Some important changes are coming the in the CBC’s Group RRSP plan as a result of changes approved at the December meeting of the Consultative Committee on Staff Benefits (CCSB). In 2009, members will have more choice in their investments as we introduce the Continuum Funds from Great West Life. The five funds range from a conservative fund at one end to an aggressive one at the other. These funds are designed to reflect your individual situation — age, years to retirement and risk tolerance ? and make regular investment changes as necessary. The investment management fees under the group plan will be 1.2%.

Another change coming on the group RRSP front involves the Integra funds. In the coming months, members will not be able to make any new investments in the Integra balanced and Canadian equity funds. The decision was made for a couple of reasons: the investment fees are higher than members pay for the other funds in our plan and Integra wasn’t interested in lowering them; and, the Canadian equity fund is now more of a foreign equity fund. Members who have investments in the Integra funds will be able to leave their money in those funds.

Stay tuned for more information on both of these changes to the Group RRSP plan.

Pilot project in Iqaluit
The CCSB is supporting a pilot project in Iqaluit, Nunavut that’s aimed at improving access to counselling services for CBC employees and their dependents. There’s currently a big gap between what’s available in the isolated northern community and CBC centres in the rest of Canada. The CCSB and CBC North will split the cost of the pilot project that’s being developed by the Employee Assistance Program.

Your members at the December CCSB,

Marc-Philippe Laurin
Ralph Legare
Barbara Saxberg
Jon Soper
Gabi Durocher
Dan Oldfield