The gap between government employees and the rest of the working world is widening, says the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF). In response, the CTF has launched a campaign advocating for changes to public sector pensions and salaries. Quoting data from Statistics Canada, the Frontier Centre for Public Policy, the Fraser Institute, and the Canadian Federation […]
Canadian pension plans may have more members, but their numbers make up a smaller percentage of the overall labour force. And while the number of DB plans in the private sector has significantly decreased in favour of DC and hybrid plans over the last decade, the number of DB plans in the public sector has […]
Increases in life expectancy have been consistently underestimated over the past few decades, creating funding difficulties for pension plan sponsors, according to a recent report by Swiss Re. The reinsurer suggests that plan sponsors should adopt forward-looking models instead of relying on traditional methods that don’t take emerging trends into account. “The failure to consider […]
A growing number of U.S. pension plans are investing in hedge funds and private equity funds, reports the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). According to a GAO survey of large plans, the share of plans with investments in hedge funds grew from 11% in 2001 to 60% in 2010. Investments in private equity also grew […]
Canadians are experiencing increased challenges as they try to address wellness, healthy living and chronic disease, according to Deloitte’s 2011 Survey of Health-care consumers. The study, which surveyed more than 2,300 adult Canadians, found that fewer Canadians are rating their overall health as “excellent” or “very good” (55% compared to 60% in 2009) and that […]
Stress, anxiety, depression and poor social support may be hampering employees’ efforts to achieve wellness goals, says a recent report by employee assistance program (EAP) provider ComPsych Corporation. According to the report, employees suffering from poor emotional health are less likely to adopt healthy lifestyle changes. “There is strong correlation between high stress/emotional issues and […]
Pension funds have been active in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) for the second quarter of 2011, reports the Financial Post Crosbie: Mergers & Acquisitions in Canada database. Financial sponsors had 12 mergers and acquisitions over $100 million in the second quarter of 2011, nine of which involved pension funds. The 12 transactions were valued at […]
Employee engagement and employee health are intertwined—and solving them both is critical to your business. That was the message of a recent webinar by Buck Consultants, “Securing Employee Engagement: More Vital Than Ever.” In the session, Ruth Hunt, principal, communication, with Buck Consultants, and Scot Marcotte, managing director, talent and HR solutions, with Buck Consultants, […]
Shepell·fgi wants you to go smoke free. The company has launched a new online program to help employees kick the smoking habit. The program is an upgrade to smoking cessation services already offered under Shepell·fgi’s employee assistance program. The new online component provides users with an interactive experience that includes tips, tools and a support […]
Watch this video According to research from the Sun Life Financial health index, more than 80% of Canadians realize they have the opportunity to manage their own health, but 63% are engaging in three or more unhealthy behaviours on a regular basis. Lori Casselman, assistant vice-president, health and productivity solutions for Sun Life Financial, says […]