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1. December 2023 eNews

   Insights on EZBenefits from our Executive Vice-President, Group Insurance

   
   When it comes to advising small business owners, it can be tough to find the right group benefits solution. Offering a competitive benefits plan is more important than ever to help small business owners attract and retain talent. They need an affordable solution that’s easy to implement, renew and maintain.
   
   That’s why we launched EZBenefits for small business earlier this year. It’s a unique group benefits solution designed with you and your small business clients in mind. 

   Marc Avaria, Executive Vice-President, Group Insurance, explains:

   Find out more

   Visit info.equitable.ca/EZBenefits for more details or to request a quote. If you have questions, contact your Equitable Group Account Executive.

   
   Supporting plan members through cold and flu season with Dialogue Virtual Healthcare*

   Now that cold and flu season is here, many Canadians will start calling in sick or missing work to visit their doctor – if they can get an appointment. Now’s the time to remind your clients that Equitable offers Dialogue Virtual Healthcare. It can be added to any Equitable plan for an additional cost.
   
   Eligible plan members and dependants receive fast, on-demand access to virtual primary medical care—24/7, 365 days a year. Available for a variety of non-urgent health concerns, Dialogue Virtual Healthcare can make it easier to navigate cold and flu season by providing:
   • Access to the largest, most experienced bilingual medical team in Canada,
   • In-app prescription renewals and refills,
   • Personalized follow-ups after each consultation, and
   • An all-in-one patient journey to address health issues. This reduces long waits and means less time away for doctor appointments.

   Benefits of Virtual Healthcare for plan sponsors

   When your clients provide Virtual Healthcare for their plan members, they can help:
   • Drive employee engagement;
   • Reduce absenteeism related to in-person medical appointments;
   • Manage chronic health issues;
   • Attract and retain top talent; and
   • Build a healthier workforce.

   Learn how it works

   Adding Dialogue Virtual Healthcare to your clients' plans

   To learn more about adding Virtual Healthcare to your clients’ benefits plans, contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex^® Account Executive. You can also share this resource from Dialogue on managing cold and flu season.

   
   Changes to Short-Term Disability benefits calculations*

   The Canada Employment Insurance Commission and Canada Revenue Agency have announced the 2024 changes to Maximum Insurable Earnings, and premiums for employment insurance. The following changes to Employment Insurance (EI) will take effect January 1, 2024:
   

   How does this affect your clients?

   To comply with client policy provisions, Equitable will revise Short-Term Disability (STD) benefits with the updated maximums based on the percentage of EI Maximum Weekly Insurance Earnings for policies that meet these conditions:

   • Policies that include a STD benefit that is tied to the EI Maximum Weekly Insurable Earnings, and
   • Policies with a classification of employees that has less than a $668 maximum.
   • The additional premium for any increase from their previous STD amounts and new STD amounts will be shown on your clients’ January 2024 Group Insurance Billings (as applicable). 

   If a client’s STD maximum is currently higher than $668 or based on a flat amount (not based on a percentage or regular earnings), no change will be made to their plan unless otherwise directed.
    
   If your clients wish to provide direction regarding revising their STD maximum, or have questions about the process, they can email Kari Gough, Manager, Group Issue and Special Projects.
   
   *Indicates content that will be shared with your clients. 
2. Update: Improved Employee Assistance from Homewood Health

   As we announced in June, we are expanding our relationship with Homewood Health to help you meet the mental health and wellness needs of your employees and their families. Beginning Oct. 1, 2019, Homewood will be the new provider of both our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) and our online health and wellness services.

   Following the transition to Homewood, plan members will benefit from added features:

   • Signing in to Homewood Health online allows the platform to customize content unique to your interests.
   • All plan members will have access to a Health Risk Assessment to help identify health and wellness barriers.
   • i-Volve, Homewood's online cognitive behavioural therapy program is available for all plan members to help them manage anxiety and depression.

   Learn more about Homewood Health and how they will be providing your plan members with exceptional EFAP and online health and wellness resources.

   What does the transition to Homewood mean for you and your plan members?

   We will be working with you in the coming months to facilitate the transition and support your employees. Most importantly, there will be no disruption of service delivery to employees who are currently in short-term counselling with our current EFAP provider.

