Benefits Canada

Head to head: Should Canada implement a national pharmacare program?

While some say a single-payer system would mean reduced drug prices and expenditures, others argue it could have unintended consequences, particularly for private plan sponsors. Marc-André Gagnon, associate professor at Carleton University’s school of public policy and administration: Canada’s drug coverage is a patchwork without coherence or purpose. Some think more patches can solve the […]

  • April 12, 2019 September 13, 2019
  • 08:59

Head to head: Who’s responsible for detecting benefits fraud?

With benefits fraud a growing issue for plan sponsors, the recent spate of fraudulent activities at large organizations has prompted the question of who’s responsible for identifying benefits fraud in the first place. Is it insurers, plan sponsors or plan members? Mark Russell, director of investigative services at the Toronto Transit Commission: Five years ago, […]

  • March 15, 2019 September 13, 2019
  • 08:59

Head to head: Are DC plan sponsors actually interested in variable benefits?

While defined contribution plans can currently pay variable benefits to members at retirement in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec and Nova Scotia, the Ontario government is moving forward with legislation to allow the option. But are DC plan sponsors actually interested? Michael Dodd, director of pensions, treasury and shareholder services at the Co-operators Group […]

  • February 15, 2019 March 8, 2021
  • 08:59

Conference coverage: 2018 Mental Health Summit Vancouver

On Dec. 11, the Mental Health Summit Vancouver highlighted how the stigma surrounding mental illness can be removed from the workplace and what employers can do to help facilitate a comfortable return to work for those with mental-health issues. Here are some of the highlights of the sessions: Dealing with stigma of returning to work […]

  • January 25, 2019 September 13, 2019
  • 08:00

Conference Coverage: 2018 Face to Face Drug Plan Management Forum

On Dec. 5, the 2018 Face to Face Drug Plan Management Forum in Toronto highlighted the leading issues for plan sponsors to consider in the year ahead, including medical cannabis, pharmacogenetics and drug plan sustainability. Here are some of the highlights of the sessions: A look at the benefits of patient support programs for plan […]

  • January 11, 2019 September 13, 2019
  • 09:00

Conference Coverage: 2018 Mental Health Summit Toronto

At the annual Mental Health Summit Toronto on Nov. 12, industry experts provided insights on mental health and the workplace, including how to remove the stigma, a look at new technologies and ways to help facilitate a smooth return to work. Here are some of the highlights of the sessions: Accommodation an affordable path to […]

  • December 14, 2018 September 13, 2019
  • 09:00

Conference Coverage: 2018 Calgary Drug Plans Summit

The 2018 Calgary Drug Trends Summit shone a spotlight on a wide range of trends, from new advances in drug and lifestyle therapies to the impact of cannabis legalization on benefits coverage to drug plan cost management. Here are some of the highlights of the sessions: A look at pharmacist-led deprescribing using therapeutic nutrition intervention Achieving radiant […]

  • November 9, 2018 September 13, 2019
  • 08:00

RBC to buy full ownership of RBC Dexia

$1.1 billion cash will close the deal.

  • April 3, 2012 September 13, 2019
  • 12:03