Archives November 2011

November 2011

Capital accumulation plans

It’s an age-old problem…how do you get capital accumulation plan (CAP) members engaged in retirement planning and encourage them to take responsibility for their own…

From social media to mobile apps, there are many emerging communication channels for CAP sponsors. But if you build it, will your plan members come?

The good news is that CAP members generally appreciate the role they play in attaining adequate retirement income. The bad news? Most just aren’t there…

Many CAP members aren’t confident that they understand their retirement plans and basic investment concepts. What role can targeted communications strategies play in improving their…

Getting employees into the plan and saving early is an ongoing challenge for CAP sponsors. What are the barriers, and how can employers overcome them?

After a quarter-century of success, the Saskatchewan Pension Plan (SPP) may help plant the seed for Canadian pension reform. Benefits Canada talked to SPP general…

Saskatchewan is known as Canada’s breadbasket, for its ability to consistently produce quality grain. But given that many in the industry have begun paying attention…

Until April 2011, Chris Town, 56, didn’t think a lot about retirement. He and his wife, Susan, 61, felt they had their financial house in…

Following our third market meltdown in the past decade, the fashion maxim “everything old is new again” may apply to annuities as well.

A well-structured DC plan helps members to build savings during their working (accumulation) years and generate sufficient income for their retirement (de-accumulation) years. For plan…

Uncategorized

When it comes to social media, I’d say I’m an average user. My LinkedIn profile is up to date, I have a Twitter handle, and…

Other

Many Torontonians remember the confusion, the masks and the fear. For Dr. Alain Sotto, chief physician with the Ontario Power Generation (OPG), the SARS (severe…

During her 25 years in the HR industry, Sarah Beech has seen a lot of change. After graduating from McGill University in 1986, she began…

Alternative investments

The rebuild of Montreal’s Champlain Bridge—reportedly the busiest crossing in Canada but weakening with age—may be brought to you by a pension fund. In fact,…

Health benefits

While many organizations view their drug benefit spend simply as a necessary cost of doing business—and approach plan management from a cost-containment perspective—some are recognizing…

Flexible benefits programs have been a part of the Canadian benefits scene for a quarter-century. In that time, advances in administration and communications technology have…