While Canada’s pension system continues to rank well globally, the current economic environment poses particular risks for defined contribution pension plan sponsors and members, according to a new report by the CFA Institute and Mercer. “As DC pension plans continue to make up a greater part of Canadians’ retirement, turbulent markets, soaring inflation and a […]
An article on Canada’s ranking in retiree well-being was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com over the last week. Here are the five most popular news stories of the week: 1. Canada drops to No. 15 in retiree well-being global rankings: report 2. Court rules employers must include electronic tips under pensionable earnings 3. Expert panel: How employers can support […]
A gig worker by any other name would be a lot more expensive. In most jurisdictions, Uber Technology Inc. drivers and their app-based brethren are classified as independent contractors and not employees. As contractors in Canada, they’re not entitled to minimum wage, employer Canada Pension Plan and employment insurance contributions or to participate in tax-advantaged […]
The Federal Court of Appeal has ruled that a Halifax restaurant must include a portion of the electronic gratuities intended for wait staff as “pensionable salary and wages” when calculating its liabilities under the Canada Pension Plan. This was despite the fact the restaurant had no obligation to include gratuities paid in cash directly to […]
While old-age security has permanently increased by 10 per cent for seniors aged 75 and older, employees can maximize this benefit, along with their Canada Pension Plan benefit, by delaying retirement as long as possible, says Bonnie-Jeanne MacDonald, director of financial security research for the National Institute on Ageing at Toronto Metropolitan University. “People need […]
Whether they’re delivering takeout, chauffeuring passengers, or fixing leaky sinks, most gig workers in Canada don’t get benefits. Classified as independent contractors rather than employees, they’re excluded from employer contributions to Canada Pension Plan and Employment Insurance, they may not be protected under worker’s compensation and they can’t participate in tax-advantaged benefits programs like registered […]
The office of the chief actuary is seeking an external peer review panel for its next actuarial report on the Canada Pension Plan. The external peer review is intended to ensure the report — to be released in December 2022 — meets high professional standards and is based on reasonable methods and assumptions, according to […]
A third (33 per cent) of recently retired Canadians said they retired sooner than they planned and 30 per cent of pre-retirees intend to change their retirement date because of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new survey by RBC Insurance. It found Canadians are still largely relying on traditional retirement savings tools, such as […]
Canada’s pension plans are weathering the coronavirus pandemic, with many plans currently in their best financial shape in several years. The early days of the pandemic painted a bleak picture for institutional investors. Between Feb. 19 and March 23, 2020, the S&P/TSX composite index dropped by 37 per cent — the latter date marking the index’s lowest point […]
Canadian Forest Products Ltd.’s new financial wellness program may have originated as the brainchild of its defined contribution pension plan committee, but it’s just as applicable to its defined benefit plan members — and the organization chose to roll it out for all employees. When you have broad financial wellness topics, it’s fine, but when […]