Employer Monthly - June Issue
In this issue you’ll find an update on our continued response to the COVID-19 pandemic, information on our new phone system, an important annual reconciliation reminder and more!
Continuing our response to COVID-19
Please continue to visit our dedicated COVID-19 page on our website for answers to frequently asked questions related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the OMERS Plan. We make regular updates and will continue to provide additional information as it becomes available.
The hours of operation for Employer Services returned to the regular schedule effective June 1st and will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EDT), Monday to Friday. To accommodate physical distancing measures, in-person workshops continue to be replaced with webinars until further notice (please see below for a list of upcoming webinars).
Streamlining our contact centre
To continue improving how we work with you, OMERS moved to a new telephone system on June 1st to help streamline your experience.
How will this affect you?
When you call Employer Services you will need to enter your group number (zone number is no longer required). When a representative is available, your group’s dashboard will appear on their screen and they will be ready to assist you. You can find your group number on a variety of forms that you have submitted through e-access.
What if I don’t have my group number ready?
When prompted for your group number you can hit the pound key and the next available representative will assist you. If you have forgotten or don’t know your group number, you can ask the representative to confirm it while you’re on the call.
In both scenarios, you will need to answer our security questions for the call to proceed. We are looking into possible future solutions to make this process easier.
Updating employer contact information
In anticipation of the upcoming employer attestation, it’s crucial for OMERS to have the most up-to-date contact information for employers to ensure timely administration practices and that the right people are receiving the right information.
Please use the Employer contact information/e-access user – Form 109 to add or update employer contacts and register e-access users. A copy of this form is available on the Employer Forms page of our website. Please contact Employer Services if you have any questions about completing the form.
2020 Plan Review process
We at OMERS are responsible for protecting your pension – today and into the future. As part of this responsibility, the OMERS Sponsors Corporation (SC) Board reviews the health and viability of the Plan every year. Following the most recent review, some changes to the Plan were proposed. Details about the Plan review process and the changes under consideration can be found on the OMERS SC website.
The SC Board will meet at the end of June to consider the changes under review and more information will be shared with the OMERS community at that time.
Upcoming annual reconciliation deadline
The annual reconciliation deadline of June 30, 2020 is fast approaching. We understand that this year has presented challenging circumstances but encourage you to work towards completion by the deadline as best you can. This deadline is based on a requirement in the Pension Benefits Act to provide member statements by this date, and OMERS does not have the ability to change it.
We are here to help if you require assistance with the completion of your annual reconciliation or if you are concerned you will not meet the deadline. Please contact Employer Services for support.
Improving e-access
We’ve heard your feedback and our Products & Technology team is hard at work revamping e-access into a system that’s built with you in mind. With the incredible feedback we received, we have a lot to do! Therefore, implementation of the new system will follow an iterative approach, transitioning functionality over piece by piece. Although this means you will be working in two systems for a while, it will be a great opportunity for you to get used to the new look and feel (yes, that includes working on all modern browsers!). Please stay tuned for more information through email regarding training, resources and important dates.
Plan amendments effective January 1, 2021
This is a reminder that the OMERS Sponsors Corporation (SC) passed amendments to the OMERS Primary Plan in 2018, which become effective as of January 1, 2021. The amendments include:
eliminating the 35-year cap for credited service; and,
allowing paramedics the option to negotiate normal retirement age 60 participation in the Primary Plan.
Details regarding these changes can be found on the OMERS website.
Blake Hutcheson assumes role of CEO
In December 2019, OMERS announced the appointment of Blake Hutcheson as its new CEO effective June 1, 2020. Blake has been with OMERS for ten years, most recently as President and Chief Pension Officer and will continue to work towards achieving OMERS 2025 and 2030 strategy as he takes on this new leadership role.
Administration webinars
Our webinars will provide you with a deeper understanding of OMERS administration topics and procedures.
Upcoming webinars (10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. EDT)
Enrolment, Part 1: Theory – Tuesday, July 7
Enrolment, Part 2: Enrolling a Member (e-Form 102) – Thursday, July 9
Contributions, Remittances and the e-Form 105 – Wednesday, August 5
See more webinars and register today!
Employer feedback
It’s important for us to hear your feedback on regular basis. Doing so will allow us to make improvements in how we work with you. Please take a moment to let us know how we can serve you better. We appreciate your participation and the valuable information you provide.
We’re here to help. Contact Employer Services:
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (EDT)
Phone: +1 416.350.6750
Toll-free: +1 833.884.0389
Email: employerservices@omers.com
Thank you for helping us administer the Plan and deliver a wonderful experience to our members.