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  1. Text Notifications keep you informed in real time on your Equitable individual insurance business Our text notification program that we launched a year ago has been very successful. Thousands of tech-savvy advisors like yourself are currently taking advantage of text message updates on their Equitable new business application status.
     
    Approximately 70% of new Equitable insurance applications submitted are choosing to receive real-time status updates via text notifications.
     
    Not using Text Notifications yet?
    To opt-in, next time you submit an online insurance application, simply check 'Yes' on the Advisor Report when asked “Would you like to receive text notifications (SMS) regarding this application?”  You can opt-out at anytime by texting "Stop."
     
    Questions? Contact your wholesaler for more information.
  2. Lin covers her life, her partner, her home, and business with Equitable’s Term Life insurance Lin has just opened her new business. Her partner Terri has supported her through it all, managing the bills and the mortgage so Lin can focus on getting her store established. Lin knows they’ve both worked so hard to achieve what they have.

    She wants to make sure they’re covered in case anything happens to either of them.
    With Equitable Life® Term Insurance, Lin can get affordable life insurance, which covers her and Terri’s current needs but is also flexible enough to change as their needs change.

    This video can help you start the conversation with clients about Term insurance. It walks them through the different term options and the value of being able to convert term coverage to a permanent life insurance policy later on. It also details the KINDTM benefits that are currently available with Term insurance.

    Not sure where to start? Send clients this prospecting letter, which you can personalize specifically for them.
    Plus, check out our Term product page, then click on the Marketing Materials tab for the latest Term marketing materials.

    Want to learn more? Reach out to your local wholesaler.



    Watch our new Term insurance with Equitable Life of Canada video to learn more. See it on Vimeo or YouTube.



     
    ® and ™ denote trademarks of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.
  3. Announcing Equitable Life's National Biosimilar Program Beginning March 1, 2024, we are expanding our biosimilar switch program nationally** to protect all our clients and to make our coverage consistent across Canada.

    Our national biosimilar initiative will simplify drug plan coverage, replacing our provincial programs with one program across the country.
     

    Why now?

    Over the past few years, most provinces have introduced policies to delist some originator biologic drugs. They require most patients to switch to biosimilar versions of those drugs to be eligible for coverage under their public drug plans. Soon, it is expected that all provincial drug plans will cover only biosimilars.

    In response, we have implemented biosimilar switch initiatives in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia to align with these provincial changes. Our initiatives are designed to protect our clients from additional drug costs that may result from these government policies while providing access to equally safe and effective lower cost biosimilars.
     

    How will this affect clients’ drug plans?

    Because we have already introduced biosimilar switch initiatives in most provinces, the impact of this change will be minimal. It will primarily affect plan members in provinces or territories where we haven’t already required the switch to biosimilars, and plan members who are taking biosimilars that were not originally included in the switch initiative for their province. 

    Regardless of where they live, plan members across Canada will no longer be eligible for most originator biologic drugs if they have a condition for which Health Canada has approved a lower cost biosimilar version of the drug. Plan members already taking the originator biologic will be required to switch to a biosimilar version of the drug to maintain coverage under their Equitable plan. We will support their transition with education, personalized communication, and resources.
     

    Will this change affect clients' rates?

    Any cost savings associated with the change will be factored in at renewal.


    What is the difference between biologics and biosimilars?

    Biologics are drugs that are engineered using living organisms like yeast and bacteria. The first version of a biologic developed is known as the “originator” biologic. Biosimilars are highly similar to the drugs they are based on, and Health Canada considers them to be equally safe and effective for approved conditions.
     

    Advance notice

    We will be communicating with affected claimants in early December to allow them ample time to change their prescription and avoid any interruptions in their treatment or their coverage. 

    If you have any questions about this change, please contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Account Executive.


    **Excludes plan members in Quebec who participate in a separate provincial program. 
  4. Message from Equitable President and CEO Fabien Jeudy

    I’m pleased to share our new brand with you. It’s an expression of our renewed purpose and commitment to work together, with our partners, to focus exclusively on our clients, protecting today and preparing tomorrow.

    Our commitment to you

    The new Equitable® brand signifies our focus on making it even easier to do business with us. To continuously refresh our products to meet the evolving needs of Canadians. And to strengthen our partnerships that enable growth and positive outcomes. The result is an uncompromising commitment to our clients, our partners, our advisors, and our people.

