media is helping employers streamline, personalize pension communications

Social media is breathing new life into employers’ pension communications, helping to make the benefit resonate with different audiences and offering organizations a far wider…

Q&A with the Vancouver Airport Authority’s Darian Low

The YVR’s manager of workplace well-being discusses new mental-health initiatives, supporting a growing workforce and landscape photography. Q: What new programs or initiatives are you…

Editorial: Challenges and opportunities amid an increasingly imbalanced generational divide

The keynote session at Benefits Canada’s 2024 Defined Contribution Investment Forum warned that the failure to plan for the ‘boomer bulge’ is affecting private and…

Head to head: Should Canadian pension funds be incentivized to invest domestically?

While both experts point to the obligation of the pension promise, one argues that many pension funds are already overweight in Canadian allocations, while the…

How Hydro Ottawa’s pre-retiree engagement strategy is supporting financial wellness, retirement readiness

When Hydro Ottawa was preparing for its first wave of retiring baby boomers in 2011, it began working on a strategy to mitigate the subsequent…

  • By: Blake Wolfe
  • December 13, 2024 December 12, 2024
  • 08:57

2024 CAP Suppliers Report: How can employers, pension industry support retirement needs of gig workers?

As gig workers make up a greater share of the Canadian workforce, a lack of retirement savings options may leave this growing demographic facing financial…

  • By: Leah Golob
  • December 13, 2024 December 12, 2024
  • 08:56

Making sustainable investments count at five New York City pension funds

Brad Lander is advocating for public pension funds to enforce their responsible investment mandates even if that pits them against their partners. As New York…

How to streamline benefits plans during a merger or acquisition

When a company is undergoing a merger or acquisition, it’s important to maintain consistency regarding benefits plans and streamline the process as much as possible.…

  • By: Sadie Janes
  • December 13, 2024 December 12, 2024
  • 08:54

Q&A with Marriott Hotels of Canada’s Candice Li

The hospitality company’s pension and benefits manager discusses gen Z in the workforce, student debt repayment programs and family vacations. Q: What new programs or…

Editorial: Prioritizing plan sponsor perspectives

The weather is shifting, with the wet November wind blowing away the crisp October sunshine. While this time of year is characterized by the change…

Head to head: Are employers’ financial literacy initiatives translating into reality?

One expert suggests employers bridge their knowledge gap by finding ways to turn education into action, while another says companies’ commitments to ongoing financial literacy…