For LGBTQ2S+ employees and allies, the current news stream is particularly bleak. In recent months, at least 20 U.S. states have enacted laws restricting or banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors. In both Canada and the U.S., LGBTQ2S+ events, such as drag queen story hours at public libraries, are increasingly subject to protest both […]
The union representing 89 employees at the University of Toronto has ratified a two-year agreement that includes retirement and benefits gains, including gender affirmation coverage. The agreement includes six retiring allowance packages equivalent to two months of base wages for employees who qualify for an unreduced pension in accordance with the University Pension Plan’s provisions. […]
An opinion piece on how certain aspects of the Quebec government’s rules and constraints on private drug plans affect pharmacy costs was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com this past week. 1. Sounding Board: Why do Quebec’s private drug plans pay higher pharmacy fees? 2. Custodial, maintenance workers at TMU striking over pension contribution increase 3. Half of Canadian benefits providers […]
While gender affirmation and fertility benefits coverage still isn’t included in all group benefits plans, around half of Canada’s group benefits providers include gender affirmation coverage (50 per cent) or fertility benefits coverage (59 per cent) in some of their plan offers, according to an exclusive survey by Benefits Canada. The survey, which polled Canada’s […]
An article on how employers can use ‘Blue Monday’ as an opportunity to discuss mental health was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com over the last week. Here are the five most popular news stories of the week: 1. Employers can use ‘Blue Monday’ to reset workplace mental-health strategies 2. Microsoft’s U.S. employees receiving unlimited vacation days 3. Walmart enhancing […]
Walmart Canada is enhancing its employee benefits plan with coverage for fertility treatments and gender affirmation. Nadia Cerisano, vice-president of total rewards and global mobility at Walmart, says the new benefits, which take effect Feb. 1, will help employees be their authentic selves in the workplace. Last fall, Walmart extended fertility benefits to its U.S. […]
Coca-Cola Canada Bottling Ltd. is expanding its coverage for mental-health and family-building benefits as part of its strategy to incorporate diversity, equity and inclusion throughout its benefits plan. The family-owned bottling company made a promise to its partner, the Coca-Cola Co., that it would build a multi-generational business and create a safe and inclusive workplace […]
Rothmans, Benson & Hedges Inc. is providing employees with coverage for egg freezing and expanding some fertility allowances, as well as introducing gender affirmation coverage. “This is something we’re really proud of because it’s part of our global diversity, equity and inclusion strategy,” says Ksenia Kamenskaya, director of people and culture at RBH. “We want […]
Telus Communications Inc. was recognized for supporting employees’ holistic well-being as it took home the award for Health/wellness program for an employer with more than 1,000 employees at Benefits Canada‘s 2022 Workplace Benefits Awards on Oct. 18. Acknowledging its staff are all somewhere on the well-being continuum and that each person’s situation and goals are […]
Labatt Breweries of Canada’s wide-reaching diversity, equity and inclusion strategy led to a win in the DEI program category at Benefits Canada’s 2022 Workplace Benefits Awards on Oct. 18. “The whole team is thrilled with the win and that all their hard work and efforts have paid off,” says Robin Doobay, senior manager of total rewards […]