While defined contribution pension plans currently outnumber defined benefit pension plans, this wasn’t always the case, recalls Bita Jenab, a principal at RetirementWorks Services Inc. DC plans began to gain popularity in the mid-1980s, due to a combination of legislative and economic changes, she adds. “This period marks the introduction of pension accounting rules under […]
After a tough couple of years, Canadians continue to face several challenges against an increasingly turbulent economic landscape. While most coronavirus restrictions were lifted in late spring 2022, the seventh wave of the pandemic arrived in July alongside rising inflation, which is compounding prices from the gas pump to the grocery store. Though the 2022 […]
The Association of Canadian Pension Management is cautioning the Canadian Association of Pension Supervisory Authorities on its revisions to guidelines for capital accumulation plans. The draft guidelines could “change the balance of the existing guidelines in a manner that will give many employers pause about starting or continuing CAP plans that are not defined contribution […]
Capital accumulation plan member outcomes saw a modest decline in the second quarter of 2022, as rising interest rates and the corresponding rise in annuity rates helped offset the falling investment markets, according to Eckler Ltd.’s latest CAP income tracker. It found a typical male member retiring at the end of June 2022 achieved a […]
The 2022 Defined Contribution Plan Summit, which was hosted in Victoria, B.C. on May 11-13, featured several case studies from innovative DC plan sponsors, as well as presentations by thought leaders to help employers embrace their employees’ evolving financial priorities and prepare for the future. Across the two-day event, the themes included: rethinking retirement in […]
Dynamic pension pools can have a significant and positive impact on retirement outcomes if they’re supported by the appropriate legislative changes, said Barbara Sanders, associate professor in statistics and actuarial science at Simon Fraser University, during a session at Benefits Canada‘s 2022 DC Plan Summit. The University of British Columbia has a dynamic pension pool […]
While defined contribution pension plan sponsors are focusing on providing members with information, education and guidance to ensure they’re ready for retirement, advice is becoming more holistic and covering a financial wellness continuum, said Jennifer Katzsch, regional vice-president for Western Canada, group retirement savings at Desjardins Insurance, during a session at Benefits Canada‘s 2022 DC […]
In a panel discussion during Benefits Canada‘s 2022 DC Plan Summit, three defined contribution pension plan sponsors shared how their plans are evolving to ensure retirement savings are flexible, maximize employee engagement and cater to members’ divergent financial needs. During the coronavirus pandemic, Niagara Casinos laid off 96 per cent of employees and its casinos […]
The Canadian Association of Pension Supervisory Authorities is releasing a consultation draft of revisions to its guidelines for capital accumulation plans. The updated guidelines replace the 2004 document and reflect the expectations of regulators regarding the operation of a workplace CAP, regardless of the regulatory regime applicable to the plan. Read: CAPSA developing multi-jurisdictional VPLA […]
As the move away from traditional defined benefit plans continues and intensifies, Canada’s multi-employer pension plans are providing employers with another retirement savings option for their employees. And despite facing a number of challenges, from industries in decline to legislative obstacles, MEPPs continue to attract plan sponsors from across the country. Read: Canadian MEPPs facing challenges […]