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Making the transition easy
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You’re invited to visit our new Welcome site!
You may have some questions or want a little more information about the upcoming move to Canada Life in July 2022.
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Canada Life has created a new Welcome site dedicated to the CBBenefits plan to help you throughout the transition. You’ll be able to find everything you need to know including:
- Details on the fund changes. We’re moving to Target Date funds – you can learn more about these Fidelity ClearPath® funds on the Welcome site.
- Answers to frequently asked questions. Check back often – this document may be updated with questions from fellow plan members you may find helpful, too.
- Information on the member guide service – available in July. You can book a meeting with a specialist who can guide you through enrolment, answer questions and help you make the most of your plans with Canada Life.
- Plus, even more tools and resources are available for you!
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Try the Welcome site now!
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What do you need to do?
REGISTER FOR MY CANADA LIFE AT WORK
Already using my Canada Life at Work for your benefits plan? Just log in to confirm your personal details. In a couple of months, you will be able to access both your benefits and your Retirement & Savings plans.
If you haven’t registered, you can start right now! Visit the Welcome site where you can find information on how to register.
Have questions or need help?
As always, we're here if you have any questions about the move.
Call Rob Jackett at 905-821-5413 or Loyda Sinanan at 905-821-5407 or email us at info@cbbenefits.ca.
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Canada Life and design and My Canada Life at Work are trademarks of The Canada Life Assurance Company.
Fidelity Investments is a registered trademark of 483A Bay Street Holdings LP. Used with permission.
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Tags: pension, Retirement, Target Date funds, Welcome site
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Simplification de la transition
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Nous vous invitons à visiter notre nouveau site d’accueil
Avez-vous des questions ou souhaitez-vous peut-être en savoir plus sur le transfert à la Canada Vie en juillet 2022?
La Canada Vie a créé un nouveau site d’accueil visant le régime BC Avantages pour vous aider au cours de la transition. Il contient toute l’information dont vous avez besoin, y compris ce qui suit :
- Précisions sur les modifications apportées aux fonds – Nous passons aux fonds à date cible – vous pouvez en apprendre plus sur les fonds Fidelity PassageMD sur le site d’accueil.
- Réponses aux questions fréquentes – Consultez le site souvent. Ce document pourrait être mis à jour pour répondre aux questions des autres participants de régime, lesquelles pourraient vous être utiles.
- Information concernant le service de conseiller aux participants (accessible à partir de juillet) – Vous pouvez planifier une rencontre avec un spécialiste qui peut vous guider à chaque étape de l’adhésion, répondre à vos questions et vous aider à tirer le meilleur parti de vos régimes avec la Canada Vie.
- Et… encore plus d’outils et de ressources sont maintenant à votre disposition.
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Visitez le site d’accueil à l’adresse
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Que devez-vous faire maintenant?
INSCRIVEZ-VOUS À MA CANADA VIE AU TRAVAIL
Vous utilisez déjà le site Ma Canada Vie au travail pour votre régime de garanties? Ouvrez une session pour vérifier vos renseignements personnels. Dans quelques mois, vous pourrez accéder à vos garanties et à vos régimes de retraite et d’épargne.
Si vous ne vous êtes pas encore inscrit, vous pouvez le faire maintenant. Visitez le site d’accueil pour savoir comment vous inscrire.
Have questions or need help?
Comme toujours, si vous avez des questions au sujet de la transition, nous sommes là pour vous aider. Appelez Rob Jackett au 905 821-5413 ou Loyda Sinanan au 905 821-5407, ou écrivez à l’adresse info@cbbenefits.ca.
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Canada Vie et le symbole social et Ma Canada Vie au travail sont des marques de commerce de La Compagnie d’Assurance du Canada sur la Vie.
Fidelity Investments est une marque déposée de 483A Bay Street Holdings LP. Utilisée avec permission.
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Tags: Retraite et Épargne,
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New: Target Date funds!
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You’ve likely heard the news – in July, our Retirement & Savings plans are moving to Canada Life!
Along with the move, our fund lineup is changing from Canada Life Target Risk funds to Fidelity ClearPath® Target Date funds.
The Pension and Insurance Committee is always looking out for your best interests and is striving to enhance your overall experience with your Retirement & Savings plans. These changes will bring you even lower fees, great service, and strong investment options that will support you and your family as your life needs change.
