An article on proposed changes to preferred pharmacy networks outlined in the Ontario government’s fall economic statement 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 taking steps to end preferred pharmacy networks, introducing VPLA framework 2. […]
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 […]
An article announcing the finalists of the 2025 Workplace Benefits Awards 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. Who are the finalists of the 2025 Workplace Benefits Awards? 2. Employee’s termination following mental-health leave not discriminatory: […]
In its pre-budget submission to the federal government, the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association highlighted variable payment life annuities, automatic features in pension plans, pharmacare and virtual health care as areas that require attention. While the CLHIA said it supports the concept of VPLAs as a decumulation solution for defined contribution plan members, it […]
Quebec’s pending implementation of variable payment life annuities would benefit more from a principles-based approach rather than a prescriptive framework, said the Canadian Institute of Actuaries. In an open letter to the provincial government, the CIA said such an approach would allow for a more flexible and effective rollout and would encourage innovation while continuing […]
An article about the ongoing discussion around tattoos in the workplace 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. Workplace tattoo visibility sparks fresh look at dress codes, employee inclusion: expert 2. Canadian target-benefit plan sponsors can […]
Quebec’s incoming regulatory framework for variable payment life annuities requires additional clarity around the potential for fluctuating payouts to plan members, said the Association of Canadian Pension Management. In a letter to the provincial government, the ACPM said while it isn’t suggesting additional regulatory measures to enhance clarity, it’s encouraging the government to issue clear […]
An article on Quebec’s incoming framework for variable payment life annuities 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. Quebec introducing VPLA regulatory framework 2. BMO corporate employees returning to office four days per week this fall […]
The implementation of variable payment life annuities in Quebec will support employee financial well-being and retirement readiness, while providing a model for other Canadian jurisdictions, says Louis-Bernard Désilets, an associate at Normandin Beaudry. “Currently, there’s approximately $1.5 trillion in retirement savings accumulated in [registered retirement savings plans] and [defined contribution] plans in Canada, with likely […]
For most of the decade since I joined Benefits Canada, it feels like the pension industry has been moving at a snail’s pace. Don’t get me wrong — I have witnessed many substantial (dare I say, exciting) developments in the industry, each one touted as a potential solution to Canadians’ retirement readiness concerns and increasingly […]