OPTrust

NEW PAPER! In Step 2 of a new 8-part paper series, Making a Case for Secure Pension Income, Dr. Bonnie-Jeanne MacDonald explains how delaying CPP/QPP benefits can help solve major areas of financial risk in retirement. Read now to find out more! https://www.niageing.ca/cpp-qpp-step2

OPTrust proudly celebrates and .

🌈Here at OPTrust, embracing inclusion, diversity and equity (IDE) is a core part of our business culture, enhancing our strategic priorities and performance, while enriching the communities we live and work in. Our employee-led resource groups like our Pride Action and Awareness Collective and our Reconciliation Working Group help us learn and grow, pushing us to have important conversations throughout the year.

We encourage everyone to recognize and celebrate the history, resilience and diversity of the Indigenous and 2SLGBTQI+ communities and take this time as an opportunity to learn more:

• Visit the Government of Canada’s National Indigenous History Month page: https://bit.ly/2WPtli1

• Check out the City of Toronto’s Pride Month page: https://bit.ly/3Vn12Jb

• Visit the GC Indigenous Instagram Account to learn more about inspiring Indigenous women, 2SLGBTQI+ people, environmentalists, artists, activists, scientists and researchers: https://bit.ly/3V2y1RL

• Download the ‘Reconciliation: A Starting Point’ app to learn about Indigenous Peoples in Canada, key historical events and reconciliation initiatives: https://bit.ly/3V3x5g6

• Find an event or activity near you: https://bit.ly/3V7yKBm

As an organization committed to inclusion, diversity and equity, OPTrust joins individuals and communities around the world to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. This year's theme, "No one left behind: equality, freedom, and justice for all," reminds us of the duty we have to ensure that every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, is treated with dignity and respect. We encourage everyone to use this day as an opportunity to educate themselves about the ongoing challenges facing the 2SLGBTQI+ community, and to find ways to engage with these issues and promote inclusion wherever they live, work and play.

In Step 1 of a new 8-part paper series, (Re) Introducing the Retirement Income System, Dr. Bonnie-Jeanne MacDonald explains why Canada needs to fundamentally rethink how the retirement income system is communicated to the public. Read it now! https://www.niageing.ca/cpp-qpp-step1

On May 5, we join communities across Canada in recognizing , a solemn occasion that honours the thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse people in Canada. The image of the red dress serves as a poignant reminder of the systemic issues facing Indigenous communities and the urgent need for meaningful action.

Here are some resources to build understanding and to encourage conversation:

• Reclaiming Power and Place – the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls: https://bit.ly/2KTWqWm

• Finding Dawn – acclaimed Métis filmmaker Christine Welsh brings us a compelling documentary that takes a journey into the heart of Indigenous women's experience: https://bit.ly/3y4F44I

• Their Voices Will Guide Us – a student and youth engagement guide from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls: https://bit.ly/3Fi6QKk

• Red Dress Day Toolkit – from the National Indigenous Women’s Association of Canada: https://bit.ly/4bFxGLN

Let's use this day as an opportunity to educate ourselves, talk to each other and demonstrate our commitment to building a better future for Indigenous peoples.

Welcome to the newest employer: Minwaashin Lodge Indigenous Women’s Support Centre!

Minwaashin Lodge provides a range of programs and services to First Nation, Inuit and Métis women and children, regardless of status, who are survivors of violence and who may also be suffering the effects of the residential school system. All programs and services are provided in the context of cultural beliefs and values to ensure a holistic approach is used as part of the healing journey.

While their staff are providing these valuable services, they won’t have to worry about retirement knowing they are now part of a defined benefit pension plan.

For more information, visit optrustselect.com.

OPTrust’s Responsible Investing program is a key part of our investment strategy and contributes to our members' pension security. Once again, we have integrated our annual Responsible Investing Report into the Funded Status Report. This makes it easier to view our responsible investing activities and better understand how we are incorporating environmental, social and governance considerations into our investments.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3PgPcgz

OPTrust’s Member-Driven Investing strategy is designed to deliver the total return needed to keep the Plan sustainable over the long term, without taking excessive risk. Investment returns account for more than 70 per cent of the benefits our members receive in retirement, with more than $1.3 billion in entitlements paid in 2023.

Learn more about our investment strategy in the 2023 Funded Status Report: https://bit.ly/3TwHmBS

Our over 111,000 members continue to rely on us for a secure income in retirement and the peace of mind that comes with a defined benefit pension plan. We take great pride in serving our members through all stages of their careers and during retirement. Our members tell us they appreciate the service we provide, giving us a service rating of 8.7 out of 10 in 2023.