Target Date funds make investing easier for you
Unlike Target Risk funds where you have to decide when to change your investments to reduce risk as you get closer to retirement, Target Date funds are designed with your retirement year in mind and gradually shift your investments to become more conservative over time.
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In your early saving years, the fund is invested in more equities to help maximize growth. Then, as you get closer to retirement, the fund gradually becomes more conservative with more fixed-income investments.
TARGET DATE FUNDS ARE:
- Easy to choose. Just pick a fund closest to your retirement year – that’s it!
- Offer a hands-off approach. Professionals manage and regularly adjust the mix of investments.
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What do you need to do?
We’ve got you covered. No action is required by you! In July, your DC pension account funds will be transferred from Sun Life to Canada Life, and then invested in the Fidelity ClearPath® Target Date fund closest to your 65th birthday.
HOW TO LEARN MORE
- Learn more about Target Date funds now. You can watch this video and review the Fidelity ClearPath® Target Date funds brochure for more details.
- Visit the new Canada Life Welcome site, starting in May. In early May, you’ll receive an email with a link. You’ll be able to get more details on the fund lineup change, answers to frequently asked questions, and tools and resources available to you through Canada Life.
- Attend an information session in June. You’ll have an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the move. We’ll send details closer to the date of the sessions, with a link to register.
Have questions or need help?
We’re here to help guide you through this transition. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions you might have.
Call Rob Jackett at 905-821-5413 or Loyda Sinanan at 905-821-5407 or email us at info@cbbenefits.ca.
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Canada Life and design and My Canada Life at Work are trademarks of The Canada Life Assurance Company.
Fidelity Investments is a registered trademark of 483A Bay Street Holdings LP. Used with permission.
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Tags: pension, Retirement, Target Date funds
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Nouveauté : des fonds à date cible!
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Vous avez probablement appris la nouvelle : en juillet, nos régimes de retraite et d’épargne seront transférés à la Canada Vie!
En plus du transfert, nous passons des fonds à risque cible de la Canada Vie aux fonds à date cible Fidelity PassageMC.
Le comité responsable des garanties collectives et du régime de retraite a vos intérêts à cœur et s’efforce d’améliorer votre expérience globale en ce qui a trait à nos régimes de retraite et d’épargne. Ces changements vous permettront de bénéficier de frais encore moins élevés, d’excellent service et d’options de placement solides qui vous aideront à soutenir votre famille à mesure que vos besoins évolueront.
Les fonds à date cible rendent l’investissement plus facile
Contrairement aux fonds à risque cible, où vous devez choisir quand modifier vos placements pour réduire le risque à mesure que vous approchez de la retraite, les fonds à date cible sont conçus de manière à tenir compte de l’année de votre retraite. En effet, les placements du fonds deviennent de plus en plus prudents à mesure que le temps passe.
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Au cours des premières années d’épargne, la pondération en actions de ce type de fonds est plus importante pour obtenir une croissance maximale. Puis, à mesure que vous approchez de la retraite, le fonds devient de plus en plus prudent et comprend une plus grande part de placements à revenu fixe.
LES FONDS À DATE CIBLE :
- Sont faciles à sélectionner. Il suffit de choisir le fonds qui se rapproche le plus de l’année de votre retraite – c’est aussi simple que ça!
- Proposent une approche stratégique. Des professionnels gèrent et rajustent régulièrement la composition des placements.
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Que devez-vous faire?
Nous avons tout prévu. Vous n’avez aucune mesure à prendre! En juillet, les fonds que vous détenez dans votre compte du régime CD seront transférés de la Sun Life à la Canada Vie et investis dans le fonds à date cible Fidelity Passage qui se rapproche le plus de votre 65e anniversaire de naissance.
COMMENT EN SAVOIR PLUS?
- Familiarisez-vous davantage avec les fonds à date cible. Pour ce faire, vous pouvez regarder cette vidéo et consulter la brochure sur les fonds à date cible Fidelity Passage.
- Visitez le nouveau site d’accueil de la Canada Vie, en mai. Au début de ce mois, vous recevrez un courriel contenant un lien qui vous permettra d’obtenir des précisions sur les changements touchant la gamme de fonds, des réponses aux questions courantes, et des outils et ressources de la Canada Vie.
