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NL urged to include DB plan sponsors in new pension unlocking rules

While the Association of Canadian Pension Management is urging the Newfoundland and Labrador government to introduce legislative amendments to facilitate pension unlocking in cases of financial hardship, it also suggests this move should include plan sponsors. In response to the provincial government’s questionnaire on the topic, the ACPM recommended that locked-in retirement accounts, life income funds and […]

  • October 8, 2020 January 19, 2021
  • 15:15

Lowe’s Canada paying bonus to eligible employees

To recognize frontline, hourly employees for their service during the coronavirus pandemic,  Lowe’s Canada is paying a discretionary bonus to all eligible full-time, part-time and seasonal staff. Full-time hourly associates will receive $300, while part-time and seasonal associates will receive $150. The October bonus is in addition to the discretionary bonuses paid to all eligible hourly employees in […]

  • October 8, 2020 October 8, 2020
  • 15:15

Quebec tables bill allowing target-benefit pension plans

Quebec is one step closer to allowing employers to introduce target-benefit pension plans.  On Wednesday, Eric Girard, Quebec’s minister of finance, tabled Bill 68, which was initially introduced in November 2019. The bill draws inspiration from a report by the expert panel on the future of the Quebec retirement system, which was published in 2013. “Quebec […]

  • October 8, 2020 January 19, 2021
  • 08:46

67% of working Canadians would use virtual tools for mental health: survey

More than two-thirds (67 per cent) of working Canadians said they’d use video chat, web or telephone-based health support to consult with a mental-health practitioner, up 17 percentage points since 2019, according to a new survey by RBC Insurance.  The survey, which polled 1,001 employed or recently laid-off Canadians in July, also found the percentage of working […]

  • October 8, 2020 January 19, 2021
  • 08:45

Women considering downshifting, leaving careers due to pandemic: report

One in four women in the U.S. are either considering downshifting their careers or leaving the workplace entirely, according to a new report by McKinsey & Company and LeanIn.Org. “The events of 2020 have turned workplaces upside down. Under the highly challenging circumstances of the COVID-19 crisis, many employees are struggling to do their jobs,” said the report. […]

  • October 7, 2020 January 19, 2021
  • 15:00

Caisse investing in cyber security company

The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec is co-leading a $55 million series D financing round for Onapsis, an application cyber security and compliance company. The investment raised through the fundraising round, which is being co-led by NightDragon Security with strong participation from existing investors, will be used to significantly scale the company through […]

  • October 7, 2020 January 19, 2021
  • 09:09

Dialogue buying Optima Global Health, expanding further into EAPs

Health and wellness platform Dialogue is acquiring employee assistance program provider Optima Global Health. The purchase is part of Dialogue’s growth strategy to tap into the increasing demands for health and wellness services for employers and employees during this turbulent time, according to a press release. “Tapping into Optima’s established expertise and leadership is critical to the […]

  • October 7, 2020 January 19, 2021
  • 08:45

Caisse investing in cyber security company, OMERS in cloud communications

The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec is among the investors raising $55 million in financing for Onapsis, an application cyber security and compliance company. The investment, alongside NightDragon Security and existing investors .406 Ventures, LLR Partners Inc. and Arsenal Venture Partners, will be used to significantly scale the company through expansion into the applications market, according to […]

  • October 6, 2020 November 16, 2020
  • 15:20

Benefits by Design, PocketPills partner on digital pharmacy app

Benefits by Design Inc. and PocketPills are partnering on a digital pharmacy platform. Through the partnership, group plan members will be able to instantly connect with pharmacists and manage their medications online. PocketPills’ platform includes automation technology that improves the pharmacy workflow, making pharmacists more accessible to patients via phone or live chat, seven days a […]

  • October 6, 2020 December 6, 2020
  • 15:15

Hub acquiring Edmonton-based retirement, benefits firm

Hub International Ltd. is acquiring Clearpoint Benefits Solutions, which includes Clearpoint Advisory Group Inc., Clearpoint Retirement Solutions Inc. and Canwest Group Benefits Inc. Clearpoint, which is located in Edmonton, with additional locations in Grande Prairie, Alta. and Fairview, Alta., is a benefits and retirement consulting firm. Read: Hub International acquires assets of Toronto-based benefits firm “Clearpoint is […]

  • October 6, 2020 November 16, 2020
  • 15:15