DECEMBER
2022
Since 1984
Topics In This Issue
  • Employment Insurance Program Changes
  • Recruitment In Today's Evolving Labour Market
  • Retain employees with a Co-operators Group RRSP/TFSA
  • Grand & Toy: Be winter ready with matting and floor cleaning supplies
  • Grand & Toy: Create an ergonomic workspace
  • Grand & Toy: 2023 Calendars and Planners
Employee Group Benefits
Employment Insurance Program Changes
How are employee benefits affected?

As promised in the 2021 budget, the federal government has modernized Employment Insurance (EI) to better reflect the current context. Recently, the government announced two significant changes.

The first is the increase of the EI insurable earnings from $60,300 to $61,500 annually thereby increasing the weekly maximum EI benefit to $650, effective January 2023. The second is a change to the sickness benefit period. The federal government has made a permanent extension of the benefit period from 15 to 26 weeks, effective December 2022.
Human Resources Consulting
Recruitment In Today's Evolving Labour Market
What can organizations do to attract new talent?

Retaining talent and attracting employees in today’s employment market has been challenging for many employers across the country and globally. In the world of HR, it’s being referred to as the “Great Resignation”. According to Statistics Canada, there are approximately 915,000 job vacancies across the country, 80% higher than in 2019. In another study recently conducted by Microsoft, 37% of Canadian workers said they are open to new opportunities.

This trend is being attributed to:

  • limited candidates with the right caliber of qualifications
  • people leaving traditional jobs to start their own business
  • people switching jobs or industries
  • employers competing for talent
  • rising inflation 

These are just some of the issues employers face as they race to fill vacancies and retain employees. Even though some Employers may be able to hire, their high attrition rates make it difficult to transfer knowledge to new employees. No doubt, this is having an impact on onboarding and ultimately productivity.
Group RRSP and TFSA
Why have a Co-operators Group RRSP/TFSA?
Gandalf group and abacus data survey on retirement and income:

•71% of Canadians are willing to forgo a higher salary for a pension/RRSP plan
•85% of Canadians say that all workers should have access to affordable retirement savings arrangements
•75% of employers agree there is an emerging retirement income crisis
•Employers believe pensions provide retirement income security for their staff, as well as offer a solution to the recruitment and retention challenges they face
Procurement and Shared Services
ASSOCIUM Divisions
Our employee group benefits division, being in business since 1997, gives us the experience to provide customized alternative plans and reduce administrative costs for our clients, while quoting sustainable rates at start up - and at renewal.
We're unique in the marketplace providing innovative and customized Advisor services: Managing General Agent, Third Party Administrator, Claims Adjudication, Specialty Drug Management / Preferred Pharmacy Network and Human Resources Consulting.
Since 1984, ASSOCIUM Consultants provides specialized human resource services, organizational development and expertise across a broad range of services.
Save money in all areas of your operational spend. Engage in shared services and group purchasing for your people, technology and product solutions. As a national affinity program, ASSOCIUM GAIN has huge buying power, which translates into significant discounts for our members. Membership fees are set annually according to the size of your organization and operating budget.
 Supporting the success of Canadian organizations since 1984 
416-867-9350 or 1-888-761-1164