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1. [pdf] Online Plan Member Enrolment Quick Reference Guide
2. 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. 
3. Celebrating our most popular Pivotal Select funds

   In August 2022, Equitable^® launched 12 new segregated funds in Pivotal Select’s Investment Class (75/75). We wanted to bring some new innovative solutions to the product, including six sustainable investment funds. To say the launch of these funds was successful would be an understatement.
   
   The funds are quickly becoming some of the most popular funds in Pivotal Select™, and their performance in 2023 was impressive. Equitable wants to celebrate these funds and encourage clients to consider them for their portfolios.
   
   As of February 29, 2024, nine out of the 12 funds received a 1st quartile ranking for their 1-year return and two more were 2nd quartile. The table below shows the new funds that ranked in the top two quartiles for their 1-year returns.

   
   

   Access additional fund performance information
   
   If you haven’t looked at these funds yet, now is the time. Speak to clients about their investment options and see if these funds fit within their investment portfolio.
   
   Talk to your Director, Investment Sales today for more information.

    

   Disclaimer

   Any amount that is allocated to a segregated fund is invested at the risk of the contractholder and may increase or decrease in value. Segregated fund values change frequently, and past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors do not purchase an interest in underlying securities or funds, but rather, an individual variable insurance contract issued by The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada. There are risks involved with investing in segregated funds. Please read the Contract and Information Folder before investing for a description of risks relevant to each segregated fund and for a complete description of product features and guarantees. Copies of the Contract and Information Folder are available on equitable.ca.

   Management Expense Ratios (MERs) are based on figures as of February 29, 2024, and are unaudited. MERs may vary at any time. The MER is the combination of the management fee, insurance fee, operating expenses, HST, and any other applicable non-income tax for the fund and for the underlying fund. For clients with larger contract values, a Management Fee Reduction may be available through the Preferred Pricing Program. For details, please see the Pivotal Select Contract and Information Folder.

   ® and TM denote trademarks of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.

    

   Posted April 18, 2024 

4. Market Comments - October 2024
   Key Takeaways for Q3
   · Central banks eased monetary policy by reducing their target interest rates.
   · Bond markets performed very well during the quarter as interest rates fell.
   · Risk markets experienced some volatility, but stock markets had robust returns.
   · Canadian stocks outperformed U.S. stocks in Q3, while the sources of returns in the U.S. market were more balanced and diversified than in the first half of the year.
    
   
   Views From the Frontline
   
   Bond Markets: During the third quarter, interest rates in both Canada and the U.S. moved significantly lower as markets anticipated that the Bank of Canada would continue – and the Federal Reserve would start – cutting rates. Additionally, the expectation became that the central banks would end up lowering rates more aggressively than previously assumed. That’s because inflation data has softened sufficiently to give the central banks the scope to ease policy, and other economic data, especially from the labour market, indicated the need for them to ease policy in order to prevent economic activity from cooling too much. For instance, in Canada, inflation slowed to the Bank of Canada’s 2% target, while the labour market showed warning signs with the unemployment rate rising to 6.6%. The Bank of Canada cut its target interest rate by 0.25% at each of its July and September meetings. Governor Macklem indicated that if growth does not materialize as expected, “it could be appropriate to move faster on interest rates”. In the U.S., the Federal Reserve kicked off its easing cycle by cutting its target rate by 0.50% in September. The growing signs of a cooling labour market amidst slowing inflation motivated the larger-than-typical move. That said, consumer spending in the U.S. continued to be strong, and GDP is still tracking a healthy growth rate.
   
   While interest rates fell, bonds returns were also boosted by solid behaviour of corporate bonds. Credit spreads (i.e. the risk premium for corporate bonds versus government bonds) continued to grind lower over the quarter. Tightening credit spreads reflected the generally positive risk-on tone to the market, despite some volatility.  Lower-rated BBB bonds performed better than higher-quality A-rated bonds.  Credit spreads have now generally fallen back to levels that are largely consistent with the tight post-pandemic levels experienced in 2021.  The on-going appetite of investors for the extra yield offered by corporate bonds over government bonds is indicated not just by falling credit spreads, but also by investors’ enthusiasm to support the primary issuance market. Corporate bond supply continues to be very robust, with $29B (billion) in new issuance during the quarter, resulting in an impressive $119B issued year-to-date, a new record.  Nonetheless, on balance, we do not think the current risk premium adequately compensates for downside risk, particularly in longer-dated corporate bonds, and have a bias towards shorter-dated credit where we view the risk / reward trade-off as being more favourable.
   
