In the early days of Bell Canada’s defined contribution plan, there was a lot of emphasis on information and big campaigns, but at that time, employers were reluctant to get too involved, according to Robert Marchessault, the telecommunications company’s director of pension and benefits, noting it was soon clear its members needed more guidance. Speaking […]
The evolution of pension plans from retirement tools to encompassing flexible savings models that prioritize financial wellness is a defining change over the past 25 years in the defined contribution pension industry, said Wendy Mizuno, senior vice-president of total rewards at Loblaw Companies Ltd, during a panel session at Benefits Canada’s 2025 DC Plan Summit […]
Calling all employers and plan sponsors — the 2025 Workplace Benefits Awards will open for entries on Monday, March 31. This year, Benefits Canada is allowing a bit of extra time for submitting nominations, so we’re opening up the awards portal a whole month early. If your organization is leading the way in transforming the […]
The Canadian Institute of Actuaries is supporting employers with a new resource that focuses on the importance of early and proactive retirement planning. The resource covers several topics, such as how to build emergency funds while balancing short-term obligations with long-term goals, as well as developing sustainable retirement income strategies using personal savings, employer-sponsored retirement […]
Amid the ongoing tariff dispute between Canada and the U.S., employers can support employee mental health by reminding them of available mental-health benefits and being transparent in their communication, says Kim Siddall, national vice-president of client strategy at People Corporation. She notes the impact of the trade war on employee mental health is two-fold, encompassing […]
In the five years since the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus pandemic, Canadian benefits plan sponsors have adapted their offerings and continue to apply many of the lessons learned over the course of the health crisis. Chris Zelasko, president of Peak Benefit Solutions Inc. says while his plan sponsor clients initially focused on the […]
Social media is breathing new life into employers’ pension communications, helping to make the benefit resonate with different audiences and offering organizations a far wider footprint than traditional channels. In some ways, the coronavirus pandemic was one of the key drivers of increasing the use of social media in workplace communications, says Jeff Pekar, director […]
Nearly two-thirds (60 per cent) of employees say commuting expenses are the most crucial costs to have subsidized by employers, according to a new survey by Robert Walters Canada. The survey, which polled 2,500 white-collar workers in Canada, found a similar percentage (60 per cent) prioritized this benefit over tech equipment, food and health or […]
Roughly one in three (36 per cent) single Canadians fear they’ll never be financially able to retire, according to a new survey by the Co-operators Group Ltd. The survey, which polled 1,500 employees, found nearly half (45 per cent) of single Canadians described saving for retirement as a near-impossible task. Indeed, two-fifths (40 per cent) […]
Economic uncertainty, including the potential for new U.S. tariffs, is prompting businesses to review their workforce strategies and benefits policies to remain resilient. While employers have no control if or when their products may be subject to tariffs, there are steps that can be taken to be more prepared. Read: Financial markets resilient in wake […]