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  1. Path to Success Module 3
  2. Important notice: Funds with Deferred Sales Charges The Canadian Council of Insurance Regulators (CCIR) is requiring all insurance companies to discontinue the sale of segregated funds with deferred sales charges (DSC) effective June 1, 2023. This also impacts ongoing or new deposits to some existing segregated fund accounts. Please contact any Equitable Life clients who may be impacted.
     
    How this impacts clients:
    In response to the insurance regulator’s recommendation, Equitable Life® will be making changes to the administration of certain segregated fund products, which may impact clients. The details are outlined below:
     
    Pivotal Select™ segregated fund product
    On or about May 29, 2023:
    • Funds with DSC or Low Load (LL) sales charge options will be closed to additional deposits. Future deposits must be allocated to the No Load (NL) sales charge option of the funds available within the policy.
    • Any existing amounts held in DSC or LL funds are not impacted and will retain the existing deferred sales charge schedule outlined in a client’s contract. The annual 10% available (20% for RIF policies) for withdrawal without fees continues to apply through to the expiry of the fee schedule.
    • If the default deposit instructions that a client previously provided include funds with DSC or LL sales charge options, these instructions will be automatically updated to the NL sales charge option of the same fund for all future deposits.
    • If a client has pre-authorized scheduled deposits into funds with the DSC or LL sales charge options, these instructions will be automatically updated to the NL sales charge option of the same funds for all future deposits.
    • In alignment with our current administrative rules, if a client has DSC or LL funds, they will not be able to make deposits into No Load Chargeback funds (NLCB and NLCB5) within the same policy.
     
    Legacy segregated fund products
    Ongoing deposits to DSC funds are permitted when a segregated fund product does not have an alternative sales charge option available within the contract. This applies to the following products:
    • Personal Investment Portfolio
    • Pivotal Solutions II
    • Pivotal Solutions DSC
    As a result, clients who own these types of products may continue to make new deposits to the DSC funds within their policy. Any new segregated fund deposits, as well as any existing segregated fund amounts within their policy will retain the deferred sales charge schedule outlined in their contract.

    If a client plans on making additional deposits, they may be interested in alternative sales charge options that do not include DSC. For example, Equitable Life offers “No Load” (NL) and “No Load Chargeback” (NLCB and NLCB5) sales charge options within the Pivotal Select segregated fund contract. In these situations, a new application would need to be completed and submitted.

    Please note that draft regulation in Quebec is currently under review which may impact Equitable Life’s approach for Quebec clients with legacy segregated fund products.

    Equitable Life will continue to monitor provincial regulatory developments and adjust our approach as needed.
     
    Client communication
    We will be sending clients a letter within their December 31, 2022, statement describing their options, and the impacts to their policy (if applicable). We recommend that you contact clients to discuss the contents of Equitable Life’s letter and provide any advice that they may need regarding ongoing deposits to their segregated funds. You can access a copy of the client letter here:

     If you have any questions, please reach out to our Advisor Services Team at 1.866.884.7427.

    December 23, 2022

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

  3. Convertibility - The Power of Term
  4. Levelizing taxes on fixed income investments
    A smart strategy to promote with clients
    Many clients choose fixed income investments because they are more stable and predictable than other investment types. However, there is a downside to this approach that many don’t think about – taxes, which increase as the investment grows. As an advisor, you can help clients reduce some of the money they pay in taxes by suggesting a different approach.

    The tax challenge
    In most cases, fixed income investments are taxed yearly. To pay these taxes, clients usually take out some of the interest income earned, and leave the rest invested. This in turn increases the tax that must be paid on the interest earned the next year. As a result, a large amount of the investment income earned each year goes straight to taxes with a growing amount of tax that must be paid each year. You can show clients a solution that can help lower total taxes they pay on their fixed income investments. 

    The solution: levelize the tax
    Using participating whole life (WL) insurance as part of a financial solution, you can help clients levelize their annual tax payment. And lower the cumulative tax they must pay on their fixed income investments. 



    How it works 
    Each year the client takes out the full amount of the interest earned on the fixed income investment. They leave only the principal amount. Part of the interest income withdrawn is used to pay the taxes on the fixed income investment. The remaining amount is used to pay premiums for a participating WL policy. Because the client is leaving only the principal amount invested, the tax they pay each year is a levelized amount. This reduces the cumulative taxes they pay over the life of the fixed income investment.

    With this solution, the value of the fixed income investment along with the potential value provided by the participating WL policy, can mean a higher estate value. And a lower cumulative tax bill than what can be achieved through only the fixed income investment.

    The participating life insurance not only provides valuable life insurance coverage, but also offers tax-advantaged growth and the potential for dividends. 

