Driving health outcomes: The value of an employer diabetes care program
Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 (1:00 – 2:30 PM ET)

With the increasing prevalence of diabetes and its financial impact, there’s a need for plan sponsors to reassess their coverage and health-care support to effectively manage chronic conditions. This webinar will introduce an employer diabetes care program that has the potential to improve health outcomes and enhance cost-effectiveness for plan members. It will also highlight the latest insights and trends in chronic condition management and how pharmacists can be involved in developing innovative solutions for employers. Attendees will hear from a panel of experts, including a benefits industry leader, senior consultant, plan sponsor and pharmacist.

Speakers:

Siobhain Andreasen, senior director, benefits, Loblaw Companies Ltd.

Tim Clarke, president, tc Health Consulting Inc.

Aarti Patel, pharmacist, chronic disease management, Shoppers Drug Mart

Dr. Jennifer Poh, senior director, drug plan solutions, Health Solutions by Shoppers

Sandra Ventin, associate vice-president, benefits, Gallagher

The new paradigm in insulin management has arrived
Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024 (1:00 – 2:00 PM ET)

Much has changed since Canada's discovery of insulin over 100 years ago. This webinar will review the latest innovations in insulin therapy, the clinical and workplace value of once-weekly insulin management and its potentially positive impacts to alleviate the burden of the disease and improve care. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the future of insulin management.

Speaker:

Jacob Bonafiglia, medical science liaison, Novo Nordisk Canada

2024 CAP Member Survey: How CAPs are supporting employee financial wellness amid growing economic uncertainty
Thursday, June 20, 2024 (1:00 – 2:30 PM ET)

This webinar will feature a panel discussion about the results of Benefits Canada’s exclusive CAP Member Survey. The survey asked capital accumulation plan members about their retirement savings expectations and how they feel their employer-sponsored plans are performing amid economic volatility and the rising cost of living, as well as their knowledge of various decumulation products and plan features. Industry experts will join Benefits Canada to dive into the results and put them into context for plan sponsors.

Panellists:

Melissa Carruthers, partner, life and health insurance strategy, Deloitte Canada

Tracy Fogale, senior manager, benefits, Kraft Heinz Canada

Mara Notarfonzo, vice-president, total rewards, CAA Club Group

Jason Vary, president, Actuarial Solutions Inc.

Sponsored by:

Beyond baldness: The full impact of alopecia areata
Tuesday, March 26, 2024 (1:00 – 2:00 PM ET)

While alopecia areata is often associated with its cosmetic implications, this autoimmune disease can also have a severe impact on patients’ overall quality of life. This webinar will explore the significant unmet medical need for people with severe alopecia areata, its unseen implications and a new therapy that can help patients living with this disease.


Speaker:

Dr. Kerri Purdy, division head, associate professor, Dalhousie University

Rethinking diabetes: The need for holistic patient-centric programs
Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024 (1:00 – 2:00 PM ET)

With one in three Canadians either diabetic or pre-diabetic, the prevalence of diabetes is rising. This presents a significant risk in terms of increasing benefits plan costs and declining health outcomes. New diabetes and weight management drugs are delivering promising results but experts recommend these drug regimens are supported by patient-centric care programs focused on behavioural change to ensure sustainable health outcomes. This webinar will explore the ever-evolving diabetes landscape and uncover the critical role pharmacists and ancillary health-care providers play in holistic diabetes care management.

Speakers:

Lesley McCullough, senior director, business development, Health Solutions by Shoppers

Dr. Jennifer Poh, senior director, drug plan solutions, Health Solutions by Shoppers

Lori LeBlanc, vice-president, pharmacy services and strategic initiatives, Health Solutions by Shoppers

Obesity: A complex medical condition
Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023 (1:00 – 2:00 PM ET)

It’s expected that by 2035, 1 in 4 people will be living with obesity, representing approximately 1.9 billion people worldwide.

