Retraite Quebec is implementing two temporary easing measures to help supplemental pension plan administrators during the coronavirus outbreak. The measures involve extending deadlines for certain regulatory and legal obligations, as well as an update to the degree of solvency that must be taken into account for transfers and refunds under defined benefit pension plans. Deadlines for […]
North American employers are attempting to strike a balance between supporting employees and reducing costs during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new survey by Aon. The survey, which polled more than 1,400 North American companies, found 70 per cent said they’re giving their working parents additional flexibility around their schedules, while 57 per cent said they’re […]
The federal government has introduced a special calculator to further encourage employers to re-hire workers using the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. The calculator is on the Canada Revenue Agency’s Canada Emergency Response Benefit website, which also includes information for employers about who can apply for subsidy, how to access it and how it’s calculated. It includes a printable […]
Alberta Blue Cross, Green Shield Canada, iA Financial Group and Medavie Blue Cross are the latest insurers to reduce benefits plan premiums during the coronavirus pandemic. For Alberta Blue Cross’ group plans, the changes include a 50 per cent reduction to dental benefits premiums, a 25 per cent reduction to vision care premiums and a 25 per cent […]
The Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System’s sponsors corporation board is considering two plan design changes: the introduction of shared-risk indexing and the expansion of pension coverage to non full-time workers. On the shared-risk indexing front, the organization is looking at reducing future inflation increases on benefits earned after Dec. 31, 2022. As a first line of defence, […]
The Royal Bank of Canada is expanding its partnership with telemedicine platform Wello to give Canadian businesses and their employees access to virtual health care during the coronavirus pandemic. Through Wello’s platform, RBC’s plan sponsor clients and their employees will have access to health resources including prescription and medical referrals, consultations for chronic health conditions, mental-health […]
The Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System sponsors corporation board is considering two plan design changes: the introduction of shared-risk indexing and the expansion of pension coverage to non full-time workers. On the shared-risk indexing front, the sponsors corporation board is looking at potentially reducing future inflation increases on benefits earned after Dec. 31, 2022. As […]
More than a third (35 per cent) of Canadians said they expect to lose their job or the main source of self-employment income in the next four weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a survey by Statistics Canada. The survey, which polled more than 4,600 Canadians in all 10 provinces in late March and early April, found […]
Two big players in the investment research space are joining forces. Morningstar Inc., a U.S.-based independent research firm is fully acquiring Sustainalytics, a Dutch-domiciled firm specializing in environmental, social, and governance ratings and research. Morningstar already took on a 40 per cent ownership stake in Sustainalytics in 2017 and will be buying the remaining 60 […]
Morneau Shepell Ltd. and fitness app Lift are partnering to add artificial intelligence-based fitness programs and live coaches to Morneau Shepell’s LifeWorks well-being platform. Through the platform, plan members will be able to access virtual fitness programs built for their personal goals using AI. They will also be able to receive live virtual coaching and can join live […]