{"id":13165,"date":"2026-02-24T01:00:54","date_gmt":"2026-02-24T07:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/?p=13165"},"modified":"2026-02-23T20:24:07","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T02:24:07","slug":"february-2026-pension-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/?p=13165","title":{"rendered":"February 2026 Pension News"},"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; row_position_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; row_position_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; row_position_phone=&#8221;inherit&#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; flex_gap_desktop=&#8221;10px&#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; 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bottom_margin=&#8221;0&#8243; flex_gap_desktop=&#8221;10px&#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;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; css=&#8221;&#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:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/?p=13165#tips\">Barb&#8217;s Tips: Statements Have Been Sent<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/?p=13165#investments\">Q4 2025 Investment Results<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/?p=13165#recipe\">Good Eats: Tomato Soup<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/?p=13165#webinars\">Kii Webinar: Workplace Ergonomics: Preventing Injuries Before They Happen<\/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; 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bottom_margin=&#8221;0&#8243; flex_gap_desktop=&#8221;10px&#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;advanced&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Statements Have Been Sent!&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h1|text_align:center|color:%2387B943&#8243; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Domine%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1767659871721{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; el_class=&#8221;byline&#8221; text_direction=&#8221;default&#8221;]from Barb Fortier, Executive Director of GSI[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1771437238161{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221; text_direction=&#8221;default&#8221;]<a href=\"https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Barb-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-6651 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Barb-2-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Barb Fortier\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Barb-2-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Barb-2-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Barb-2-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Barb-2-140x140.jpg 140w, https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Barb-2-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Barb-2.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Pension statements<\/strong> were emailed to all members at the <strong>end of January<\/strong>. If you did not receive yours, please contact our office. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Continuing Education Plan Statements<\/strong> were also emailed to all members. This is a good time to review what you may have planned for education in 2026!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/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;#FFFFFF&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; top_padding=&#8221;0&#8243; left_padding_desktop=&#8221;0&#8243; right_padding_desktop=&#8221;0&#8243; top_margin=&#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; row_position_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; row_position_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; row_position_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; id=&#8221;investments&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; 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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;13171&#8243; image_size=&#8221;full&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width_mobile=&#8221;default&#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; 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; 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; flex_gap_desktop=&#8221;10px&#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;advanced&#8221; gradient_type=&#8221;default&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Q4 2025 Investment Results&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h1|text_align:center|color:%2387B943&#8243; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Domine%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1771367019519{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221; text_direction=&#8221;default&#8221;]The Canadian economy showed surprising resilience in the third quarter of 2025, with GDP increasing by 2.6% (on an annualized basis) thanks to a rebound in exports to the U.S., and despite a decrease in domestic demand. This impressive gain was on the heels of the 1.6% GDP decline in the second quarter. Before those figures were released, the Bank of Canada reduced its benchmark rate in October \u2013 the fourth such rate decrease in 2025, for a total of 100 basis points \u2013 and then paused for the remainder of the year, as expected by the market. In terms of inflation, Canadian CPI rose 2.4% year-over-year in December, though with much dispersion in the data \u2013 Energy prices, for example, were down nearly 9%, while grocery prices surged, up 5.0% driven by the price of meat.<\/p>\n<p>In this context, the ELCIC pension plan returned 1.95% for the fourth quarter of 2025, beating its benchmark by 35 bps.