Obesity has long been misunderstood and stigmatized as a lifestyle condition, instead of a complex disease with significant comorbidities and health impacts. This webinar will dive into the science, misconceptions and complexities of this chronic disease. Join to learn about treatments that can contribute to improved outcomes and how plan sponsors can gain an understanding of how they can better support their plan members living with obesity.

Speaker:

Rami Halabi, medical science liaison, Novo Nordisk

A revolution in diabetes care: Why patients need access to new treatments
Thursday, Sep. 21, 2023 (1:00 – 2:00 PM ET)

Type 2 diabetes and obesity are closely linked — individually and together, they can impact employee health and productivity. As the prevalence of type 2 diabetes grows, opportunities for new treatments can provide glycemic control and facilitate successful weight management, which can reduce complications and improve health and quality of life. This webinar will provide an overview of these new type 2 diabetes treatments and why employers should consider them.

Speaker:

Dr. Sue D. Pedersen, specialist in endocrinology and metabolism

2023 Benefits Canada Healthcare Survey
Thursday, September 14, 2023 (1:00 – 3:15 PM ET)

The 2023 Benefits Canada Healthcare Survey takes the pulse of benefits plan members’ personal health and behaviours and checks in with both members and plan sponsors for their perceptions of health benefits plans and workplace wellness supports. As we emerge from the shadow of the pandemic, the survey sheds light on how plan members have come to value their health benefits plan even more and the vital role of employers to support physical and mental health.

The Benefits Canada Healthcare Survey virtual events will feature presentations of the highlights and key takeaways from this year’s survey.

Leadership in DEI
Wednesday, July 19, 2023 (1:00 – 2:30 PM ET)

This webinar will feature discussions around human resources policies, employee well-being, benefits programs and legal considerations in the context of diversity, equity and inclusion. Employers considering their DEI policies and strategies will want to tune in.

Panellists:

Pascale Alpha, chief DEI officer, CAE Inc.

Neena Gupta, partner, former co-chair of the diversity and inclusion council, Gowlings WLG

Krista Hogan, director, product and solutions, Sun Life

Pamela Ramnarain, director, human resources business partner and DEI initiatives, Scotiabank

Moderator:

Jennifer Paterson, editor, Benefits Canada

Sponsored by:

Future of work
Thursday, December 1, 2022 (1:00 – 2:30 PM ET)

This webinar will present the findings of Benefits Canada’s inaugural employee engagement and future of work survey. Topics will include:

• Keeping employees engaged and connected during the pandemic
• The post-pandemic workplace (in office, remote or hybrid working)
• Competing amid the "Great Resignation"
• Diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
• Fostering employee well-being

Section 1: How HR policies are reshaping the workplace

Panellists:

Nita Chhinzer, associate professor, leadership and organizational management, University of Guelph’s Gordon S. Lang School of Business

Jackie Wheeler, talent people lead, Canada, Mondelez International

Section 2: Fostering employee wellness and engagement

Panellists:

Tracy Fogale, senior manager, benefits, Kraft Heinz Canada

Julie Gaudry, head of group insurance, RBC Insurance

Section 3: The future workplace

Panellists:

Tina Dacin, professor and Stephen J.R. Smith chair of strategy and organizational behaviour, Queen’s University’s Smith School of Business

Paul Dhillon, director of total rewards, Hootsuite

Neena Gupta, partner, employment and human rights lawyer, Gowling

Moderator:

Lauren Bailey, associate editor, Benefits Canada

Sponsored by:

Confidence in outcomes: A precision medicine approach to treating severe asthma
Tuesday, November 22, 2022 (1:00 – 2:00 PM ET)

Severe asthma takes a serious toll on patients, their employers and Canada's healthcare system. Recent advancements in care including targeted biologic therapy are affording individuals who do not respond to traditional asthma therapy the chance to gain long-term control of their asthma.

This webinar will review the relevance of biomarkers and phenotyping to confidently inform treatment selection. Join this session to learn expert perspectives on why a precision medicine approach can help maximize positive patient outcomes.

