A new cap on contributory earnings for members of OMERS went into effect on Jan. 1, 2011, and Toronto Hydro isn’t happy about it. The utility provider has filed a lawsuit against the pension system. According to an OMERS representative, “the OMERS Sponsors Corporation (SC), through its annual review cycle, is responsible for any changes […]
Short-term and long-term disability claims show that incidences of depression are increasing in the workplace. But, did you know that approximately 10% of employees will experience a substance abuse disorder and that substance disorders are more common among those with a mental condition? Employers need to be asking themselves, “Why is my employee going on […]
Depression and anxiety tend to affect people during their prime working years. These conditions impact cognitive, interpersonal and motivational skills—all critical elements to being productive at work. And, they are the fastest rising cause of short- and long-term disability. “Workplaces are a high source of stress for most people,” says Joti Samra, clinical psychologist and […]
Joti Samra, clinical psychologist and adjunct professor and scientist with the Faculty of Health Sciences Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, gave an educational presentation on improving mental health in the workplace at the Canadian Health and Wellness Innovations Conference, hosted by the International Foundation of Employee Benefits Plans in Las Vegas. Here are some key […]
In 1985, less than 10% of the Canadian population was obese, having a body mass index (BMI) over 30. Today, the obesity rate has soared to between 30% and 35% of the adult population, according to Arya Sharma, professor and chair of obesity research and management with the University of Alberta. Presenting at the Canadian Health […]
A recent Canadian study finds $33 billion per year is lost in the workplace from employees suffering from emotional disorders. Dr. Robert Wilson, presenter at The Canadian Health and Wellness Innovations Conference in Las Vegas, hosted by the International Federation of Employee Benefits Plans, got the room’s attention when he revealed this astounding number during […]
Despite the frenzy the legislation for lower generic drugs caused, leading plan sponsors to think it would equate to lower costs for benefits plans, those beliefs were quickly dispelled by industry professionals that pointed out generics are not widely used in drug plans. Suzanne Lepage, private health plan strategist from Kitchener, Ont. pointed out in […]
Suzanne Lepage, private health plan strategist from Kitchener, Ont. presented a thought provoking and education session at the Canadian Health and Wellness Innovations Conference, hosted by the International Foundation of Employee Benefits Plans in Las Vegas. Here are some of the key facts and figures from her presentation. For a more in-depth story on this […]
What does the future hold for your DB plan? Take our poll. One of the most important lessons that plan sponsors have learned from the financial crisis is that liabilities and assets need to be better matched, as mentioned in the February 17 article The future of DB: currency hedging?. But Ryan Kuruliak, vice-president with […]
As a plan sponsor for a defined benefits (DB) program, what keeps you up at night? Is it volatility? Is it the funded status of your plan? If so, you aren’t alone. At this morning’s Canadian Pensions and Benefits Institute Fundamentals session on the future of DB, Ognjen Sosa, an investment strategist with Pyramis Global […]