    To help explain this concept to individual clients, feel free to share Levelize the tax on your fixed income investments with participating whole life (1799).

    This concept also works with corporate owned participating whole life policies. Feel free to share Levelize the tax on fixed income investments with corporately-owned participating whole life (1874).  

    Why it matters
    This solution isn’t just about lowering taxes. It’s about helping clients grow their money, plan for their future, and protect what matters most. As an advisor, guiding clients toward solutions that address both immediate and future needs can set you apart and help build trust.

    Contact your wholesaler to learn more.
  5. The average FHSA balance is $3,899—Let’s help clients aim higher The First Home Savings Account (FHSA) is a powerful tool for Canadians working toward homeownership. With tax-deductible contributions and tax-free withdrawals for qualifying purchases, it’s designed to make saving easier and more rewarding.

    Yet, with a lifetime contribution limit of $40,000 and an annual cap of $8,000, many clients may not be taking full advantage. The average FHSA balance currently sits at just $3,899*, leaving plenty of room for growth.

    Equitable offers three straightforward strategies to help clients boost their FHSA contributions and get closer to their first home—faster:

    Set it and forget it with automated contributions
    Consistency is key. By setting up automatic monthly deposits of up to $667, clients can effortlessly reach the annual maximum of $8,000. Equitable makes it easy to schedule recurring transfers from a bank account, helping clients stay on track without the hassle of manual deposits.

    Make the most of windfalls with lump sum deposits
    Bonuses, tax refunds, or inheritances can be powerful savings tools. Equitable allows clients to make one-time contributions anytime, helping them catch up on unused FHSA room from previous years and accelerate their savings.

    Transfer from RRSPs—tax-free
    Clients who’ve already been saving in an RRSP can transfer those funds into their FHSA—up to their available contribution room—without triggering taxes. This strategy lets them benefit from the FHSA’s tax-free withdrawal feature while staying within their overall savings plan.

    Bonus Opportunity: Win big with the Close to Home contest
    From May 1 to September 30, 2025, clients who contribute to an Equitable FHSA will be entered to win one of two $8,000 prizes. Whether opening a new account or making a contribution, it’s a great chance for clients to get closer to homeownership.

    Advisors, your efforts matter too!
    You have a chance to win a $1,000 prize if the client you are assisting, in alignment with their unique homeownership needs, is selected as a winner. At Equitable, we believe that when we grow together, success is mutual.
    Don’t forget about Equitable’s user-friendly online application platform, EZcomplete®, or process an online transaction with ease using Equitable’s EZtransact®. These tools are fast, simple, and could bring clients closer to achieving their goals.

    Want to learn more? Speak to your Director, Investment Sales.

    * Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/first-home-savings-account/fhsa-statistics.html
    ® and ™ denote trademarks of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.
    Equitable’s Close to Home Contest: No purchase necessary. Contest period May 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025.  Clients enter by making a deposit to an Equitable FHSA during the contest period or by submitting a no-purchase entry. Two prizes of $8,000 CAD each to be drawn on October 15, 2025 will be awarded. The servicing advisor for the policy to which the selected entrants made the deposit is also an eligible winner and will receive a $1,000 CAD prize. For example, if an Equitable client is a winner of the $8,000 prize, the client’s servicing advisor wins a $1,000 prize.  Open to legal residents of Canada of the age of majority. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received during the Contest Period.  For full contest rules, including no-purchase method of entry, see here.  
    Date posted: September 4, 2025
     
  6. This year’s RSP contribution deadline is March 1, 2023


    The RSP deadline is fast approaching so whether you are using paper or EZtransact™ here are some important things to remember.

    Issuing New Policy with EZcomplete®

    • All online applications must be digitally signed and submitted and have a date stamp no later than March 1, 2023.


    Issuing New Policy using Paper Application

    • For contributions to qualify for the first 60 days, all paperwork must be completed and signed by March 1, 2023. Equitable Life must receive all paperwork by March 7, 2023.



    Deposits to Existing Policy

    • Advisors can setup a one-time or recurring deposit or edit an existing pre-authorized debit already in place using EZtransact. Online deposits must be made and have a date stamp by March 1, 2023, to qualify for a 2022 tax receipt. 

    • Clients can make online deposits to Equitable Life® through their financial institution’s online banking service. Online deposits must be made and have a date stamp by March 1, 2023, to qualify for a 2022 tax receipt. 

    • Clients can also make a new deposit to an existing policy by cheque. The cheque must be dated and signed by March 1, 2023. Equitable Life must receive the cheque no later than March 7, 2023.


    If online banking is being used to fund the policy – either topping up an existing policy or opening a new policy – the online banking transaction must be completed by March 1, 2023, to receive a 2022 tax receipt.


