{"id":10147,"date":"2024-05-01T15:33:34","date_gmt":"2024-05-01T15:33:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/?p=10147"},"modified":"2024-10-17T18:40:29","modified_gmt":"2024-10-17T18:40:29","slug":"may-pension-newsletter-8","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/?p=10147","title":{"rendered":"May 2024 Pension"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; top_padding=&#8221;0&#8243; bottom_padding=&#8221;0&#8243; top_margin=&#8221;0&#8243; bottom_margin=&#8221;0&#8243; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; class=&#8221;enews&#8221; advanced_gradient_angle=&#8221;0&#8243; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;10154&#8243; image_size=&#8221;full&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;entrance&#8221; animation=&#8221;Fade In&#8221; animation_easing=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_movement_type=&#8221;transform_y&#8221; hover_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; alignment=&#8221;&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; box_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; image_loading=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width_mobile=&#8221;default&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column top_padding_desktop=&#8221;5&#8243; bottom_padding_desktop=&#8221;0&#8243; top_margin=&#8221;0&#8243; bottom_margin=&#8221;0&#8243; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;advanced&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;In this Issue&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left&#8221; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Domine%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal&#8221;]<div class=\"nectar-fancy-ul link_style_opacity\" data-list-icon=\"fa fa-bookmark\" data-animation=\"false\" data-animation-delay=\"0\" data-color=\"accent-color\" data-spacing=\"default\" data-alignment=\"left\"> \n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/?p=10147#inflation\">Inflation and Your Pension<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/?p=10147#annualreport\">2023 Annual Report<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/?p=10147#convention\">GSI at Synod Conventions\/Assembly<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/?p=10147#results\">Investment Results<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_color=&#8221;rgba(255,255,255,0.96)&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; top_padding=&#8221;0&#8243; bottom_padding=&#8221;0&#8243; left_padding_desktop=&#8221;0&#8243; right_padding_desktop=&#8221;0&#8243; top_padding_tablet=&#8221;5&#8243; bottom_padding_tablet=&#8221;5&#8243; left_padding_tablet=&#8221;5&#8243; right_padding_tablet=&#8221;5&#8243; top_padding_phone=&#8221;5&#8243; bottom_padding_phone=&#8221;5&#8243; left_padding_phone=&#8221;5&#8243; right_padding_phone=&#8221;5&#8243; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;20px&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; id=&#8221;pension101&#8243; advanced_gradient_angle=&#8221;0&#8243; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; left_margin=&#8221;0&#8243; left_margin_tablet=&#8221;5&#8243; left_margin_phone=&#8221;5&#8243; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;10179&#8243; image_size=&#8221;full&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;entrance&#8221; animation=&#8221;Fade In&#8221; animation_easing=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_movement_type=&#8221;transform_y&#8221; hover_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;custom&#8221; box_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; top_left_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; top_right_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; image_loading=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width_mobile=&#8221;default&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews-banner&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;padding-3-percent&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;left-right&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Inflation and Your Pension&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|text_align:center&#8221; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Domine%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1714615451592{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1715665173209{padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;]<span data-contrast=\"none\">There\u2019s no doubt that <strong>inflation has impacted everyone<\/strong> over the past couple of years, and that may have pension plan members wondering what this might mean for their retirement. Basic living costs (housing, transportation, groceries, utilities etc.) that once seemed somewhat predictable have become less so. Other necessities such as healthcare costs are rising exponentially as are the prices of our leisure activities such as travel.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">A defined contribution <strong>(DC) pension, such as the ELCIC Pension Plan, can be very helpful for managing the effects of inflation<\/strong> on the financial resources you will have available in retirement.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Your Pension Account While You Are in the Saving Phase<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_488964105-scaled.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-10196 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_488964105-300x179.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"179\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_488964105-300x179.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_488964105-1024x611.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_488964105-768x458.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_488964105-1536x917.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_488964105-2048x1223.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>A well run DC plan engages<strong> knowledgeable investment professionals who manage assets<\/strong> during inflationary (and non-inflationary!) periods. These profession<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">als develop <strong>complex ideas and strategies to enhance investment performance<\/strong> and adjust these strategies as markets change.<\/span> <span data-contrast=\"none\">An investment manager may use certain classes of assets<sup>1<\/sup>\u00a0as a hedge against inflation and actively rotate into sectors that benefit most in an inflationary environment. Experienced active investment management increases the assets in the members\u2019 accounts, <strong>ultimately resulting in a larger pension<\/strong>.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Your Pension Account as Retirement Income<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">When a Plan Member retires (or when they reach age 71), they transfer their funds out of the group pension plan and <strong>move it to their financial institution or to a life insurance company<\/strong>.