In its fall economic statement, the Ontario government said it’s introducing legislation that would amend the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System Act, enabling provisions intended to enhance the OMERS’ governance, strengthen transparency and accountability. The introduction of legislation takes place following a 2024 governance review that was completed earlier this fall. In his report, special advisor […]
In its fall economic statement, the Ontario government said it plans to introduce legislation that would effectively end preferred pharmacy networks in the province. The legislation, based on the province’s findings from two consultations, would enable an ‘any willing provider’ framework — in which any pharmacy willing to match a PPN’s financial terms could join […]
The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec is granting operational management of its office buildings in Quebec to real estate services firm Canderel. This partnership is designed preserve the style and character of Quebec buildings that belong to the investment organization. The move will allow the Caisse to focus entirely on its investment operations, […]
For Ontario employers, pay equity compliance journey is an ongoing process and not a one-and-done exercise, said Will Lamond, a principal in the compensation practice at Normandin Beaudry, during a webinar on best pay equity practices in the province. Ontario’s Pay Equity Act requires employers with 10 or more employees to maintain equivalent levels of […]
An article on an arbitrator’s confirmation of the long-term disability exception to Ontario’s mandatory retirement rule was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com this past week. Here are the top five human resources, benefits, pension and investment stories of the last week: 1. Ontario arbitrator confirms validity of LTD exception to mandatory retirement rule 2. Insurers […]
The median solvency ratio of Ontario defined benefit pension plans increased to 122 per cent during the second quarter of 2025, an increase of three per cent from the previous quarter, according to a new report by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario. Ontario DB plans showed resiliency and remain on track despite economic […]
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario is inviting stakeholders to provide their input on the proposed guidance in support of permanent target-benefit framework for multi-employer pension plan sponsors. The guidance explains how the FSRA will oversee and apply Ontario’s framework, which came into effect on Jan. 1. Read: FSRA monitoring target-benefit framework, pension risks in […]
An article on the Ontario government’s return-to-office mandate for provincial employees was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com this past week. Here are the top five human resources, benefits, pension and investment stories of the last week: 1. My Take: Ontario’s latest return-to-work mandate is misinformed, short-sighted 2. Ontario Teachers’ investing US$40 million in HR platform, […]
The real estate investment arm of one of the country’s largest pension funds is worried about the value of its assets if a B.C. billionaire is able to buy Hudson’s Bay Co.’s leases at its properties. In documents filed with the Ontario Superior Court, Oxford Properties Group argues transferring leases to “an unvetted and unproven” […]
What’s a plan administrator to do when an individual makes a claim to a pension entitlement that goes back many years after their employment — or in some cases, the employment of a spouse, partner, parent or even grandparent — has ended and available pension records are inconclusive? In a perfect world, when pension inquiries […]