Why some employers offer matching on both
Offering Group RRSP and Group TFSA matching gives employees flexibility: the RRSP for tax-deferred retirement saving, and the TFSA for tax-free saving with more flexibility. Some employers match on both up to a combined cap; others match on whichever plan you choose. Your plan documents will specify the structure.
If matching is only available on one plan
Prioritize the plan with the match, regardless of which plan type it is. The employer contribution is the highest-return part of the equation; getting 100% of it is more important than optimizing which registered account it goes into. Once you're capturing the full match, you can redirect additional savings into whichever account is more tax-efficient for your situation.
If matching is available on both
Once you're collecting the full match, the choice comes down to the gap between your tax rate today and the rate you expect to pay in retirement. An RRSP contribution is deducted at today's rate and taxed at the rate you pay when you withdraw, so a wide gap (for example, deducting at 40% and withdrawing at 25%) favours the RRSP. If you're early in your career and expect to earn more later, the TFSA usually comes first, and your unused RRSP room carries forward until your rate is higher. The TFSA also suits money you may need before retirement. Tax rates and brackets differ by province, so the only rates that matter are yours. If you're unsure, splitting between the two and adjusting as your income changes is a reasonable starting point.
The flexibility advantage of the TFSA in a workplace plan
Unlike individual TFSAs, a Group TFSA through LINK comes with your employer's payroll deduction convenience and, where matched, employer contributions. Withdrawals remain completely tax-free and don't reduce your RRSP room. For mid-career employees building an emergency fund or saving for a major purchase, the TFSA lane in a group plan can be more useful than it appears.
Get help if you're unsure
LINK's member support team can walk you through your specific plan structure, contribution options and how your account works. For questions about which allocation is right for you, the team will connect you with a registered advisor at LINK's portfolio management subsidiary. There's no fee for this support. It's part of your plan membership. Use the chat in your member portal to connect.