It affects many organizations, but is seldom viewed as a major issue—and rarely mentioned in the context of pensions and benefits. The reality is, however,…
Defined benefit (DB) pension plans around the world are facing significant pressure as a result of the market turmoil that started in 2008. Many plans…
Although the markets have shown some positive signs of recovery, the solvency position of Canadian defined benefit (DB) pension plans remains an issue for most…
How Canada’s pension plans and investments have held up during the financial crisis. It’s clear that the events of 2008 have had a tremendous…
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…
One of the good things to come out of the current economic crisis is that pensions are suddenly a hot topic—not just among actuaries, but…
Debunking the common misconceptions of liability driven investing. Liability driven investing (LDI) has existed as an investment philosophy for some time. However, it has gained…
Pension buyout arrangements: are plan sponsors and members buying in? The credit crisis has served to underscore plan sponsor risks associated with defined benefit (DB)…
Practical strategies for employers to help manage the costs associated with employee pension plans. It is always a good idea to be prudent with expenditures,…
Canadian defined benefit plan sponsors are looking for new ways to manage risk, but they are divided on which path to take. It’s been a…
The report and recommendations of the Ontario Expert Commission on Pensions were released November 20, 2008. The Commission’s mandate, while not explicitly stated as such,…
A growing number of defined benefit (DB) pension plans are shrugging off their inhibitions and baring all—strategy, objectives, targets and even investment results. Whether it’s…
Western Canada is collectively holding its breath, waiting to see how the future of pensions will unfold. The energy-led economic boom has caused employment growth…
Employers are turning to phased retirement and pension alternatives to help them fight the attraction and retention battle. Findings in the Survey of Pension Plans…
There is always much debate about whether being part of a defined benefit (DB) or defined contribution (DC) pension plan is better. People who wish…
Corporate North America has fallen into the trap of short-term thinking, placing undue emphasis on the next quarter’s results. Are pension professionals blindly following the…
Canadian pension plans are once again grappling with low interest rates and falling markets. However, they’ve learned from past experience and are armed with new…
In this year’s report on Quebec, we asked Quebec-based industry experts to summarize the recent legislative and regulatory developments, as well as possible trends on…
A look at what DB plan sponsors are doing today, and how they can prepare for 2008 and beyond. According to the 2007 ACS/Buck Consultants…
Longevity risk is often overlooked by plan sponsors, but may have a significant impact on plan valuations and funding in the future. A recent Watson…
It’s hard to believe we are already into a new year. Fiscal and strategic planning for the new calendar year have been completed. It’s now…
Created in late 2006, the Ontario Expert Commission on Pensions is scheduled to submit its report this summer. Benefits Canada sat down with the head…
New research suggests that DB plan sponsors are finally ready to go global. With the demise of the Foreign Property Rule in 2005 came predictions…
Major legal issues in 2007 included the use of surplus in hybrid plans, the protection of pensions in employer insolvencies and pension reform in Quebec.…
Employers in Atlantic Canada are capitalizing on employees’ desire for retirement flexibility. But pension sustainability remains a challenge. The workforce in Atlantic Canada is changing—and,…