Great-West Lifeco Inc. is merging three of its insurance brands, combining Great-West Life Assurance Co. and its two subsidiaries, London Life and Canada Life. The new company, which will go by Canada Life, will consolidate an aggregate 13 million Canadian customers. “Today marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter for our companies in […]
Since the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation introduced online cognitive behavioural therapy, nearly 3,000 plan members have signed up to use it. The mobile-friendly program is provided by B.C.-based Starling Minds. It found those who’ve used the online CBT reported reduced anxiety, sadness and worry. As well, some 71 per cent indicated they were less likely to spend time away from work as a […]
Multinational virtual care provider Teladoc Inc. is launching a telemedicine service in Canada. Employers and insurers can purchase the service, which will connect plan members with a licensed doctor in either English or French any time of the day, over the phone or on a mobile app. “We’re proud to be helping Canadians get the […]
Mental illness and problems with mental health cost employers $20 billion annually, and it’s the cause of one in every three claims for short- and long-term disability, according to a study by the Mental Health Commission of Canada. It’s no wonder mental health remains an area of focus for Canadian employers. While they grapple with how to tackle […]
Employers in Ontario could see their dental coverage spending increase this year, due to an average 4.19 per cent hike in the Ontario Dental Association’s suggested dental fees for 2019. According to the association’s president David Stevenson, this year’s average increase primarily stems from updates to infection prevention and control standards. The changes, implemented in 2017, […]
Sun Life Assurance Co. of Canada will expand its extended health-care plan to include gender affirmation coverage to help people who are transitioning. “We know there can be a significant impact on an individual’s mental, emotional and physical well-being when they don’t feel connected to their gender,” said Marie-Chantal Côté, vice-president of market development at […]
Mercer Canada has re-appointed Rose Kwan as a partner in its health team. With nearly 30 years of experience in benefits consulting in both Canada and Asia, Rose brings experience in employee benefits, employee engagement, wellness and human resources strategies. After starting her career at Confederation Life Insurance Co., she joined Mercer in 2007. In her previous roles at the […]
Employees at Glencore Canada’s Brunswick Smelter operation are considering striking over what their union is calling “never-ending” concession demands from the company on pensions and benefits packages. While members of the United Steelworkers Local 7085 are expected to vote on a strike on March 28 and 29, negotiations between the employer and the union, which represents […]
While 72 per cent of Canadian employers said they expect to differentiate their benefits programs for recruitment and retention in the next three years, just 12 per cent currently do so, according to a new survey by Willis Towers Watson. It found 60 per cent of employers now offer flexible benefits, and this is set […]
On Feb. 27 in Toronto, the 2019 Employers Cancer Care Summit addressed cancer-related concerns tied to benefits plans in the workplace. Here’s what you missed: Gap services one solution to evolving developments in immunotherapy When it comes to cancer treatment, immunotherapy is a game changer with an exciting future ahead, according to Dr. Jeff Rothenstein. […]