   Stock Markets: In the U.S., we continue to caution against heavily concentrated sources of market returns and emphasize a diversified portfolio. Last quarter, diversification proved essential as a multitude of factors heightened market volatility. These factors – which included the unwind of the yen carry trade, investor reactions to mixed mega-cap earnings, and concerns of a slowing labour market – drove investors away from mega-cap technology names and into defensive areas of the market. Following the Federal Reserve’s decision to reduce interest rates by 0.5%, sources of investment returns continued to broaden as investors rotated into economically-sensitive baskets. Underpinned by decelerating inflation and easing monetary policy, we believe the rotation away from the mega-cap tech names is likely to persist and we continue to emphasize portfolio diversification. In Canada, high-quality, high-yielding businesses – composed of the financial sector and non-financial dividend payers – outperformed over the quarter as investors rewarded companies that demonstrated a strong ability to sustain dividends, as well as greater efficiency generating profits. While we continue to favour these businesses, we have taken profit on our financial sector dividend exposure after a sharp reversion in the premium between value creation and current yield. In addition, Chinese officials introduced a wave of stimulus to revitalize growth, bringing life back to the metals and luxury goods sectors. Accordingly, Canadian and European equities have benefitted recently.
   
   Market Update
   Rates & Credit: In Q3, interest rates in both Canada and the U.S. decreased significantly, with front-end interest rates declining faster than long-end interest rates amid cooling inflation and a weakening labour market. As a result, the FTSE Canada Universe Index posted a positive return of 4.7%. Coincidentally, Canadian corporate bonds and government bonds each also generated returns of 4.7%, totally in-line with the Universe index. On the other hand, despite short-term interest rates falling much more than long-term interest rates, the higher price sensitivity of long-dated bonds had them outperform shorter-dated bonds, with the Long-Term bond index up 5.8% while the Short-Term bond index gained 3.4%.  Similarly, within corporate bonds, industries that have longer-dated debt (e.g. energy and infrastructure) outperformed those that tend to have shorter-dated debt (e.g. real estate and financials).
   
   Equity Overview: Underpinned by decelerating inflation data and easing monetary policy – including the outsize 50-basis cut from the Federal Reserve – prospects for an economic soft landing increased over the quarter. That favourable outlook spurred global equity markets to all-time highs, with previously lagging areas of the market narrowing the performance gap compared to the U.S. mega-cap technology names that had led returns in the first half of the year. Canadian equities outperformed their U.S. counterpart last quarter, rising 10.5% as strength in the banking and materials sectors pushed the index higher. Major developed markets from Europe, Australasia, and the Far East (EAFE) were more subdued, gaining 0.9% (in local currency terms) last quarter. That said, grand expectations for further interest rate cuts in the U.S. pushed the greenback to its lowest level in over a year, boosting EAFE returns to over 7% in U.S. dollar terms. Within the U.S., sources of market returns broadened as well, with investors rotating out of concentrated AI companies and into more economically sensitive businesses.  
   
   U.S. Fundamentals: Outside of the Magnificent 7, investors are interpreting downside earnings surprises as a normalization of financial performance rather than a deterioration. For example, McDonald’s share price rallied over 17% into quarter-end following its earnings release despite announcing declining sales and contracting earnings per share. Within the AI-ecosystem, investors are beginning to look for opportunities beyond chip manufacturers, such as nuclear energy providers. At an index level, our work shows that members of the Russell 1000 index, excluding the Mag-7, posted a median earnings growth of nearly 9% year-over-year, expanding from the ~6% witnessed in Q2. Furthermore, the number of companies from this group reporting positive earnings growth grew to approximately 67%, up from 60% in the prior quarter. In our view, the ongoing broadening of earnings strength outside of the Mag-7 can provide tailwinds to current market rotations into previously left-behind companies. Within the mega-cap tech space, investors have become more discriminant than in prior quarters, rewarding businesses with greater success monetizing their AI-investments. This trend was evident through the divergence of returns from IBM and Alphabet (Google’s parent company) following their quarterly earnings.
   