    Please note that cheques and other paperwork cannot be backdated.  They must be completed and signed by March 1, 2023, to qualify for a 2023 tax receipt.


    Don’t forget about the Equitable Life RSP Grow Your Future Contest. We hope you have a great RSP season! 

    ® denotes a trademark of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.

  7. Universal life product linked interest option changes

    On July 1, 2025, we will be changing the index that is tracked for the linked interest options shown far below.

    Clients can change their investment options at any time if they choose. This includes the Linked Interest Option(s) for money currently invested and future deposits.

    Requests for this change can be done:
     
    • Online by advisors – Go to Policy Inquiry on EquiNet® (advisor site).
    • Online by clients – Links in Client Access® through Equitable.ca.
    Please contact your Equitable® Wholesaler for more information. 
     
    Linked Interest Option                               Universal life insurance solution Currently tracking Effective July 1, 2025
    Canadian Equity Index   • Equitable GenerationsTM S&P/TSX 60® Total Return Index S&P/TSX Composite® Total Return Index
    Canadian Equity
    • Equation Generation® IV
    • EquiLife®
    • Equation Generation III
    • Equation Generation II
    • Equation
    • Direction 2000 Plus

    S&P/TSX® 60 Total Return Index and S&P/TSX Composite® Total Return Index registered trademarks of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC or its affiliates (“SPDJI”) and S&P Global. All others are registered trademarks of The Equitable Life Insurance Company of Canada.
     
  8. Homewood Health COVID-19 Resources

    As the COVID-19 situation continues to rapidly evolve, you may need  information from a trusted source to support your clients, their organizations and their employees.

    Through our partnership with Homewood Health, the Canadian leader in mental health and addiction services, all of our clients and their plan members have access  to a number of tools and resources designed to provide guidance and support.

    Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

    For plan members dealing with increased anxiety during these uncertain times, Homewood’s Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy tool, i-Volve, can help. Through self-paced, web-based therapy, i-Volve can help plan members identify, challenge and overcome anxious thoughts, behaviours and emotions.

    All Equitable Life clients and their plan members have access to i-Volve. It’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, wherever you choose to access it.

    Learn more about Online CBT or access i-Volve at Homeweb.ca/Equitable.

    COVID-19 Support Resources

    Drawing on their expertise in mental health, as well as guidance from trusted sources including Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization, Homewood has created a number of resources to help support your clients and their plan members.

    ​​If you have any questions, or wish to discuss the tools, please reach out directly to Homewood. They are here to help support you, your clients and their employees through these unprecedented times. Contact your Homewood Health Account Manager or Homewood’s Customer Experience Team by phone at 1.833.375.0270 or email customersupport@homewoodhealth.com
  9. Insights from a pandemic: Drug trends during COVID-19

    We were expecting drug costs to rise this year due to the increase in “specialty” drugs, the shift to more expensive treatments for common conditions, and the introduction of new, costly medications. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused drug costs to rise even more than expected. While this was partly due to increased claims for certain drug categories, the most significant factor was the increase in dispensing fees as the provinces imposed 30-day refill limits.

    Costs and claimants surge, drop, then climb again

    Initially, as COVID-19 started to spread, we saw an overall spike in the volume and paid amounts for drug claims in March as plan members rushed to stock up on their medications. On our block, the average amount paid per certificate increased 16% in March, compared with the previous year.

    This spike was followed by a drop in April after most provinces put 30-day refill limits in place. This led to a decrease in both average paid amounts and quantity per claim as people were limited to smaller refills. But the dispensing fee portion of drug cost tripled for many plan members who had to refill their prescriptions every month instead of every 90 days.

    The April plunge was short-lived. Drug claims started to climb again in May as some provinces removed their 30-day refill limits. We’ve seen a continued increase so far in June as all remaining provinces have lifted their 30-day limits.

    Claims for “specialty” drugs increase

    COVID-19-Drug-Claims-Graphs-EN.pngThere were some notable exceptions to this trend. For example, both claimants and paid amounts for high-cost “specialty” drugs increased in March, April and May. Thirty-day refills are the norm for these drugs, so they weren’t impacted by the re-fill limits.

    Claims for asthma drugs had the largest surge of any common disease category in March but had no subsequent drop in April. Not surprisingly, claims for mental health drugs increased throughout the pandemic, including a 33% increase in the number of claimants in May.

    Going forward, we should see the average quantity per prescription stabilize in future months and return to normal, provided pharmacies return most patients to refills of more than 30 days.

    The full impact of COVID-19 remains to be determined. We will continue to provide timely updates on any developments that impact our clients and their plan members or their benefits coverage. In the meantime, please contact your Group Account Executive or myFlex Sales Manager if you have questions.

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