Financial Education/Retirement Security (Canada)

Retirement Plan Sponsor Responsibilities

Retirement Plan Sponsor Responsibilities outlines the intent and application of the Capital Accumulation Plan (CAP) Guidelines and the Canadian Association of Pension Supervisory Authorities (CAPSA) Governance Guideline. It reviews the significance of CAP Guidelines and CAPSA Governance Guideline for plan sponsors, plan members and insurers and highlights key differences between the two sets of Guidelines. Steps taken by the plan sponsor, advisers and service providers when setting up, operating and terminating a CAP are reviewed.

The Retirement Landscape

The Retirement Landscape provides a basic understanding of what retirement income needs are and how retirement plans work to meet these needs. It introduces the three pillars of the retirement system, outlines the key characteristics and the prevalence of registered and non-registered plans, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Regulatory requirements and the plan sponsor’s role are briefly discussed.

Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans

Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans provides an overview of benefits arising from a registered pension plan on retirement, termination of employment or death. It examines various types of defined benefit registered pension plans and non-registered savings plans, including Supplemental Retirement Arrangements and Employee Profit Sharing Plans, as well as their advantages and disadvantages for employees and employers.

Life Cycle of a Group Retirement Plan

Life Cycle of a Group Retirement Plan outlines the CAP provider’s role and responsibilities at all stages of a capital accumulation plan (CAP) life cycle—prospecting, quoting/proposing, selling, implementing, servicing and terminating a group retirement plan. The application of principles of ethical decision making throughout the life cycle of CAP is examined from the perspectives of all parties involved in the group retirement plan—plan sponsor, CAP provider, plan advisers and plan members.

Implementing a Practical Financial Wellness Approach

This session will give you the tools to implement a practical financial wellness approach in pension plans and organizations. Join us for a dynamic presentation where attendees will:

• Gain insights from case studies of employers and trustees actively implementing financial wellness in their pension programs.
• Explore strategies to design pension plans that are inherently inclusive, accounting for various life circumstances, cultural backgrounds and socioeconomic factors.
• Learn practical solutions to implement decumulation and financial coaching support.

Financial Planning for a Healthy Retirement

Plan members no longer need to settle for a one-size-fits-all approach to retiring. A panel of experts will provide a preview of the two-part “Health, Wealth and Happiness” preconference workshop being offered at the 57th Annual Canadian Employee Benefits Conference.

The CAP Guidelines Are Changing—What You Need to Know

The introduction of the CAP Guidelines in 2004 standardized the information and support provided to help plan members make investment decisions related to their group retirement plan.
The environment in which retirement plans operate has changed significantly in the last 20 years. Proposed revisions to the CAP Guidelines are expected to take effect in 2024.

Workplace Wellness and Financial Education Programs: 2022 Survey Results

Workplace wellness programs have grown to include benefits that address workers’ mental health, financial health, growth and purpose. Physical health-related offerings like flu shots and health risk assessments remain popular but the meaning of wellness initiatives has been expanding.

Retirement 101

Select from a defined benefit plan, defined contribution plan or a plan for public employees. Find out more about what each plan is, how much money you will get and when, different scenarios, and who pays for your benefits. This is the perfect tool to share with plan participants wanting to learn more about the power of their retirement plan.