   The transition timeline

   Groups without an EFAP

   Online health and wellness resources will be available through EquitableHealth.ca just as they are now. Here's what you can expect in the coming months.

   September   

   • We will send plan administrators an email with more details about the resources available to assist in the transition, including:
     • How to register for Homewood Health online
     • A video orientation for plan members

   October

   • October 1^st – plan members can access the Homewood online resources! They simply need to visit homeweb.ca/Equitable to sign up and create their unique login.

   The transition timeline

   Groups with an EFAP

   We’ve created a helpful infographic that outlines the steps involved in the transition to the Homewood Health EFAP over the coming months. Please save or print it for easy reference. Below are some of the highlights.

   August

   • We will send plan administrators an email with official notice that the enrolment certificate for our current EAP provider, LifeWorks, will terminate on Sept. 30, 2019, and that Homewood Health Inc. will be our new Employee Assistance Program provider as of Oct. 1.

   September   

   • Homewood will send you a welcome email, including how to access the EFAP, who to contact for support and where to find resources to help share the news with plan members.
   • Homewood will follow up directly to answer any questions you may have.
   • Homewood will begin offering orientation and training sessions for both plan administrators and plan members. These will be running throughout the fall so you can attend at your convenience. 

   October

   • October 1^st – plan members can access the Homewood EFAP and online resources! They simply need to visit homeweb.ca/Equitable to sign up and create their unique login.
   • Orientation and training sessions will continue to be available for both plan administrators and plan members throughout October.

   Learn More

   The resources listed below answer common questions about Homewood and our EFAP transition:

   • EFAP Transition Infographic
   • Homewood Health - Improving Life
   • EFAP Transition FAQ
   • About Homewood

   If you have a question that is not addressed here, please contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager.

3. Updates to Guaranteed Interest Account Applications
   New versions of the Guaranteed Interest Account (GIA) contract/applications will be available on July 20, 2024. The current versions can be used until July 19, 2024. GIA applications signed on or before July 19, 2024 must be received at Equitable® no later than July 26, 2024.  
   
   
    

   Changes will be made to the commission schedules (schedule A and B) on or around July 20, 2024. These changes include: 

   • an improved layout and formatting to improve readability, and  

   • decreases to the Daily Interest Account and Guaranteed Interest Account commissions. 

    

   To review the commission schedules, please login to EquiNet. Once you have logged in, you can access the commissions schedules by selecting “Contracting/Compensation” and selecting the “Compensation” option.  
    
   If you have any questions, please contact your Director, Investment Sales. 
   
   Posted July 18, 2024

4. Market Commentary January 2026
   
   Key Takeaways
   
   Full year 2025:
   • Government policy was very impactful for markets in 2025. U.S. trade policy unsettled markets in the first half of the year, as the U.S. implemented significant tariffs and engaged in tough negotiations with major trading partners. However, by mid-year, fiscal policy provided positive support for markets, particularly with the passing in the U.S. of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in July.
   • Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) continued to attract investment, particularly in the United States. This investment provided strong support for equity market performance.
   • Global equity markets delivered strong performance, most notably Canadian equities, which returned an impressive 31.7%.
   • Positive risk appetite supported solid corporate bond performance, which outpaced government bonds.
   
   Fourth Quarter:
   • U.S. equities advanced at a slower pace in the fourth quarter after a strong surge in the prior two quarters. Canadian equities outperformed U.S. equities, fueled by a powerful rally in the Materials, Consumer Discretionary, and Financials sectors.
   • Canadian bond markets posted slightly negative returns during the quarter as higher interest rates weighed on performance. Strong corporate bond performance partially offset weakness in government bonds.
   • Both the Bank of Canada and the U.S. Federal Reserve lowered policy interest rates during the quarter, with Canada dropping its benchmark rate by 25 basis points and the U.S. dropping its policy rate by 50 basis points. Both central banks signalled a cautious approach for further easing.
   
   Economic and Market Update

   Economic Summary: The U.S. economy continued to expand at a moderate pace, supported by strong consumer spending and AI investment. However, job growth slowed and the unemployment rate has edged higher. Inflation remains higher than the 2% target, despite easing trends. While some U.S. trading partners have made trade agreements, uncertainty remains regarding reciprocal tariffs, with a case before the U.S. Supreme Court as to their legality. The Federal Reserve lowered its policy interest rate twice during the quarter, first in October and again in December, to reach a target rate of 3.50% to 3.75%. Chair Powell cited downside risks to employment as a key factor behind the rate cut decisions and emphasized that officials are “well positioned” to wait and assess how the economy evolves.
   
