Louise Ogilvie, vice-president, corporate services, with the Canadian Institute for Health Information, talks about our healthcare system and CIHI’s role. What is the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI)? CIHI is a private, not-for-profit organization. Our mandate is to produce good information on the healthcare system. We try to respond to two questions: How healthy […]
One Step at a Time September 01, 2008 | Brooke Smith DC plan sponsors are encouraging members to look at the bigger picture when saving for retirement. Defined contribution (DC) plan sponsors face a catch-22 when it comes to offering retirement education. Whether they offer it or not, employees could potentially raise the hue and […]
With much talk about Canadians having to save for retirement, or Canadians not saving enough for retirement, the tax-free savings account (TFSA)—a new vehicle that will allow Canadians over 18 to save up to $5,000 a year—has certainly been winning the popularity contest with employers. According to Morneau Sobeco’s 60-second survey on TFSAs, of 420 […]
Employers are making greater efforts to promote patient adherence and foster a culture of health in the workplace to help manage chronic conditions. Three years ago at Pitney Bowes’ head office in Stamford, Conn., David Hom, then vice-president of strategic initiatives for the company, received a call from the chair, who wanted to discuss how […]
Leo de Bever has moved from Victorian Funds Management Corporation in Melbourne, Australia, to become the new CEO with Alberta Investment Management Corporation in Edmonton. De Bever discusses his new position, the global pension industry and leaving the land down under for colder climates. What will be your main priority as chief executive officer of […]
Investing in a socially responsible manner is becoming increasingly important to pension plan sponsors, but it seems that in Canada, the legislative environment hasn’t kept pace with the demand. “The Nordic countries, the Netherlands, England and then Australia and New Zealand—that’s where [socially responsible investing] is hottest,” says Jordan Berger, Mercer’s head of responsible investing […]
The Right Stuff July 01, 2008 | Brooke Smith ESG issues are front and centre as pension plans try to balance responsible investing with maximizing returns. As far back as 1997, members of the University of Western Ontario retirement plans showed an interest in a portfolio choice that would reflect doing good things in the […]
Trying to attract and retain multi-generational employees—and meet their diverse needs—is nothing short of a challenge. According to Monster Canada, almost 90% of Canadian workplaces today employ up to four generations of workers. And, almost half of Canadians who work in a multi-generational environment report experiencing a “clash” with older or younger co-workers. Gen Ys, […]
Real estate, hedge funds and private equity: alternatives are certainly good investments to help diversify a portfolio, but they’re not without their challenges, say plan sponsors. The 8,000-member pension plan of the United Church of Canada moved into alternatives in the last three years. “But it’s ‘alternative light,’” said Dan Foster, the plan’s investment manager, […]
Born between 1977 and 1994, generation Y is gaining visibility in the workforce now. And employers are going to have to address what kind of benefits plans will be suitable, said Karen Kesteris, director of marketing and product development, Green Shield Canada, speaking Thursday at the GIPC conference in Toronto. Unfortunately, the health picture for […]