Analysis Provided by Canada Life
Global equities closed 2025 on a strong note, despite a late-year directional change from growth sectors into more defensive areas. Canadian and U.S. markets hit record highs in December, underscoring investor optimism. U.S. strategists anticipate another solid year ahead, supported by easing inflation and three Federal Reserve rate cuts in the second half of 2025.
In contrast, Canada’s softer economic backdrop has kept the Bank of Canada on hold at 2.25%, with some analysts even predicting a possible increase ahead. Canadian equities outperformed U.S. markets for the first time since 2016, driven by resource-linked sectors, particularly gold, and strong bank performance. While Canada avoided a technical recession, underlying demand remains weak. In the U.S., markets posted a third consecutive year of double-digit returns, buoyed by dip-buying despite volatility from Big Tech valuation concerns, a hawkish Fed tone, and the longest government shutdown in history.
Looking ahead, synchronized global rate cuts, strong U.S. bank fundamentals and improving commercial real estate trends could support continued equity gains in 2026. Risks remain: geopolitical tensions, fiscal pressures and potential inflation surprises. But long-term opportunities in AI and industrial policy-driven investment persist. While uncertainty endures, disciplined investing and diversification remain key to achieving long-term goals. With respect to the CEIRP Plan, the Cadence Target Date Funds’ absolute performance was strong again, with a return ranging from 7.5% to 15.5% (depending on the target date). In addition, the Portfolio Target Risk Funds achieved returns raging approximately from 7.5% to 15.3% (depending on the risk-based fund). The Socially Responsible Balanced Fund earned a 14.8% return. These results were back-to-back-to back strong years in the capital markets.
Canada Life’s Forward-Looking Statement: The historical performance shown is that of the Canada Life segregated fund or the underlying third-party fund. Past performance doesn’t indicate future performance. For more information on the funds, call Canada Life at 1-833-531-6418.
CEIRP Pension: Following a successful feasibility study, the CEIRP team and the Retirement Committee have begun the process to expand the plan with the launch of a pension by 2027. Further information for CEIRP members will be released throughout 2026.
Improved IT Systems and Security: Important updates to office systems and file sharing were implemented.
Member Experience Enhancements:
- We streamlined our processes to meet and/or exceed CAPSA guidelines
- We improved the online enrolment process and enhanced personalization of new member onboarding
- Improved members’ experience with Canada Life and launched a CEIRP-only dedicated help line. Members can now speak to a customer service agent who is specifically trained on our plan
- Consolidated the member list to ensure its content accuracy. This resulted in a more accurate accounting of member assets and total enrolment. It also made communications more effective, resolved new and recurring issues related to membership status, account balances, and the decumulation process for retiring members
- Created a process to transition members who have left their union/guild into a new division. It permits them to stay in the plan as an individual member. A proactive messaging program was implemented to inform members of their options
- Created a system to open a direct communication channel with members who could not be contacted by mail. This ensured that they remained knowledgeable with their investments and plan information
- Welcomed new members: IATSE 300
Plan Administrator Engagement: Regular monthly meetings with the plan administrators across the country helped to improve members’ experience by identifying and solving issues at the grassroots.
This was the second year of the 3-year CEIRP Communication Plan
In 2025, we focused on evolving our strategy so that it aligned with the CAPSA Guidelines. With this in mind, we crafted our communication messages and education programs to focus on CEIRP’s products and services, specifically how to access and use what is on offer. This approached helped members become more engaged in the plan and to make better financial decisions.
Key Successes
- Website: Updated design, navigation and improved functionality
- New collaborations: Established new education programs with the Credit Counselling Society and Canada Life
- Member list management: Cleaned up member list, which meant we could connect with members more efficiently. Our year-end newsletter statistics showed that we had achieved this since 75% of our members are interacting with our direct messages
Member Engagement Summary
- Website: Visitor stats remained steady all year, with a peak in March around RRSP and Tax Seasons
- Social Media: Engagement was down 14%, which could be a reflection of peoples’ changing attitude towards the medium in general
- Newsletter: Good open stats in English and French, with average open rates at 60-63% and article click throughs at 1-2%
Top 5 Most Popular Webpages: Home, Time to Retire, About CEIRP, TFSA, Contact Us
Top 5 Most Popular Explainer Videos: CEIRP Presentation, Compound Interest, Welcome to CEIRP, Gig Economy, Let’s Talk About Budgeting
Customized Plan Presentations
Our goal is to help members to have a better understanding of the plan and all it has to offer. By continuously working with participating local unions and guilds, CEIRP provides customized presentations that suit their needs. We encourage Executive Boards and office staff to attend, especially as they represent members’ interests.
Stay In Touch
- Staying up to date with important information in the CEIRP monthly newsletter and messages from Canada Life
- By discovering the wealth of information on the CEIRP website, ceirp.ca
- By following CEIRP’s social media communities Facebook , Instagram and LinkedIn.
Contact Sarah Twomey, CEIRP’s Communications and Education Officer, with comments or suggestions for specific financial topics, at Sarah@ceirp.ca.
Keeping your personal information up to date
Staying up to date protects your privacy and allows you to continue receiving important plan news. Update your personal information, including your email address, by accessing your account on mycanadalifeatwork.com or by calling 1-833-531-6418, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. ET.
Scroll down to view the result tables and graphic.
Plan Assets and Member Growth
| Assets | Members | |
|---|---|---|
| 12/31/2025 | $1,522,827,010 | 34,848 |
| 12/31/2024 | $1,300,786,024 | 34,758 |
| DIFFERENCE | $222,040,986 | 90 |
| % GROWTH | 17% | .26% |
Contributions
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $150,737,514 | $154,013,674 | $112,517,529 | $177,484,461 | $222,040,986 |
Year-Over-Year Growth
