More than 19 months into the coronavirus pandemic, employers are focusing on enhanced mental-health offerings and streamlined communications for their benefits and pension plans. During a virtual roundtable on Oct. 14, the 2021 Workplace Benefits Awards finalists discussed the changes brought about by the pandemic and how they’ve adapted their benefits and pensions offerings, while looking […]
A story looking at the award-winning strategy behind Canadian Forest Products Ltd.’s ongoing support for employees’ savings and retirement goals took the top spot over the past week on BenefitsCanada.com. Here are the five most popular news stories of the week: 1. Canfor wins award for educating employees on retirement savings 2. Ontario introducing right-to-disconnect legislation 3. Unvaccinated employees may […]
Scotiabank’s focus on making essential pension information more accessible to plan members was recognized at Benefits Canada’s 2021 Workplace Benefits Awards on Oct. 14. The bank won in the Pension plan communications category for its streamlined approach to pension statements. In 2020, Scotiabank restructured its defined benefit pension plan statement into two versions — a simplified four-page […]
Benefits Canada is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2021 Workplace Benefits Awards. At a virtual roundtable and awards ceremony on Thursday, 23 finalists gathered to discuss their leading benefits and pension strategies, followed by winner announcements across 10 categories. All of the finalists represent benefits and pension plans covering nearly 300,000 Canadians. These employers are proactively and passionately aiming to […]
The old adage “good things come to those who wait” is especially true of Canada and Quebec Pension Plan benefits. A $1,000 monthly CPP/QPP benefit in today’s dollars at age 60 increases to $1,112.50 if the individual delays until age 61 and to $2,218.75 if they wait until age 70, equivalent to more than $100,000 […]
Preparing financially for retirement is a marathon filled with many obstacles along the way to a constantly shifting finish line. Even in 2021, female employees tend to have more obstacles and subsequently lag well behind their male counterparts when it comes to retirement savings. Women retire 30 per cent less wealthy than men, according to […]
Benefits Canada is pleased to announce the finalists of the 2021 Workplace Benefits Awards. This year’s entry and judging process took place during the second year of the coronavirus pandemic, the annual awards welcomed more than 100 entries highlighting how leading employers are supporting their employees’ physical, mental and financial well-being. In its sophomore year, the awards’ newest category — Coronavirus […]
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario is seeking feedback on proposed guidance detailing how and when it publishes information about enforcement proceedings and investigations, including those related to pension plans and administrators. According to the draft guidance, this includes the use of news releases and public postings of enforcement actions on the FSRA’s website […]
A recent Saskatchewan Court of Appeal decision illustrates the importance of clear communications from pension administrators seeking to avoid liability from lawsuits by claimants alleging they’re entitled to a plan member’s death benefits. “What it comes down to is that employers and pension plans that want to avoid lawsuits from plan members claiming to be […]
For the past 15 years, Benefits Canada’s CAP Member Survey has taken the pulse of capital accumulation plan members’ retirement readiness, their knowledge, confidence and satisfaction in their employer-provided CAPs and how their financial wellness is affecting their physical and mental health. Tracking sentiments through the 2008/09 financial crisis, its subsequent recession and recovery and […]