Last year, we also welcomed five additional nonprofit organizations to reach a total membership of over 4,200 in OPTrust Select.

To learn more, view our 2023 Funded Status Report: https://bit.ly/3wU5gi0

Today, we published our 2023 Funded Status Report, People. Purpose. Pensions., which details the Plan’s financial results and funded status. In 2023, we remained fully funded for the 15th consecutive year and achieved a net investment return of 5.3 per cent. Over the past 10 years, the Plan’s average net investment return is 7.2 per cent.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4a5yCbk

In recognition of today, we’re taking a moment to recognize and celebrate our team. Your commitment to our values and the energy and passion you bring to work every day makes an impact on our members, our people and the communities in which we live and work. Thank you for being an integral part of the OPTrust team.

In support of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario - FSRA’s , OPTrust is proud to collaborate with CAAT Pension Plan, Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan - HOOPP, PSPP Corporation, and University Pension Plan Ontario to present 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘰𝘮: 𝘗𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 & 𝘙𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵, a dynamic four-part podcast series looking at the profound impact of pensions in our communities, and the path to broader retirement equality and security.

Don't miss the inaugural episode: 'A good workplace pension means more than just financial security.' Join experts Trish McAuliffe (National Pensioners Federation), Haripaul Pannu, (YourAlberta (Government of Alberta), Kathleen Rivest (PSPP Corporation), Paul Smetanin (Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis) and Sasha Tregebov (The Behavioural Insights Team) as they explore how a secure retirement not only enhances individual well-being but also contributes to local economies and the communities we call home: https://bit.ly/3UGJ58P

Check out the full series here: https://bit.ly/3UI2Eh4 🎧🔊 ▶️

Curious about defined benefit pensions? Sign up for People for Pensions to learn more and get tools to spread the word: https://bit.ly/3HXa8oK

Together, let’s celebrate by recognizing the organizations and people who are at the heart of the nonprofit sector, including OPTrust Select’s more than 4,000 members. Thank you for all you do to support and serve communities across Ontario.

Ontario Nonprofit Network

Every February, we proudly join Canadians in honoring the remarkable legacy of Black people in Canada and around the world.

This year's theme – Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build – highlights the rich contributions and accomplishments of Black people in Canada, both past and present. It's a celebration of resilience, achievements and the diverse tapestry that makes our nation strong.

No matter where you are, we encourage all Canadians to explore and appreciate the profound impact of Black Canadian communities on shaping our country. And as we mark the 10th year of the International Decade for People of African Descent (https://bit.ly/3NG6AZC), let's embrace a future where equality, understanding and unity prevail.


https://bit.ly/2tYKTA8

On January 29, we honour the victims of the Quebec City Mosque Attack. In the memory of the lives lost and changed on this day in 2017, we reaffirm our commitment to combatting , racism and hate of all kinds.

Nearly 80 years after the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, we continue to pay tribute to the victims of the Holocaust and reaffirm our commitment to combat antisemitism, racism and hate in all its forms.

Today, we released a one-year update to our enhanced climate change strategy, as well as our 2022-23 Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures. Building on the strategy’s roadmap, we have shared the first phase of interim targets to advance our net-zero ambition, including a 30% reduction in carbon footprint by 2030, from 2022 levels. Read more: https://bit.ly/46Jlfvo

To recognize United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the OPTrust team held an educational session on in the workplace with Specialisterne Canada and launched a new employee resource group for people with disabilities.

As an organization that holds inclusivity in its vision, we are committed to better supporting people with disabilities, including non-apparent disabilities and neurodivergence. By embracing every person’s unique strengths and abilities, we can create an even more inclusive environment for our team, our members and the community around us.

December 1 is and the start of Indigenous AIDS Awareness Week. It’s a time to ask: what is HIV, how is it spread, how can it be prevented and how can it be treated? It’s also a time to remember those who have struggled against HIV and died of AIDs-related illnesses. More importantly, it’s time to start the conversation on how we can reduce the HIV/AIDs-related stigma and discrimination, and how we can support and care for those living with this disease within our communities. For more information about and , check out CATIE.ca/world-aids-day.

