Pooled registered pension plans (PRPPs) as a solution to increase pension coverage for Canadians is a notion that was widely supported in the industry when the government announced its commitment to move ahead with the strategy last month. As industry experts recognize that this is surely a step in the right direction, some feel it’s […]
Finance Minister Jim Flaherty has announced that the provinces and federal government came to an agreement during yesterday’s meeting in Kananaskis, Alta., to move ahead with the pooled registered pension plan (PRPP) framework. Expansion of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is being moved to the back burner for now. “I’m particularly pleased to announce that […]
In Ontario, government programs guarantee single seniors an income $16,200 per annum, after tax. Couples get $26,300. In Canada, poverty rates for seniors are among the lowest in the world—even lower than Sweden. Those with low incomes will typically experience an increase in their standard of living upon retirement at age 65. As we move […]
In preparation for the December 20 meeting of federal, provincial and territorial finance ministers, The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is asking the government to look at ways of improving the country’s retirement system, other than increasing Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions. In the letter, CFIB outlined its concern over the support in June […]
The Pension Investments Association of Canada is calling on the British Columbia government to refrain from setting limits on the type of entities that can offer variable life benefits. In an open letter, the association said a competitive landscape that includes a broad scope of service providers, including registered pension plans, would be beneficial for retirees, noting […]
Finance’s toughest problem just got a whole lot trickier, thanks to the quandary of inflation. Legendary economist William F. Sharpe sealed his place in history when he collected the 1990 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for his work on investment decision-making, but in defined contribution pension circles, the emeritus professor at Stanford University is […]
The coronavirus pandemic is highlighting many trends in group retirement and investment programs, pushing the industry to be flexible and quick with some of the newer offerings. As plan sponsors review their group retirement plans in the coming months, they may want to consider some, or all, of these four trends. 1. Financial wellness becoming a must. […]
Multiple stakeholder groups are praising the 2019 federal budget’s proposal to amend tax rules to allow for late-life and variable annuity structures. The proposed advanced life deferred annuity would be a qualifying annuity purchase under registered retirement savings plans, registered retirement income funds, including trusts run by these accounts, as well as defined contribution pension […]
From decumulation options to investment choice, capital accumulation plan members face several challenges when they reach retirement. On the decumulation front, many members leave their assets with their final employer’s pension provider, which offers group registered retirement income funds or life income funds with well-managed investment options and lower management fees. As well, an increasing number […]
For plans sponsors that haven’t comprehensively reviewed their statements of investment policies and procedures in a while, it may be time to refresh the document to ensure it correctly reflects the details of the plan and is in line with current regulations. There’s an extra incentive to do so for plans registered in Ontario as recent regulatory changes […]