The average discount rate used by Canadian defined benefit pension plans at the end of 2021 was 0.5 per cent higher than the previous year, according to an annual report from LifeWorks Inc. Drawing from figures submitted by 83 Canadian public DB plans, the report found the average plan used a three per cent discount […]
The Alberta Investment Management Corp.’s total financed carbon dioxide emissions fell nine per cent in 2021, according to its annual climate disclosure. According to figures released by the investment organization, its portfolio financed the release of about 424,300 tonnes of carbon dioxide, down from about 466,300 tonnes the previous year. For each million dollars invested […]
Two-fifths (42 per cent) of Canadian employers say they anticipate obstacles related to recruiting and retaining skilled employees over the next three months, according to a new report by Statistics Canada. The report found more than half of employers in retail trade (53 per cent), construction (52 per cent), accommodation and food services (51 per […]
The world’s 100 largest asset managers grossed US$25.7 trillion in assets under management as of Dec. 31, 2021, up nine per cent from the previous year, according to a report by WTW’s Thinking Ahead Institute. The report found pension funds remain the single biggest group of asset owners in the global study, controlling more than half […]
The vast majority (87 per cent) of small- and medium-sized employers agreed employee mental health is very important to the success of their business, according to a new survey by the Business Development Bank of Canada. The survey, which polled 750 owners of SMEs, found nearly three-quarters (72 per cent) currently place a high priority on […]
Since employers play a key role in supporting pension growth, policy-makers should consider their involvement when implementing pension reforms, according to a new report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The report found OECD member countries can optimize employer involvement by reducing financial and administrative barriers that prevent employers from establishing pension plans, […]
An article on the potential impacts of a pension super-priority bill was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com over the last week. Here are the five most popular news stories of the week: 1. Pension super-priority bill passes in House of Commons 2. Ontario municipality establishing six-week indoor mask requirement for city employees 3. CIBC supporting employee health with wellness […]
The Public Sector Pension Investment Board is acquiring a portfolio of vineyards in Australia. According to the terms of the deal reached with Casella Family Brands, the investment organization will take ownership of 35 properties covering 7,215 hectares, as well as associated water entitlements, crops and equipment. The properties are located in South Australia and New South […]
More than three-quarters (77 per cent) of Canadian employees face a moderate (45 per cent) to high (32 per cent) mental-health risk, according to LifeWorks Inc.’s latest mental-health index. The survey’s respondents reported an overall mental-health score of 64.9, down slightly from 65.1 in September. Apart from financial risk (70.2), all mental-health scores declined from […]
Slightly more than a third (35 per cent) of U.S. institutional investors are incorporating environmental, social and governance factors into investment decisions, down from a high of 49 per cent in 2021, according to a new survey by investment consulting firm Callan. The survey, which polled more than 100 institutional investors, found 50 per cent […]