An article on Ontario’s proposed changes to preferred pharmacy network agreements 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. How Ontario’s proposed changes to preferred pharmacy networks could reshape drug plan costs 2. How predictability in the […]
As new pay transparency legislation comes into effect in British Columbia and Ontario, it’s important for small- and medium-sized employers to ensure they’re complying with provincial, territorial and federal regulations, says Mohamed Basma, general manager for small business services at ADP Canada. “This is pressing now more than ever as remote work is so much […]
Ontario’s signal that it may restrict or eliminate preferred pharmacy networks has created urgency for plan sponsors that rely on these arrangements to manage drug plan costs and access. Preferred pharmacy networks have been used in private drug plans for more than a decade. A PPN is a group of pharmacies selected because they offer […]
The median solvency ratio of Ontario defined benefit pension plans increased to 124 per cent during the third quarter of 2025, an increase of two per cent from the previous quarter, according to a new report by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario. The percentage of pension plans that were projected to be fully […]
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 […]