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PAOC Group Retirement Savings Plan
Supporting churches and members on their journey to retirement
Acera Benefits (formerly BMA Group) and PAOC have established a unique and strategic partnership to provide churches and organizations of the PAOC with the best in financial service and advice. Our commitment extends beyond the numbers—we’re here to empower you and your team with the knowledge and support needed to make informed financial decisions that shape a secure and thriving future.
Extraordinary service from trusted industry professionals.
Acera Benefits, a division of Acera Insurance, provides financial advising to PAOC and its affiliated churches and members. In partnership with PAOC and Canada Life, we consult, design, implement, and monitor the PAOC Group RRSP Plan.
Our team specializes in assisting local business owners and professionals with the design, implementation, and ongoing management of group retirement and benefits programs. Acera Benefits serves organizations of all sizes, with a diverse client base that extends across Canada. We are committed to building long-term relationships with our clients through clear communication, accountability, and professional service.
“This partnership with (Acera Benefits) allows us another window, or another door, to help people be prepared for the next stage of their life. And so, we encourage you, I encourage you to reach out and talk to (Acera) about how this plan could be a benefit to you or your church.”
— JARED CLARKE, CALVARY TEMPLE CHURCH WINNIPEG, DIRECTOR OF CHURCH MINISTRIES
Stay up to date.
Calculators
See how the size of the contributions to your group plan can affect your retirement income with the Canada Life Retirement Savings Calculator.
Follow the link below to calculate your retirement potential.
Retirement isn’t just a single milestone—it’s a journey shaped by the plans you make and the habits you build along the way. SmartPath is your go-to resource hub, offering articles, videos, and calculators to strengthen your financial literacy and help you stay on track toward your goals.
Canada Life is hosting two national webinars each month, which are available to all members. Saving for Life webinars are designed to help you unlock the power of your group savings plan and reach your savings goals. Visit the link below to register.
You can expect dedicated and passionate client service, with unparalleled attention to detail.
Seamless Member Portability
Portability and continuity is ensured for members who may move from one PAOC employer to another
Responsible Investment Choices
Curated top performing investment options in all asset classes that are committed to Socially Responsible Investing (SRI)
Competitive Management Fees
Investment Management Fees (IMFs) are lower than an employee would be able to negotiate on its own
Plan Details
Contributions
Member contributions are directed into the group RRSP.
Church Employers will be able to determine their own matching contribution of between 2.5% and 9% of an employees gross earnings.
Contributions will be self directed from a professionally curated fund line up.
Eligibility
Eligible members are employees (both credential holders and non-credential holders) of a PAOC church, ministry, or affiliate.
Voluntary Savings & Transferring Savings into the Plan
Members can contribute additional, voluntary savings either through their RRSP account or through an optional Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA). Whichever account type is chosen as the savings vehicle, the member will benefit from the low Investment Management Fees (IMFs).
Transfers into the plan from other accounts are permitted. If you are interested in transferring money, contact us.
Income at Retirement
There is no guaranteed level of income at retirement. Unlike in a defined benefit pension, the plan member assumes the investment risk. The outcome, therefore, may be more or less beneficial when compared to a defined benefit pension.
Fund Information
An Acera Benefits advisor has worked with Canada Life and the PAOC Pension Board to create a fund offering that is robust and aligns with the vision of PAOC. Included with the fund list below are the highly competitive Investment Management Fees (IMFs). These fees are much lower than what you would find on similar investment options of another group or personal retirement plan.
Target Date
Fidelity ClearPath Series 1.218% – 1.286%
Balanced
Balanced Pension Trust (PH&N)
1.373%
Partners (Dynamic)
1.723%
SRI Balanced (Mackenzie)
1.333%
Canadian Equity
Dividend (Mackenzie)
1.233%
CDN Equity Index (Mackenzie)
1.133%
SRI CDN Equity (Mackenzie)
1.283%
CDN Core Equity (Fidelity)
1.415%
Fixed Income
Bond (CC&L)
1.355%
SRI Bond (Mackenzie)
1.183%
Bond (PH&N)
1.303%
US Equity
US Dividend (Mackenzie)
1.233%
US Index Registered (Mackenzie)
1.133%
US Growth (Putnam)
1.473%
US Companies (Invesco)
1.533%
Global Equity
Global Equity (MFS)
1.703%
Global Equity Index (TDAM)
1.163%
SRI Global Equity (Setanta)
1.433%
International Equity
Int’l Equity (MFS)
1.713%
Int’l Equity Index (TDAM)
1.163%
Int’l Equity (JPMorgan)
1.433%
Specialty
Real Estate (GWLRA)
1.533%
Why choose Acera Insurance?
We’re glad you asked. Being Canadian-owned with branches across the country means you’ll get local expertise and personalized advice. As employee owners, we’re invested in being there for you long-term. Plus, with our large partner network, we’ll find you the right policy at the right price.
We’re part of your community. We put people first by giving back to causes in the communities where we work and live.
70+
Acera Branches
100+
Insurance Partners
680+
Employee Owners
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Claims Reporting
Hear it from our clients.
We’ve been dealing with Acera for 20 years now. The staff is knowledgeable, professional and
friendly.
– Michael S.
2 thumbs way up!
“It’s nice to know someone is on your side and always helping you obtain the most competitive
rates.”
– Mike Y.
5 stars
“I have never failed to walk out the door with a smile on my face, my paperwork in order, and
having enjoyed the staff who work there.”
– Chelcia P.
There’s no place I’d go except Acera Insurance. Exceptional service, truly going the extra
mile…
– C. Ducharme
Get in touch.
For more information about the PAOC Retirement Savings Plan, or to get in contact with an advisor, fill out the following contact form and a member of Acera Benefits will get back to you as soon as possible.
We’ve been dealing with Acera for 20 years now. The staff is knowledgeable, professional and
friendly.
– Michael S.
