Manulife Financial has introduced a new Plan Default Letter Service (PDLS), the first of its kind in Canada, to make it easy for sponsors of group retirement savings plans to alert their members to make an active choice with their investments.

“The Plan Default Letter Service is a great addition to our growing member communications program,” explains Sue Reibel, senior vp, Manulife Group Savings and Retirement Solutions. “It’s a tailored approach that delivers personally relevant information that speaks to each member’s circumstances.”

“Combined with estimated annual retirement income delivered through Manulife’s Steps Retirement Program, tailored statement messages and personalized newsletters, we are delivering a full set of tools to engage plan members in their retirement plans,” she added.

The new service adds to an extensive series of member education resources and governance tools designed by Manulife to help plan sponsors and their members. These resources are designed to help sponsors engage their plan members to build a more effective retirement plan.

With this service, Manulife will send letters directly to plan members who have not made their investment selections. This personalized letter informs members of the advantages of selecting investment options that best suit their retirement planning. If members do not take action after receiving a letter, sponsors can choose to send additional reminders.

To help plan sponsors fulfill their plan governance responsibilities, Manulife will produce an Activity Report confirming when letters were mailed, how many members were notified and how many of those members took action upon receiving the notice.