This month marks the second anniversary of the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, a 24-month span that has had profound effects on the health of benefits plan members and the status and structure of their plans. For drug plans in particular, several trends have come to light — or have accelerated — during the course […]
A Toronto-based non-profit organization is compensating prospective employees by paying them for their time during interviews. FoodShare Toronto’s new policy, which took effect March 1, pays interviewees a fixed rate of $75, regardless of the position. In addition, if an interview requires the candidate to complete an assignment or prepare a presentation, they’re also compensated […]
Representatives from a few of Canada’s most progressive pension plans weighed in on topics ranging from plan design to the various challenges posed by legislation and governance during a webinar hosted by the Association of Canadian Pension Management last week. Orla Cousineau, executive director of pensions at the University of British Columbia, said the province’s […]
A retirement community operator is allowing employees to access their pay at any time as part of a wider financial wellness strategy. In May, Seasons Retirement Communities is incorporating a new app into its payroll system, which allows employees to receive up to 50 per cent of their daily pay instantly. Jessica Poling, senior director […]
Nearly two years after the declaration of the global coronavirus pandemic and its subsequent impact on the worldwide economy, institutional investors are looking to the future with cautious optimism. Amid a recovering economy and rising inflation, pension plan sponsors are taking a long-term investment view and staying the course in the year ahead, while incorporating […]
The Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan’s focus on diversity, equity and inclusion issues is an increasingly key part of its long-term strategic vision. The pension fund is embedding DEI initiatives into its latest enterprise strategy and is guiding the plan’s global growth and expansion, says Beth Tyndall, its chief people officer. “For the first time ever in [our] […]
Employers are turning to virtual health care offerings to support employees’ physical wellness amid the ongoing pandemic. Since Alithya, a Montreal-based technology company, launched a wellness portal last July, a virtual fitness program has become one of the most utilized benefits offerings, says Catherine Bourque, its vice-president of human capital. The program — which allows employees to […]
Asset managers that incorporate climate change into their investment processes are increasingly looking beyond commitments to net zero and exploring the impact on asset valuation, said Michelle Dunstan, chief responsibility officer at AllianceBernstein, during a session at the Canadian Investment Review‘s 2021 Investment Innovation Conference. “A changing climate can be described both in terms of […]
The OPSEU Pension Trust is shifting toward responsible investing as environmental, social and governance factors become increasingly more material to returns for institutional investors. “We’re seeing a lot of shifting sands around consumer preferences and expectations,” said Alison Loat, managing director of sustainable investing and innovation at OPTrust, during a session at the Canadian Investment Review‘s […]
Institutional investors can play a role in reconciliation efforts by embracing the growth opportunities presented by Canada’s Indigenous communities, according to Kevin Thomas, chief executive officer of the Shareholder Association for Research and Education. Joined by Mark Sevestre, senior advisor and founding member of the National Aboriginal Trust Officers Association, during a session at the […]