January 2022 Edition

Since helping plan members is our top priority, we created a video explaining how to log on via the Omni Desjardins app and register for group retirement savings online services. The video was added to the app on December 6, 2021.

The first time plan members use the all-in-one app, they’ll be able to watch the video featuring Penny, our virtual guide. She provides a clear and simple explanation on how to create an account and log on using the app. Plan members will have access to the video until they choose to no longer have it displayed.

A video is also available for Desjardins group insurance plan members.

Watch the tutorial video External link. Opens in a new window.

Managing group retirement savings has never been easier! Omni is a simple and user-friendly tool designed to help plan members take charge of their overall wellness. Encourage your plan members to download it today!

Your plan members are more likely to make optimal financial decisions and consequently be more engaged in their financial future, the better informed they are.

Financial knowledge also contributes to plan members’ well-being, as it can reduce their level of financial stress.

For these reasons, Desjardins Insurance continuously invests in plan members’ financial literacy through a lineup of webinars, as well as relevant articles and tools. All these value-added benefits are available in our Wellness Centre on the plan member website.

It’s up to you to make the difference!

As a sponsor, you’re in a good position to help plan members enrich their financial knowledge. It’s just a matter of promoting Desjardins Insurance’s webinars. Since their launch in May 2020, a new webinar has been added each quarter.

In 2021, the following webinars were introduced:

• Retirement savings plans and income tax
• Bring your dreams to life with goal-based savings
• Budget 2.0 (cashflow management)
• How to preserve and transfer your wealth

New webinar!

On February 22 and 23, 2022, we’ll hold the first sessions of our new webinar on Responsible Investing (RI), a trend that’s fast becoming a fundamental characteristic of any investment strategy. Your plan members will receive an invitation email at the end of January.

Stay tuned for more exciting webinars in 2022!

Download the poster
(French only, PDF, 18 MB) External link. Opens in a new window.

Use this poster to let your plan members know about the deadline, and the advantages of contributing to their RRSP or VRSP in the first 60 days of the year.

Poster, 8.5 x 11 format
(PDF, 1.54 MB) External link. Opens in a new window.

Plan members have until March 1, 2022, to contribute to their RRSP or VRSP and claim a deduction for contributions (made between January 1 and March 1, 2022, inclusively) from their:

• 2021 taxable income or
• 2022 taxable income

Desjardins Insurance must receive payments and contribution files by March 1, 2022, for contributions to be included on RRSP and VRSP receipts for the first 60 days of the year.

How can plan members make lump-sum contributions?

Two methods are available:

• Online (highly recommended), by logging on to their account via dfs.ca/GroupPlanMember or via the Omni app. Plan members must enter their contributions by 11:59 pm (ET) on March 1, 2022, under My transactions > Managing my account > Contribute.
• By cheque, made out to Desjardins Financial Security (the envelope must be postmarked no later than March 1, 2022) with the full name, group number, and plan member or employee number on the back of the cheque.

For our part…

In order to further support your plan members, we recently sent an email informing them of the advantages of contributing in the first 60 days of the year and inviting them to watch a short educational video External link. Opens in a new window..

Each year, employers and Desjardins must issue the various slips required for employee tax returns.

See our cheat sheet (PDF, 133 KB) External link. Opens in a new window. on the slips you need to produce for the plan(s) you offer.

This quick reference guide is intended for general information only and should not be construed as tax advice. While reasonable steps have been taken to ensure the accuracy of this information, Desjardins makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of this information, which may no longer be complete, accurate or up to date.

The bonus management solution makes the allocation of remittances simple. At the end of each bonus data collection period, you'll receive a detailed report that tells you how plan members want to transfer their bonus to the plan of their choice. All that’s left for you to do is to process the transactions. The bonus management is available for:

• Registered retirement savings plans (RRSPs) with or without restriction
• Non-registered plans (NRPs)
• Tax-free savings accounts (TFSAs)
• Voluntary retirement savings plans (VRSPs)

What about DPSPs?

A bonus payable to an employee provided for in an employment contract or collective agreement cannot be paid into a DPSP. Only employer contributions can be paid into it. However, an employer contribution to a DPSP that’s contingent on a precondition, such as employee performance, can be made to the plan if it’s paid out of profits or based on profits, and is permitted under the plan.

To sign up for bonus management

Contact your client relationship manager or call Plan Sponsor Services at 1-888-510-4762.

Desjardins Global Asset Management (DGAM)

On November 26, 2021, DGAM appointed Philippe Mercier as the lead manager of the DGIA Canadian Bond Index Fund, and Frédéric Viens as a succession manager.

Addenda Capital

On December 16, 2021, Addenda Capital announced that Monika Freyman will be joining the Addenda Capital team on January 31, 2022, as Vice-President, Sustainable Investing. Monika will report to the President and Chief Executive Officer.

In addition, Addenda Capital also announced the hiring of Gillian Davison as Assistant Analyst, Sustainable Investment.