iA Financial Group is introducing a virtual assistant to help personalize group benefits and pension plan member experience. The virtual assistant can be accessed using Google Assistant on a cell phone, tablet or via Google Home. It can calculate how much a group registered retirement savings plan member should contribute or estimate the amount saved when they retire, […]
On Dec. 10 in Toronto, the Defined Benefit Investment Forum looked at the top challenges plan sponsors face in managing DB plans, and the investment tools and solutions that can help. Here are some of the highlights of the sessions: Economist doesn’t think recession is looming In a world of volatility, with markets driven by […]
The Pension Investment Association of Canada isn’t supportive of providing a super-priority for unfunded pension liabilities and other post-retirement benefits in an insolvency situation. “While we recognize that the intention of such a change would be to enhance retirement security for plan beneficiaries, we believe that overall impact on the retirement income system would be negative,” […]
While there aren’t consistent definitions around the inclusion of environmental, social and governance issues in investing, factoring them into the investment process is now mainstream, which is increasing the demand for ESG data, according to a report by capital markets consultancy firm Opimas. Institutional investors, such as pension funds, insurers and asset managers, have been at the forefront of that […]
Employers looking to recruit talent from other cities and provinces should consider boosting their relocation benefits and services, according to a new survey by staffing firm Robert Half Canada Inc. The survey found almost half (46 per cent) of employees said they’d consider moving if they had better pay and perks. Despite this, more than a third (37 per cent) […]
The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec will make additional investments in Metro Supply Chain Group Inc., a Canadian third-party logistics services provider. The pension fund initially invested in the company in April 2018 when it began acquiring logistical and distribution companies linked to the e-commerce sector. “We are pleased to continue and strengthen […]
OMERS Ventures, the venture capital arm of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System, is expanding into the U.S. with an office in Silicon Valley, California. The firm is hiring Michael Yang, an experienced venture capital investor who’s especially familiar with investing in startup e-commerce and emerging technologies. “We are thrilled to expand our physical footprint with dedicated resources to deploy additional capital […]
Morneau Shepell Ltd. is offering its internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy program as an approved paramedical benefit through several insurance companies. The program, AbilitiCBT, delivers online CBT that combines therapist guidance with interactive exercises and activities. It focuses on changing negative thought patterns, emotional responses and behaviours to reduce absenteeism and improve engagement, shorten return-to-work timeframes and […]
The gig economy has changed many Canadians’ ability to manage their finances and plan for retirement, according to a new survey by TD Canada Trust. The survey found only 11 per cent of non-traditional employees feel secure about their retirement. One in five (20 per cent) survey respondents who describe themselves as gig workers, job jumpers or postponed […]
More natural light and outdoor views in the workplace could lead to more engaged and satisfied employees, according to a new study. The study, which was commissioned by View, Inc., was conducted by professors at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Southern California and involved federal crown corporation Canada Lands Co. Ltd. After an office renovation […]