- Assistez à une séance d’information en juin. Vous aurez alors l’occasion de poser des questions et d’en savoir plus sur le transfert. Nous vous enverrons des précisions à l’approche de la séance ainsi qu’un lien pour vous inscrire.
Vous avez des questions ou besoin d’aide?
Nous sommes là pour vous guider pendant cette transition. N’hésitez pas à communiquer avec nous si vous avez des questions.
Appelez Rob Jackett au 905 821-5413 ou Loyda Sinanan au 905 821-5407, ou écrivez à l’adresse info@cbbenefits.ca.
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Canada Vie et le symbole social et Ma Canada Vie au travail sont des marques de commerce de La Compagnie d’Assurance du Canada sur la Vie.
Fidelity Investments est une marque déposée de 483A Bay Street Holdings LP. Utilisée avec permission.
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Tags: pension, Retirement, Target Date funds
Finally, it looks like spring is here!
The Canadian Baptist Pension Plan (CBPP) funds all continued to perform well last year, with returns ranging from 6.12% for the Conservative fund to a whopping 18.32% for the Aggressive fund.
Despite the continued effects of the pandemic, equity markets were strong in 2021. This was initially supported by the central banks’ quantitative easing and coordinated fiscal responses by governments that included unprecedented vaccine rollouts in many countries.
By Q3, markets wobbled a bit due to concerns of an economic slowdown, inflationary pressures and central banks moving towards tightening policy positions. Compounding these concerns, ongoing supply chain issues and the debt crisis surrounding Chinese property developer Evergrande fueled an equity selloff at the end of September. Then, in the final quarter, markets rallied to improve returns, despite the emergence of Omicron.
1-Year Fund performance as of December 31, 2021
While these returns were fantastic, we should not consider them normal and should expect some volatility over the coming months as markets digest current events. However, whichever fund you have chosen, your CBPP is well diversified to handle market uncertainty and will continue to provide long-term savings growth.
Looking ahead… some changes are on the horizon
Back in December, I mentioned that CBBenefits and your Pension Committee have been working on some positive changes to the Retirement & Savings plans. The goal is always to continue to make it easy for you to save and grow your investments with great investment options, low fees, service, and support – and the changes will make the plans better than ever.
Watch for an email on March 31 to learn more about what we’ve been working on! If you miss it, you’ll be able to find the details on the CBBenefits member website.
Thinking about retirement: PART II
Things to consider: When to Convert an RRSP to an RRIF
You must convert your RRSP to an RRIF no later than December 31 of the year you turn age 71. However, before that, withdrawals from your RRSP might be your best option, depending on your needs.
Keep in mind that there are also other options, such as annuities, which we can compare in a future article.
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Pros |
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RRSP
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- You can withdraw the money you need when you need it
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- Withdrawals are considered taxable income and there is a withholding tax
- The amount depends on how much you withdraw and your province of residence
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RRIF
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- You can get regular monthly payments
- No tax withholding on minimum amounts
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- Subject to legislative minimums
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An RRIF can be a good option if you want to continue to control how you invest your savings while drawing an income.
By understanding the statutory rules and combining a mix of strategies for income generation with your savings, you will be able to ensure a withdrawal mix that fits your unique needs.
Get more information on this topic from Sun Life >
Some things to consider… PART 1
If you’re planning to retire soon, you have some important choices to make, including decisions on what to do with your pension and/or savings. Understanding your options and asking some important questions now may make a difference to your plans in the years to come.
Topic #1: What to do with your DC pension account when you retire?
Your CBPP DC pension account is an important source of retirement income. While you are still working, the account is locked-in, making direct withdrawals from the account are not allowed until you retire.
However, when retirement comes, income conversion, withdrawal and transfer options vary according to provincial or federal regulations. For example, in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and New Brunswick, there are unlocking provisions which allow for a one-time cash withdrawal, or transfer to another registered product such as an RRSP. As there are different regulations for these products be sure to consult with a financial planner to ensure that this choice makes sense. (I’ll have some tips on navigating these rules in a later post).
That being said, your locked-in benefits in the DC pension can be converted to income either through:
- guaranteed income options like an annuity;
- flexible income accounts such as a RRIF or LIF; or
- a combination of the two.
There are pros and cons to each of these options and they often depend on how much flexibility you think you may need with your income, and your comfort level with risk.
The CBPP offers support and a seamless transition to retirement
Check the CBBenefits member site > My Retirement & Savings > Thinking about retirement for an overview of options for converting your retirement savings into income and information on our READY TO RETIRE program.
