3M Canada’s benefits specialist discusses absence management, the ‘Great Resignation’ and rock painting. Q: What new programs or initiatives are you looking to implement? A: We recently launched an absence management platform that serves as a one-stop shop for our leaders to refer employees regarding disability leave and to stay informed on the status of […]
Pension spending alone supported more than 41,000 jobs across Alberta and contributed more than $4.4 billion to the province’s gross domestic product in 2021, according to a new report by the Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis. This is equivalent to $14.40 of GDP for every $10 of retirement benefit payments received in 2021. The report […]
New Brunswick is amending its Pension Benefits Act to allow for enhanced communications with plan members, exempt compulsory membership for religious beliefs and allow for reserve accounts and the statutory discharge of annuity buyouts. The amendments will also provide the Financial and Consumer Services Commission with the authority to address overpayment errors and grant rule-making, according to […]
The union representing nearly 800 employees at Calgary and Vancouver airports has ratified a first contract that includes retirement and benefits gains. The contract cements the continuation of the airline’s employee savings plan, which permits contributions to either a cash savings plan, a group registered retirement savings plan or a group tax-free savings account. Employee contributions […]
A recent court ruling that awarded a plaintiff $1.5 million in punitive damages against the Blue Cross Life Insurance Co. of Canada — in connection with its more than six-year denial of long-term disability benefits — could result in increased costs for employer-sponsored benefits plans. “If this sets a precedent, then higher awards will be […]
While old-age security has permanently increased by 10 per cent for seniors aged 75 and older, employees can maximize this benefit, along with their Canada Pension Plan benefit, by delaying retirement as long as possible, says Bonnie-Jeanne MacDonald, director of financial security research for the National Institute on Ageing at Toronto Metropolitan University. “People need […]
The union representing more than 300 employees at HBC Logistics Ltd. warehouses in Scarborough, Ont. has ratified a three-year agreement that includes benefits gains. The new agreement maintains the employee contribution to the health benefits plan at its 2017 rate. Some 80 per cent of members of Unifor Local 40 voted to accept the new […]
Thomson Reuters Corp. is introducing new benefits for its global employees, including an expanded ‘work from anywhere’ policy and a new sabbatical program. To build on its existing Flex My Way program, which offers employees the opportunity to work from anywhere in their country of residence for up to eight weeks, the technology company expanded the […]
The union representing roughly 60 employees at Kleenzone Ltd. in Toronto has ratified a four-year agreement that includes enhanced bereavement leave. The agreement increases bereavement leave from one day to five for employees grieving the loss of a grandchild, mother in law or father in law. It also provides one day of bereavement leave for […]
Beneva Inc. is enhancing its hybrid work policy to provide employees with more flexibility. The company is offering employees $1,000 to purchase ergonomic home office furniture and $240 for home internet upgrades. For employees working onsite, Beneva is offering free parking or an annual $500 commuter allowance for public transit. “We reviewed some of our working […]