Reflections on last year and looking forward to what’s ahead
As we reflect on 2024, we are filled with gratitude for the trust and collaboration we’ve shared. In 2025, you can continue to expect us to come to see you and support you with plan maintenance, governance and administration. We look forward to seeing you and working with you to ensure you and your plan members are receiving the very best service for both pension and group benefit plans.
We will continue to offer:
- In person visits to deliver on various initiatives
- Timely communications
- Learning resources (plan materials, webinars, 1:1 pension consultation, staff information sessions, newsletters)
- Individual Financial Planning Services
- Access to fantastic events (conference and workshops)
Regulator Reviews
CAPSA publishes Guidelines for the standards it expects plan sponsors and their service providers to meet when operating a capital accumulation plan. They provide a useful framework of best practices for CAP fiduciaries and service provides to follow across Canada. It reflects the expectations from CAP regulators regarding standards for operating a CAP. Although it is not legislation, courts are expected to look at these guidelines as the generally accepted standards of conduct.
What was new in 2024:
- The sponsor should create, document and regularly review rules and processes for operating the plan.
- The sponsor can consider adding automatic features to the plan to help increase participation, encourage early and higher contributions, and promote suitable investment choices.
- Members’ responsibilities are outlined in greater detail. Reinforces the need to ensure that they’re not only aware of but also that they understand their plan and responsibilities and what participation in a CAP entails.
Top 10 HR, benefits, pension and investment stories
From the unlocking of pension benefits in Nova Scotia to new pay transparency rules in Ontario, stories about pension and employment legislation caught the eye of Benefits Canada’s readers in 2024.
In addition, a pair of articles on the rollout of new glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist medications in Canada were also popular with readers. Check out Benefits Canada’s 10 most popular human resources, benefits, pension and investment stories of the year.
Read the Top 10!
Market Review
Stock Market: Despite a slow start, 2024 turned out to be an excellent year for the stock markets. While the technology sector led the way, the utilities sector was a pleasant surprise. It was also a good year for bonds and gold. Throughout the year, the U.S. market dominated, but Canada caught up along the way.- Economic Recovery: Following the disruptions caused by the pandemic, Canada has seen a gradual economic recovery. GDP growth has been steady, driven by consumer spending and a rebound in services, particularly in sectors like travel and hospitality.
- Inflation and Interest Rates: Inflation has been a significant concern, with the Bank of Canada adjusting interest rates to manage price stability. While inflation rates have moderated from previous highs, they remain a focus for policymakers, influencing consumer confidence and borrowing costs.
Individual Financial Services
Life Benefit Solutions and WP Pensions + Benefits
In 2024, we were excited to announce this new service available to our collective clients. Also known as IFS, Life Benefit Solutions has offered these services for many years. Whether a new employee or one thinking of retirement, our team specializes in assisting with individual financial planning – aggregating pension assets for example – and personalised insurance requirements.
Our Individual Financial Services (IFS) team offers:
- Personalized investment advice for individual accounts
- Pension consolidation
- Extensive knowledge on tax-exemption
- Retirement income projections
- Budgeting & financial wellness education
- Personal insurance analysis (life & critical illness)
- Regular market updates & communication
Learn more and access this service!
Webinar Series
In 2024, WP Pensions + Benefits and Life Benefit Solutions launched our quarterly webinar series. In 2025, we’ll continue to offer new and useful workshops. More information on the topics to come via our monthly newsletter.
- March 25, 2025
- June 24, 2025
- September 23, 2025
- December 16, 2025
Mark your calendars now!
Connecting with Community
- +75 Community visits
- +50 Group presentations with 1,000+ attendees
- +500 1:1 member consultations
Do you have members that would like to meet with a WP representative for a personalized pension consultation? Book a personal consultation – we’d love to help!
In a consultation members can discuss:
- Their current investments
- Their personal goals for retirement
- The retirement process
- Their investment options
- Their beneficiaries
- Tax exemption of their pension benefits and tax return filing
It was great to see you in 2024, let’s do it again in 2025!
2025 At-A-Glance
We’re already at work planning a fantastic 2025 for you. Here are some key dates to note:
March 10-14, 2025 – LNHL - Come visit us at our table!
March 25, 2025 – WP Webinar Series - Online
June 4-6, 2025 – WP Annual Conference - Niagara Falls
June 24, 2025 – WP Webinar Series - Online
September 23, 2025 – WP Webinar Series - Online
October 2025 – WP Fall Road Show - Burlington, etc.
December 16, 2025 – WP Webinar Series - Online
January – December 2025 – WP Monthly Newsletter - Email to subscribe
To stay up to date with what’s happening at WP, follow us on social media!
WP 27th Annual Conference
June 4-6, 2025 | Niagara Falls
Just four months away, we’re excited to already be planning for our WP Pensions + Benefits Annual Conference, an ongoing June tradition for over two decades, bringing together our clients from around the province. Together, we explore topics that matter for Indigenous well-being, including mental, emotional, workplace, and financial health. Join us for insightful conversations, expert workshops, and engaging keynote speakers.
Registration is now open and we look forward to seeing you in June.
Land Acknowledgement
We respectfully acknowledge that we live, work, and volunteer on the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit. Burlington, as we know it today, is mutually covered by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement between the Iroquois Confederacy, the Ojibway and other allied Nations to peaceably share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes.
From the Anishinaabeg to the Haudenosaunee, and the Métis – Indigenous Peoples who are our leaders, neighbours, and co-workers – WP Pensions + Benefits offers gratitude and respect. Our work is not possible without the generations of Indigenous people who came before us and continue on this shared journey towards truth and reconciliation.
WP Pensions + Benefits works to hold brave space where everyone feels welcomed, included, and heard.