    
   U.S. Quant Factors: Decelerating U.S. inflation data prompted a rotation out of highly concentrated areas of the market (growth) and into more economically-sensitive companies (value). Then, concerns of a slowing U.S. labour market and the unwind of the yen carry trade increased market volatility, leading investors to shelter their positions by reallocating to low volatility. As the quarter progressed, expectations of easing monetary policy and stabilizing employment data helped calm return to the market and the rotation from mega-cap tech sector resumed, albeit at a lesser pace. Notably, this “catch-up” trade also benefitted dividend-paying companies, particularly those with a lengthy and established history of increasing dividends, as investors favoured those more mature operations.
   
   Canadian Fundamentals: Investors returned to the Canadian market after Canadian companies showed signs of recovery last quarter with earnings expanding by more than expected. With inflation showing clearer signs of deceleration and the outlook regarding the path of monetary policy increasingly implying lower interest rates going forward, investors are allocating toward high-quality, dividend-paying companies. From a sector level, surging gold prices provided a tailwind for Canadian miners, helping the materials sector outperform over the quarter. More recently, the materials sector has benefitted from elevated base metal prices following the arrival of Chinese stimulus. In contrast, oil prices declined over 16% last quarter as fears of an oversupplied market swelled following speculation that OPEC+ would look to dial back production cuts. As a result, investors looked past lingering geopolitical risks and the energy sector underperformed.
   
   Canadian Quant Factors: Amid an improving Canadian macroeconomic backdrop and clearer outlook on the trajectory of monetary policy, dividend-yielding businesses became sought after. More specifically, investors continued to emphasize dividend sustainability last quarter, rewarding dividend-paying businesses that demonstrated strong financial performance and the ability to support future payouts. For example, the major Canadian banks sharply outperformed in Q3 after reporting earnings growth that mostly exceeded expectations. In essence, investors have become more constructive on this high-yielding group as their ability to create value relative to financing costs improves.
   
   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
   Tyler Farrow, CFA Senior Analyst, Equity	Andrew Vermeer Senior Analyst, Credit	Elizabeth Ayodele Analyst, Credit	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. Important update regarding all paramedical appointments Update regarding parameds for NEW and EXISTING cases:
   • In the absence of Parameds, the preferred method is to complete the medical questions in EZComplete
   • If you didn’t complete the new medical information, then complete the Health Information Form #1878
   • If you are unable to complete the 1878 Health Information Form, then you can order a Video EPara through Dynacare or through Equitable
    For more information view this article: Underwriting Updates Including Additional Changes to Non-Med Limits.
   
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   Equitable Life has made the decision to temporarily stop all face-to-face field service appointments effective immediately to ensure the protection of both our Clients and Examiners. All appointments will be cancelled by ExamOne. Dynacare has already cancelled their appointments.
   
   We are doing this to support social distancing as requested by the Federal and Provincial governments. We are actively working on a plan to provide viable options in the absence of face-to-face paramedical service appointments. This will be communicated shortly.
   
    
6. 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.
7. Equitable Life Group Benefits COVID-19 Update

   The test of a great partner is one who stands tall when you and your clients need to rely on them most. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we thought you might find it helpful to have a summary of where we are during this crisis.

   You can download this PDF version to refer to when meeting with your clients.

   We are here with you and for you

   We’ve taken several steps to support you, your clients and their plan members during this crisis, including:

   • Providing premium refunds for insured, non-refund Health and Dental benefits;
   • Waiving the waiting period for short-term disability claimants who tested positive for COVID-19;
   • Extending out-of-country travel coverage for plan members who were unable to return to Canada;
   • Providing increased flexibility for premium payments; and
   • Keeping you and your clients informed with timely Q&As and announcements, webinars, and insights into the impact of COVID-19 on benefits plans.

   As well, to commemorate our 100^th Anniversary this year, we donated $4.5 million to purchase and install a new MRI for Grand River Hospital. And we donated $50,000 – $10,000 each – to five charities in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec. For more information about our celebrations, check out our website at www.equitable100.ca.

