The average solvency ratio of Canadian defined benefit pension plans in Mercer’s database increased five percentage points in the first quarter of 2022, according to a new report by the consultancy. The report, which assessed the performance of 464 pension plans, found as at March 31, 2022, the plans’ average solvency ratio reached 108 per […]
While Canadian employers have made significant strides toward improving diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace, employment barriers remain for the neurodiverse talent pool, according to a new report by Deloitte and Auticon Canada. The report, which polled more than 400 adult Canadians, found employers’ focus on social competency during the interview process was one of the […]
Telus Health is acquiring digital health platform Sprout Wellness Solutions. Sprout is designed to inspire employees to improve their health through behaviour change, according to a press release, which noted Sprout will be integrated with Telus Health’s virtual care service. Read: Telus Health acquires health division of Toronto-based software company “We know preventative health practices can […]
The Ontario Liberals’ election promise of portable drug, dental and mental-health services was the most read article over the past week on BenefitsCanada.com. Here are the five most popular news stories of the week: 1. Ontario Liberals promising portable drug, dental and mental-health services 2. Employees rank remote work, salary as top elements of benefits packages: survey 3. Employers pausing […]
The U.K. pension regulator is releasing new rules on climate disclosures for institutional investors and defined benefit pension plans. In a report, the Financial Conduct Authority laid out its latest rules and guidelines for pension plan sponsors related to climate-related risks and opportunities. “Firms would be required to produce, annually, a baseline set of consistent, […]
Ivanhoé Cambridge, the real estate arm of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, is part of a joint venture acquiring a heritage listed property in Melbourne, Australia. Alongside its partner, the Ironside Group, Ivanhoé Cambridge will create 56,000 square metres of office and retail space a building known as the Younghusband Woolstores, which […]
More than two-thirds (71 per cent) of small- and mid-sized U.S. employers said offering more employee benefits helps improve retention, while 70 per cent said benefits help with recruitment efforts, according to a new survey by Principal Financial Services Inc. The survey, which polled more than 1,000 employers, found two-thirds (67 per cent) said employee […]
The majority of institutional investors intend to reduce their exposure to fixed income, according to a new survey by Aeon Investments. The survey, which polled European and North American pension plan sponsors and other institutional investors, found 78 per cent of respondents indicated they intend to decrease their allocations to traditional fixed income assets within […]
A story on a pilot benefits plan program that provides plan members with access to traditional Indigenous medicines and services was the most read article over the past week on BenefitsCanada.com. Here are the five most popular news stories of the week: 1. First Nations community providing Indigenous wellness benefits to plan members 2. Just 52% of Canadians […]
The Alberta Investment Management Corp. is appointing Suzanne Akers as its chief risk and chief compliance officer. In the dual role, Akers will assume responsibility for leading the AIMCo’s investment risk management and analytics functions, ensuring the pursuit of each client’s investment objectives is aligned to its risk appetite, according to a press release. She’ll […]