Following an unprecedented 2020, Canada’s plan sponsors and pension plans are incorporating the lessons of the last year as they prepare for a new decade, according to a recent webinar hosted by Mercer Canada. The coming years will be marked by developments including increased geopolitical tensions and the lingering economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic, […]
One year ago, hosting a pizza party with co-workers or showing up to work with stomach-bug symptoms were unthinkable in terms of fireable offences. But legal suits based on such incidents are now before the courts as the coronavirus pandemic upends the way managers enforce health mandates and discipline employees. Like politicians and other high-profile […]
Since the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic almost 11 months ago, the resulting economic uncertainty as the coronavirus crisis drags on has resulted in some employees finding it increasingly difficult to save for the future, according to a recent survey. The survey by Ipsos for Toronto Dominion Bank revealed one quarter (25 per […]
Canada’s defined benefit pension plans posted a median return of five per cent during the fourth quarter of 2020 and closed a volatile year with a 10 per cent gain, according to Northern Trust Canada’s pension universe. Despite uncertainty from factors including the U.S. presidential election and Brexit negotiations, the last quarter saw global equity […]
More than one-fifth (22 per cent) of Canadian companies say they’ll adjust the pay of remote workers who move to a different location, according to a recent survey. Staffing firm Robert Half Canada Inc. surveyed 500 employees and 180 human resources managers. The survey found 44 per cent of staff said they’d consider relocating, but […]
As a new decade revs up, is it time for capital accumulation plan sponsors to revisit the investment vehicles they offer? According to a recent whitepaper from Sun Life Global Investments, the aggregate capital in defined contribution plans in their largest markets — Australia, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the U.K. and the U.S. — […]
Canadian businesses are grappling with how they’ll handle the vaccination of staff, and for some that means allowing workers to get the shot on company time. At least 35 tech companies in the country, including SkipTheDishes, Borrowell and FreshBooks, signed a pledge Friday from the Council of Canadian Innovators vowing to let their staff slip […]
While the rollout of vaccines has the world cautiously optimistic about an economic recovery, a Scotiabank survey shows the coronavirus pandemic has Canadians concerned about their retirement future. According to the survey, 72 per cent of Canadians said they’re worried they’re not saving enough for retirement, while one-third (32 per cent) said they won’t be able to […]
Environmental, social and governance factors are continuing to influence company strategy, financing and operating environments in 2021, according to a new report by Fitch Ratings Inc. It found financial institutions will likely continue to enhance ESG due diligence and exclusionary policies to cover a broader set of ESG issues and entities, as the quality and […]
With President-elect Joe Biden officially becoming the 46th U.S. president today, institutional investors are preparing for a return to traditional governance and increased market stability. While markets don’t often respond favourably to a change in administration, the return to “normality and transparency” in Biden’s policy and governing style will act as a counterbalance, says Matthew […]