CATIE has a dedicated web page to raise awareness and to help you prepare for World AIDS Day on December 1, which is also the start of Indigenous AIDS Awareness Week, December 1 to 7.
Check it out 👀⤵️
https://www.catie.ca/world-aids-day

On November 20 and year-round, we mourn and honour those we’ve lost to bigotry and anti-trans violence, as we renew our commitment to fighting transphobia in all its forms. We encourage everyone to educate themselves about the history and ongoing threat of violence to the trans and 2SLGBTQI+ community, and to do what they can to make the world a safer place for all.

As an employer and an ally to the trans community, building a safe environment for everyone is a core value at OPTrust, and we will continue to engage with the community at events like the Pride community fair as we work together towards a world where everyone is safe and valued.

To the community: we are your ally today, tomorrow and every day.

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Learn more:

Transgender Day of Remembrance | GLAAD Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance on November 20 that honors the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. You can read more about the Transgender Day of Remembrance below, and find out how you can show support for the co...

To those who have served and continue to serve, your courage and sacrifice are not forgotten, and we thank you for continuing to restore peace and security.

First Nations, Inuit and Métis people have a long and proud tradition of military service in Canada. On , we encourage everyone to learn more about the wartime sacrifices made by Indigenous soldiers and veterans.

Indigenous soldiers enlisted for many reasons – some out of patriotism, some to escape poverty and others to fight for the protection of treaties their communities had signed with the Canadian government. Many gave their lives and those who survived returned home to a country that did not always treat them fairly.

After the First World War, Indigenous veterans were not eligible for the same veteran benefits as others. And many Indigenous veterans were stripped of their status rights on returning from the Second World War, meaning they could never return to the life they knew beforehand.

Read more: Indigenous veterans: Equals on the battlefields but not at home | https://bit.ly/3EgOfiU and Veterans Affairs Canada: Indigenous Veterans | https://bit.ly/3q3SWWD

It was only seven years ago when Ontario declared the first full week of November as – the first in Canada to do so. As a part of our journey, educating ourselves about and Indigenous law, history and rights is just one of the many critical calls to action issued by Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. We encourage everyone to take the time to learn more about the treaties that have shaped our country and communities.

OPTrust’s Canadian office is on land covered by Treaty 13, also known as the Toronto Purchase, with the Mississaugas of the Credit. The land now known as Toronto is the traditional territory of many indigenous communities, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples, and remains home to many First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

Learn more: Treaties | https://bit.ly/2PqlozE and Indigenous voices on treaties https://bit.ly/3nK8dtb

On November 1, we welcomed students to our Toronto office on Take Our Kids to Work Day. Students joined their OPTrust parents and guardians to experience the variety of work it takes to serve our over 106,000 members each day. From meeting our CEO, Peter Lindley, to interactive workshops, job shadowing and more, students walked away with a deeper understanding about what we do, while having a great time!

OPTrust employees have geared up to help support and men's health for the ninth consecutive year, and since 2015 have raised over $68,000. Together, we continue to change the face of men's health.

OPTrust Select is pleased to welcome Compass Early Learning & Care! Compass ELC is a progressive, non-profit organization where the richness and uniqueness of their learning environments are an invitation for adults and children to discover together the joy of learning. Compass ELC envisions a place where children are valued and principles of democracy guide relationships with children, families, colleagues and our community.

For more information on how to make retirement security part of your benefits package visit optrustselect.com.

In honour of Canada's National Day for Truth and Reconciliation our team participated in a virtual tour of the former Mohawk Institute Residential School through the Woodland Cultural Centre today. The experience served as a powerful reminder of the past injustices and to listen to the voices of Survivors, families and communities as we acknowledge the painful truth of Canada’s residential school system. Together, let’s make National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a day about understanding, healing and unity.

OPTrust Select is proud to welcome yet another amazing nonprofit organization: Assaulted Women's Helpline. AWHL provides free, anonymous assistance to women in Ontario who are experiencing any form of abuse. We are delighted that their employees will now also have the peace of mind of a secure retirement.

For more information on how to make retirement security part of your benefits package, visit https://bit.ly/44RUDHA.

Ontario Nonprofit Network

On August 4, we are proud to recognize National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day in Australia. This annual celebration honours and empowers Indigenous children by recognizing their cultural identity and strengths. This year’s theme Little Voices, Loud Futures focuses on creating a bright future, where all Indigenous children’s voices are heard and valued.

Many of our grads dream of a career related to portfolio management. Jia Jian (Jacky) Chen's dream came true when he landed an Investment Research Assistant internship in the Portfolio Construction Group at OPTrust. Here's what he did there. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FR8mOQQXdP8