Speaker:

Erika Penz, associate professor in respirology, critical care and sleep medicine, University of Saskatchewan

Understanding Crohn’s and colitis treatment options
Thursday, November 10, 2022 (3:30 – 4:30 PM ET)

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic lifelong conditions that impact over 270,000 Canadians. It can greatly impact quality of life, workplace productivity, absenteeism and disability. This webinar will review current treatments and their differences, including biologics and biosimilars. Join this session to hear gastroenterologist Dr. Mark Silverberg explain the impact of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis on a patient in the workforce and review how appropriate medication sequencing can optimize plan member health outcomes and productivity.

Panellists:

Dr. Mark S. Silverberg, gastroenterologist, Mount Sinai Hospital

2022 Benefits Canada Healthcare Survey
Wednesday, September 21, 2022 (1:00 – 3:15 PM ET)

The 2022 Benefits Canada Healthcare Survey takes the pulse of benefits plan members’ personal health and behaviours while checking in with plan sponsors on their perceptions of health benefits plans, workplace wellness supports and the workplace environment. Two years into the pandemic, the survey also demonstrates how COVID-19 has complicated matters on the one hand, while providing a clearer sense of direction on the other.

The Benefits Canada Healthcare Survey virtual events will feature presentations of the highlights and key takeaways from this year’s survey.

Benefits costs on the rise: 5 areas of focus for cost containment in 2022
Tuesday, August 16, 2022 (1:00 – 2:00 PM ET)

This year, benefits costs are projected to rise by 7%. Rising drug costs are a big part of the equation and since prescription medication cost is one of the most valued employee benefits, cutting back is not an option.

This webinar will explore the five areas that may be driving increases to plan costs. Attendees will discover the tools, many of which are free, that can help employers and plan members keep medication costs in check while getting the best health outcomes.

Speakers:

Jason Kennedy, general manager, virtual pharmacy, TELUS Health

Vishal Ravikanti, director, pharmacy consulting and partnerships, TELUS Health

Francesca Armelin, director, customer experience, TELUS Health

Heart to heart on HCM: Expert insights and patient perspectives
Wednesday, July 27, 2022 (12:00 – 1:00 PM ET)

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a chronic progressive condition caused by dysfunction of the heart muscle that can affect people of all ages, genders and ethnicities. It can lead to a diminished quality of life, potentially serious long-term complications, financial and social burden.

This webinar will review current and emerging concepts in the screening, diagnosis and treatment of HCM. Cardiologist Dr. Bobby Heydari’s clinical expertise will be complemented by a patient testimony, which will help participants understand the burden experienced by patients with HCM and how it can impact your employees and their families. Join this session to hear expert insights and patient perspectives.

Speaker:

Dr. Bobby Heydari, cardiologist

Leadership in DEI
Wednesday, July 20, 2022 (1:30 – 3:00 PM ET)

This webinar will feature discussions around human resources policies, employee well-being, retirement and benefits programs and legal considerations in the context of diversity, equity and inclusion. Employers considering their DEI policies and strategies will want to tune in.

Speakers:

Stephanie Braid, director of inclusion, diversity and equity, KPMG in Canada

Lisa Hari, manager, Indigenous relations and diversity, equity and inclusion, Fluor Canada

Krista Hogan, director, product and solutions, group benefits, Sun Life

Farzeen Mawji, national practice leader, inclusion and diversity, Gallagher

Lou Poskitt, director of legal talent and operations, Miller Titerle + Co.

Jennifer Schmidt, partner, Mercer (made possible by Novo Nordisk Canada)

Moderator:

Jennifer Paterson, editor, Benefits Canada


Sponsored by:

Severe asthma and the workplace
Tuesday, April 26, 2022 (1:00 – 2:00 PM ET)

Severe asthma is one of the leading causes of productivity loss and about 50% of individuals with severe asthma have full-time employment. Join this webinar to hear a physician’s perspective on how biologics are being used to treat patients with severe asthma.

