Employer Monthly - March Issue
In this issue you'll find an important notice about COVID-19, an update to our Annual Meeting, OMERS 2019 performance and more.
How we're handling COVID-19
As the spread of COVID-19 increases globally, OMERS is committed to doing our part to keep our community - including employers and emplyees - safe. We are monitoring the updates closely and are working with our Chief Risk Officer and Chief Medical Officer on how to best navigate this unprecedented situation. As a result, OMERS has canceled scheduled in-person workshops until April 10 and will continue to assess the feasibility of holding in-person workshops as we move forward. If you have an in-person session scheduled to occur, we will be contacting you directly to discuss your options. Webinars continue to be available, you can sign up below.
Employer Services has adjusted our hours of operation and will be available 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Monday to Friday). You can also email employerservices@omers.com.
It is also recommended that when paper documents are necessary, you send these to OMERS by scanning and emailing to documents@omers.com.
We are here to partner with you during this unprecedented time. If you anticipate your organization will be experiencing a full shut-down period, where OMERS administration will halt, please reach out to our Employer Services team to let us know.
Thank you for your understanding.
Amendments to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 relating to Leaves of Absence
The Ontario legislature recently amended some of the leaves of absences in the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA). A new "Emergency Leave: Declared Emergencies and Infectious Disease Emergencies" (Emergency Leave) replaces the previous "Declared Emergency".
Among other things, the Emergency Leave provides that eligible employees are entitiled to unpaid leaves relating to COVID-19, retroactive to January 25, 2020.
An eligible OMERS member may purchase a period of Emergency Leave by paying 1 times the cost of contributions, based on the member's deemed earnings. In other words, if the member elects to purchase this leave, the employer would match the contributions. Any unpurchased Emergency Leave periods would be considered eligible service (i.e., to determine when a member is eligible for an unreduced pension).
OMERS will continue to monitor the COVID-19 developments and consider impacts on OMERS members and employers. OMERS is receiving numerous questions from employers on this topic and to ensure you have all the information you need we will be sharing more details in the coming days and weeks.
Update: OMERS Annual Meeting
Amid rising concerns over COVID-19 the OMERS Annual Meeting will be hosted via webcast only. You can watch the live webcast on Wednesday April 8, 2020 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
OMERS 2019 Annual Report
The OMERS 2019 Annual Report is now available. The Annual Report is addressed to our members, employers, sponsors, unions, associations, and the many others who are interested in OMERS 2019 performance, and in our progress in making OMERS a sustainable, affordable and meaningful defined benefit Plan.
Read the 2019 Annual Report
Employer Administration Webinars
Our webinars will provide you with a deeper understanding of OMERS administration topics and procedures, and are continuing at this time.
Upcoming webinars (10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. EDT):
Enrolment, Part 1: Theory - Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Enrolment, Part 2: Enrolling a Member (e-Form 102) – Thursday, April 2
Contributions, Remittances and the e-Form 105 – Thursday, April 9
Leave Period Administration (e-Form 165) – Wednesday, April 15
See more webinars and register today!
We’re here to help. Call Employer Services:
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Phone: +1 416.350.6750
Toll-free: +1 833.884.0389
Email: employerservices@omers.com
If contacting us by phone, please have your zone number ready.
Thank you for another incredible year helping us administer the Plan and deliver a wonderful experience to our members.