   In Canada, U.S. tariffs on steel, aluminum, autos, and lumber have weighed heavily on these sectors. While most goods continue to enter the U.S. tariff-free due to the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (“CUSMA”), broader  uncertainty around U.S. trade policy is dampening business investment. Third quarter GDP growth exceeded market expectations, but growth tracked weaker in the fourth quarter amid the trade disputes. The labour market showed signs of improvement in the fourth quarter after earlier weakness. Headline inflation has hovered near the 2% target, while core inflation remained persistent. The Bank of Canada lowered its policy interest rate by 25 basis points to 2.25% in October and made no changes in December. Going into 2026, trade uncertainty remains with the CUSMA up for renegotiation. The Bank of Canada reiterated its readiness to respond if new shocks or accumulating evidence materially alter the outlook.
    

   Bond Markets: During the quarter, the FTSE Canada Universe Bond Index returned -0.3% as interest rates on Canadian bonds rose (bond prices fall as interest rates go up). The increase reflected reduced expectations for interest rate cuts by the Bank of Canada and a higher risk premium demanded by investors for long-term debt. Although interest rates increased, credit spreads (i.e. the extra yield on corporate bonds versus government bonds to compensate for their extra risk) continued to move lower. These lower credit spreads resulted in positive overall returns for corporate bonds in the quarter, despite the overall bond market recording a loss. Tightening credit spreads reflected the continued risk-on tone to the market. Despite some volatility, lower-rated BBB bonds generally performed better than higher-quality A-rated bonds. Credit spreads have now rallied back to the tightest spreads since the 2008 financial crisis, nearing the tightest spreads in history. Despite expensive levels, investors remain buyers of corporate bonds, evidenced not just by falling  credit spreads, but also by investors’ enthusiasm to support the primary issuance market. Corporate bond supply continues to set new records, with an impressive $37.5 billion in new issuance in the fourth quarter helping 2025 to exceed the prior year’s issuance. All told, 2025 saw an impressive $160 billion in new issuance via 358 new bonds, versus 2024’s prior record of $139 billion from 301 new bonds.
   
   
   Stock Markets: The fourth quarter marked a pivotal shift in the global equity market rally of 2025. After three quarters of a highly concentrated, tech-led rally in the U.S., cyclical and valueoriented sectors outperformed in Q4. The S&P 500 advanced at a slower 2.7% in the fourth quarter, reflecting a market that is recalibrating after an extended period of concentrated gains. Canadian equities outperformed U.S. equities as the S&P/TSX Composite returned 6.3% in the quarter, finishing the year with an impressive 31.7% return. That was its strongest annual gain since 2009. The strong returns in Canadian equities were fueled by a powerful rally in the Materials sector, supported by soaring gold and base metal prices, and reinforced by the resilience of the Consumer Discretionary and Financials sectors. Internationally, developed markets in Europe and Asia gained 6.2% for the quarter, bringing their annual return to 21.2%. This move signals a healthy rebalancing as global investors rotated into attractivelyvalued international equities to hedge against elevated U.S. valuations. Capital is now flowing toward regions and sectors offering stronger earnings visibility and defensive characteristics rather than purely speculative growth.
   
   
   U.S. Equities: U.S. equities entered the fourth quarter at elevated valuations. Despite fundamentally strong earnings growth, stock prices struggled to move higher because investor expectations were for even stronger growth. Technology remained the primary driver of earnings, but the sector faced intense pressure to prove its value. Specifically, investors questioned the pace at which companies could convert AI investments into actual revenue. Investors also worried that growth remained concentrated among too few companies rather than more broadly across the economy. Sector-wise, Communication Services emerged as the top performer for the full year due to significant margin expansion. This was driven by a wave of media-related merger activity and the successful use of AI to make digital advertising more efficient. Industrials also advanced as new tax incentives for domestic manufacturing boosted factory orders. Nevertheless, the market remains concentrated with the top ten stocks representing nearly 40% of the S&P 500 Index. This level of concentration makes the market vulnerable to sudden price swings. As inflation moderated and the Federal Reserve cut rates in December, investors shifted toward more defensive sectors and international equities. This rotation signals a preference for companies with stable cash flows over speculative growth.
   