Speakers:

Dr. Anne Ellis, clinician scientist, Kingston General Health Research Institute and professor, Department of Medicine, Queen’s University

Vanessa Foran, president and chief executive officer, Asthma Canada

Demystifying alopecia areata
Thursday, January 13, 2022 (12:00 – 1:00 PM ET)

This session will discuss the burden of alopecia areata (AA), the patient experience, associated comorbidities as well as the impact on the quality of life and mental health of patients affected with AA. Join us for an overview of the Canadian population affected with AA, including the current standard of care, its effectiveness and limitations.

Speaker:

Dr. Lyn Guenther, professor, dermatology, Western University

Culture shock: Why investors should pay attention to corporate culture
Thursday, December 9, 2021 (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET)

In a post-pandemic world where industries and business models are rapidly evolving, a strong and healthy corporate culture is more important than ever. Culture is difficult to analyze and under-appreciated by many investors yet is a key driver of corporate performance, impacting the ability to attract and retain staff, win customers and avoid costly controversies. Please join us as we hear Katherine Davidson, fund manager for Schroders Global Sustainable Growth Fund, discuss the value of corporate culture and how it can be assessed and monitored as part of the investment process.

Speaker:

Katherine Davidson, lead portfolio manager, global sustainable growth, Schroders

Diabetes and the workplace
Tuesday, November 30, 2021 (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET)

As claims for diabetes medications and devices continue to rise on benefit plans, there are increasing concerns around costs for this chronic condition. But do employers truly understand the impact of diabetes on their workforce and the value that new innovation brings to this space? Join us for a one-hour webinar featuring Dr. Alex Abitbol and Lianne Clarke, as they discuss the complexities of managing diabetes, its impact on the workplace, and explain what this really means for plan sponsors.

Speakers:

Dr. Alex Abitbol, assistant medical director, LMC Healthcare

Lianne Clarke, principal, vice-president, wellness and disability innovation and growth, Cowan Insurance Group

Drug innovations webinar series: Migraines are serious: Strategies for supporting your employees
Thursday, October 28, 2021 (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET)

Migraine is a leading cause of employee absenteeism and presenteeism in Canada and leads to more years lived with disability in people under 50 than any other condition. The cost of migraine is significant but the value in educating and supporting your workforce is greater. What have we learned and are we doing everything we can to help? In this webinar we will review new treatments and opportunities to improve employee productivity and reduce the negative impacts of migraine.

Speaker: Dr. Liz Leroux, neurologist, president of the Canadian Headache Society and chair of Migraine Canada

The 2021 Benefits Canada Healthcare Survey webinar
Wednesday, October 20, 2021 (1:00 PM – 2:30 PM ET)

The Benefits Canada Healthcare Survey webinar will feature a presentation of the highlights and key takeaways from this year’s survey.

Speakers:
Andrea Frankel, lead, private payer, Sanofi Canada

Justin Graham, senior manager, content research, Benefits Canada

Laura Hewitt, assistant vice-president, pharmaceutical benefits and innovation, Sun Life

Sherry Hnatyshyn, managing director, Carepath

Alaina MacKenzie, regional vice-president, business development, Medavie Blue Cross

Barb Martinez, national practice leader, drug solutions, Canada Life

Bill Papadimitriou,regional vice-president, business development (Ontario), Desjardins Insurance

Moderator:
Jennifer Paterson, editor, Benefits Canada

Redefining resilience and the science of trust
Tuesday, September 28, 2021 (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET)

Trust is in a state of crisis and earning trust has never been more imperative. Embracing risk and nurturing trust during this time can be challenging, especially when there is greater exposure to uncertainty with potential loss that truly matters. As leaders, creating vulnerability loops can aid in earning trust among those we interact with, and those we lead. Resilience and trust go hand in hand, and resilience is a powerful skill that can be developed. It is the ability to bounce back from obstacles and setbacks to achieve higher levels of performance. It requires developing positive adaptation processes to help overcome the challenges that we face and using positive experiences to build confidence in our strengths and abilities. Research shows that these capabilities can be learned, and that trust can be earned. This interactive session focuses on tools and strategies to lead in a way that fosters trust, as well as how to develop strategies that build our resilience by examining the capabilities of psychological capital.

