Sun Life Financial is entering into a strategic commercial partnership and making a $32.7 million equity investment in Canadian telemedicine provider Dialogue.

Through the deal, Sun Life will hold a minority ownership position in Dialogue. The round of financing also includes further investments from existing backers, including the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, Portag3 Ventures, White Star Capital, HV Holtzbrinck Ventures Adviser GMBH, First Ascent Ventures and Walter Ventures.

“The need for Canadians to have alternative ways to access health care continues to grow,” said Dave Jones, senior vice-president of group benefits at Sun Life Canada, in a press release. “Virtual care is an important part of the future of Canadian health care. The combination of innovative technology and the necessity of social distancing during the pandemic has rapidly changed the virtual health-care landscape. Our investment in Dialogue represents Sun Life’s commitment to helping Canadians live healthier lives through access to health care, whenever and wherever they need it.”