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Canadian Equities<\/h2>\n<p>The Canadian stock market had another quarter of strong gains, with the S&amp;P\/TSX gaining 6.2%, to end the year up 31.7%. The Materials sector once again was the strongest performer in Q4, up 11.9% thanks to the price of gold gaining nearly 15%, putting its gains up nearly 68% for the year. Canadian gold stocks surged 11.0% in the quarter and an extraordinary 131.1% over the year. Financials also played a key role in the TSX\u2019s gains, as banks benefited from strong corporate earnings supported by broad-based volume growth in lending and margin expansion. Consumer Discretionary (11%) and Financials (+10.5%) also did well. Conversely, Real Estate and Telecoms did the worst, losing 6.2% and 1.7%, respectively.<\/p>\n<p>Canadian equities in the Growth portfolio gained over 7% in the quarter, beating the benchmark by about 80 bps. The fund gained from strong momentum in Canadian retail, driven by increased consumer spending during the holiday season while exposure to Consumer Staples, which has benefitted from the \u201cBuy Canadian\u201d movement amid trade disputes with the US, was also beneficial.<\/p>\n<h2>Global Equities<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/investing.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-13179 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/investing-300x200.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/investing-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/investing.png 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>Q4 2025 was a risk\u2011on quarter for US equities: The AI narrative continued to concentrate returns in large tech and communication\u2011services names. Those mega\u2011caps led the market, though momentum cooled late in Q4 as some investors questioned valuation sustainability. A dovish pivot from the Fed and solid corporate earnings also contributed to the gains in the U.S., where the S&amp;P 500 finished the quarter up 2.7%. European stocks gained 6.3% as the weaker U.S. dollar and firmer Euro helped returns for Europe in dollar terms and attracted international flows. Emerging markets stocks gained 4.8% with the Fed easing &amp; weaker USD removed financing stress for EM borrowers and encouraged capital flows back to EM assets, while higher commodity prices supported commodity\u2011exporting EM countries, namely in Latin America.<\/p>\n<p>All of the funds in the Growth portfolio produced positive returns. Emerging markets and global equities did well, gaining 4.1% and 3.1%, respectively, both of which represent benchmark-beating performances. Global small caps in the portfolio gained less, about 0.7%, underperforming their benchmark.<\/p>\n<h2>Fixed Income<\/h2>\n<p>The Canadian bond market suffered some minor losses in Q4 as rates rose, particularly in the latter half of the quarter as economic data published in the last few weeks pointed to a strengthening of the economy. 10-year government of Canada yields ended the quarter at 3.44%, about 25 basis points higher from where they started, leading to a loss of 0.32% for universe bonds in Canada. Universe bonds, the largest holding in the Fixed Income portfolio, lost about 0.26%, slightly outperforming their benchmark. The corporate bond portion of the portfolio was positive in absolute terms but underperformed its benchmark, while growth bonds lost 9 bps.[\/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;#87B94317&#8243; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; bottom_padding=&#8221;20&#8243; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; row_border_radius=&#8221;20px&#8221; row_border_radius_applies=&#8221;bg&#8221; row_position_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; row_position_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; row_position_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; id=&#8221;recipe&#8221; advanced_gradient_angle=&#8221;0&#8243; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; gradient_direction=&#8221;left_to_right&#8221; 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el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Tomato Soup&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h1|font_size:22px|text_align:center|color:%2387b943&#8243; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Domine%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1771365563449{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 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_1767749019090{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 40px !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; flex_gap_desktop=&#8221;10px&#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;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221; text_direction=&#8221;default&#8221;]Nothing says warm cuddles on a cold winter night better than a toasty bowl of homemade tomato soup. Served with a nice salad, this soup is both filling and nutritious.<\/p>\n<h2>Ingredients<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Tomato-Soup.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-13175 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Tomato-Soup-300x200.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Tomato-Soup-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Tomato-Soup-768x513.png 768w, https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Tomato-Soup.png 826w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>3 tbsp olive oil<br \/>\n3 tbsp butter<br \/>\n\u00bc to \u00bd tsp crushed red pepper flakes<br \/>\n3 large carrots<br \/>\n1 large onion, chopped<br \/>\n2 garlic cloves, minced<br \/>\n2 tsp dried basil<br \/>\n3 cans (28 ounces each) whole peeled tomatoes, undrained<br \/>\n1 container (32 ounces) chicken stock<br \/>\n2 tbsp tomato paste<br \/>\n3 tsp sugar (optional)<br \/>\n1 tsp salt<br \/>\n\u00bd tsp pepper<\/p>\n<h2>Optional Toppings<\/h2>\n<p>1 cup heavy whipping cream<br \/>\nbasil leaves<br \/>\ngrated parmesan cheese<\/p>\n<h2>Directions<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>In a 6-quart stock-pot or Dutch oven, heat oil, butter and pepper flakes over medium heat until butter is melted.