Find other helpful retirement information
- CBBenefits Webinar: Converting your savings to income
- Financial Post article: https://financialpost.com/personal-finance/retirement/four-key-things-to-consider-if-you-are-planning-to-retire-this-year
We’d love to hear from you. Contact us at retire@cbbenefits.ca with questions or drop us a line any time at info@cbbenefits.ca.
We continue to look for ways that enable you to get the most out of your
pension contributions, whatever your life stage… because every little bit matters.
Some positive changes are in the works, so be sure to
watch for more information coming this spring.
As 2021 draws to a close, I wanted to connect to provide you with a brief update.
So far this year (up to September 30, 2021) our Canadian Baptist Pension Plan (CBPP) funds have shown good returns. In the most recent quarter, all funds had met or exceeded their benchmark returns. Most notably, the Aggressive fund has posted a double-digit return as a result of its higher equity allocation.
Equity markets rallied throughout the spring and summer of 2021 before experiencing some periods of volatility in September, driven by concerns over inflationary pressures, ongoing supply chain issues and the Evergrande debt crisis. Despite the sell-off in September, most major equity indices have delivered strong returns to date in 2021.
Fund performance as of September 30, 2021
Whichever fund you’ve chosen to invest in, for your pension, these solid returns reflect well on the plan, and continue to grow your nest egg, which will help you financially prosper over the long term.
Looking to the year ahead…
CBBenefits and your Pension Committee have carefully built the pension plan to make it easy for you to save and grow your investments during the accumulation and saving phase of your life stage. We have been laser-focused on making sure the plan provides you with:
- low fees
- flexible investment choices
- great service and support
With all that in mind, we continue to look for ways that enable you to get the most out of your pension contributions, whatever your life stage… because every little bit matters.
Some positive changes are in the works, so be sure to watch for more information in the spring of 2022.
Thinking about retirement: Early career years
If you’re in your 20s or early 30s, retirement still feels like a long way off – and it is! But you can use this to your advantage. Although it can be hard to put money away when you’re just starting out as you may have other financial commitments such as student debt or a mortgage, but investing now is worth every penny!
Of course, you should find ways to pay down any existing debt – but as early as you can, start saving, even if it’s just a small, regular amount. Your early years tend to be best suited for higher risk, more aggressive investing portfolios because time is on your side if you experience any negative returns. By starting early, every dollar you invest will have more time to compound and grow – almost like magic. Read our July blog: “Compound Growth: How to make your retirement dreams come true.”
We are here to help, send us an email or give us a call. We would love the hear from you.
Wishing you peace, a wonderful Christmas, and a happy New Year!
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Make the most of your benefits options for the next two years.
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Set a calendar reminder!
Benefits re-enrollment for 2022-2023 is coming – November 15 to 26 only.
By Monday, November 15, you’ll get an email that will provide you with all the information you need to re-enroll online for 2022-2023. For now, here's what you need to know.
New for your plan…
There are no coverage changes for this year.
- All optional insurance rates will stay the same.
- If you choose the Blue Leaf Plan, premiums may be a little higher this year, depending on your province. As always, a reminder that as healthcare costs continue to rise faster than inflation, even small choices you make can help control our overall costs – and keep our valuable CB Benefits program competitive and sustainable for many years to come. Through the year, consider ways you can help – and be a smart consumer.
> Check the 2022 rate sheet here
- A reminder that in 2021, Online Healthcare by Consult+ was added to the plan for you and your family.
> Learn more about Consult+
Are you ready? Things you can do now
Benefits re-enrollment happens only every two years. To help make the most of the coverage and choices offered by your CB Benefits plan, it's a good idea to take a little time now to review the plan and consider your coverage needs.
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Some suggestions? You can:
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Questions or feedback
If you have any questions, please let us know at info@cbbenefits.ca.
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Tags: benefits, re-enrollment
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Tirez pleinement parti de vos options d’avantages sociaux
pour les deux prochaines années.
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Ajoutez un rappel à votre calendrier!
La période de renouvellement des avantages sociaux pour 2022-2023 approche à grands pas – du 15 au 26 novembre seulement.
Le lundi 15 novembre, vous devriez recevoir un courriel renfermant tous les renseignements dont vous avez besoin pour renouveler votre adhésion en ligne pour 2022-2023. Pour le moment, voici ce que vous devez savoir.