    A year of transitioning to our new brand

    Over the next year, we’ll make the transition away from our legacy look as our new look starts to emerge.  We’ll invest in building more brand awareness so that together we can help even more Canadians. What you should know is that no matter old or new, our commitment is always focused on our clients, together with our partners.

    Join us in the journey

    We’ll provide more details on the changes we’re making, and we welcome you to join in the journey. I encourage you to reach out to your Equitable point of contact or visit equitable.ca to learn more.

     
    Why Equitable? The Power of Together.  
    View video on Vimeo.

     
    Equitable’s New Logo.
    View video on Vimeo.


    Sincerely,
    Fabien Jeudy
    President and CEO

  5. Equitable Life Dynamic U.S. Monthly Income Fund Select

     

    As a Global Equity Balanced asset class, investors benefit from long-term capital growth through investments that include a broad range of U.S. equity and debt securities. Check out Equitable Life Dynamic U.S. Monthly Income Fund Select in this issue of Fund Focus. The Fund aims to provide long-term capital appreciation and income by investing primarily in a broad range of U.S. equity and debt securities, focusing on a value investment approach when selecting equity securities. 






     

    Key highlights  

    • Actively manages access to the U.S. (one of the broadest and deepest markets in the world).  

    • Ability to tactically shift asset allocation to take advantage of changing market conditions.  

    • Aims to provide stability and growth to investors while providing interest and dividend income.  

     

    For more information, check out Equitable Life Dynamic U.S. Monthly Income Fund Select or contact your Regional Investment Sales Manager. 

    Posted November 2, 2023
  6. EAMG Market Commentary October 2023

     

    October 20, 2023

    Rates & Credit - Interest rates increased steadily in Q3 against the backdrop of sticky inflation, strong economic growth, and a tight labour market. In Canada, corporate bonds outperformed government bonds and the broader FTSE Canada Universe Index during the quarter, with a loss of 2.2%, versus a loss of 4.4% for government bonds and a loss of 3.9% for the overall index. The outperformance was primarily driven by the fact that the corporate bond index is less sensitive to interest rates movements (as compared to the government index), all else being equal. The outperformance was also driven by an improvement in risk-appetite, with lower-rated BBBs slightly outperforming higher-rated A bonds. Industries with higher interest rate exposure such as infrastructure, energy, and communications underperformed those with less (notably financials and securitization), consistent with the overall shift in the yield curve.

    Equities Lose Traction – Global equity markets lost momentum last quarter with the TSX declining 2.2% while major developed economies from Europe, Australasia, and the Far East (EAFE) fell 1.3% in local currency terms. U.S. equity markets, while falling approximately 3.3%, were cushioned by a strong greenback, with the index declining only 1% in Canadian dollar terms. With inflation prints continuing to be stubbornly high and employment data remaining strong, central bankers emphasized their commitment to a higher-for-longer approach to monetary policy. The hawkish tones out of the Federal Reserve pushed bond yields higher and consequently, pressured equities lower. Furthermore, mixed economic data out of China rattled investor sentiment over the quarter as global growth forecasts came under scrutiny.

    U.S. Fundamentals – Although U.S. earnings continue to contract on a year-over-year basis, companies surpassed expectations with investors remaining highly focused on signs of deteriorating operating margins. After bouncing off Q1 2022 lows, forward earnings guidance continues to improve on a quarterly basis. Based on our analysis, ~35% of major companies revised earnings forecasts higher (+2% versus Q2) while ~33% held expectations constant, with the balance expecting deteriorating financial performance. Overall, improved efficiencies through cost-cutting measures and stronger-than-expected pricing power have contributed to resilience in operating margins, and therefore renewed optimism about forecasted financial performance.

    Equal Weight S&P 500 versus S&P 500 – Persistent crowding into mega-cap technology stocks – which has driven the majority of market returns year-to-date in the U.S. – slowed at the beginning of the summer before reaccelerating into quarter end. The persistence of this trend has resulted in the equal-weighted version of the S&P 500 index returning a mere 1.8% over the first three quarters of the year, markedly lower than the 13.1% return observed from the S&P 500. We continue to emphasize that a crowded market surge is not uncommon during late stages of the economic cycle, and we remain focused on delivering optimal risk-adjusted returns with quantitative factors.

