Safeguarding the Future: Cybersecurity Risks and Insurance Solutions In an increasingly digital world, cybersecurity threats pose significant risks not only to organizations but also to their employees, particularly regarding sensitive data tied to employee benefits. This presentation will explore the intersection of cybersecurity and employee benefits in Canada, highlighting the unique challenges organizations face and the role of insurance in mitigating these risks. Empowering member outcomes through decumulation design. Can a DC pension plan provide lifetime pension security? Over the last 15 years, defined contribution (DC) pension plans have shifted from a focus on account accumulation to an equal focus on the decumulation journey of members. Developing retirement options that meet member needs is key to empowering members to live financially secure retirements. In 2025, the Public Employees Pension Plan will begin offering a variable payment life annuity to provide members the option to add the security of a lifetime payment to their pension plan retirement portfolio, complementary to the flexibility of its variable pension benefit. The Future of HR: Harnessing Generative AI and Technology's Influence on Workforce Evolution Enter a transformative era where employers are experiencing a seismic shift in the world of work, one more significant than the previous fifty years. In this pivotal moment, HR holds the key to unleashing creativity and innovation within organizations. Join us for a high-level, high-impact 45-minute session to learn and engage with peers and transformation experts, uncovering practical ways to lead HR through this renaissance.
Featuring Christie Rall, Partner in Workforce Transformation at Mercer, and Dino Trudeau, Mercer’s Calgary Office Leader, this session will showcase exclusive insights from Mercer’s Global Talent Trends survey. Delve into the impact of Generative AI on HR, the evolving HR-Technology landscape, and their profound implications for the future workforce.
This event provides a unique platform to learn, network, and exchange ideas on critical talent trends, including human-centric productivity, trust and equity, readiness and resilience, and cultivating a digital-first culture. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of the rapid changes driven by Generative AI and technological advances and uncover how they can propel your organization forward in 2024. This dynamic 45-minute session is just the beginning, with a deeper dive case study scheduled for September as part of our two-part series. Pension Pulse: Key Legal Developments You Need to Know Pension and benefit plan administrators and sponsors in Saskatchewan face an evolving legal landscape, with legislative changes, legal decisions, and compliance requirements impacting their plans. Meghan will discuss the recent developments in pension and benefit law. The discussion will include:
- changes to pension standards, tax and other relevant legislation;
- new CAPSA guidelines;
- recent cases on the standards and duties applicable to plan administrators;
- recent cases on age discrimination in benefits plans.
Understanding these developments is important for administrators, sponsors and service providers to ensure compliance with current legal standards, mitigate risk, and safeguard the benefits of plan members.
Age & Access: Tackling Legal Shifts in Age Discrimination and Pharmacare Pension and benefit plan administrators and sponsors in Saskatchewan face an evolving legal landscape, with legislative changes, legal decisions, and compliance requirements impacting their plans. Meghan will discuss the recent developments in pension and benefit law. The discussion will include:
- changes to pension standards, tax and other relevant legislation;
- new CAPSA guidelines;
- recent cases on the standards and duties applicable to plan administrators;
- recent cases on age discrimination in benefits plans. Understanding these developments is important for administrators, sponsors and service providers to ensure compliance with current legal standards, mitigate risk, and safeguard the benefits of plan members. Futures in Our Hands: In Pursuit of a Deeper Understanding of the People We Serve Society has long traded on the promise that tomorrow will be better than today – a belief that has driven progress and stability for generations. For many Canadians, this optimism has waned, particularly when it comes to retirement. Futures in Our Hands challenges pension administrators to reconsider their role in this changing societal landscape. As economic and demographic realities evolve, the traditional focus on regulatory compliance, asset management, and cost efficiency must expand to address members’ emotional and financial anxieties. By achieving a deeper understanding of our the people we serve, we can reconnect our industry with its foundational promise: securing a bright tomorrow for our members. The Canadian Landscape for Fertility Benefits Infertility is a growing international health issue that drives over 20% of the population to seek assistance in building their families. Factors such as delayed parenthood, the growing number of same-sex couples, and the rise of single-parent families have significantly boosted demand for fertility care. This trend is reflected in GreenShield's claims data, which revealed a 53% increase in fertility drug spending and a 35% rise in claimants between 2019 and 2023.
To remain competitive, plan sponsors must offer inclusive, comprehensive family-building benefits that address diverse employee needs. According to the 2023 Benefits Canada Healthcare Survey, 34% of plan sponsors are interested in covering fertility treatments, but only 19% currently offer such coverage. Many plans provide minimal support, focusing only on fertility drugs, leaving significant gaps in care for Canadians pursuing parenthood.
This gap presents a significant growth opportunity for benefits advisors to assist plan sponsors in expanding their coverage. Our session will provide Benefits Leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate this evolving landscape, enabling them to attract and retain clients through innovative benefits strategies.
This session will cover:
● Why fertility and family-building benefits have become so important
● What coverage options are available for Canadian employers
● How organizations can create fertility-friendly workplaces and reduce overall costs in the long term Primer on pension fund investments Another topic that is very important and is not often discussed at conferences or workshops because of the specialty knowledge that is required to speak to the topic in a meaningful way is pension plan investments. In this regard, I would suggest a Primer on pension fund investments, including private equity investments. In this regard, I could provide valuable insight into the practical application of pension investment regulations (10%, 30% related party rules) and the duties of plan administrators. We could shed light on tax issues, consider pension plan investment in new asset classes and address other significant considerations for pension investors exploring investments in private funds. This topic could also be expanded to also include pension plan investment compliance with the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act and the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act. Drug Trends: Insights on Drug Spend in Chronic Disease This presentation will delve into the key health trends affecting spend on drug plans. Attendees will gain insights into the rising costs and adoption rates of diabetes medications, the rapid increase in weight management drug expenses and utilization, the growing impact of biosimilars on healthcare spending, and the ongoing mental health challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Join us to explore how these trends are influencing plan sponsor costs and shaping the future of healthcare. Leveraging Saskatchewan’s high school Financial Literacy Initiatives Join our panel to hear how employers and plan sponsors can leverage the momentum Saskatchewan has put into motion by leading Canada in adding Financial Literacy to high school curriculums. How can employers pick up the torch from high school and carry the momentum into the workforce? Learn about the importance of financial literacy and practical tools for bringing this to life.
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