After a brief hiatus, Benefits Canada’s long-standing Healthy Outcomes Conference returned as an in-person event designed for employers to exchange ideas and best practices for achieving improved employee health outcomes. Nearly 85 employers gathered at the Omni King Edward Hotel in Toronto on Oct. 18 to hear from several panels discussing themes that are currently […]
For more than 16 years, Benefits Canada has recognized the importance of workplace mental health by hosting the annual Mental Health Summit, the industry’s most popular and well-known conference in this space. Designed for our audience of employers and the advisors that consult with them, this two-day virtual event on Nov. 16-17 covered key areas, including links […]
As Ontario eyes a new system of portable benefits for precarious workers, one expert says these benefits can be an important attraction and retention tool for employers, while another believes employee considerations should be prioritized amid the rise of the gig economy. Laura Williams, founder and managing partner, Williams HR Law LLP Like anything when […]
For the first time in three years, Canadian defined contribution pension plan sponsors, investment professionals and industry thought leaders gathered in person for Benefits Canada’s 2022 DC Investment Forum. On Sept. 23 at the Ritz-Carlton Toronto, the full educational day covered topics such as behavioural finance, target-date funds, sustainable investing, real estate and fixed income, […]
Flexibility only goes so far, say two experts, and covers a small part of a healthy and respectful work culture. Tracy Fogale, senior manager of benefits at Kraft Heinz Canada: While flexibility is a critical way to retain employees, particularly women, in the workforce, it can’t tackle systemic issues such as the gender pay gap, […]
While one expert says the two approaches work most effectively together, the other highlights the importance of complete divestment. Adam Scott, director at Shift Action for Pension Wealth and Planet Health: The common framing of engagement versus divestment is a false dichotomy. They aren’t mutually exclusive approaches — both are essential tools for pension managers, […]
While diversity, equity and inclusion has been a major focus over the past two years, good intentions must be matched by action. Wendy Cukier, founder of the Diversity Institute at Toronto Metropolitan University There’s been a lot more talk about DEI in recent years, which is a good thing. However, progress in some areas has […]
As the 2022 Workplace Benefits Awards’ nomination process draws to a close later this month, Benefits Canada is pleased to announce this year’s panel of judges. The deadline for this year’s awards is June 30, at which time the awards entries will be turned over to the hands of several industry experts. Apply for the […]
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect people’s employment experience, four-day workweek trials around the world are testing a new way of working. Tina Dacin, professor and Stephen J.R. Smith chair of strategy and organizational behaviour at Smith School of Business, Queen’s University The seemingly endless ebbs and flows of the pandemic have required people […]
As the default funds in defined contribution plans evolve, two experts weigh in on the merits of more customized options. Olivia S. Mitchell, professor and director of the Pension Research Council at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania Although DC plan sponsors are legally responsible for selecting and overseeing the investment options offered […]