NB bulletins

The federal budget released on November 4, 2025 contains certain measures that could impact your organization or business context. Based on the available information, our experts have identified a few items that directly or indirectly affect components of total rewards.

After remaining relatively stable in the first half of the year, the average funded ratio improved in Q3 2025.

Despite high volatility in financial markets in the first half of the year, the financial position of pension plans recovered in the second quarter of 2025.

Every year on July 1, the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) adjusts the rates for the public prescription drug insurance plan to take into account changes in plan costs.

Many private-sector organizations must include in their financial statements the recognition of their obligations toward defined benefit pension plans (DB pension plans) and other post-employment benefit plans, such as medical care plans offered to retirees (other benefits).

Similarly to last year, Normandin Beaudry’s specialists have analyzed the annual reports of Canadian organizations listed on the S&P/TSX 60 Index (the 60 largest organizations) and on the S&P/TSX Mid Index (mid-cap organizations) for which the fiscal year ended between September 30, 2024, and February 28, 2025.

On May 28, 2025, the Quebec government published draft regulations amending the Regulation respecting supplemental pension plans (Regulation respecting SPPs) and the Regulation respecting voluntary retirement savings plans (Regulation respecting VRSPs). The purpose of these draft regulations is to allow defined contribution plans and voluntary retirement savings plans (VRSPs) to implement dynamic pension funds, also known as variable payment life annuities (VPLAs).

The recently tabled Ontario budget aims to make additional pension options available to workers, namely the Variable Life Benefit (VLB) and target benefit plans. These initiatives are designed to enhance retirement security for Ontarians while addressing the evolving needs of workers and employers.

As of September 3, 2024, many federally regulated organizations subject to the Pay Equity Act (the Act) were required to have posted the final version of their pay equity plan. In addition to this obligation, organizations are also required to prepare and submit an annual statement and post an updated pay equity plan.

Amid a period of stock market turbulence, the first quarter of 2025 ended with a slight deterioration in the financial position on the going concern and solvency basis.

For the 2024 tax year, Canadian taxpayers could be entitled to a tax credit ranging from 4% to 20% for medical expenses incurred for themselves or their dependants. This credit is subject to certain conditions and depends on the province or territory of residence.