The final quarter of 2018 was choppy for pension managers’ pooled funds as they posted a median return of negative 5.6 per cent, contributing to the year’s overall median return of negative 2.7 per cent, according to Morneau Shepell Ltd.’s pension performance universe. “The bond market posted a positive return of 1.4 per cent for 2018,” said Jean […]
Any modifications to federal pension legislation should encourage plan sponsors to continue offering defined benefit pension plans, while helping them fulfil their pension promises to plan members, according to the Canadian Institute of Actuaries. “Fulfilling pension promises is especially important for those plan members who can least afford the risk of benefit reductions, such as those with […]
With privacy and data protection laws in Canada and abroad evolving, these changes serve as a reminder to employers to be more stringent in safeguarding the information entrusted to them, particularly by their employees. Employers collect a myriad of personal information from their employees, including health details, spousal status, marriage breakdown information and union membership for plan administrative purposes, noted […]
In 2016, the Government of Canada reached an agreement with the provinces that provides for significant enhancements to the Canada Pension Plan, with an announcement of similar changes to the Quebec Pension Plan following in 2017. When the changes were announced, employers took note of the pending increases in the target benefit and contribution rates under the […]
In the midst of financial literacy month, what does education look like in a defined benefit world where plan members don’t have to actively make investment choices? And how much do members need to understand about investments? While financial literacy is important, DB plans allow members to prepare for retirement without being financial experts themselves, says […]
It’s a constant challenge for employers to ensure their plan members understand and appreciate the pension and benefits programs available to them. It isn’t easy, but employers stand a better chance of success when the information is meaningful and relevant. The marketing and retail industries have been doing it for ages, to the point where personalization isn’t […]
The Canadian Association of Pension Supervisory Authorities has released a draft revision of its guideline No. 2, which looks at electronic communication in the pension industry. The guideline was initially set out in February 2002 to help pension plan administrators and members apply new electronic commerce legislation to communications required under pension legislation. In the CAPSA’s initial consultations to develop […]
These days, peace of mind is hard to come by, but the employers at the 2018 Workplace Benefits Awards roundtable centred their discussion around the many ways they can positively contribute towards their workforces’ mental, physical and financial health, particularly when it comes to absenteeism and improving return-to-work processes. “We know that if people are […]
Niagara Casinos’ multi-pronged approach and leveraging of company resources to promote financial literacy among employees contributed to its award for financial wellness at Benefits Canada’s 2018 Workplace Benefits Awards in Toronto on Oct. 11. The organization’s financial wellness program includes an employee intranet, which is available at work and from employee’s home computers. The network features graphics […]
Coca-Cola Refreshments Canada learned the key to communication is using a medium and message that employees will understand, a lesson that secured the organization’s win for best pension communications at Benefits Canada’s 2018 Workplace Benefits Awards in Toronto on Oct. 11. Whether using a high-tech channel like an online message or a low-tech method like a face-to-face meeting, the company […]