   
   Canadian Equities: The Canadian market was a global standout during the quarter, supported by lower borrowing costs, a stable Financials sector, and rally in the prices of metals (including gold, but also base metals like nickel and copper). The Materials sector led the way as a weaker U.S. dollar and geopolitical tensions pushed gold to a record of US$4,550 per ounce in late December. For major mining companies, these prices generated record cash flow allowing them to raise dividends and buy back shares. The Bank of Canada interest rate cut supported both the Consumer Discretionary and Financials sectors, reducing borrowing costs, and helping banks maintain stable net interest margins. The Big Six Canadian Banks delivered strong earnings results in Q4. These were driven by a surge in capital markets activity and better-than-expected provisions for credit losses, as the economy remained resilient. Trading at 17 times forward earnings, the Canadian market appears attractively valued, prompting investors to shift away from U.S. volatility toward more tangible assets and reliable dividends.
   
   
   Bottom line:  The final quarter of 2025 saw a notable shift in investor positioning. As recession fears receded, attention turned to navigating a period of moderate economic expansion. In Canada, capital flowed into profitable, cash flow-generating companies in the Financials and Material sectors. Momentum in U.S. equities slowed as investors reduced risk amid caution around AI developments. Although major indices remain highly valued, opportunities persist in sectors and regions with stable cash flows and pricing power.
   
   
   Downloadable Copy
    

   Mark Warywoda, CFA VP, Public Investments	Ian Whiteside, CFA, MBA AVP, Public Investments	Johanna Shaw, CFA Director, Public Investments	Jin Li Director, Equity Investments
   Wanyi Chen, CFA, FRM Sr. Quantitative Analyst	Andrew Vermeer, CFA Senior Analyst, Credit	Elizabeth Ayodele  Analyst, Credit	Edward Ng Cheng Hin Analyst, Credit	Kate (Huyen) Vinh Analyst, Equity	Francie Chen Analyst, Rates

   
   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^® 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.
5. [pdf] Equitable GIF Advisor Guide
6. Now is a great time to look at bonds Bonds have a place in every investment portfolio. They help preserve capital and they offer predictable income. They help diversify portfolios and offer protection from both inflation and a volatile stock market.
    
   Over the past few years interest rates have been rising, which has created a great opportunity for bonds and bond funds. Rising interest rates have lowered the price of existing bonds and increased both the coupon rates for new bonds and yields on existing bonds. Plus, rising rates also create opportunities for capital gains if interest rates fall.
    
   Pivotal Select™ offers four great bond funds to help you diversify client assets. Three of the funds cover North American bonds, and one has a global focus. Learn more about these funds by visiting Equitable’s Fund Overview and Performance website.
    
   To learn why now might be the right time to revisit bonds for clients’ portfolios and more information about our funds, please contact your Director, Investment Sales.
    
   Also, if you missed the Equitable webcast, “Is it time to revisit bonds?” catch up On-Demand.
   
   Date posted: May 16, 2024
7. Exciting update: External transfer now available on EZtransact! We are thrilled to announce a new feature that will make your work easier and more efficient.
   
   What’s new this quarter? 
   The External Transfer function was introduced to Equitable’s EZtransact^® on May 14.
   
   Benefits of this enhancement:                                                                                                                                                                          
   This feature is part of our strategic plan to help make transactions smoother for you. It was already available in EZcomplete^®, and now it’s on EZtransact too. This means you won’t have to search for information about the relinquishing institution anymore. You can submit requests with ease.
   
   External Transfer Functionality:
   
   •  You can digitally request a transfer of funds from other institutions to Equitable.
   •  Information about the relinquishing institution will be available on EZtransact, so you don’t have to search for it.
   •  Both full and partial transfer requests are available.
   •  It’s available for registration types that don’t need the RC720/RC721 form and for individual accounts.
   If you have any questions, reach out to your Director, Investment Sales.
   
   When we work together, success is mutual.
   
   Date posted: July 3, 2025 
8. Fiera Capital
9. Claims payments and notifications will go fully digital on July 1, 2023 We are committed to providing a better benefits experience. We have secure and convenient digital options to make it easier for plan members to access and use their benefits plan, including EquitableHealth.ca and the EZClaim Mobile app.
   