   We have adjusted our business to become digital

   Our business is near 100% digital, so the vast majority of our employees are now working remotely from home and are fully functional.  Since the pandemic began, our IT and operations teams have digitally enhanced more than 20 different processes and services to make it easier for us to integrate with our distribution partners in this new reality.

   We pride ourselves on our customer service

   In 2019, our dedication to customer service was recognized with outstanding survey results.

   • In a 2019 survey of customers from 15 life insurance companies,¹ Equitable Life ranked #1 on the Net Promoter Score, a measure used across industries to gauge the loyalty of a firm's customer relationships; and
   • A survey of Group consultants, brokers and third-party administrators ² ranked Equitable Life in the top two insurers across all categories.

   For 2020, we continue to deliver service at the same level with no disruptions during this crisis. Our Customer Care Centre remains open to support plan members and can be reached at 1.800.265.4556. And our Client Relationship Specialists are available for Plan Administrator questions and support.

   We are financially strong and stable

   We remain financially strong and continue to focus on meeting the needs of Canadians. At the end of the first quarter, our Life Insurance Capital Adequacy Test (LICAT) ratio is at 152.5%, well above our goal and the regulatory requirement.

   As the global situation continues to evolve, rest assured that Equitable Life is unwavering in our commitments to you and the communities we serve. We are here with you and for you. Please contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager if you have questions or need assistance.

    

    

   ¹  LIMRA CxP Customer Experience Benchmarking Program, Life Insurance In-Force Experience 2019

   ² NMG Consulting’s Canadian Group Benefits Survey 2019

8. See how choosing Equimax Participating Whole Life can help Raj plan for his family’s future
   Raj wants to buy life insurance. He has wealth he’s grown over the years. He wants it to go to his family. He likes what participating whole life has to offer.
   
   By choosing an Equimax participating whole life insurance policy with Equitable Life, Raj gets permanent insurance coverage with tax-advantaged cash growth. His policy can also earn annual dividend payments.
   
   He learns about how his premiums go into a participating account and are invested. Some of that investment can come back to him as dividends.
   
   With Equitable Life, dividends are shared only with participating policyholders. This makes Equimax Participating Whole Life an easy choice for Raj.
   
   Watch our new Dividends with Equitable Life of Canada video to learn more. View on Vimeo or YouTube.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   You can use this video to send to clients before or after meetings to help them understand Dividends with Equitable Life.
   
   Plus, visit our Equimax product page, then click on the Marketing Materials tab for the latest Dividend marketing materials.
   
   Need more information? Please contact your local wholesaler.
   
   
   
   ^® and ^™ denotes trademarks of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.
   To learn more about our dividend policy and participating account management policy, please visit www.equitable.ca/en/already-a-client/dividend-information/
   Dividends are not guaranteed and are paid at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors. Dividends may be subject to taxation. Dividends will vary based on the actual investment returns in the participating account as well as mortality, expenses, lapse, claims experience, taxes and other experience of the participating block of policies.
9. See why choosing EquiLiving Critical Illness Insurance is the right choice for Ayo’s family
   Ayo’s just returned from maternity leave. Her baby David and her husband are the most cherished people in her life. 
   
   But a neighbour’s cancer diagnosis leaves her wondering how she can protect her family if a serious illness were to affect them. 
   
   Learn why Ayo decided EquiLiving^_® Critical Illness insurance was the right choice for her family.
   
   Watch our new Critical Illness with Equitable Life of Canada video to learn more. View on Vimeo or YouTube.
   
   You can use this video to send to clients before or after meetings to help them understand the benefits of Critical Illness Insurance. Check out our prospecting letter, that you can personalize and send to your clients to tell them about Critical Illness Insurance. 
   
   Plus, visit our Critical Illness product page, then click on the Marketing Materials tab for the latest Critical Illness marketing materials.
   
   Need more information? Please contact your local wholesaler.
   
   
   
   View on Vimeo or YouTube.
   
   
    
   
   ^® and ™ denotes trademarks of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.
10. Financial planning concepts & tools