The 2009 Healthy Outcomes Conference took place from March 31 to April 2 in beautiful Whistler, B.C.—the future site of the 2010 Olympics. Delegates networked during a solid day-and-a-half of presentations, during lunch and dinner and over cocktails, while the session question-and-answer periods kept the roving microphone busy. Presentation topics ranged from the challenges facing […]
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 gone very wrong. The investment industry has watched in horror—with plan sponsors looking over its shoulder—as the global economy staggered from the subprime debacle to the credit crunch and, ultimately, […]
Tough economic conditions tend to boost investor conservatism and capital accumulation plan (CAP) members are no different, assuming they bother to revisit their investment mix. But even “safe” defaults require ample due diligence by both plan sponsors and members. “Both DB and DC pension plans have been hit very hard by the recent market downturn. […]
Other Brieflies this week:| MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI | The Canada Pension Plan fund lost a record 18.6% of its value in fiscal 2009 due to dismal equity markets, the CPP Investment Board said Thursday. The CPP had assets of $105.5 billion as of March 31, 2009, which represents a […]
With long wait times and an aging population, could medical tourism ever become a voluntary benefit in Canada? Travelling abroad can be a life-changing experience: new customs, new foods…new hip? If you can’t get the healthcare you need for the price, timeline or quality you want in Canada, you can head to India, Singapore or […]
The Stats Canadian workers stressed out A recent survey by global recruitment firm Kelly Services reveals that Canadian workers are the second-most stressed-out group in the world—just behind Japanese employees. Workers around the world experience job stress differently: 19% said their job was adversely affecting their health 13% were losing sleep over their jobs 33% […]
The group insurance industry isn’t immune to the current economy. However, insurers are expecting to bring change and innovation to the marketplace as a result of this downturn. Downsizing, salary freezes and cutbacks have become the way of the times, and insurers, like employers, have to do more with less. “If you have a case […]
DC plan member engagement is even more important in an economic downturn. But how do you get the message out? Imagine you’re a 25-year veteran employee who plans to retire within the next five years. You’ve contributed regularly to your employer’s defined contribution (DC) plan over the course of your career—however, it’s been some time […]
Understanding the role that behaviour plays in plan member engagement. In the evolving climate of group retirement savings, getting members to play an active role in the process has been a continuing challenge. Early discussions about member engagement focused primarily on motivating plan participants to make investment choices. Over time, particularly with the introduction of […]
Could auto features offer the smoothest road to adequate retirement savings for CAP members? Two-thirds of Canadian households are saving at levels that will not generate sufficient income to cover their non-discretionary expenses in retirement, according to a 2007 University of Waterloo/Canadian Institute of Actuaries report. As a result, Canada is facing a possible epidemic […]