The provision of employer-sponsored benefits has evolved significantly over the last 45 years, with the past decade ushering in the most consequential changes, fueled by technology, increased competition and demand. In the 80s and 90s, benefits plans were very siloed and one size fits all, says Chris Pryce, founder and president of Human Capital Benefits, […]
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 […]
Canada’s employment insurance system requires modernization to weather negative economic shocks, according to a new report by the C.D. Howe Institute. The report, which analyzed unemployment rates across Canada over 13 years, found 85 per cent of the variation in rates reflects provincial differences, including layoffs occurring in regions characterized by persistent high unemployment rates […]
By requiring employers to have a written policy on the electronic monitoring of their employees, the Ontario government is aiming to increase employer transparency, says Andy Pushalik, partner and head of the employment and labour group at Dentons Canada LLP. “With so many employees now working from home, [the government] felt there was a requirement that […]
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 […]
When it comes to paid time-off policies for religious holidays outside of Christmas and Easter, can provincial governments do more to ensure all employees receive two paid days off to observe their chosen faith? While Andrew Zabrovsky, an employment lawyer with Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP, says the government could make changes to the […]
Former employees of the City of Windsor, Ont. are pursuing legal action after being fired for violating the City’s coronavirus vaccination policy. While the lawsuit currently has 20 plaintiffs, more employees will be added, says Courtney Betty, the plaintiffs’ lawyer. The plaintiffs cover a wide range of occupations including firefighters, city employees and frontline workers. “[Through […]
An article on the Royal Bank of Canada’s plans for returning employees to the office was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com over the last week. Here are the five most popular news stories of the week: 1. RBC employees returning to in-office working to foster creativity, collaboration 2. CPPIB backing of grain exporter provides Russia propaganda victory: expert […]