   Most plan members are already using these tools to set up email claim notifications and direct deposit. They get their claim updates faster and their claims paid more quickly, right into their bank account.
   
   To help ensure that all plan members benefit from faster claim payments and notifications, we are making these services fully digital as of July 1, 2023. That means, in most cases, we will no longer mail paper claim cheques or explanation of benefits (EOB) notifications.**
   
   Plan members who haven’t already activated direct deposit and email notifications will need to activate these services via their plan member account on EquitableHealth.ca. 

   How we’ll help plan members get set up

   Fortunately, it’s simple for plan members to set up these features. And it only takes a few minutes. To make it even easier, we’ve created a Plan Member Guide to Getting Started Online. It includes simple instructions to help plan members use our digital features and get the most from their benefits plan. 
   
   We have also created a toolkit that plan administrators can email to their plan members to walk them through the simple steps. Access the toolkit here.
   
   And we’re available to guide plan members who may need help. They can call us at 1.800.265.4556 and select “Plan Member Web Support”. Our Client Care Centre Team is happy to help them activate these services. 

   How we’ll communicate with plan members

   We will start communicating this change to plan members in April. For plan members who aren’t taking advantage of these convenient features, we will send them an email to let them know about the change, with instructions and support on getting set up.
   
   We will also include an insert with all mailings of paper cheques and EOB notifications sent out. And we will post an announcement and banner on EquitableHealth.ca to let plan members know about the change.
    

   How we’ll support plan members who need extra help or accommodations

   After July 1, 2023, we will follow up with plan members who have not yet activated direct deposit or email notifications for their claims and provide any extra help and support they may need. And, of course, we’ll make exceptions for plan members who aren’t willing or reasonably able to use these features. 

   Questions?

   If you have any questions, please contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager.
   
   ** Disability claimants will continue to receive paper Explanation of Benefits notifications in the mail. Some pay-direct drug claims will also continue to be paid by cheque.
10. Digital tools for your clients and their plan members

    In this issue:

    • Digital tools for your clients and their plan members*
    • QDIPC updates terms and conditions for 2024*
    *Indicates content that will be shared with your clients.
     

    Digital tools for your clients and their plan members*

    Do your clients know how to use all the available digital tools in their Equitable® benefits plans? With useful features for both plan administrators and their members, it’s even easier for your clients to access their plans online. 

    Tools for plan administrators

    • Our online plan member enrolment tool lets groups and administrators add new plan members online without completing paper forms
    • The EquitableHealth.ca plan administrator portal makes it easy for plan administrators to manage their plan anytime and anywhere. Helpful features include:
      • A premium calculator to calculate monthly costs for plan members
      • A simple process for updating plan member information
    • Digital welcome kits provide personalized information directly to plan members through email
    • Easy, automated payment options help plan administrators avoid missed payments by offering pre-authorized debit or electronic funds transfer

    Tools for plan members

    • Our plan member portal at EquitableHealth.ca provides secure, 24/7 access to claims history and coverage details. It also lets members submit claims, and includes health and wellness resources
    • Electronic notifications and claims payments give plan members claim updates via email and deposit payments directly into their bank account
    • The Equitable EZClaim® mobile app lets plan members submit claims quickly and securely on-the-go from their mobile device
    • Digital benefits cards give plan members the convenience to access their benefits cards easily from a mobile device

    Help with digital benefits tools

    We’ve created a brochure and video guide to help plan members use digital tools for a smoother, more convenient benefits experience. 
    
    Plan members can contact us at 1.800.265.4556 and select the option for Web Support if they need further assistance.
     

    QDIPC updates terms and conditions for 2024*

    Every year, the Quebec Drug Insurance Pooling Corporation (QDIPC) reviews the terms and conditions for the high-cost pooling system in the province.
    
    Based on its latest review, QDIPC is revising its pooling levels and fees for 2024 to reflect trends in the volume of claims submitted to the pool, particularly catastrophic claims. These updates take effect January 1, 2024. You can view the updates here.
    
    We will apply the new pooling levels and fees to future renewal calculations that involve Quebec plan members.
    
    If you have any questions, please contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Account Executive.