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_124999384.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-10194 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_124999384-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_124999384-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_124999384-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_124999384-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_124999384.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>The <strong>most common choice is to move the member\u2019s account balance into a Life Income Fund (LIF)<\/strong>, from which the retiree then draws a monthly retirement income.\u00a0 In a LIF, the account <strong>continues to be invested<\/strong>, and the retiree, together with an <strong>experienced adviser<\/strong>, uses strategies similar to those mentioned above so they can continue to enhance investment returns and hedge against inflation. In other words, <strong>your money keeps working for you,<\/strong> and you can continue to mitigate the effects of inflation in a LIF.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">A popular retirement withdrawal strategy from a LIF is the<strong> 4% rule<\/strong>. Following this strategy means that the retiree can withdraw 4% of their account balance during the year they retire, and then the annual withdrawal amount can be increased or adjusted according to inflation each subsequent year for 30 years.<\/span> <span data-contrast=\"none\">This rule is, of course not suitable for everyone and would depend on the retirement strategy of the retiree.<sup>2<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">For many, though, this strategy or a version of it works well, providing the possibility of <strong>growing their fund at a rate similar to that of a defined benefit pension<\/strong> (which are generally indexed to inflation), while still<strong> providing regular income<\/strong> and often providing some money to the retiree\u2019s heirs after they pass (i.e., <strong>a death benefit<\/strong>).<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Depositphotos_119317084_S.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10197 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Depositphotos_119317084_S.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" \/><\/a>Another option is to <strong>use the DC account to purchase an annuity at retirement<\/strong>. With an<\/span><strong><i> indexed <\/i><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\"><strong>annuity<\/strong>, a retiree is guaranteed a certain amount of income each year for the remainder of their life, and this amount will increase over time. With a <\/span><strong><i>non-indexed<\/i><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\"><strong> annuity<\/strong>, the initial annual income is higher than the indexed annuity, but it will not increase over time.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">For example, a retiring member at age 65 who can purchase a non-indexed annuity with an income of $2,350 per month for life would alternatively be able to purchase a 2% indexed annuity with an income starting at $2,000 per month and increasing over time.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">A third option is to <strong>combine a LIF or a non-indexed annuity with an indexed annuity<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Notes&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%23005c84&#8243; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Domine%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews-h3&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1714623268616{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews-footnote&#8221;]<sup>1<\/sup> Certain classes of assets can be used as a hedge against inflation both during accumulation and during drawdown (retirement); for example, Commodities and Real Estate in periods of high inflation and high growth, and Inflation protected bonds and gold in periods of high inflation and low growth.<\/p>\n<p><sup>2<\/sup> Examples of cases for which this rule may not suit: (a) For retirees who may wish to eliminate some debt at the start of retirement, but will have <strong>other income coming in from other sources<\/strong> afterwards; (b) for a retiree who <strong>has additional capital later<\/strong> in retirement (house, inheritance, large TFSA) and who may wish to draw more than 4% earlier in retirement; this may also tie into taxes where you are trying to draw out taxable income at the lowest brackets.[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_position=&#8221;default&#8221; row_position_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; row_position_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; pointer_events=&#8221;all&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1714623255999{margin-bottom: 20px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: rgba(177,203,220,0.31) !important;*background-color: rgb(177,203,220) !important;border-radius: 20px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_inner column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1715697009830{padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;]\n<h3><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">Questions and Answers<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><i>Would a defined benefit (DB) or target benefit (TB) pension plan provide greater inflation protection than I would have after converting my DC pension account to a LIF?<\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">As mentioned above, a <strong>LIF can be designed to function similarly to an indexed DB\/TB pension<\/strong>. So, if a retiree (with an adviser) has invested wisely, the pension income should have<strong> similar inflation protection<\/strong> to an indexed DB\/TB pension.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">There are many other <strong>advantages to a DC plan<\/strong> over a DB\/TB plan. For example,\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_484842410.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10203 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_484842410.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" \/><\/a>flexibility<\/strong> in retirement on the amount of income the retiree wishes to spend,<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">the option to <strong>leave an estate<\/strong> for heirs of the retiree\u2019s choice (may include a registered charity or people other than a spouse),<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">the ability to <strong>split the pension<\/strong> into a secure indexed or non-indexed annuity and have a LIF withdrawal,<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>all<\/strong><\/span> the positive returns earned when the markets perform well <strong>remain in the member\u2019s account<\/strong> and later the retiree\u2019s LIF, which is not the case in DB\/TB plans,<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">inequities that may arise due to sharing between generations or inequality due to longevity are not present in DC plans as it is in DB\/TB plans; in other words, the account balance made up of contributions and investment returns <strong>belongs solely to the plan member<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><i>Do you really need the inflation protection of a secured indexed annuity or DB\/TB pension?