Jennifer Paterson

2022 DC Plan Summit: Aligning organizational sustainability strategies with DC pension plans

While many organizations have launched a sustainability strategy, Sun Life Financial Inc.’s strategy is anchored in three fundamental principles: financial security, sustainable investing and living healthier lives, according to Eric Monteiro, the insurer’s senior vice-president in group retirement, during a panel discussion at Benefits Canada‘s 2022 DC Plan Summit. Three-quarters (78 per cent) of pension […]

  • August 12, 2022 August 11, 2022
  • 08:47

2022 DC Plan Summit: Considering flexibility when implementing in-plan decumulation

While defined contribution pension plan sponsors are focusing on providing members with information, education and guidance to ensure they’re ready for retirement, advice is becoming more holistic and covering a financial wellness continuum, said Jennifer Katzsch, regional vice-president for Western Canada, group retirement savings at Desjardins Insurance, during a session at Benefits Canada‘s 2022 DC […]

  • August 12, 2022 August 11, 2022
  • 08:46

2022 DC Plan Summit: How are DC plan sponsors modernizing their savings plans?

In a panel discussion during Benefits Canada‘s 2022 DC Plan Summit, three defined contribution pension plan sponsors shared how their plans are evolving to ensure retirement savings are flexible, maximize employee engagement and cater to members’ divergent financial needs. During the coronavirus pandemic, Niagara Casinos laid off 96 per cent of employees and its casinos […]

  • August 12, 2022 August 11, 2022
  • 08:45

2022 DC Plan Summit: Reviewing retirement savings through a DEI lens

An open dialogue about diversity, equity and inclusion is vital for raising the resilience and overall wealth of pension plan members, said Ryan Weiss, vice-president of group customer national accounts at Canada Life, during a session at Benefits Canada‘s 2022 DC Plan Summit. Also speaking during the session, Elisha Ribeiro, the insurer’s national sales director […]

  • August 12, 2022 August 11, 2022
  • 08:44

2022 DC Plan Summit: Kraft-Heinz merger kicks off review, streamlining of pension plan

With the 2015 merger of Kraft Foods and H.J. Heinz Co., Kraft Heinz Canada was left with a “mixed bag” of savings and retirement programs. It’s goal for a new streamlined program was a mandatory base plan and a voluntary component with 100 per cent employee participation. “It was important for us to come together […]

  • August 12, 2022 August 11, 2022
  • 08:43

2022 DC Plan Summit: Canfor’s multi-year financial wellness program goes beyond retirement

Providing tools to help defined contribution pension plan members make solid financial decisions rather than making the decisions for them was the impetus for Canadian Forest Products Inc.’s multi-year financial wellness program, according to Lisa Weber, the company’s pension and benefits advisor, during a session at Benefits Canada‘s 2022 DC Plan Summit. Since Canfor closed […]

  • August 12, 2022 August 11, 2022
  • 08:42

Editorial: DEI more than a buzzword

The much-deserved, overdue and rising attention bestowed on diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace over the last couple of years is a win-win for employers and employees — but it’s vital that a DEI focus goes beyond ideas and words and translates into action. Benefits Canada is seeing action across the industry, by benefits […]

  • June 24, 2022 June 23, 2022
  • 09:00

DuPont Canada introduces gender affirmation, fertility coverage to connect benefits plan with DEI strategy

By introducing gender affirmation and fertility benefits coverage, DuPont Canada is aligning its benefits plan with its multinational diversity, equity and inclusion strategy. It all started with an informative webinar and Kelly Desautels’ own personal experience. In July 2021, the organization’s human resources leader was invited to a lunch and learn session on LGBTQ2S+ perspectives […]

  • June 24, 2022 June 24, 2022
  • 08:58

2022 BPS coverage: Olympic rower Silken Laumann shares mental-health journey

Highlighting the power of the mind to overcome physical obstacles, Silken Laumann, four-time Olympic rower and founder of the charity Unsinkable, shared the struggles she faced after an injury during a warmup for the 1992 Summer Olympics. “I was the No. 1 ranked rower in the world,” she said during the closing session of Benefits […]

  • June 17, 2022 June 17, 2022
  • 08:45

Editorial: It’s time to embrace the many workplaces of the future

As the days grow warmer and Canada’s gradual seasonal shift steers toward spring, employers across the country are finally implementing their longstanding and much-delayed plans for returning to in-person offices or worksites — despite the fact that the coronavirus pandemic is deep into a sixth wave. It’s important to recognize that the workplaces we’re returning […]

  • May 13, 2022 May 13, 2022
  • 09:00