Many drug plan sponsors find it hard to believe that they can save 4% to 8% of their current spending simply by optimizing their existing…
Operating defined benefit (DB) pension plans involves risk. Although this risk is often not visible in upward-trending equity markets and favourable interest rate environments, it…
When the title of the annual report for the largest pension plan in the country begins with “Let us explain,” it’s clear that something has…
Let’s start with the good news. ESI Canada’s annual drug trend analysis found that private drug spend increased by 5% nationally in 2008 (an increase…
Biologic drugs represent a relatively new wave of medications that has come to market and is dramatically changing both the lives of patients and the…
Budgets are tight, workforces are getting reduced and some employees are anxious that they may be the next to receive their walking papers. Yet experts…
The current economy and market conditions have taught many employers new and valuable lessons: from running core businesses while adapting to the times, to focusing…
For many plan sponsors, getting capital accumulation plan members to save for retirement is a challenge. There are risks to consider: undersavings, market, mortality, longevity…
The past few years have seen considerable product development initiatives aimed at helping capital accumulation plan (CAP) sponsors choose appropriate investment vehicles to offer their…
When a particular pension or benefits topic is making waves in the media, I often hear from PR firms. If I had a dollar for…
The Ontario government announced in its last budget that it would provide the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan with the legal authority to act as an…
HR Managers should do their homework on the new Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) before discussing RRSPs and TFSAs with disabled employees. Otherwise they may…
Many Companies have changed their priorities due to the recession, but they shouldn’t neglect their most valuable assets. I recently attended the Xeffects conference in…
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…