    U.S. Quant Factors – The quality-growth areas of the market continued to outperform last quarter with market participants seeking large cash-rich companies with innovative product offerings and stable operating margins. That said, the pricing power of these companies has weakened more recently with consumers having depleted pandemic-era savings and stimulus. As such, fundamentals are beginning to appear overvalued. Low volatility stocks (i.e. stocks with lower sensitivity to broad market movement and lower price volatility) performed in-line with the overall market for most of the summer before underperforming into quarter-end when crowding into big-tech returned. While top-line projections are forecasted to post stable growth, the basket’s relatively lower operating margins remain a headwind amid surging interest rates. Dividend growth companies, which include businesses with a lengthy and established history of increasing dividends, performed approximately in-line with the broader index over the quarter. With the market forecasting overly-negative fundamental performance, this factor is positioned as a contrarian opportunity in the market.

    Canadian Fundamentals – Unlike those in the U.S., Canadian companies reported shrinking operating margins in general, pressuring equity pricing. Like in the U.S., Canadian corporate earnings were mostly consistent with expectations but continue to contract on a year-over-year basis. The energy sector benefitted from a ~30% increase in oil prices during the quarter, as OPEC’s restrictive oil production schedule pushed crude markets deeper into under-supplied territory. Those higher energy prices buoyed performance of stocks in the energy sector, one of only two sectors with positive performance during the quarter, helping partially offset softer-than-expected results out of the financials and communications sectors. Meanwhile, the Bank of Canada continued with its hawkish monetary policy by raising its overnight interest rate by another 25 basis points, bringing it to 5%. Their efforts to slow economic growth are beginning to cause some deterioration in fundamentals and, with one quarter remaining, analysts are expecting Canadian earnings to contract ~9% for the year.

    Canadian Quant Factors – With central banks around the world continuing to hike interest rates and uncertainty surrounding China’s economic health, global growth prospects fluttered over the quarter. The cyclical nature of the Canadian market, and therefore its reliance on global partners, saw equity prices put under pressure by growth concerns. As a result, the quality bucket benefitted from defensive positioning by investors and thus resumed its climb in Canada. Investors continue to prefer mature, large businesses that are better positioned in a restrictive economic environment due to their more stable operating margins. The value factor – which was beaten down in Q2 – rebounded last quarter with supply-driven energy strength helping to propel energy stocks higher. Low volatility initially displayed similar performance to the TSX, but energy’s rapid surge into the end of summer pressured the group lower. Given higher risk-free rates, the dividend factor also underperformed over the quarter, with dividend yields becoming less attractive on risk adjusted basis.


    Views From the Frontline

    Rates – Both nominal and real – rose sharply in Q3 to levels not seen since the Great Financial Crisis of 2008. A healthy labour market, strong consumer spending, persistent inflation and excess supply concerns drove the interest rate increase. Although the economy is starting to witness a deceleration in consumer spending and tighter credit conditions, central banks remain committed to maintaining a higher policy rate for longer to bring inflation back to the 2% target.

    Credit – The risk premium for corporate bonds (versus government bonds) has been range-
    bound over the past quarter as investors’ evaluations of a variety of scenarios have evolved: soft-landing versus a recession, geopolitical uncertainty, further central bank increases, among other things.  On the balance, we do not think the current risk premium adequately compensates for downside risk, and as such, we remain cautious on corporate bonds and have a bias towards higher-quality, shorter-dated credit where we view the risk / reward dynamic as being more favourable. 

    Equities – Geographically, we began the quarter with a preference for U.S. equities relative to Canada and EAFE. In-line with our expectations, U.S. stocks outperformed the two regions in Canadian dollar terms. That said, weakness in the Euro versus the Canadian dollar was a headwind for our EAFE exposure. With earnings yield – which is the percentage of earnings relative to price – becoming less attractive compared to risk-free rates in the U.S., and the greenback strength becoming overstretched from a technical perspective, we have pared back our overweight U.S. position. Moreover, with Chinese officials focusing efforts on the introduction of new stimulus packages, we believe that more cyclical markets like Canada and EAFE will retrace some of their losses in the near term. Within the U.S., we entered Q3 with a constructive view on high quality growth segments of the market that provide strong operating margins during the current late economic cycle conditions. The factor moved in-line with our expectations, as highlighted in the “U.S. Quant Factor” section, and we are tactically decreasing our exposure amid stretched fundamentals. In Canada, we continue to prefer high-quality companies due to their strong fundamentals, with the group currently displaying momentum versus the broader TSX. Tactically, we are participating in the oil supply shock through the value factor.


