Alternative assets have long been the domain of institutional investors seeking to increase their risk-adjusted returns, but defined contribution plan sponsors now have the opportunity to access these assets in the form of liquid alternatives in their target-date fund offerings. Over the last five years, the expected returns of traditional balanced portfolios in target-date funds […]
KPMG Canada has seen firsthand the benefits that environmental, social and governance investing can have on employees’ retirement savings and the wider world. It recently introduced an environmental leaders fund into its defined contribution pension plan lineup. In the month it was launched, contributions into the fund from the organization and its employees played a […]
Alberta’s nurses have a new collective bargaining agreement, which includes more mental-health support as the coronavirus pandemic drags on. In addition to more psychological and mental-health supports, the deal includes the creation of a union-employer workload advisory committee, $5 million a year toward recruitment and retention strategies in rural and remote areas and $2.5 million a […]
Uber Technologies Inc. has signed an agreement with a private sector union that will provide representation to Canadian drivers and couriers, but doesn’t unionize workers. Through this agreement, Uber will prioritize new benefits and protections for drivers and delivery people, as well as enhancing their flexibility to work if, when and where they want, according […]
At the start of every new year, many employees resolve to improve their fitness — emotionally, financially and/or physically. One pretty easy way that employers can help workers shape up (financially) this year is by offering a workplace tax-free savings account. A knowledge gap still needs to be filled when it comes to TFSAs — […]
While Canadians are prioritizing saving as they continue to navigate the challenges of the global coronavirus pandemic amid expectations of rising inflation in the coming year, just over two-thirds (64 per cent) know the difference between a registered retirement savings plan and a tax-free savings account, according to a new survey by the Bank of […]
As a new year dawns, our attention turns to what’s ahead, the following are a few of my predictions for trends in the world of pensions in 2022. Volatility We’re entering the year in an environment of considerable economic and financial market uncertainty. Supply chain problems, elevated price inflation and labour shortages in certain industries […]
As the coronavirus pandemic sent the global economy into a tailspin, many Canadians grew increasingly concerned about whether they’d amassed enough savings to weather the financial storm. “We’ve heard the narrative that Canadians are saving like they’ve never saved before,” says Elizabeth Mulholland, chief executive officer of Prosper Canada. “The reality is, when you look […]
At the 2021 Defined Contribution Plan Summit, which was hosted virtually on Oct. 6, delegates heard about several pressing issues facing DC plan sponsors and members, including an ageing demographic, decumulation, education around investment options and required legislative updates. Here’s what you missed: CPP/QPP delay a simple solution to improving retirement readiness Using DC investments […]
Low financial literacy and the slow pace of legislative frameworks are among the challenges hindering Canadian DC plans from offering in-plan decumulation options, according to a panel discussion at the event. Speaking during a panel discussion at Benefits Canada‘s 2021 DC Plan Summit, Michael Dodd (pictured, far left), associate vice-president of pensions, treasury and shareholder […]