As the coronavirus pandemic continues, employees are viewing fitness benefits with increased importance, according to a new survey by ClassPass Inc. The survey found 70 per cent of respondents said they consider fitness benefits second only to health-care benefits, with 92 per cent saying they plan to return to gyms in 2021. Within that group, […]
Telus Health is partnering with Canada Life Assurance Co. and Innomar Strategies Inc. to launch Canada’s an electronic drug prior authorization solution. The pilot program will test the digitized process to fulfill prior authorization submissions for real prescription cases and evaluate its impact on process efficiency, consistency of adjudication results and the overall plan sponsor and member […]
The union representing General Motors of Canada Co. employees in Ontario have ratified a new three-year collective agreement that removes changes to a legacy defined benefit plan as part of ongoing pension discussions. The deal restores the legacy DB plan by removing a member contribution requirement and a 30-year cap on credited service introduced in […]
Morneau Shepell Ltd. is expanding its internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy solution with a series of new programs, in response to a growing need for these services during the coronavirus pandemic. Programs covering trauma, grief and loss will be available on the AbilitiCBT platform by the end of 2020, while those focused on obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety […]
Magna International Inc. is using data to personalize its wellness program, increase employee engagement and reduce costs. In 2012, the Canadian automobile parts manufacturer established its own internal health and wellness team. At first, the program focused solely on disseminating basic educational materials, such as quarterly newsletters, posters and handouts, said Dr. Krista Markew, manager […]
Bee-Clean Building Maintenance janitors in British Columbia ratified their first collective agreement on Monday, winning employer-paid health and dental benefits, paid sick days and a wage boost. Employees who are members of Services Employees International Union Local 2 reached the tentative agreement on Friday, mere days before they were set to picket at various locations across B.C.’s Lower […]
On the heels of winning re-election in British Columbia, the New Democratic Party’s work is just beginning, particularly in delivering on its promise to extend pensions and benefits to precarious workers across the province. In its re-election platform, the party pledged to develop a government-backed, collective benefit fund for independent contractors, self-employed and part-time workers, […]
Uber Technologies Inc., Lyft Inc. and other app-based ride-hailing and delivery services spent $200 million in a winning bet to circumvent California lawmakers and the courts to preserve their business model by keeping drivers from becoming employees eligible for benefits and job protections. The titans of the so-called gig economy bankrolled the most expensive ballot […]
The Equitable Life Insurance Co. of Canada is enhancing its online enrolment tool for group benefits plan members. New employees will now be able to directly enter their enrolment information and designate a beneficiary, while users will also be reminded before the enrolment period expires, according to a press release. The tool was originally launched in […]
As coronavirus cases rise across the country and some return-to-work plans become return-to-home plans, many employers are wondering how to help their employees adapt once again as the second wave of the pandemic slams into Canada. Will there be another lockdown this year? Will children be expected to learn remotely again while employees work? How can we, as […]