The second-in-command at the Bank of Canada is warning that economic “scars” from the coronavirus pandemic could become permanent without concerted effort from all Canadians. The pandemic remains an important day-to-day concern for governments and policy-makers, but more discussion and preparation for the post-pandemic recovery needs to take place, said senior deputy governor Carolyn Wilkins, […]
Whether Joe Biden or Donald Trump ultimately wins the White House, the stock market is already a clear winner this week. While there were fears that a longer than usual wait to determine the winner of the U.S. presidential race would lead to wild market volatility, that didn’t come to pass. But signs were there over the […]
The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions is set to restart its policy development work this fall. The OSFI suspended consultations and policy development as part of its measures to reduce operational stress on institutions during the pandemic. As Canada begins to take steps towards reopening and recovery, the OSFI plans to ramp up […]
On May 12, Benefits Canada hosted a webinar to discuss the pharmaceutical industry’s efforts during the coronavirus crisis, as well as some key policy issues for Canadian insurers and their potential impact from the private-payer perspective. Since the end of April, 139 coronavirus treatments have been under investigation and Health Canada has approved several clinical trials […]
The Investment Management Corp. of Ontario is supporting six paid internships at the C.D. Howe Institute for summer 2020. “The COVID-19 pandemic is creating a challenging environment for many students who are struggling to find employment and we’re pleased that we can do our part to help,” said Michael Campbell, the IMCO’s chief client officer, […]
With the federal government easing the withdrawal requirements for registered retirement income funds in a bid to alleviate the harm to retirees’ portfolios caused by the coronavirus-spurred market crash, the industry is suggesting similar measures for other retirement arrangements. “Canadians who are about to turn money into income will be faced with the decision of […]
With environmental, social and governance issues top of mind for many pension plan investors, modern slavery is one concern to keep on the radar. Historically, slaves were kept through force, but modern slavery is about forcing people to work through coercion and lies, says Sudhir Roc-Sennett, head of ESG and thought leadership at Vontobel Asset […]
Since the financial crisis, the Pension Plan for the Employees of Concordia University has transformed the way it approaches investments by introducing its first funding policy and revamping its investment policy. Historically, the plan had a 60/40 asset mix and its board of directors was completely focused on the asset side of the equation, says […]
A group of U.S. institutional investors, including public pension funds, representing more than US$1 trillion is calling on investee companies to do more to include people with disabilities in the workforce. “Disability inclusion provides businesses with a great opportunity to improve their bottom lines, while boosting diversity and innovation,” said one of the statement’s signatories, […]
The Canadian Mental Health Association is publishing a free resource to help employers develop new workplace impairment policies or update their existing ones. The guide’s goal is to promote mental health and wellness in the workplace and help employers understand their legal requirements, according to a press release. When creating policies focused on impairment, the resource recommended employers […]