Breakfast (Pinnacle Foyer)

Fireside chat: A deep dive into the introduction of a benefits plan (Pinnacle Ballroom)

Speaker:

Mikkaela Fernandez, manager, total rewards, benefits, wellness, leaves and retirement, Arc’teryx Equipment

People leader mental-health education: Vital leadership in uncertain times

People leaders play a crucial role in supporting the mental well-being of their team members, especially during periods of uncertainty and change. They’re integral in supporting employees who may be at risk of mental-health challenges, assisting those returning from disability leave and navigating the complexities of today's uncertain environment. This session will equip people leaders with the tools and knowledge needed to effectively support their teams' mental health while navigating the complexities of today's uncertain business landscape.

Speaker:

Carmen Bellows, registered psychologist, director, mental-health solutions, Sun Life Financial

Networking break (Pinnacle Foyer)

Equity in family building: The case for comprehensive fertility benefits in employee offerings

It’s critically important to raise awareness among plan sponsors about the need for inclusive fertility benefits in their employee offerings. As family-building journeys vary widely, it’s essential for organizations to recognize and address the unique needs of all employees, including those from the gender diverse communities and single individuals. This session will share how inclusive fertility benefits can enhance workplace culture and serve as a valuable tool for attracting and retaining talent. It will emphasize that implementing these benefits isn’t just a matter of compliance, but a commitment to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion within the workplace. The session will also explore the transformative impact of inclusive fertility plans and how they can help create a supportive environment for all employees seeking to build their families.

Speaker:

Michelle Chidley, co-founder and chair, Fertility Alberta Advocacy and Outreach Association and principal, Aisling Communications Inc.

This session has been made possible by EMD Serono.

The future of women’s health: Hormonal health, personalization and workplace well-being

This session will be divided into two parts. The first part will explore hormonal health across all stages of a woman’s reproductive life, with a focus on perimenopause and menopause. It will highlight how evidence-based care can address imbalances that impact well-being, productivity and quality of life. The second part will take a payer-provider perspective, showcasing how personalized support across the full spectrum can better meet the evolving needs of women throughout key life stages.

Speakers:

Ifra Jamil, director, consumer strategy and growth, GreenShield

Dr. Kristy Prouse, chief medical advisor, women’s health, Science&Humans

Lunch (Pinnacle Foyer)

Think pharmacist: A new era of patient experience beyond the prescription

This session will explore the evolving landscape of pharmacy care and its impact on the patient’s experience. It will explore the developments across chronic disease management, minor ailments, specialty drugs and pharmacy services, showcasing how these are driving a more holistic approach to health care. The session will also demonstrate how learning from a pharmacy's perspective can help plan sponsors contribute to a more responsive and effective health-care ecosystem for the benefits and wellness space.

Speaker:

Anu Sharda, senior director, payor partnerships, Health Solutions by Shoppers Drug Mart

Empowering plan members by understanding their health journey

This session will explore the entire journey of plan members within group benefits programs, outlining the various stages and touchpoints that members encounter, illustrated by a case study on the implementation of a weight management program.  The session will also share insights into the evolving roles of employers and insurers, particularly in disability management exploring how they can better serve members and optimize their group benefits programs.

Speaker:

Eveline Keable, strategic leader, health, wellness and disability, group benefits and retirement solutions, iA Financial Group

Embedding well-being: Lessons in building capacity across the organization

As organizations navigate the evolving landscape of workplace mental health and psychological safety, the University of British Columbia is leading the way by embedding well-being into its strategy, workplace practices and programs. This session will explore how UBC’s evidence-based approach — rooted in strategic alignment, equity considerations and leadership engagement — has strengthened capacity for well-being across the organization while enhancing equitable benefits and support systems. It will also share practical insights into scaling workplace well-being initiatives and practices and fostering the meaningful, sustainable adoption of well-being.

Speaker:

Natasha Malloff, executive director, health, benefits, pensions, University of British Columbia