If employee productivity increases by two per cent per year for the next decade, Canadians could enjoy a four-day workweek without giving up income or sacrificing their living standards, according to a new study by the Fraser Institute. “In light of the COVID-19 lockdown, there’s been a lot of talk about a possible four-day workweek […]
The COVID-19 pandemic has created many complicated issues for employers. Prudent employers should ensure they’re aware of the resources that may be available during this uncertain time when information regarding government support is rapidly changing. Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy On March 30, the federal government announced the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, a program that will […]
With the coronavirus pandemic causing pain for employers and employees across the country, many organizations want to help out those in need. But can pension funds go as far as making financial donations to charities? Last week, the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec announced it’s donating $300,000 to five organizations for coronavirus relief, […]
The federal government will provide a $2,000-per-month taxable benefit for up to four months for Canadians who have been financially impacted by the coronavirus. The Canada Emergency Response Benefit, an amalgamation of two previously announced benefits, will be available to workers who’ve lost their jobs, are sick or quarantined and are taking care of someone […]
Taking a look at private drug plans in 2020, a number of trends are converging: spending on specialty drugs is continuing its upward trajectory, advancements in a number of lifechanging therapies are in the pipeline and policy developments are coming at both the federal and provincial levels. In the face of this potential storm, plan […]
The federal government is rolling out a $1 billion funding package to help provincial health-care systems cope with the increasing number of new coronavirus cases and to help Canadian workers who are forced to isolate themselves. The Liberals are loosening restrictions on employment insurance payments for people who are off work due to illness by […]
Medavie Blue Cross has appointed Hélène Lavictoire as its Ontario government executive lead. Lavictoire is joining Medavie from Telus Health, where she was a product director and general manager. She also managed a group of public sector programs, including the Ontario drug benefit program. Read: Medavie Blue Cross appoints VP of product, disability management Previously, […]
CARP is highlighting the need for further protections for defined benefit pensions in its 2020 Ontario budget priorities. The submission noted CARP, formerly the Canadian Association of Retired Persons, supports the steps taken by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario and the provincial government to bolster innovation in DB plan design, as well as reducing red […]
Quebec’s government is introducing a bill that would increase leave entitlements for adoptive parents from the current 37 weeks to 42. The bill would also increase entitlements for parents adopting children from outside Quebec from 42 to 52 weeks of leave. In addition, the bill proposes amending current legislation to increase the work income-related exemptions parents are entitled […]
Popular legal cases in 2019 covered age discrimination, bankruptcy proceedings, constructive dismissals and a range of other topics. Benefits Canada rounds up the industry’s most popular legal stories of the year: 1. Settlement reached in Ontario age discrimination benefits case 2. Ontario appeal court decision could change pension landscape in bankruptcy proceedings 3. Court confirms employer’s right to change job conditions 4. Class […]