Benefits Canada

Head to head: Are employees being prescribed too much medication for mental-health issues?

With claims trends on the rise in workplace benefits plans, two medical professionals compare different treatment paths for mental-health care. Dr. Karen Cohen, chief executive officer of the Canadian Psychological Association When it comes to mental-health services, people get what’s available. This is sometimes, but not always, what they need. Extended private health plans typically […]

  • February 16, 2021 April 26, 2021
  • 08:59

Head to head: Should pension plans be investing actively or passively?

Two experienced pension professionals weigh in on the longstanding debate regarding whether pension plans should be investing actively or passively. Blair Richards, chief investment officer at the Halifax Port ILA/HEA pension plan To see why passive investing should be a part of every portfolio — particularly in today’s environment — first consider its traditional benefits: […]

  • December 18, 2020 April 23, 2021
  • 08:59

Conference Coverage: 2020 Mental Health Summit

The coronavirus pandemic has brought the importance of mental health to the forefront like never before. On Nov. 12 and 13, the virtual 2020 Mental Health Summit featured a two-day agenda of expert presentations to equip plan sponsors with all the tools and resources required to implement positive changes within their organizations’ benefits plan. Find […]

  • November 27, 2020 August 9, 2022
  • 08:01

Head to head: Should employers be responsible for personal protective equipment?

While occupational health and safety legislation is clear, the definition of PPE has evolved since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. Mark Hancock, National president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees The coronavirus pandemic has made the acronym PPE — or personal protective equipment — a house-hold buzzword. At the onset of the pandemic, shortages […]

  • November 20, 2020 March 3, 2021
  • 08:59

Head to head: Would Alberta benefit from leaving the CPP?

Certain politicians have suggested Alberta withdraw from the Canada Pension Plan and go it alone. Would the province benefit from a solitary system or is the idea short-sighted? Niels Veldhuis, economist and president of the Fraser Institute In June, Alberta’s Fair Deal panel recommended the development of a comprehensive plan to withdraw the province from […]

  • October 16, 2020 March 3, 2021
  • 08:59

Head to head: Should remote working continue after the pandemic?

The past few months have upended the traditional workplace, but whether remote working remains the norm is still up for debate. Robby Kwok, senior vice-president of people at Slack Technologies Inc. We’re never going back to the old way. The last few months have demonstrated that it’s possible for teams to thrive in a distributed […]

  • September 18, 2020 March 3, 2021
  • 08:59

Head to head: What shape will global economic recovery take?

As the global economy slogs through one of the most dire situations in living memory, some predict it will bounce right back to its old self, while others aren’t so sure. Janet Rabovsky, independent investment consultant With lockdown restrictions lifting, Canadians are wondering how quickly the economy may rebound. While none of us have a […]

  • August 14, 2020 March 3, 2021
  • 08:59

Head to head: Should access to prescription drugs be restricted during coronavirus?

The limitation of prescriptions to 30-day supplies aims to protect against drug shortages, but it’s creating challenges for Canadians who are living on fixed incomes. Beverley Zwicker, chief executive officer and registrar at the Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists The coronavirus pandemic has challenged us all to work together for the greater good. We now […]

  • June 19, 2020 March 3, 2021
  • 08:59

Head to head: Is there a right time to take CPP benefits?

While many Canadians can’t wait to start drawing down Canada Pension Plan benefits when they turn 65, it’s important to consider whether that’s the right move Bonnie-Jeanne MacDonald, director of financial security research at Ryerson University’s National Institute on Ageing Delaying CPP is the safest, most inexpensive approach to receiving more secure retirement income. Yet […]

  • May 15, 2020 June 3, 2021
  • 08:59

Head to head: Is carbon divestment becoming obligatory for pension plans?

Globally, many pension funds are divesting from carbon and fossil fuels, while others are staying the course and focusing on financial value and their fiduciary duties Simon Archer, partner at Goldblatt Partners LLP and co-director of Osgoode Hall Law School’s Centre for Comparative Research in Law and Political Economy: Political posturing aside, no one seriously […]

  • April 17, 2020 March 4, 2021
  • 08:59