<\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Having an inflation-protected pension <strong>may not be beneficial to all members<\/strong>, especially members who do not live many years after they retire (whether due to failing health or to an accident). This group\u00a0 may not see the full potential of their pension value accrued in retirement with a secured indexed annuity. A person with a shorter life expectancy may wish to draw down their pension sooner, so they enjoy their shortened retirement as much as possible.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/retirement.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-10198 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/retirement.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"204\" \/><\/a>Many factors determine what type of pension (DC, DB, TB) would be \u201cbest\u201d for a given individual<\/strong>. For ELCIC Pension Plan Members, the most important thing to remember is that you have an employer-sponsored pension plan and are therefore<strong> ahead of the large number of Canadians<\/strong> who do not enjoy that privilege.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Retirement is a major life change, so we encourage you to<strong> start thinking about it sooner rather than later<\/strong>. You may wish to make voluntary contributions to the ELCIC Pension Plan or to your own RRSP\/TFSA to enhance your retirement benefits. This will go a long way to reduce stress, since retirement <strong>should be about the things you love to do<\/strong>, while still being paid.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_color=&#8221;rgba(135,185,67,0.02)&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; bottom_padding=&#8221;0&#8243; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;20px&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; id=&#8221;annualreport&#8221; advanced_gradient_angle=&#8221;0&#8243; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; bottom_margin=&#8221;0&#8243; left_margin=&#8221;0&#8243; right_margin=&#8221;0&#8243; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;rgba(255,0,0,0.02)&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;custom&#8221; top_left_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; top_right_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; bottom_right_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; bottom_left_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;10185&#8243; image_size=&#8221;full&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;entrance&#8221; animation=&#8221;Fade In&#8221; animation_easing=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_movement_type=&#8221;transform_y&#8221; hover_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;custom&#8221; box_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; top_left_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; top_right_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; image_loading=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width_mobile=&#8221;default&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews-banner&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;The 2023 Annual Report is Here!&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|text_align:center&#8221; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Domine%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews-h2&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1714667204707{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_row_inner column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_position=&#8221;default&#8221; row_position_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; row_position_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; pointer_events=&#8221;all&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1714667706332{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_inner bottom_padding_desktop=&#8221;0&#8243; bottom_margin=&#8221;0&#8243; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;advanced&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]GSI is pleased to release the 2023 ELCIC Pension Plan Annual Report. Here&#8217;s a brief introduction from the Board Chair, John Wolff:[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_position=&#8221;default&#8221; row_position_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; row_position_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; pointer_events=&#8221;all&#8221; class=&#8221;enews-blockquote&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1714668221270{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_inner column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;advanced&#8221; border_left_desktop=&#8221;5&#8243; border_left_tablet=&#8221;4&#8243; border_left_phone=&#8221;3&#8243; column_border_color=&#8221;#87b943&#8243; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1714676026398{padding-left: 10px !important;}&#8221;]<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em>The Annual Pension Plan Report for 2023 is presented with the <strong>theme of windows,<\/strong> a metaphor that is appropriate in several ways. When we are looking through a window, <strong>we can see the possibilities<\/strong> that exist beyond our current setting. This <strong>view is framed by the sill<\/strong> and slightly obscured by the glass; it is not a complete picture, as we might have if we were actually out in the environment.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em>Likewise, this Report presents a <strong>specific, one-year view of the ELCIC Pension Plan<\/strong>. This view can be very helpful for <strong>projecting into the future<\/strong> when Members will access their pensions \u2014 but the amount that will be available at retirement <strong>will depend on many factors<\/strong> and multiple years of investment results.<\/em><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_position=&#8221;default&#8221; row_position_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; row_position_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; pointer_events=&#8221;all&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1702226700129{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_inner top_padding_desktop=&#8221;0&#8243; bottom_padding_desktop=&#8221;0&#8243; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;advanced&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]<a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2023-ELCIC-Pension-Plan-Annual-Report.