Kelsey Rolfe

2022 DCIF: Using behavioural finance concepts to improve DC plan participation, contribution rates

Alongside the steady decline of defined benefit pension coverage in Canada, defined contribution plans have seen a massive growth — “a secular shift of responsibility onto the individual when it comes to retirement security in Canada,” according to Preet Banerjee, a personal finance expert, during Benefits Canada’s 2022 DC Investment Forum in late September. He called […]

  • October 17, 2022 October 14, 2022
  • 07:59

2022 DCIF: How DC plan sponsors can use REITs to meet investment objectives

While real estate has long been a part of defined benefit pension plans’ asset allocations, its inclusion in investment portfolios has steadily climbed in recent years. But defined contribution plan sponsors and members also stand to benefit from the asset class’ inflation-hedging properties, as well as its ability to boost income and improve portfolio diversification. Pension […]

  • October 17, 2022 November 4, 2022
  • 07:55

2022 DCIF: The role of alternative fixed income sectors, strategies in DC plans

Rising interest rates and market turmoil have called into question the ability of core fixed income to provide pension plan sponsors with its traditional benefits of stable returns and income, diversification and capital preservation. But Kevin Minas, vice-president and client portfolio manager of global fixed income at CIBC Asset Management Inc., said he actually expects […]

  • October 17, 2022 October 14, 2022
  • 07:54

2022 DCIF: What are the legal considerations for ESG investing for DC plan sponsors?

Increasingly, defined contribution plan sponsors are grappling with adding environmental, social and governance investing options to their plans as a growing number of members ask for them, but the legal landscape for ESG investing is complicated, according to Kathy Bush, partner at Blake Cassels & Graydon LLP, during Benefits Canada’s 2022 DC Investment Forum in late […]

  • October 17, 2022 October 14, 2022
  • 07:52

Webinar coverage: How are employers incorporating DEI into their benefits plans, HR policies?

As Canadian employers deepen their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives to increase the representation of historically underrepresented groups among their workforces, they’re also focusing on attracting, retaining and engaging that talent. These initiatives include placing a greater emphasis on healthy and psychologically safe workplaces and revamping benefits plans to meet a wider range of employee […]

  • September 16, 2022 September 28, 2022
  • 09:00

2022 Consultants Report: How consultants are helping plan sponsors grapple with mega-trends for future of work

While the latest stage of the coronavirus pandemic is heralding a gradual return to relative calm, plan sponsors are stepping out of the frying pan and into the fire. The pandemic accelerated the ongoing evolution in the relationship between plan sponsors and plan members, with employees now looking to their employers to help them manage […]

  • August 12, 2022 August 11, 2022
  • 08:57

How employers are integrating DEI into their benefits plans

When the Molson Coors Beverage Co. introduced gender affirmation benefits for its Canadian workforce early this year, it was an extension of its diversity, equity and inclusion goal to make the traditionally male-dominated brewing industry a more welcoming place for underrepresented groups. The gender affirmation benefit, which was first offered to the brewing company’s U.S. […]

  • June 24, 2022 June 23, 2022
  • 08:57

2022 Tech Insights: How virtual pharmacy can improve plan members’ medication adherence, management

The coronavirus pandemic has marked a sea change in how Canadians receive health care. While just four per cent of primary care visits were conducted virtually pre-pandemic, that rose to roughly 60 per cent after the onset of the global health crisis. This represents an opportunity to reshape how health care can be delivered and, in […]

  • May 10, 2022 May 9, 2022
  • 09:00

2022 Tech Insights: Using up-to-date benefits technology to help employers with attraction, retention

Canadian employers are turning their focus to updating their benefits plans and ensuring a strong employee experience in an effort to address the challenges employees are facing in the coronavirus pandemic and to attract key talent in a tight labour market. “Many companies are adding new services to their benefits plans to support their employees […]

  • May 10, 2022 May 9, 2022
  • 08:59

2022 Tech Insights: A look at how new technology can help employees with type 1 diabetes

Living with Type 1 diabetes is like having a full-time job on top of managing a day job and life commitments — one that involves making constant risk assessments and difficult decisions throughout the day. “‘How many carbs did I eat? How much insulin do I need for that? Am I going to exercise later […]

  • May 10, 2022 May 9, 2022
  • 08:58