Group Benefits and Pension Plans

The Convention provides a group benefit plan and a defined contribution pension plan through our partnership with Canadian Baptist Ministries. Since these are both compulsory plans, churches are obligated to offer them to all employees that qualify. Enrolment forms are available through the Benefits Coordinator at the Convention Office benefits@baptist.ca.

Group Insurance and Health Benefits

The Convention offers a group benefit plan, which is a compulsory plan for all employees who work more than 20 hours per week and are not covered by any other healthcare plan (i.e. spousal plan). It is the church's responsibility to ensure that the plan is offered to the employee and that a waiver is signed and kept on file if the employee declines coverage. Because we are part of a wider plan, churches are not at liberty to make changes to the coverage provided.

While the Convention pays the premium on behalf of all our members, local churches are expected to reimburse the Convention for these premiums. The form below will help you calculate the premiums due and remittance may be made monthly, quarterly or annually.

Group Benefit Premium Calculation

• 2010 NEW
• 2009 (in Excel Spreadsheet format)
• 2008 (in Excel Spreadsheet format)

All basic benefits are employer paid and should not be withheld from the employee’s salary. The basic life insurance premium is a taxable benefit, and information will be provided annually in the Treasurer’s Newsletter.

The basic plan provides for life insurance, dependent life insurance, healthcare, dental care, and long term disability. Coverage for these benefits are provided through Great West Life.

Group Benefit Plan Booklet for Employees, February 2008
Group Benefit Plan Booklet for Retired Employees
Travel Information
Understanding Out-of-Country Coverage

Access to Great West Life Online Services for Plan Members

Accidental Death & Dismemberment

This is also part of the basic Group Benefits Plan. AD&D is provided through ManuLife Financial.

Plan Booklet for Accidental Death & Dismemberment

Employee Assistance Program

A confidential counseling program is provided through FGI for plan members and their families. FGI provides a comprehensive program to our members simply by calling and indicating that you are a member of the CBOQ plan.

To receive assistance call 1-800-268-5211

Optional Group Life Insurance

The employee may also purchase optional group life insurance for both the member and a spouse up to a maximum of $500,000.

Pension Plan

The Pension Plan is a defined contribution plan. The plan is managed by a committee called the Pension and Insurance Committee, to which CBOQ appoints three representatives. The Committee meets a minimum of two times per year to hear reports from the consultants and investment managers, and to provide overall coordination and governance of the plan.

All employees are eligible to be part of the plan. The employer has the right, for non-pastoral staff, to delay eligibility for one year. It is the church’s responsibility to advise employees of their eligibility.

The employee’s contribution is matched by the employer in an equal amount. Pension legislation requires that these funds be remitted within 30 days of having been withheld. Employee contribution rates are as follows:

Enrolment forms are available through the Benefits Coordinator at the Convention Office. If an employee chooses not to participate in the Plan, the church should keep a signed waiver on file.

Canadian Baptist Pension Plan

Canadian Baptist Pension Plan Employee Booklet 2009