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-10143 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2023-Annual-Report-Cover-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"212\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2023-Annual-Report-Cover-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2023-Annual-Report-Cover-768x543.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2023-Annual-Report-Cover.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Read more in the <a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2023-ELCIC-Pension-Plan-Annual-Report.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2023 Annual Report<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; bottom_padding=&#8221;0&#8243; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; id=&#8221;convention&#8221; advanced_gradient_angle=&#8221;0&#8243; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; bottom_margin=&#8221;0&#8243; left_margin=&#8221;0&#8243; right_margin=&#8221;0&#8243; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;rgba(255,255,255,0.15)&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;custom&#8221; top_left_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; top_right_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; bottom_right_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; bottom_left_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;10076&#8243; image_size=&#8221;full&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;entrance&#8221; animation=&#8221;Fade In&#8221; animation_easing=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_movement_type=&#8221;transform_y&#8221; hover_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;custom&#8221; box_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; top_left_border_radius=&#8221;10&#8243; top_right_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; image_loading=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width_mobile=&#8221;default&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews-banner&#8221;][vc_row_inner column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_position=&#8221;default&#8221; row_position_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; row_position_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; pointer_events=&#8221;all&#8221;][vc_column_inner column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;advanced&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;GSI at Your Synodical Gathering in 2024&#8243; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|text_align:center&#8221; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Domine%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_position=&#8221;default&#8221; row_position_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; row_position_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; pointer_events=&#8221;all&#8221;][vc_column_inner column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1714666877852{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}&#8221;]\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">2024 is a year for Synod Conventions\/Assemblies, and GSI will be there! <strong>Staff and Board Directors are planning to be present<\/strong>\u00a0and are looking forward to meeting you and other Plan Members there.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/CleanShot-2024-02-27-at-18.12.09@2x.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-9943 \" src=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/CleanShot-2024-02-27-at-18.12.09@2x-300x150.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"237\" height=\"93\" \/><\/a>Have you noticed an <strong>HRV reading<\/strong> on your smartwatch and wondered what it means? Or wished you could find ways to feel <strong>less stressed<\/strong>? As part of our ongoing effort to promote wellness in the ELCIC, <strong>we will be having a HeartMath<span style=\"color: #666699;\"><em>\u00ae<\/em><\/span> practitioner<\/strong> at our display. The HeartMath Institute has done research to show how heart rate variability (HRV) is tied to your health, your biological age, and your stress levels. Using special equipment, the practitioner will be able to <strong>measure your HRV and explain what this tells you about your health<\/strong> and emotions.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1711765448104{padding-right: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">If you&#8217;re a Plan Member, you are invited to <strong>check out the display<\/strong> (and <strong>pick up a cool GSI packable shopping bag<\/strong>!) whether or not you are a delegate to the convention\/assembly.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Learn more about the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.heartmath.com\/science\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">science of HeartMath<\/a> on the HeartMath Institute&#8217;s website.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; left_padding_desktop=&#8221;30&#8243; right_padding_desktop=&#8221;30&#8243; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_position=&#8221;default&#8221; row_position_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; row_position_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; pointer_events=&#8221;all&#8221;][vc_column_inner left_padding_desktop=&#8221;10&#8243; right_padding_desktop=&#8221;10&#8243; top_margin=&#8221;0&#8243; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;rgba(255,255,191,0.36)&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;advanced&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>HeartMath\u00ae at Your Synodical Gathering<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Dates are probable but subject to change. It is anticipated that the person will be at the display from 9:30 am &#8211; 3:30 pm.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1715699957430{padding-left: 30px !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]<strong>MNO<\/strong> (Selkirk, MB): <strong>May 25 (new date)<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>SK<\/strong> (Saskatoon, SK): <strong>May 31<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Eastern<\/strong> (Mississauga, ON): <strong>June 21<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>BC<\/strong> (Vancouver, BC): <strong>June 21<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>ABT<\/strong> (Edmonton, AB): <strong>June 23<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]Measuring HRV only takes a couple of minutes, so no appointments are required. The practitioner will also be at the display during less busy times for those who wish for a more in-depth discussion about how improving HRV can reduce stress.