It’s an exciting time for group benefits in Canada. That’s not a phrase you hear every day, but it’s one that’s coming up more and more often. Terms like “digital health” and “disruption” are new words to the Canadian benefits vernacular. All of a sudden, it seems like a new digital health startup launches every […]
Before making changes to a benefits plan or building one from scratch, plan sponsors should first determine what problems they’re trying to solve, according to a human resources consultant. The reasons for implementing changes can vary, but moving forward without a clear motivation can cause problems, said Phyllis Retty, owner and human resources consultant at Lift HR Consulting, during […]
Green Shield Canada will offer plan sponsors more options for including medical marijuana in their group benefits plans in early 2018. The insurer said its new offering has a much greater level of oversight than is currently available through health-care spending accounts. Read: Key questions for plan sponsors as marijuana legalization approaches There will be benefit maximums put in place, noted […]
More than two years ago, an Oakville, Ont.-based startup — a small technology company with nine employees — was looking to implement a benefits plan. Eager to attract and retain the best talent, its founder decided to go all out with a generous plan that saw the employer paying the full cost for 100 per […]
With Amazon.com Inc.’s Alexa service and related devices to be available in Canada in December, Manulife Financial Corp. has developed a capability for the voice-activated digital assistant that will allow plan members to check the balances of their group benefits coverage. Starting in December, through any Alexa-enabled device, all plan members who have mobile service turned on […]
While defined benefit pensions often make headlines when a company is struggling, there has traditionally been less of a focus on retiree benefits plans. The issue is paramount, however, in Sears Canada Inc.’s bankruptcy case. After filing for protection under the Companies’ Creditor Arrangement Act in June, Sears sought to suspend payments under its post-retirement […]
With employers already facing enough cost pressures around their benefits plans, adding additional coverage for paramedical services may be a daunting prospect. But with employees often looking for coverage for a broader range of services, is athletic therapy worth considering? The Canadian Athletic Therapists Association, in fact, helpfully provides employees with a sample letter on […]