<\/li>\n<li>Add carrots and onion; cook, uncovered, over medium heat, stirring frequently, until vegetables are softened, 8-10 minutes.<\/li>\n<li>Add garlic and basil; cook and stir 1 minute longer.<\/li>\n<li>Stir in tomatoes, stock, tomato paste, sugar, salt and pepper; mix well.<\/li>\n<li>Bring to a boil, reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, to let flavours blend, 20-25 minutes.<\/li>\n<li>Remove pan from heat. Using a blender (immersion if you have one), puree soup in batches until smooth.<\/li>\n<li>If desired, slowly stir in heavy cream, stirring continuously to incorporate. Return pan to stove to heat through. Alternatively, the cream can be swirled artistically onto individual servings beneath the basil and cheese.<\/li>\n<li>Top servings with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n[\/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;#EEEE2221&#8243; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; top_padding=&#8221;0&#8243; bottom_padding=&#8221;20&#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; 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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;Workplace Ergonomics: Preventing Injuries Before They Happen&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h1|font_size:22px|text_align:center|color:%2387b943&#8243; google_fonts=&#8221;font_family:Domine%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1771364836033{margin-bottom: 0px !important;border-bottom-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221; text_direction=&#8221;default&#8221;]\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Expert<\/strong>: Derrick Hamilton, SVP of Disability Management at Kii Health<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ask an Expert Question \/ Concern:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/standingdesk.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13174 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/standingdesk.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" \/><\/a><\/strong><em>\u201cI\u2019ve been having a lot of pain lately in my neck, back, and shoulders. <\/em><em>I don\u2019t do anything strenuous outside of work, and I even replaced my mattress recently, so I\u2019m starting <\/em><em>to wonder if the way I move\u2014or don\u2019t move\u2014during the workday is part of the problem. What can I do to <\/em><em>prevent long-term injuries?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Description:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">There are many elements of our work and workplaces\u2014repetitive movements, heavy lifting, workstations that throw our posture out of alignment\u2014that can make aches, pains, and strains more likely.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Join Kii Health this month to learn more about workplace ergonomics, including tweaks you can make to your posture, exercise and stretching routines, and workstations that can help prevent long-term injuries.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews&#8221; text_direction=&#8221;default&#8221;]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\" data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><strong>Date<\/strong>: was February 11, 2026 but recording is still available at the same link<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][nectar_btn size=&#8221;small&#8221; open_new_tab=&#8221;true&#8221; button_style=&#8221;regular-tilt&#8221; button_color=&#8221;Accent-Color&#8221; icon_family=&#8221;fontawesome&#8221; el_class=&#8221;enews-button&#8221; text=&#8221;View the Recording&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/register.gotowebinar.com\/#register\/3669904181780540253&#8243; icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fa fa-wpforms&#8221; margin_left=&#8221;auto&#8221; margin_right=&#8221;auto&#8221;][\/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; row_position_desktop=&#8221;default&#8221; row_position_tablet=&#8221;inherit&#8221; row_position_phone=&#8221;inherit&#8221; overflow=&#8221;visible&#8221; id=&#8221;Contact&#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; flex_gap_desktop=&#8221;10px&#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;12556&#8243; image_size=&#8221;full&#8221; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; max_width_mobile=&#8221;default&#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; el_class=&#8221;enews-banner&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;We welcome your questions &amp; 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:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\">GSI website<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Topics: Pension &#038; CEP Statements Sent, Q4 2025 Investment Results, Recipe for Tomato Soup, Webinar on Workplace Ergonomics<\/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-13165","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:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Pension-News.jpeg?ver=1727747854","author_info":{"display_name":"Faithful Servant","author_link":"https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/?author=13"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13165","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=13165"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13165\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/10967"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=13165"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=13165"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=13165"},{"taxonomy":"post_folder","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elcicgsi.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fpost_folder&post=13165"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}