The Canadian Institute of Actuaries is urging the federal government to reconsider its cessation of real return bond issuances, citing the potential financial impacts to defined benefit pension plans. “We request not only that the decision to cease issuing real return bonds be reconsidered, but also that the annual issuance of real return bonds be […]
Acera Insurance is merging with Fairfield Watson Inc., a Calgary-based consulting firm specializing in employee benefits, insurance and retirement. The new company will retain the Acera name with Tony Fairfield, founding partner of Fairfield Watson, serving as president of group benefits. The merger will strengthen Acera’s ability to provide insurance, group benefits and risk mitigation solutions across Canada, […]
In 2021, the Saskatchewan Healthcare Employees’ Pension Plan set out to gauge just how well-versed its 60,000 members were about their defined benefit pension plan. The SHEPP launched a six-week survey focused on member demographics, their perception and understanding of the plan, expectations, communications preferences and interest in retirement topics. The survey yielded interesting results, […]
Nearly two-thirds (62 per cent) of U.S. women say they expect to retire later than originally planned or not at all due to rising inflation, a significant increase from 25 per cent in 2021, according to a new survey by Edelman Data and Intelligence on behalf of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. The survey, which polled […]
A new U.S. law that aims to strengthen retirement support for workers holds valuable lessons for Canada’s retirement system, says one pension consultant. The Secure 2.0 Act of 2022, which was signed into law in December, contains several provisions to enhance the U.S. retirement system and boost retirement savings, including a requirement for plan sponsors to […]
The French government’s plans to reform the national pension system have been met by widespread protest. Elisabeth Borne, France’s prime minister, unveiled plans to raise the minimum age required to claim benefits from the Caisse Nationale d’Assurance Vieillesse from 62 to 64 by 2030. In addition, the government proposed that claimants will be required to […]
While many Alberta employers say they’d be disadvantaged if the province left the Canada Pension Plan, one expert says a provincial pension plan could benefit members by reducing contributions and increasing retirement savings. Last November, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith instructed the province’s finance minister to provide recommendations on the implementation of a provincial pension plan. According […]
Retiree spending of public and private sector pension benefits generated US$1.3 trillion in total economic output in the U.S. in 2020, supporting nearly 6.8 million jobs during the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new report by the National Institute on Retirement Security. It also found $612.6 billion in pension benefits were paid […]
An article on the the latest investments by Canadian institutional investment organizations was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com over the last week. Here are the five most popular news stories of the week: 1. Ontario Teachers’ backing auto insurance merger, pension plans leap on new BMO equity 2. 75% of employers expecting hiring challenges in 2023: survey 3. Expert […]
Similar to 2022, the coming year will present both challenges and opportunities for defined benefit pension plan sponsors, with the rewards going to plan sponsors that are resilient, embrace change and are willing and able to act when opportunities arise. Several trends that will be top of mind in the year ahead are: Inflation The […]