The Co-operative Superannuation Society Pension Plan is in the middle of a years-long digital transformation that’s aiming to improve member experience. In addition to introducing a modernized and secure member portal, the CSS (No. 2 on the 2024 Top 50 Defined Contribution Plans report) is planning to start leveraging artificial intelligence, says Tami Dove, the […]
The median solvency ratio of Canadian defined benefit pension plans increased to 122 per cent in the third quarter of 2024, up slightly from 121 per cent in the previous quarter, according to a new report by Mercer. The report, which tracked 450 DB pension plans, attributed this increase to declines in global interest rates, […]
Fidelity Canada Institutional has appointed Stéphanie Mariamo as Vice President, Institutional Business Development, a new role which specializes in Defined Contribution (DC). Ms. Mariamo will be based in Fidelity’s Montreal office and will focus on Capital Accumulation Plans and working with consultants across Canada. “Stéphanie’s appointment underscores our commitment to growing our Defined Contribution business […]
BDO Canada LLP employees who are considering taking a pottery course, planning a family vacation or even booking a caterer for their wedding can get a little financial assistance from the company’s newest benefit. The consultancy’s Do What You Love program, which launched in 2022, provides plan members with a set annual reimbursement amount for […]
The consolidation of firms within the pension and benefits industries could pose a threat because there’s less choice available in terms of service providers, says Susan G. Seller, a pension and benefits lawyer at Bennett Jones LLP. “I think the evolution of the services they offer . . . poses a particular challenge for employers […]
The median solvency ratio of Canadian defined benefit pension plans remained flat in the second quarter of 2024, compared to the previous quarter, according to a report by Mercer. The report, which tracked 450 DB pension plans, found the median solvency ratio was 118 per cent, as at June 28, 2024, the same as at […]
Everyone loves a deal, but many Canadians either forget or don’t realize they can find discounts through their workplace. “There really are a lot [of perks] that employees just don’t seem to know about,” says Debby Carreau, chief executive officer and founder of Inspired HR, a human resources consultancy with offices across Canada. “Those things […]
When Phillip Kotanidis took over as chief human resources officer at Toronto’s Michael Garron Hospital in 2018, the financial well-being of staff wasn’t exactly high on his agenda. In such a fast-paced and potentially stressful workplace, money matters naturally took a backseat to the physical and mental health of the hospital’s staff, who are members […]
OVERVIEW AGENDA SPEAKERS LOCATION Speaker Pascal Bernier, portfolio manager of strategic asset allocation, Desjardins Global Asset Management As a portfolio manager, Pascal Bernier is responsible for implementing and monitoring strategic asset allocations for plan sponsor clients and investment mandates using various asset classes. Bernier has worked as an actuary and investment specialist for the past […]
While merit increases offered by Canadian employers remain above inflation and are still higher than pre-coronavirus pandemic times, they’re continuing to trend downward in the first quarter of 2024, according to a new survey by Mercer Canada. The survey, which polled more than 400 employers, found the average national merit increase was 3.2 per cent, […]