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; top_padding=&#8221;0&#8243; left_padding_desktop=&#8221;5&#8243; right_padding_desktop=&#8221;5&#8243; top_margin=&#8221;0&#8243; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; id=&#8221;results&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;10184&#8243; image_size=&#8221;full&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;entrance&#8221; animation=&#8221;Fade In&#8221; animation_easing=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_movement_type=&#8221;transform_y&#8221; hover_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;custom&#8221; box_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; top_left_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; top_right_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; image_loading=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width_mobile=&#8221;default&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews-banner&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;2024 is Off to a Great Start!&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|text_align:center&#8221; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Domine%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal&#8221;][vc_row_inner column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_position=&#8221;default&#8221; row_position_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; row_position_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; pointer_events=&#8221;all&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1702227614107{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_inner bottom_padding_desktop=&#8221;0&#8243; bottom_margin=&#8221;0&#8243; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; column_padding_type=&#8221;advanced&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]<span data-contrast=\"none\">This year, 2024, is off to a good start, with the first quarter bringing in positive investment returns for the ELCIC Pension Plan. The <strong>global equity portfolios did particularly well<\/strong> as they continued the trend from the last quarter of 2023. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/tech.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10236 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/tech.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" \/><\/a>Last quarter, we mentioned that the <strong>technology stock performed particularly well<\/strong> and was the best performing sector. This has <strong>broadened out to a few other sectors<\/strong> as economists predict a recession will be less likely, inflation has fallen significantly, and other issues such as supply chain problems have resolved. <strong>Global equity markets<\/strong> did particularly well, having their best quarter since 2020.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Details for each fund and for each quarter compared to a benchmark can be found below.<strong> Top ten stocks for each portfolio<\/strong> can be found <a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/?page_id=126\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">on the GSI website<\/a>.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][toggles style=&#8221;default&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221;][toggle color=&#8221;Default&#8221; heading_tag=&#8221;default&#8221; heading_tag_functionality=&#8221;default&#8221; title=&#8221;ELCIC Pension Plan&#8221;][vc_raw_html]JTVCdGFibGUlMjBpZCUzRDEyNyUyMCUyRiU1RA==[\/vc_raw_html][\/toggle][\/toggles][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]\n<h3>Growth Fund<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW261106099 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-CA\" xml:lang=\"EN-CA\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW261106099 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"No Spacing\">Here is a closer look at each portfolio within the Growth Fund.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW261106099 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][toggles style=&#8221;default&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221;][toggle color=&#8221;Default&#8221; heading_tag=&#8221;default&#8221; heading_tag_functionality=&#8221;default&#8221; title=&#8221;PH&amp;N Canadian Equity Value Fund&#8221;][vc_raw_html]JTVCdGFibGUlMjBpZCUzRDEyOCUyMCUyRiU1RA==[\/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]<span class=\"TextRun SCXW73314463 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW73314463 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"No Spacing\">This fund had a<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW73314463 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"No Spacing\">nother <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW73314463 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"No Spacing\">strong performance <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW73314463 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"No Spacing\">this quarter earning 6.8<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW73314463 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"No Spacing\">%, which was <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW73314463 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"No Spacing\">ahead<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW73314463 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"No Spacing\"> of the S&amp;P\/TSX index of <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW73314463 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"No Spacing\">6.6<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW73314463 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"No Spacing\">%. <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW73314463 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"No Spacing\">A<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW73314463 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"No Spacing\"> significant contributor to this result was PH&amp;N\u2019s selections in the Energy sector. This fund is actively managed and PH&amp;N made a number of adjustments as <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW73314463 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"No Spacing\">circumstances evolve and opportunities come to light.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW73314463 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/toggle][toggle color=&#8221;Default&#8221; heading_tag=&#8221;default&#8221; heading_tag_functionality=&#8221;default&#8221; title=&#8221;RBC Global Equity Focus Pension Trust&#8221;][vc_raw_html]JTVCdGFibGUlMjBpZCUzRDEyOSUyMCUyRiU1RA==[\/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]<span class=\"TextRun SCXW138413644 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138413644 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"No Spacing\">The momentum from 2023 continued in this quarter, which posted a result of 12.7%, a full 1.0% above the benchmark of the MSCI World index. Information Technology continued to lead in providing the best returns, along with the Consumer Discretionary sector.