Both plan sponsors and plan members are more open to the use of medical cannabis than they were five years ago, according to a new survey by Spectrum Therapeutics, a Canopy Growth Corp. Co. The survey, produced by Benefits Canada‘s publisher Context Group Inc., polled more than 250 plan sponsors and 800 patients who use authorized […]
The Toronto Transit Commission has settled a 2016 lawsuit against its insurer for the alleged failure to detect a benefits fraud scheme involving orthotics store Healthy Fit Inc. To date, 10 people — nine former TTC employees and Healthy Fit owner Adam Smith — have been convicted in relation to the scheme. More than 250 TTC employees resigned or […]
The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association has published a guide to help health-care providers and patients understand private health insurance. The guide, released during financial literacy month, was produced with the Extended Healthcare Professionals Coalition, a group that represents medical professionals, including psychologists, physiotherapists, audiologists, occupational therapists, chiropractors and pharmacists, among others. It’s geared toward […]
Hub International Ltd. has acquired the assets of Winnipeg-based benefits consulting firm W.R. Carey Corp. W.R. Carey provides a wide range of programs to employers, including benefits plan consulting and group retirement services. Bill Carey, the firm’s president, and all of its employees will join Hub International Manitoba Ltd. Read: Hub acquiring Alberta-based employee benefits consultancy “Carey Corp. […]
Mercer is launching an all-in-one digital platform that gives employees access to a variety of wellness vendors to support their physical, mental, financial or social well-being. Mercer 365, which will be rolled out in January 2020, allows employers to offer their staff benefits through an online, self-serve platform. It will also include access to benefits utilization and […]
Hub International Ltd. is acquiring RBI Advisory Group, an Okotoks, Alta.-based employee benefits consultancy. RBI has been providing advisory services to employers and associations around group benefits for almost 20 years. Rick Achtymichuk, RBI’s managing partner and owner, will join Hub International Insurance Brokers, a division of Hub International Canada West ULC. Read: Hub acquiring Saskatchewan-based […]
Unifor locals representing Via Rail Canada Inc. employees have opened bargaining in Montreal as contracts are set to expire for more than 2,000 members. Members identified a number of key issues for contract negotiation, including a strengthened pension plan, according to a press release. The current collective agreements expire on Dec. 31, 2019. Read: Unifor […]
For its increased focus on complete reviews of its disability policy and overall absence management program, Scotiabank took home the absence management award at Benefits Canada’s 2019 Workplace Benefits Awards in Toronto on Oct. 17. Three and a half years ago, Scotiabank went through a complete audit of its disability program, part of its overall best practice review for these […]
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. is appointing Ezaque Lopes as national growth leader of Gallagher Benefit Services (Canada) Group Inc. In the role, Lopes will be responsible for developing a plan to help more plan sponsor clients attract and retain top talent while driving greater productivity, profitability and organizational well-being, according to a press release. Read: Gallagher […]
At Benefits Canada‘s 2019 Workplace Benefits Awards, Scotiabank was recognized in the diversity category for a focus that’s “thoughtful” and “fulsome,” according to judges. “I think it’s becoming well-known — and research shows — that more diverse organizations perform better against their peers and are in the top quartile and in all sorts of different metrics,” said […]