    Downloadable Copy

     
    Mark Warywoda, CFA
    VP, Public Portfolio Management    		 Ian Whiteside, CFA, MBA
    AVP, Public Portfolio Management    		 Johanna Shaw, CFA
    Director, Portfolio Management    		 Jin Li
    Director, Equity Portfolio Management
     
    Mohamed Bouhadi, CFA
    Senior Analyst, Rates    		  
    Tyler Farrow
    Analyst, Equity    		  
    Andrew Vermeer
    Analyst, Credit    		  
    Elizabeth Ayodele
    Analyst, Credit
     
     
    ADVISOR USE ONLY
     
    Any statements contained herein that are not based on historical fact are forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements represent the portfolio manager’s best judgment as of the present date as to what may occur in the future. However, forward-looking statements are subject to many risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, and are based on the portfolio manager’s present opinions and views. For this reason, the actual outcome of the events or results predicted may differ materially from what is expressed. Furthermore, the portfolio manager’s views, opinions or assumptions may subsequently change based on previously unknown information, or for other reasons. Equitable Life of Canada® assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information contained herein. The reader is cautioned to consider these and other factors carefully and not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Investments may increase or decrease in value and are invested at the risk of the investor. Investment values change frequently, and past performance does not guarantee future results. Professional advice should be sought before an investor embarks on any investment strategy.

    Posted November 3, 2023
  7. Reminder: New 350 Life and CI Applications In early August, Equitable® updated the privacy and legal sections on some forms. This included the 350 Paper Application for Life and/or Critical Illness Insurance. This change was also applied on our websites and our online application EZComplete®. These changes are part of Bill 64. The Bill is about the protection of personal and private information in Quebec and took effect on September 1st, 2023.

    Due to this change, we ask that all advisors use the latest version, dated May 2023, of the paper application.

    For applications in Quebec, the latest version must be used. 

    For all regions outside Quebec, we are supporting a transition period from ‘old’ to ‘new’ applications until December 31st, 2023. After this date, we will no longer accept older versions of our Life and Critical Illness applications.








    To make sure you are using the latest version of the application, check the date on the title page. It should say May 2023. See the image below:

    Form-350-Image-EN-(1).jpg

    To order paper copies, click here.

    To learn more about Bill 64, please visit Assemblee nationale du Quebec - Bill 64. You may also contact your wholesaler.

    ® denote a registered trademark of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.
  8. Tax impacts of the Canadian Dental Care Plan for your clients

    Tax impacts of the Canadian Dental Care Plan for your clients*


    Earlier this year, the government shared its progress on the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). 

    The CDCP will be available to Canadians with an annual family income of less than $90,000 who do not have dental benefits. Co-pays will be waived for eligible Canadians with a family income of less than $70,000. 

    Canadians who have access to private dental coverage are not eligible for the CDCP. This means that your clients must now report on T4s/T4As if dental coverage** was available on December 31 of the reporting tax year for:
    • Employees,
    • Employees’ spouses and/or dependents,
    • Former employees, and
    • Spouses of deceased employees.
    **Potential dental coverage includes Health Care Spending Accounts.

    This new tax reporting requirement is mandatory starting with the 2023 tax year. Employee tax slips will include new boxes for employers to complete:
    • Box 45 (T4): Employer Offered Dental Benefits. This new box will be mandatory.
    • Box 015 (T4A): Payer Offered Dental Benefits. This new box will be mandatory if plan sponsors report in Box 016, Pension or Superannuation. The box will otherwise be optional.
    Your clients should complete the boxes using the code system below. They should choose the appropriate code based on whether Dental coverage was available to the plan member – not whether the plan member has chosen to participate in the coverage.  For example, if a plan member has waived coverage or has chosen not to participate in the plan, they would still have access to coverage.
    • Code 1: The plan member has no access to dental care insurance or coverage of dental services of any kind.
    • Code 2: Only the plan member has access to any dental care insurance, or coverage of dental services of any kind.
    • Code 3: The plan member, their spouse and their dependents have access to any dental care insurance, or coverage of dental services of any kind. 
    • Code 4: Only the plan member and their spouse have access to any dental care insurance, or coverage of dental services of any kind. 
    • Code 5: Only the plan member and their dependents have access to any dental care insurance, or coverage of dental services of any kind. 
    Your clients can find further information about completing tax slips for employees on the Canada Revenue Agency’s website:

    Reports for dependents

    We have a report available for plan members who have enrolled their dependents in benefits coverage. Your clients can contact their local service team representative to receive a copy of the report. We are working to make it available on our Advisor and PA websites.
     