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW138413644 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/toggle][toggle color=&#8221;Default&#8221; heading_tag=&#8221;default&#8221; heading_tag_functionality=&#8221;default&#8221; title=&#8221;Baillie Gifford Global Equity Fund&#8221;][vc_raw_html]JTVCdGFibGUlMjBpZCUzRDEzMCUyMCUyRiU1RA==[\/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]<span data-contrast=\"none\">This global equity fund also had a great return this quarter at 10.5%. Again, with the technology sector leading the returns, a significant portion of this portfolio has investments in companies that are developing and using <strong>Artificial Intelligence<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">This fund made a new investment in a healthcare company called <strong>Novo Nordisk<\/strong>. This Danish pharmaceutical company has developed a new weight loss drug that according the Baillie Gifford is \u201cexperiencing extraordinary demand \u2026 as the world is only in the early stages of seeing obesity as a treatable disease, and the potential patient population is enormous; there are around 800 million obese people in the world today.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Baillie Gifford has also been doing some \u2018spring-cleaning\u2019 and making several adjustments to sell stocks where the performance is not as expected and moving to opportunities that appear poised for growth.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/toggle][\/toggles][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]\n<h3>Fixed Income Fund Results<\/h3>\n<p>Here are the results of the Fixed Income portfolios.[\/vc_column_text][toggles style=&#8221;default&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221;][toggle color=&#8221;Default&#8221; heading_tag=&#8221;default&#8221; heading_tag_functionality=&#8221;default&#8221; title=&#8221;PH&amp;N Core Plus Bond Fund&#8221;][vc_raw_html]JTVCdGFibGUlMjBpZCUzRDEzMSUyMCUyRiU1RA==[\/vc_raw_html][\/toggle][toggle color=&#8221;Default&#8221; heading_tag=&#8221;default&#8221; heading_tag_functionality=&#8221;default&#8221; title=&#8221;PH&amp;N Mortgage Pension Trust&#8221;][vc_raw_html]JTVCdGFibGUlMjBpZCUzRDEzMiUyMCUyRiU1RA==[\/vc_raw_html][\/toggle][toggle color=&#8221;Default&#8221; heading_tag=&#8221;default&#8221; heading_tag_functionality=&#8221;default&#8221; title=&#8221;PH&amp;N High Yield Mortgage Fund&#8221;][vc_raw_html]JTVCdGFibGUlMjBpZCUzRDEzMyUyMCUyRiU1RA==[\/vc_raw_html][\/toggle][\/toggles][vc_row_inner column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_position=&#8221;default&#8221; row_position_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; row_position_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; pointer_events=&#8221;all&#8221;][vc_column_inner column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1714673104443{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;border-radius: 1px !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews-footnote&#8221;]Please note that this information is not intended to be investment advice or to be a recommendation for your personal investment portfolio. The content is intended for information purposes only and should not be disclosed to other third parties or used for the purposes of market timing or seeking to gain an unfair advantage.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; column_margin=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_tablet=&#8221;default&#8221; column_direction_phone=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_color=&#8221;rgba(113,199,216,0.1)&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;center&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; advanced_gradient_angle=&#8221;0&#8243; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; column_element_direction_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; column_element_spacing=&#8221;default&#8221; desktop_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_backdrop_filter=&#8221;none&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_position=&#8221;default&#8221; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;default&#8221; bg_image_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; border_type=&#8221;simple&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][image_with_animation image_url=&#8221;9586&#8243; image_size=&#8221;full&#8221; animation_type=&#8221;entrance&#8221; animation=&#8221;None&#8221; animation_movement_type=&#8221;transform_y&#8221; hover_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; alignment=&#8221;&#8221; border_radius=&#8221;custom&#8221; box_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; top_left_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; top_right_border_radius=&#8221;20&#8243; image_loading=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width_mobile=&#8221;default&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews-banner&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;We welcome your questions &#038; feedback!&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|text_align:center&#8221; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Domine%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;]please write to us:<a href=\"mailto:admin@elcicgsi.ca\"> admin@elcicgsi.ca<\/a><br \/>\nor call toll free: 1-877-352-4247 (in Winnipeg 204-984-9181)<br \/>\ninformation and resources can also be found on the <a href=\"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\">GSI website<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Topics include: Inflation and Your Pension, 2023 Pension Annual Report, GSI at upcoming Synodical Gatherings, and Q1 Investment Results. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":10967,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[34],"post_folder":[18,20],"class_list":{"0":"post-10147","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-planmembers","8":"tag-pension"},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Pension-News.jpeg?ver=1727747854","author_info":{"display_name":"Faithful Servant","author_link":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/?author=13"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10147","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=10147"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10147\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/10967"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=10147"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=10147"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=10147"},{"taxonomy":"post_folder","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fpost_folder&post=10147"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}