With drug plan costs back on the upswing amid unprecedented increases for stop-loss or pooling insurance, benefits advisors and insurers are seeing more plan sponsors voicing concerns over sustainability and showing a greater willingness to take actions beyond seeking the best rates at renewal time. “The industry is in the process of reacting to what’s […]
Canadian workplaces have become psychologically safer over the past seven years, according to two studies commissioned by the Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace. The first report, conducted by Ipsos, found that in 2016, 71 per cent of employees considered their workplaces psychologically safe and healthy environments. That number was up six percentage […]
Global asset manager Aviva Investors is growing its presence in Canada with two new appointments. Tyler McGraw has been named managing director and president of Aviva Investors Canada Inc. In the role, he will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the firm’s Canadian business. McGraw has been with Aviva Investors since 2011 as an […]
The first month of 2017 has proven to be a busy one for the pension, investment, benefits and human resources industries. Below are the 10 most popular online news stories in January: CPP benefits rise by 1.4% in 2017 What do Golf Town’s troubles say about retail investment prospects? Have your say: Should the feds tax […]
Last week, the Pension Investment Association of Canada was the latest group to lend its voice to the growing concern over the decumulation of Canadian’s retirement assets. Kevin Fahey, chair of the association, sent a letter to the minister of finance asking the government to update pension and tax regulations to address the lack of decumulation options […]
Last week, Manulife announced it’s increasing employee coverage for mental-health services to $10,000. The move followed a decision by Starbucks last year to boost mental-health coverage to $5,000. With society putting a great focus on supporting people with mental-health issues, do the moves signal a trend towards greater employer coverage? Prior to the change, Manlife covered up […]
There was a solid interactive element to Benefits Canada’s Face to Face Drug Plan Management Forum as participants took part in a live-polling session on the various myths surrounding drugs. Are prescription drugs the same price at all pharmacies? Are biosimilar and biologic drugs the same thing? Those were among the issues the audience weighed […]
The Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan has re-appointed Bill Chinery and John Murray to its board for two-year terms commencing Jan. 1, 2017, as well as re-appointing Jean Turmel to another two-year term as the board’s chair. Murray has 35 years of experience as a global macro-economist and was the deputy governor of the Bank of […]
The sentiment for investing in emerging markets in Asia has jumped significantly over the past year, from 19 in 2015 to 34 in 2016, according to an investor sentiment index by Manulife Asset Management. The favourable outlook towards Asia is supported by the political uncertainties experienced in the U.S., Britain and Europe this year, as […]
While Canada’s retirement industry is in a state of flux as the country prepares for an enhanced Canada Pension Plan, the market for capital accumulation plans remains a relatively unshakeable and consistent piece of the country’s retirement savings puzzle. In fact, throughout — and despite — the debates over issues such as the CPP and […]