After navigating the unpredictable markets of the past two decades, some defined benefit pension plan sponsors could be forgiven for wanting to seek out some certainty. But a new threat has emerged in the form of rapidly rising inflation and the possibility of rate increases after decades of persistent lows. The consumer price index increased […]
This month marks the second anniversary of the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, a 24-month span that has had profound effects on the health of benefits plan members and the status and structure of their plans. For drug plans in particular, several trends have come to light — or have accelerated — during the course […]
Office workers used to, well, work in offices. Then the coronavirus pandemic hit. Since it was first declared, entire organizations — from the chief executive officers steering the ships to the administrative assistants below decks — were upended, flinging everyone from the company mothership into their own personal lifeboats. As employers and employees face down […]
Higher investment fees in capital accumulation plans can potentially set an individual’s retirement date back by four years, according to Mercer’s latest retirement readiness barometer. The analysis found a person paying the median retail fee (1.9 per cent) would be retirement ready at age 70. On the other hand, someone paying the median fee available […]
Employers have been dealing with multiple crises lately, from the coronavirus pandemic to high levels of burnout among their employees and many Canadians considering leaving their current job. Despite these challenges, several strategies can help employers turn the “Great Resignation” tide, says Allison Griffiths, a principal at Mercer Canada. “Obviously, the factors driving the ‘Great Resignation’ are […]
Institutional Analyst Sr. - Bilingual (English and French) / Analyste institutionnel principal – Bilingue (français et anglais) Salary Range: Competitive Compensation Package Location: Toronto or Montreal Office Overview of Duties: This position’s core goal is to provide our Distribution team with the highest level of service possible leading to new investment mandates and outstanding asset […]
Employers are turning to virtual health care offerings to support employees’ physical wellness amid the ongoing pandemic. Since Alithya, a Montreal-based technology company, launched a wellness portal last July, a virtual fitness program has become one of the most utilized benefits offerings, says Catherine Bourque, its vice-president of human capital. The program — which allows employees to […]
The Pension Investment Association is appointing a new chair, vice-chair and secretary-treasurer for 2022. Sean Hewitt, chief executive officer of the Toronto Transit Commission Pension Fund Society, is the organization’s new chair. His previous roles include director of pension assets at the Canadian Pacific Railway Co. and senior analyst of investments at Mercer Canada. Read: How […]
The average solvency ratio of Canadian defined benefit pension plans in Mercer’s database grew by seven per cent in 2021, according to a new report by the consultancy. The report, which looked at the overall performance of more than 500 Canadian DB plans in 2021, found, at the end of the year, the plans’ average […]
As inflation hits a record high in Canada, employers are helping workers weather the storm through various benefits and compensation offerings, according to several experts. In October, the Canadian inflation rate increased year over year by a record 4.7 per cent, the largest increase since February 2003, according to Statistics Canada. The Bank of Canada […]