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Union calling for better benefits, pension accrual for wildland firefighters

Improved benefits and pensions are needed for wildland firefighters amid the unprecedented amount of wildfires in Canada this year, says Bert Blundon, president of the National Union of Public and General Employees. “Firefighters have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, mental-health concerns and cancer. That last one is the main source of contention for wildland […]

  • August 31, 2023 August 30, 2023
  • 09:00

PwC Canada improving parental leave with specialized coaching, leadership training

PricewaterhouseCoopers Canada is improving its parental leave policy with specialized coaching and leadership training for employees. As part of its Me + PwC program, the company conducted listening tours with employees, with the feedback including more support for parents, says Sonia Boisvert, a partner and chief people officer at PwC Canada. “Being a parent myself, […]

  • August 28, 2023 August 25, 2023
  • 09:00

IKEA Canada offering emergency grants, discounts to help workers combat inflation

IKEA Canada is supporting employees amid the rising cost of living by offering emergency relief grants through its Ingka Social Fund and extra discounts on select products. “The establishment of the global social fund was triggered by the energy crisis and inflationary pressures that many are experiencing in markets around the world,” says Natasha Bagley, […]

  • August 16, 2023 August 15, 2023
  • 09:00

Benefits for pet owners evolving through paid leave, wellness accounts

Though still a fairly new concept, pet benefits are becoming a more common consideration when employers are expanding their offerings and looking to stand out. In August 2022, Talk Shop Media introduced a ‘pawrental’ leave policy, which allows employees to take time off around the adoption of a new pet to focus on ownership duties, […]

  • August 11, 2023 August 10, 2023
  • 08:52

Q&A with Great Canadian Entertainment’s Mikkaela Fernandez

The gaming and entertainment company’s new manager of benefits, retirement and wellness discusses improving benefits communication, transferring total rewards skills and her favourite Peloton workouts. Q: What new programs or initiatives are you looking to implement? A: I’d like to develop an ongoing education and communications strategy to promote our current benefits programs and categorize […]

  • August 11, 2023 August 10, 2023
  • 08:50

Organon encouraging employees to volunteer with paid time off

Organon Canada is encouraging its employees to volunteer by allowing them paid time off and partnering with organizations that reflect their values. The health-care company provides all employees with up to 40 hours of paid time to volunteer each calendar year so they can give back to their communities. “From the start, we felt like […]

  • August 9, 2023 August 8, 2023
  • 09:00

Should Canada implement flexible working legislation for all workplaces?

As the U.K.’s new flexible working bill receives royal assent, Edward Majewski, partner at Ogletree Deakins International LLP, says similar legislation would benefit employers and employees in Canada. The Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023, which received royal assent last month, sets out the right of employees to request variations to particular terms and conditions of […]

  • August 1, 2023 July 31, 2023
  • 09:00

How employers can support employees impacted by wildfires

With wildfires raging across the country over the past weeks, employers can support affected employees by offering easily accessible tools and resources, flexible work schedules and extended wellness benefits, says Alex Boucher, principal consultant and total health management leader at Mercer Canada. Whether they’ve been removed from their homes or are worrying about smoke inhalation, employees are […]

  • July 28, 2023 July 27, 2023
  • 09:00

Gene, cell therapies raising questions of drug cost responsibilities: expert

The growth of gene and cell therapies are raising significant questions among private payers about who bears the responsibility for the costs of these treatments, says Tim Clarke, president at TC Health Consulting Inc. “One issue is whether this is going to be paid for by public health or if it’s an employer health issue. […]

  • July 21, 2023 July 21, 2023
  • 09:00

Redbrick supporting remote employees through benefits offerings, virtual events

Victoria, B.C.-based technology company Redbrick is supporting its remote employees through individualized benefits offerings and unique virtual events. “For us, remote work continues to be part of a conscious effort to do what’s best for our employees,” says Christine Tatham, vice-president of people and culture at Redbrick. “We consider remote work in every decision we make. […]

  • July 7, 2023 July 6, 2023
  • 09:00