For many plan sponsors, getting capital accumulation plan members to save for retirement is a challenge. There are risks to consider: undersavings, market, mortality, longevity and inflation, says Rod Bare, director, asset allocation strategies, Morningstar Indexes, with Morningstar, Inc. “It’s within that context that target date funds have been forged, and they’ve had various degrees […]
With Influenza A H1N1 making headlines and fears of a pandemic lurking in the background, it’s paramount that companies have a business continuity plan in place. This was the focus of McCarthy Tétrault’s Web presentation “Is your workplace ready for a pandemic?” Companies need to anticipate and plan for a pandemic, said Robb Macpherson, a […]
With long wait times and an aging population, could medical tourism ever become a voluntary benefit in Canada? Travelling abroad can be a life-changing experience: new customs, new foods…new hip? If you can’t get the healthcare you need for the price, timeline or quality you want in Canada, you can head to India, Singapore or […]
New chair of the CPPIB Robert M. Astley discusses the CPP’s long-term horizon, the board’s governance and investment policies, and the future retirement income security of Canadians. What do you see as the future strategic direction of the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB)?I don’t see the direction of the board as being a departure […]
While securities lending has been vilified in the media, experts say it’s not the devil everyone thinks it is—it’s just misunderstood. “Securities lending is almost a religious issue,” said Mark Fieldhouse, head of technical sales with RBC Dexia Investor Services, speaking at the Second Annual Securities Lending Summit hosted by Canadian Investment Review in Toronto. […]
Are target date funds a healthy choice for plan sponsors concerned about member engagement? Many plan members remain in a state of investment and retirement planning inertia when it comes to their capital accumulation plans (CAPs). For some plan sponsors, the target date fund (TDF) may seem like a quick and easy solution to satisfy […]
With no signs yet of the markets returning to health and retention issues still a concern, employers can find themselves between a rock and a hard place, according to an expert. Speaking at a succession planning seminar on March 11 in Toronto, Marina Scassa, communications practice leader with Buck Consultants, explained that older workers are […]
Sometimes we all just need a little advice—especially when it comes to our investments. On the topic of investment advice for capital accumulation plan (CAP) members, there are as many meanings of advice as there are fluctuations in the markets. The problem stems from the word itself. I don’t think there’s a crystal-clear definition of […]
Investment advice isn’t the only option—some plan sponsors opt for broader retirement planning education instead. Cadillac Fairview doesn’t do investment advice. “We did not want anyone giving our employees investment advice because we believe it’s a personal rather than a company responsibility,” says Debbie Coughlin, director, HR, with Cadillac Fairview. And, with company responsibility comes […]
In Safe Hands February 28, 2009 | Brooke Smith In the current economic climate, custodians are concerned with increasing communication and protecting client assets. In Marathon Man, as Dustin Hoffman squirms and sweats while strapped to a chair in an interrogation room, Laurence Olivier, dental instruments in hand, asks repeatedly, “Is it safe?” That’s the […]