With the availability of more than 318,000 digital apps, and the development of more than 80,000 new ones each year, it’s a wonder Canada’s workplace health benefits plans haven’t moved more quickly to digital. This is likely due to the country’s siloed health-care system, with each province and jurisdiction taking its own approach. Streamlining the […]
It’s estimated by the Mental Health Commission of Canada that 1.2 million children and youth in Canada are affected by mental illness, but less than 20 per cent will receive the appropriate treatment. But I don’t need the numbers to know about the crisis facing our youth when it comes to mental-health issues. I’ve been living […]
It’s impossible to avoid the simple truth that people get sick, which often keeps them away from work. But which specific health conditions are keeping employees from doing their jobs? The usual suspects Plan sponsors don’t typically capture the reason for a casual absence in terms of a medical condition, says Paula Allen, vice-president of […]
The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions’ office of the chief actuary has appointed Assia Billig as chief actuary, effective April 15, 2019. She will succeed Jean-Claude Ménard, who will retire in mid-April after 20 years as chief actuary. Billig has worked in the office of the chief actuary for more than a decade, specializing in actuarial […]
In a move protecting its defined benefit pension promise for the long haul, commercial vehicle manufacturer Navistar Canada is purchasing more than $300 million in group annuity contracts. The transactions are with RBC Insurance and iA Financial Group and valued at $333 million. From May 1, 2019, the insurers will be responsible for administering pension payments […]
In a move protecting its defined benefit pension promise for the long haul, commercial vehicle manufacturer Navistar Canada is purchasing more than $300 million in group annuity contracts. The transactions are with RBC Insurance and iA Financial Group and valued at $333 million. From May 1, 2019, the insurers will be responsible for administering pension payments […]
A consultation paper by the U.K. government is considering how defined contribution plans could incorporate more illiquid investments. Specifically, the consultation’s proposals include requiring larger DC plans to set out their policy and current practice for illiquid investments and report on it annually. It also proposed requiring smaller DC plans to conduct a triennial assessment […]
A consultation paper by the U.K. government is considering how defined contribution plans could incorporate more illiquid investments. Specifically, the consultation’s proposals include requiring larger DC plans to set out their policy and current practice for illiquid investments and report on it annually. It also proposed requiring smaller DC plans to conduct a triennial assessment […]
During an employee’s gender transition, virtually every workplace benefit can come into play, including drug coverage, employee assistance programs, flexible working options, mental-health programs and diversity initiatives. For Tamara Hansen, a delivery manager specialist at Scotiabank, coming out as transgender after more than three decades with her employer has been an emotional journey. “I get […]
Workplace stress is on the rise and employees are feeling the pressure, according to new research by Morneau Shepell Ltd. In a survey of employees and employers across Canada, the company found more than a third of employees reported they’re more stressed now from work (35 per cent) and personal issues (36 per cent) than […]