    Questions

    For guidance on your tax slips and reporting obligations, please encourage your clients to contact their accountant, payroll provider or tax advisor.
     

    Supporting plan members affected by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict*


    Traumatic events continue to unfold in the Middle East. Enduring ongoing news of conflict and suffering could challenge many Canadians. During this difficult time, Equitable encourages affected clients and plan members to access the mental health support they need. 


    Support available to all Equitable plan members

    Large-scale traumatic news events can cause people to experience intense reactions. This puts a lot of strain on their mental health. Having coping mechanisms to deal with the current crisis can be a huge help. Any Equitable Life plan member who needs mental health support can visit Homeweb.ca/equitable to access online resources or contact Homewood at 1.888.707.2115.  
     

    Support available to plan members with the Homewood Health EFAP

    For your clients that have purchased Homewood Health’s Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), remind them that their plan members also have access to confidential counselling services. The EFAP provides plan members with 24/7 access to confidential counselling through a national network of mental health professionals. Whether it’s face-to-face, by phone, email, chat or video, plan members and their dependent family members will receive appropriate, timely support for the issue they’re dealing with. 
      

    Questions? 

    If you need more information, contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex account executive.

    *Indicates content that will be shared with your clients. 
  9. EXCITING NEWS! Digital Transactions for Universal Life Plans Now Available We are happy to announce a major update to our digital systems that makes managing Equitable Universal Life (UL) policies easier than ever. Starting now, you can use digital transactions to submit your clients’ instructions to change their UL deposit allocations and transfer funds between accounts.
     
    This update builds on the recent launch of our digital policy loan request on EquiNet® and is another step towards making your Equitable® experience easier and more convenient.

    What's New?
    In the past, you had to submit written requests for UL deposit allocation changes and account value transfers using the Universal Life Form 693UL (you can still use this method if you prefer).
     
    Now, you can manage these transactions directly through the secure EquiNet advisor portal. This new process also allows clients to securely approve their requested changes by email.
     
    To get started, simply log into your account on EquiNet and go to the Policy Inquiry tab.
    We have provided a brief user guide to help you through the steps.
     
    We trust that this digital upgrade will enhance the way you work with Equitable. Stay tuned for more digital enhancements in the near future!
     
    Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
     
    Questions? For more information, please reach out to your wholesaler or our customer service team.
     
     
    ® or TM denotes a trademark of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.
     
  10. 2023 Holiday Hours The Holiday season brings thoughts of gratitude, and there is no better time to express our thanks and sincere appreciation for your dedication and commitment to Equitable Life.
     
    Thank you for your support this past year and for trusting Equitable Life with your Individual Insurance and Savings & Retirement business. Happy Holidays!
     
    Client Care Centre Holiday Hours
    Friday December 22, 2023 - 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. ET
    Monday December 25, 2023 – CLOSED
    Tuesday December 26, 2023 – CLOSED
    December 27, 28 and 29, 2023 - 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. ET
    Monday January 1, 2024 - CLOSED

    Savings & Retirement
    To settle on December 22, 2023, the transaction must be received that day by 11:00 a.m. ET
    To settle on December 29, 2023, the transaction must be received that day by 11:00 a.m. ET


    Individual Insurance
    Underwriting
    ● Underwriting must receive all evidence and outstanding Underwriting requirements by December 15th- at the latest. Underwriting will then be able to decision these cases by December 21st. This will give the New Business team December 21st – December 29th to issue and settle policies.  

    New Business
    ● New Business will continue to process all issue and settle requirements every business day until the last working day of the year – December 29th. New Business needs to receive ALL final settle documents in Good Order within our posted service standards. We are currently operating at a 3 business day turn around time.

    Field Payroll
    ● Second Last Pay Period for 2023 – December13, 2023 to December 19, 2023 (Transmission/Statement date December 20, 2023)
    ● Last Pay Period of 2023 – December 20, 2023 to December 29, 2023 (Transmission/Statement date January 2,2024)
    ● First Pay of 2024 – January 1, 2024 to January 9, 2024 (Transmission/Statement date on January 10,2024)  

    Daily Pay will run on business days.

     
    Please note that all requirements must be received in Head Office by the above dates to guarantee settlement for year end.