The Co-operators Life Insurance Co. is introducing optional medical cannabis coverage for its largest group plan sponsors. While the coverage can be added as an optional provision under an extended health-care plan, it requires prior authorization and is subject to an annual maximum. The insurer will consider cannabis an eligible expense under a health-care spending account, as long […]
The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board says it isn’t yet interested in making direct investments in Canada’s newly legalized recreational marijuana industry. Michel Leduc, global head of public affairs and communications, says the sector is “not an area of focus” for the organization that invests Canada Pension Plan funds on behalf of about 20 million Canadian contributors and beneficiaries. […]
As Canada enters a new era of legalized recreational cannabis, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business is offering tools and educational materials for employers and employees. “Governments had the opportunity to create a clear, modern system for cannabis,” said Dan Kelly, president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, in a press release. “Unfortunately, the process […]
Marijuana. Cannabis. Pot. Weed. Bud. Grass. Reefer. Kush. Mary Jane. Ganja. Doobie. Trees. No matter what you call it, marijuana is dominating the Canadian news cycle in 2018. And I think it’s about time. At Benefits Canada, it’s cropping up in every area we cover, including how employers can add medical marijuana coverage into their […]
Employer and labour groups say the Trudeau Liberals aren’t planning to roll out any new workplace impairment rules for federally-regulated workers once cannabis is legalized next week. Employers on the federally-struck committee wanted new labour code rules to provide detailed guidance to businesses on their and their employees’ responsibilities after legalization. A joint employer-worker group […]
With just one week to go before recreational cannabis is legalized, a disconnect still exists between employers and employees around policies and expectations, according to a new survey by ADP Canada. Slightly more than one-third (36 per cent) of managers surveyed said their organization is introducing or changing workplace policies and guidelines ahead of legalization. However, just […]
For Jonathan Zaid, the benefits of medical cannabis aren’t theoretical or clinical; they’re deeply personal. Diagnosed at age 14 with daily persistent headache, a rare and extremely painful condition, Zaid tried more than 40 medications before medical marijuana enabled him to sleep through the night for the first time in five years. Now the director […]
Medavie Blue Cross is adding medical cannabis coverage to its benefits provision. The extended health-care benefit will be optional, standalone coverage for plan sponsors, providing reimbursement for fresh and dried cannabis, as well as cannabis oil. Plan sponsors will have the option of an annual maximum coverage amount. Read: SSQ Insurance to offer medical cannabis coverage in 2019 Coverage […]
SSQ Life Insurance Co. Inc. will provide plan sponsors with the option of covering medical marijuana beginning Jan. 1, 2019, The move is in relation to recent clinical advances showing the efficacy of cannabis in treating certain medical problems, according to the Quebec-based insurer. To help keep group insurance costs in check, SSQ will require prior […]
Horizons ETFs Management (Canada) Inc.’s marijuana life sciences index exchange-traded fund has reached $1 billion in assets under management. Indicated by the ticker symbol HMMJ, the fund is the first and largest of its kind to offer direct exposure to marijuana-related North American-listed companies as a cohesive index, according to a news release. Since it was […]