De nouveau pour votre régime…
Aucune modification n’est apportée à la couverture pour cette année.
- Toutes les primes des assurances facultatives restent les mêmes.
- Si vous optez pour le régime Feuille bleue, les primes pourraient être un peu plus élevées cette année, selon votre province. Comme toujours, rappelez-vous que la hausse des coûts de soins de santé dépasse celle de l’inflation et que, pour cette raison, vos choix, même les plus minimes, peuvent nous aider à maîtriser nos coûts – et faire en sorte que le régime BC Avantages demeure concurrentiel et viable pendant de nombreuses années à venir. Pendant l’année, songez aux façons de nous aider – et d’être un consommateur averti.
> Consultez la Fiche de taux pour 2022
- N’oubliez pas que Consult+, fournisseur de soins de santé en ligne, a été ajouté au régime en 2021 pour vous et votre famille.
> Familiarisez-vous davantage avec Consult+
Êtes-vous prêt? Mesures que vous pouvez prendre dès maintenant
Le renouvellement de l’adhésion survient seulement tous les deux ans. Pour tirer pleinement parti de votre couverture et des choix offerts par le régime BC Avantages, nous vous recommandons de prendre quelques minutes dès maintenant pour passer en revue le régime et réfléchir à vos besoins en matière de couverture.
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Certaines suggestions? Vous pouvez :
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Questions ou commentaires
Si vous avez des questions, veuillez nous en faire part à info@cbbenefits.ca.
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REMINDER: If you have Orange or Green Leaf coverage
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Your HCSA money is part of your benefits coverage, but it can only be carried over for one year. If you have money left in your account from 2020, it will expire on December 31, 2021 – so make sure you spend it soon.
You can check your HCSA balance any time by signing in to Canada Life’s GroupNet > Coverages & balances.
Still have money left in your HCSA for this year?
It’s a good time to consider what you might use it for. Some ideas? You can use it for one or two bigger items, or for a bunch of smaller expenses. For example, you can submit claims to help:
- Pay for or subsidize the cost of vision care/glasses – or prescription sunglasses – above your coverage amount;
- Cover prescription drug co-pay amounts;
- Cover dental costs or other medical expenses that may not be covered for you; or
- Get a massage or chiropractic adjustment – pay for additional paramedical costs over your limit/year per practitioner type.
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Keep in mind...
On Jan 1, 2022, Green and Orange Leaf members will receive a new deposit to use for the coming year.
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Re-enrollment
for 2022-2024
starts in November
You may want to start thinking about your benefits needs, and if anything has changed for you.
>WATCH VIDEO
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A reminder that the HCSA can be used to help pay for medical, prescription drug and dental-related expenses that are not otherwise covered under the CB Benefits plan (or any other private or government healthcare plan), but that are allowed under the Income Tax Act for you or your dependants.
Eligible HCSA expenses: The list may surprise you
> Here’s a summary list of eligible expenses.
There are literally hundreds of expenses that can be covered. For a complete list, refer to subsection 118.2(2) of the Income Tax Act. Additional information on many of these expenses can be found at www.canada.ca in the Income Tax Folio S1-F1-C1: Medical Expense Tax Credit section.
Making HCSA claims is easy! Here’s how…
Just sign in to Canada Life’s GroupNet > Make a claim > Start online claim.
- If you are filing a claim that will be partially paid under Health, Drugs, Vision or Dental, then start with that. When you get a question that asks: “If your plan only covers part of the expense, do you want your spending account to cover the rest?” Click YES. That’s it!
- If you are filing a claim that is entirely an HCSA expense, then choose Healthcare Spending Account and follow the instructions.
Of course, you can still file a claim with a paper form too. You can get forms here.
NOTE: If you can claim an expense under another plan (such as the health and dental plan, your spouse’s benefits plan or a government drug plan), you must do that first before submitting your claim under the HCSA.
Questions
If you have questions about the HCSA and how to make claims, please contact Canada Life at 1‑800‑957‑9777, weekdays 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern time.
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Want a refresher and tips for benefits re-enrolment?
Sign up for our October 27 webinar!
Benefits: Getting ready for re-enrolment
> LEARN MORE & REGISTER NOW |
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Tags: benefits, HCSA, healthcare spending account