Staying Safe and Secure During the Pandemic

For the past few months, answering the question “How are you doing?” has become more challenging, and phrases like “these unprecedented times” and “the new normal” have become, well, the new normal. The pandemic has brought about many changes to the ways we live. Here are some things to consider as we move into the new year.

How we’re keeping your pension secure

As a member of a defined benefit plan like the PSPP, it’s important to remember that although we continue to see volatility in the markets, pension plans are designed for the long-term. Pension payments will continue on schedule, and we will continue to work remotely, keeping our employees and clients safe.

Challenging markets are part of investing; what’s important is how the Plan performs over the long term. The PSPP has been paying pensions for 100 years and has a very strong long-term rate of return. We have successfully navigated through a number of challenging market periods in the past, like the 2008 global recession. We are actively managing through the current market volatility and remain focused on implementing our long-term investment strategy that is designed to protect the pension promise.

Staying cyber-safe during COVID

With COVID-19 news being top of mind for many Canadians, some cyber scammers have created malicious sites posing as COVID-19 information sites. This is why it’s important to only visit sites from known sources, such as government sites and health authorities or reputable news sites.

Beware of email and phone scams – don’t use the same password for multiple online accounts, avoid clicking links or opening attachments that seem suspicious, and let calls from unknown numbers go to voicemail.

Managing your health

It’s important that we all continue to follow the directives of your local public health officials, and remember to practice good hygiene, wear your masks, keep 2m of physical distance from others, and stay home if you feel ill. While it is safer to stay with the members of your household and not visit the homes of other people, social connection is still necessary! Connect with friends and family with phone calls, video chats, book clubs, and unique apps and websites that allow you to have physically distanced games nights and movie screenings!

If you haven’t already, consider downloading the Government of Canada’s COVID Alert app, which will let you know of any possible nearby exposures. You can learn more about the app on Canada.ca(opens in a new tab). At OPB, we want to express our gratitude to essential workers, especially all of the healthcare workers, first responders, and frontline staff who work hard to keep us safe.

We’re all in this together, and at OPB we will continue to keep you updated on any necessary information regarding the pandemic and your pension. Stay safe, and know that your pension remains secure. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us.