Speakers:
Rumeet Billan, president and chief executive officer, Viewpoint Leadership

Sunil Hirjee, vice-president, Ontario, Western and Atlantic Canada, group insurance, sales and partner experience, SSQ Insurance

Caregiving: The impact of working and caring for your loved ones
Thursday, September 9, 2021 (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET)

The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the number and role of caregivers, as individuals find themselves working from home while caring for children, aging parents and spouses, many of whom may have chronic conditions or diseases such as cancer, mental-health issues, multiple sclerosis or Alzheimer’s. How can employers best support their plan members who have found themselves in a caregiving role and what tools are available for managing the impact of working while caring for loved ones? In this webinar, attendees will hear a variety of perspectives to help paint the full picture of the prominence and complexity of caregiving today.

Speakers:
Brenda Agnew, director of caregiving, Chronically Simple

Sherry Hnatyshyn, managing director, Carepath

Adriana Shnall, program director, Baycrest@Home, clinical programs and Koschitzky Centre for Innovations in Family Caregiving

Return to work
Thursday, August 12, 2021 (1:00 PM – 2:30 PM ET)

As vaccination rates increase and the number of daily COVID-19 cases decreases, many companies will be looking to welcome their employees back to the office in the coming months. This roundtable will feature discussions around employee well-being, chronic health conditions and legal considerations in the context of return to work. Employers considering their return-to-work policies and strategies will want to tune in.

Speakers:
Jason Brommet, head of modern workplace and security, Microsoft Canada

Jeff Finley, total rewards manager, 3M Canada

Julie Gaudry, head of group insurance, RBC Insurance

Mary Picard, partner, employment and labour group, Dentons Canada LLP

Moderator:
Jennifer Paterson, editor, Benefits Canada

Depression in the workplace – Re-designing for success
Tuesday, June 22, 2021 (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET)

Hear from experts about the workplace impact of plan members struggling with depression and why a wide variety of tools and treatment options are needed to support return to work. Speakers will contemplate how the healthcare system could be redesigned to better support plan members who experience depression.

Speakers:
Dr. Diane McIntosh, BSc Pharmacy, MD, FRCPC, psychiatrist and chief neuroscience officer, TELUS

Dave Gallson, national executive director, Mood Disorder Society of Canada

Replicating private equity: Replication is the sincerest form of flattery
Wednesday, June 16, 2021 (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET)

Join Mackenzie Investments' portfolio management team and learn how they are making PE accessible to a wider range of institutional investors who have been previously unable to enter this important asset class due to staff expertise, capital lockups and high costs.

Speakers:
Randolph B. Cohen, Ph.D, senior lecturer, Harvard Business School, PEO Partners, LLC

Arup Datta, MBA, CFA, senior vice-president and head of global quantitative equity, Mackenzie Investments

Nelson Arruda, MFin, MSc, CFA, senior vice-president, portfolio manager, Mackenzie Investments

Moderator:
Mark Sack, vice-president and head of Canadian institutional, Mackenzie Investments

Pharmacy-based diabetes management: New strategies to improve employee access and outcomes
Wednesday, June 9, 2021 (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET)

Innovative technology to monitor glucose levels for patients with diabetes offers improved health outcomes, reduced absenteeism and improved productivity, said Rick Siemens, certified diabetes educator pharmacist, during a webinar in June hosted by Benefits Canada and sponsored by Dexcom.

Speakers:
Brenda Agnew, director of caregiving, Chronically Simple

Samir Mistry, Pharm.D., vice-president, pharmacy, PreferredOne

Rick Siemens, certified diabetes educator pharmacist

Virtual mental health: Extending access to the right care
Tuesday, June 1, 2021 (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET)

82% of Canadians surveyed in the past year feel strongly that employee benefits plans should include virtual care for mental-health needs just as they do for physical health. In this webinar, Dr. Joby McKenzie, Dr. Vivian Sapirman and Kelly Dawson will provide insight into new mental-health challenges facing plan members amid the coronavirus crisis and how plan sponsors can help. Attendees will gain insight into the changing landscape of mental-health care, learn strategies to remove stigma surrounding mental-health care, and hear a real-life example of how one plan sponsor successfully uses virtual care to address and improve the mental health of the people they serve.

