The Government of Quebec is planning to introduce a bill in the spring of 2020 that would allow employers in the province to implement target-benefit pension plans. The provincial government has already given a mandate to Retraite Québec to develop a regulatory framework for the plans, said Minister of Finance Éric Girard at an event in Quebec City last week. […]
Governments in Asia are stepping up their pension reforms to boost retirement savings adequacy, potentially generating business opportunities for asset managers operating in the region. Retirement income security is a top concern for Asian governments, noted a press release from Cerulli Associates. In response to aging and other pension challenges in the region, governments are amending […]
Canadian defined benefit pension plans posted a median 1.7 per cent return in the third quarter of 2019, down from 2.7 per cent in the previous quarter, according to the latest RBC Investor and Treasury Services’ universe. In comparison to the same quarter last year, the returns represent an improvement, with DB plans posted a meagre […]
Maximum pensionable earnings under the Canada Pension Plan are rising from $57,400 to $58,700 for 2020. The increase takes into account the growth in average weekly wages and salaries in Canada, according to a press release. The basic exemption amount, at $3,500, will remain unchanged for 2020. Read: Feds update appeals process for EI, CPP and OAS Meanwhile, […]
Pensions have been imperilled by corporate insolvency before, but three new amendments to federal laws may create stronger protections for employees and retirees. Changes to the Canada Business Corporations Act went into immediate effect after receiving royal assent in June, and amendments to the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act and the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act take effect today. Further […]
Unifor locals representing Via Rail Canada Inc. employees have opened bargaining in Montreal as contracts are set to expire for more than 2,000 members. Members identified a number of key issues for contract negotiation, including a strengthened pension plan, according to a press release. The current collective agreements expire on Dec. 31, 2019. Read: Unifor […]
Canada’s defined benefit pension plans posted a median return of 1.6 per cent in 2019’s third quarter, according to Northern Trust Canada’s pension universe. “Despite a backdrop of persistent volatility, fear and uncertainty, Canadian pension plans displayed resilience in the third quarter,” said Arti Sharma, president and chief executive officer of Northern Trust Canada, in a press […]
More plan sponsors are considering eliminating the waiting period for employees to join their pension plan, at least for employee contributions, according to a new report on capital accumulation plans by Sun Life Financial. “It’s much easier for a new employee to adjust their spending to their first take-home pay than to give up money to […]
The Alberta Teachers’ Retirement Fund Board will transfer all of its funds to the Alberta Investment Management Corp., according to the province’s latest budget. The ATRF board, which administers pensions for all teachers in Alberta school jurisdictions and charter schools, said in a press release it was only made aware of the change when the budget was released […]
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario is prioritizing pension plan flexibility, reviewing prudential framework and focusing on burden reduction for 2020-21. In its consultation document for its 2020-21 priorities and budget, the FSRA also said new investments in its human capital resources will improve pension relationship management. And, as it announced in July 2019, […]