When the fourth wave of the coronavirus pandemic started to intensify in Canada, Toronto-based tech company Staffy decided it was time to implement a vaccination mandate. The company, which provides an on-demand workforce platform for the health-care and hospitality sector, made it mandatory for their 20 corporate staff to be vaccinated. They also made vaccinations […]
A majority (79 per cent) of employees in hybrid work arrangements said they have strong connections with their teammates and colleagues, compared to 70 per cent of onsite workers and 64 per cent of remote employees, according to a new survey by ADP Inc. The survey of more than 9,000 U.S. employees found these connections […]
Twitter Inc. is among the latest employers enacting a coronavirus vaccination policy for employees. In an emailed statement to Benefits Canada, the social media company said anyone who wishes to return to its North American offices must be vaccinated and show proof. In May 2020, the company announced it would allow employees to continue working […]
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario is seeking feedback on proposed guidance detailing how and when it publishes information about enforcement proceedings and investigations, including those related to pension plans and administrators. According to the draft guidance, this includes the use of news releases and public postings of enforcement actions on the FSRA’s website […]
The past year and a half has been characterized by marked change. The move to remote work, industry layoffs and the desire for more robust support left plan sponsors and consultants rapidly altering the ways they work together. Certain trends, such as virtual care, mental-health support, changing retirement needs and industry consolidation have slowly been […]
With coronavirus vaccinations playing a key role in shaping the post-coronavirus pandemic workplace, employers can help employees overcome vaccine hesitancy through a variety of measures, says Daniel Michaluk, a partner at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP. “Most strategies are communication-based, such as encouragement through talking about the benefits of vaccination.” Read: Sounding Board: Employers playing a key […]
The Canadian Institute of Actuaries is updating its process for releasing guidance regarding assumptions for hypothetical pension windup and solvency valuations. For quarterly guidance relating to periods from March 31 to Dec. 30, June 30 to Dec. 30 and Sept. 30 to Dec. 30, an explanatory report providing supporting material will be issued after the […]
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario is releasing final interpretation guidance to support the role and responsibilities of pension plan administrators. The guidance, an updated and consolidated version of four previous documents, said the administrator’s role includes responsibility for implementing processes to ensure pension plan risks — such as investment, funding, operational and legal — […]
A majority (72 per cent) of plan sponsors believe their retirement savings plan is meeting its goals this year, up from roughly 66 per cent in 2020, according to a new survey by Fidelity Investments Inc. While 68 per cent said their employees are saving enough for retirement — up from 59 per cent in […]
The College of Applied Arts and Technology’s DBplus pension plan is welcoming more members of Canada’s legal community through an affinity agreement between the pension and the Canadian Bar Insurance Association. According to a press release from the CAAT, employees from 42 smaller law firms joined the DBplus plan in the first six months of […]