Speakers:
Dr. Joby McKenzie, managing director, Canada, Teladoc Health

Dr. Vivian Sapirman, MD, MA, FRCPC, psychiatrist and clinical lead, Teladoc Health

Kelly Dawson, global disability & leaves specialist, global wellness leader, Shopify

Diabetes Tech Innovations: Reducing Absenteeism in the Workplace
Thursday, Apr 22, 2021 (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EST)

In this webinar, presented by Abbott, attendees will learn about:

• The prevalence of diabetes in Canada and how proper management of this chronic condition is vital.
• The mental toll on parents or caregivers providing care for people living with diabetes.
• How innovations in technology, such as Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre* and FreeStyle Libre 2 systems**, can reduce absenteeism and improve productivity in the workplace for patients and caregivers alike.

* The FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system is indicated for measuring interstitial fluid glucose levels in adults aged 18 years and older with diabetes mellitus. Always read and follow the label/insert. ** The FreeStyle Libre 2 flash glucose monitoring system is indicated for measuring interstitial fluid glucose levels in children aged 4 years and older and adults with diabetes mellitus. Always read and follow the label/insert. ADC-36227

Please note: This webinar is intended for employers, plan sponsors, advisors, brokers, group benefits consultants and/or group insurers

Drug innovations webinar series: Evidence to policy: Biosimilar transitioning in Canada
Wednesday, March 10, 2021 (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST)

Effective use of biosimilars can help plan sponsors mitigate the cost of covering specialty drugs. In this webinar, attendees will gain insight into how some Canadian public and private drug plans have maximized the benefits of biosimilars to improve drug plan affordability and sustainability. Attendees will hear from two Canadian biosimilar policy pioneers who will share first-hand experience, including program results and resources utilized for effective transition policies.

Speakers:
Ned Pojskic, vice-president, pharmacy benefits management, Green Shield Canada

Tijana Fazlagic, executive director, therapeutic assessment and access, pharmaceutical, laboratory and blood services division, BC Ministry of Health

Benefits Canada Live: Perspectives on the future of whole-person virtual care
Thursday, February 11, 2021 (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST)

Whole-person virtual care is becoming a significant tool for plan sponsors, helping empower plan members to live their healthiest lives. This webinar will explore five important perspectives about how whole-person virtual care:

• becomes essential to episodic and longitudinal care;
• delivers evidence-based quality care at scale;
• empowers a new era of clinical collaboration;
• enhances the consumer experience with technology;
• extends health care to under-served populations.

Speakers:
Dr. Joby McKenzie, managing director, Canada, Teladoc Health

Dr. Timothy Foggin, vice-president and medical director, Canada/Asia Pacific, Teladoc Health

Drug innovations webinar series: Protecting your workplace from pneumonia – What you can do today to lower your workforce’s risk
Monday, November 30, 2020 (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST)

This drug innovations webinar helped plan sponsors understand how pneumonia can impact their workplace and why benefits plan coverage of vaccines can protect staff and their families from the risk of developing this infection. Attendees learned about pneumonia and its impact on an individual, their family and ability to work, as well as discuss how prevention in the form of vaccination can play a role in protecting Canadians and preserve quality of life.

Speaker:
Michael Boivin, pharmacist and president, CommPharm Consulting Inc.

Drug innovations webinar series: A new treatment paradigm for insomnia in the workplace
Wednesday, November 18, 2020 (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST)

The coronavirus pandemic has transformed the work environment for many Canadians, posing new challenges for employees suffering with insomnia. Insomnia can have debilitating impacts on plan members’ mental and physical well-being. In this drug innovations webinar, attendees heard clinical experts discuss the interplay between insomnia and overall employee health, addressed its impact on productivity and helped deepen the understanding of insomnia’s current treatment landscape. Further, attendees were introduced to a newer paradigm in treatment of insomnia in order to help reduce the mental and physical burden it causes within the Canadian workforce.

