Canadian pension plan sponsors have embraced a global approach to large cap non-domestic equity investing. In some cases, a global approach has replaced separate U.S.…
A major challenge for those designing Towers Watson’s new Canadian retirement program was that there were more than 400 benefits-savvy associates looking over their shoulders.…
We’ve seen consolidation across a range of service providers in recent years, including insurers and custodians. Now it’s the consultants’ turn. Towers Perrin and Watson…
From the state of the economy to the implementation of drug reform legislation and prolific genericization of branded products, there has been much speculation about…
Changes are afoot in the DB world in Canada. Private sector pension liabilities are increasing relative to the size of corporations. As a result, large…
The past few years have tested the mettle of investors—and with continuing economic and market instability, pension investing is not a domain for the faint…
Jim Leech, president and CEO of the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (Teachers’), talked to Benefits Canada about Teachers’ investment principles and why they make the…
The 2008 financial crisis jeopardized the funding ratio (i.e., the ratio of assets to liabilities) of most DB pension plans, forcing plan sponsors to inject…
There have been significant changes in the landscape of public sector drug plans over the past five years. Faced with rapidly escalating costs, provinces have…
To outsiders, cross-country skiing may seem like a calm, low-stress activity. But many trails have unexpected challenges for even experienced skiers. “There are trails with…
Who knew that a drop in the Dow on May 6, 2010, would lead to a T-shirt emblazoned with “I survived the crash of 2:45…
Why should employers implement health promotions? Essentially, we promote health to our employees so they’ll be more successful in the workplace and also know that…
For the University of British Columbia (UBC), integrating health and wellness practices into the institution’s culture has been a process. Health promotions for faculty and…
In times of increased economic uncertainty, the number of tough financial choices facing the average person seems to rise exponentially. Clashing priorities battle it out:…
One employee touts the benefits of an ESOP, while an academic notes it depends on individual financial circumstances and plan design. Morgan Zirul, store manager,…
PepsiCo Canada may be known for quenching thirst and satisfying snack cravings, but the organization’s leadership recently identified another kind of demand: clearer, more personalized…