Only 26 per cent of dissatisfied employees are aware of their workplaces’ health benefits plans, according to the 2016 Sanofi Canada Healthcare Survey. That number rises to 38 per cent for satisfied employees, indicating a correlation between awareness and personal states of mind. “Communication is clearly an issue,” said one of the survey’s advisory board members, […]
As Canadians continue to debate changes to public pension programs, Illinois is tackling the retirement savings issue with its new Secure Choice Savings Program that will start deducting contributions from employees’ paycheques next year. The program, which will be up and running just before Ontario starts collecting premiums under its Ontario Retirement Pension Plan on Jan. 1, […]
Ontario plans tout ESG progress at responsible investment conference
While discussions continue over new requirements around environmental, social and governance factors in Ontario, OPTrust has had provisions in place since 2007, says an official at the plan that manages the pensions of Ontario government employees. Katharine Preston, senior manager of responsible investing at OPTrust, noted that besides integrating language around the issue into its disclosure in 2007, […]
For the small number of seniors considered low income who receive an average of $3,610 from the Canada Pension Plan each year, enhancements to the national pension may not be beneficial, according to a new study from the Fraser Institute. The study looked at which senior groups are the most vulnerable in Canada, as well as how changes […]
In a reminder about the importance of clarity in insurance clauses, the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench has ruled in favour of a school teacher who sought long-term disability following her diagnosis with a brain tumour three days into her teaching contract despite a policy exclusion for pre-existing conditions. The May 18 ruling is “the first Canadian case that […]
Adult colouring books were among the various activities as Bruce Telecom held an anxiety and stress day during Mental Health Week this month. “We got a lot of feedback,” says Jackie Arnold, human resources manager at Bruce Telecome. “[Employees] just really appreciated us opening up the conversation, providing them with tools, there were a couple heartfelt ‘I […]
As companies consider their options around the Ontario Retirement Pension Plan, national employers with staff who work in Ontario and other provinces face additional questions about what to do. Ian Howcroft, vice-president of on the Ontario division of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, has seen members of his organization face questions around internal equity since “now they’ll have a different requirement […]
Ericsson Canada employees will be counting their steps as the company launches a new online wellness program. After launching a pilot program in its Toronto office to “an overwhelming response,” it was rolled out to its offices in Ottawa, Montreal and Vancouver in April, according to Karla Jensen, head of human resources at Ericsson Canada. The program, which is […]
Communication and a willingness to consider diverse groups have been key as Goodyear Canada has embarked on changes to its retirement offerings. Goodyear, which employs approximately 1,290 people in Canada, closed its defined benefit pension plan to new entrants in 2014, but about 90 per cent of employees are still in it. New employees have the opportunity […]