Speakers:
Dr. Jeffrey Habert, assistant professor, department of family and community medicine, University of Toronto

Seann Seto, medical science liaison, neurology, Eisai

Why LDI? Why now? A plan sponsor perspective
Monday, Nov 16, 2020 (1:30 PM - 2:30 PM EST)

Once again, in 2020, pension plan funding has deteriorated due to unanticipated market volatility. It happened in 2008 with the global financial crisis. It happened in 2000 when the dot.com bubble burst. And it’s happened numerous times in between. And while many plan sponsors have been waiting a long time for interest rates to rise before immunizing their liabilities, it now seems they’ll be waiting even longer. This webinar looked at how liability-driven investing can be a solution for plan sponsors playing the waiting game. It explored how LDI has evolved beyond just long-bonds to include non-traditional asset classes like real estate and derivatives, and how LDI strategies can be tailored to an individual plan’s liability profile.

Speakers:
Donna Mathieu, chief investment officer, NAV Canada

Thak Bhola, manager, pension fund administration, Goodyear Canada

Serge Lapierre, global head of liability-driven investments, Manulife Investment Management

Benefits Canada Live: Meeting the growing demand for mental-health services caused by the pandemic
Thursday, October 15, 2020 (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST)

According to a recent study, 50 per cent of Canadian respondents have reported their mental health has been negatively impacted by the coronavirus. The crisis has caused individuals worldwide to experience new acute stress disorders—from sleep disturbances to complicated grief—and the demand for reliable mental-health resources has never been greater. In this webinar, Dr. Timothy Foggin and Dr. Diana Velikonja provided insight into the unique mental-health challenges facing employees today and how employers can help. Attendees learned insights on the changing landscape of mental-health care, how the coronavirus is driving positive conversations around mental health and what steps employers can take to provide support.

Speakers:
Dr. Timothy Foggin, Canadian medical director, Teladoc Health

Dr. Diana Velikonja, president, Ontario Psychological Association

Drug innovations webinar series: One drug, many respiratory conditions
Tuesday, September 22, 2020 (1:30 PM – 2:30 PM EST)

Biologic agents have offered physicians an expanded armamentarium of treatments to help manage their patients’ conditions. In this Benefits Canada drug innovations webinar, you’ll hear from a patient who suffers from multiple respiratory conditions, about their journey and the impact these conditions have had on their quality of life. You'll also hear from a physician who will share her perspective on the treatments available and why one drug can be effective in treating many related diseases.

Speakers:
Dr. Susan Waserman, professor of medicine, division director, clinical immunology and allergy, McMaster University

Jeffery Preyra, patient advocate

Plan Sponsor Week
Monday, August 10 - Thursday, August 13, 2020 (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM EST)

Plan Sponsor Week was a four-day virtual event hosted by Benefits Canada and the Canadian Investment Review. Designed for Canadian benefits and pension decision-makers, the event provided valuable insights from industry thought leaders on developments in the design and delivery of group benefits and retirement programs for a changing workforce.

Drug innovations webinar series: Every minute counts in treating a rare blood medical emergency
Thursday, June 25, 2020 (3:00 – 4:00 PM EST)

New specialty drugs deliver patient benefits, but also impact private health benefits plans. Stay on top of new drug introductions by attending Benefits Canada’s drug innovations webinars, where you'll hear directly from experts about new medications and the diseases they treat. aTTP (acquired Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura) is a rare, life-threatening emergency blood disorder that typically occurs in the young, working population and has serious long-term impacts if not treated quickly. This webinar helped attendees better understand how aTTP and the first targeted therapy approved for this condition may impact your benefits plan.

Benefits Canada Live: Overall health: The key to employee well-being during and after the pandemic
Tuesday, June 23, 2020 (1:00 – 2:00 PM EST)

The coronavirus has seriously shaken things up for Canadians, both in their professional and personal lives. This new normal, for many of us, means working from home and homeschooling. With people reluctant to go to the hospital, an increase in health problems is expected, which organizations and insurers will have to address and adapt to. What health problems are being talked about, exactly? How can employees take care of their employees from a distance? Is financial stress on the rise? Are compassion and caring now central to the employer-employee relationship? This webinar explored how overall wellness, which includes physical, mental and financial health, is especially important during a crisis – and how going forward, this wellness culture will be an integral part of group plans.

Speaker:
Charmaine Alexander, senior advisor, disability management, Desjardins Insurance

2020 edition of The Sanofi Canada Healthcare Survey Webinar
Thursday, June 18, 2020

Sanofi Canada is very proud to produce The Sanofi Canada Healthcare Survey. Sanofi is a leading global pharmaceutical company with therapeutic solutions in many areas, including diabetes, oncology, cardiology, internal medicine and vaccines. This year marks the survey’s 23rd anniversary, and it is by far the longest-running survey of private health benefit plans in Canada. This year’s survey findings are broken down into four main sections, as presented in the report. This webinar presented highlights from these four sections.

Benefits Canada Live: Expanding access to high-quality health care with telemedicine
Thursday, May 28, 2020 (2:00 – 3:00 PM EST)

While the quality of Canadian health care is widely regarded as among the best in the world, convenient access to high-quality health care is a challenge due to a nationwide shortage of doctors and increased demands for care. The good news is telemedicine can ease the burden on the system and help Canadians get the quality care they need, when they need it. This webinar addressed how leading Canadian employers are taking action by investing in telemedicine services, which enable employees and their family members to consult with Canadian board-certified and licensed doctors — anytime, anywhere.

Speakers:
Dave Angus, president, Johnston Group
Dr. Hanif Jamal, Canadian medical director, Teladoc Health

Benefits Canada Live: Coronavirus and chronic disease: What are the effects on your workforce?
Thursday, May 21, 2020 (1:30 – 2:30 PM EST)

How does coronavirus affect those suffering from chronic disease and how can employers help? Did you know chronic conditions affect more than 50 per cent of the workforce and these numbers are on the rise? With many employees forced out of their normal routines, they need more support now than ever to understand and manage their conditions. This webinar provided perspective on the size of the chronic disease problem, identified how employees are managing during the crisis and provided tips on what employers can do to provide the best possible support.

Benefits Canada Live: Current health-care policies impacting private drug coverage
Tuesday, May 12, 2020 (11:30 AM – 12:30 PM EST)

This webinar discussed the pharmaceutical industry’s efforts during the coronavirus crisis, as well as some key, top-of-mind policy issues for Canadian insurers and their potential impact from the private-payer perspective. Further, this webinar covered the proposed Patented Medicines Pricing Review Board (PMPRB) reforms, the value of Canada’s dual-coverage system and the most recent Private Drug Plan Cost Drivers Report.

Benefits Canada Live: 2020 CAP Member Survey: Retirement savings and financial well-being in the era of coronavirus
Tuesday, April 28, 2020 (10:30 – 11:30 AM EST)

Alongside a struggling global economy, Canadian capital accumulation plans are facing unprecedented challenges. This year, Benefits Canada’s annual CAP Member Survey asked plan members about their retirement readiness, their investment strategies during these tumultuous times and their overall financial well-being.

Benefits Canada Live: Coronavirus and workplace mental health
Monday, March 30, 2020

Alongside a struggling global economy, Canadian capital accumulation plans are facing unprecedented challenges. This year, Benefits Canada’s annual CAP Member Survey asked plan members about their retirement readiness, their investment strategies during these tumultuous times and their overall financial well-being.

Benefits Canada Live: Coronavirus: What do employers need to know?
Thursday, March 19, 2020

With the coronavirus pandemic rapidly evolving, the global employment landscape is facing unprecedented challenges. What do employers need to know to manage these uncertain times and support their employees? Looking at short-term disability programs, benefits plans, human resources policies and legal obligations, Benefits Canada hosted a panel of experts on March 19 to answer all plan sponsor questions.