Event

The Benefits Canada Healthcare Survey event presented the highlights and key takeaways from this year’s survey. Expert panellists shared their insights and put the findings into context for Canadian employers and industry professionals.

The English event took place in person on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, at the Arcadian Court in Toronto. For those who were unable to attend in person, a livestream option is available below.

Purchase the 2024 Benefits Canada Healthcare Survey event on demand video

Access the 2024 Benefits Canada Healthcare Survey event on demand video (for event attendees)


Agenda:

8:30 – 9:30 AM: Breakfast
9:30 – 9:45 AM: Opening remarks and methodology
9:45 – 10:15 AM:
Personal health
In this session, expert panellists will weigh in on the survey results on the following topics:

  • Five pillars of health: physical, mental, financial, social and work
  • Chronic diseases, including chronic pain
  • Major injury or illness
  • Treatment options
  • Experience with health-care system
Panellists:
Lancelot Lambert
Regional vice-president, Ontario and Atlantic business development, group insurance, Desjardins Insurance
BIOGRAPHY
Barb Martinez
National practice leader, drug solutions, Canada Life
BIOGRAPHY
10:15 – 10:45 AM:
Health benefits plans
In this session, expert panellists will weigh in on the survey results on the following topics:

  • Importance versus challenges
  • Evaluation and perceptions of value
  • Utilization
  • Out-of-pocket costs and members' actions when coverage runs out
  • Trade-offs for more coverage
  • Communication and navigation
Panellists:
Dr. Ayla Azad
Chief executive officer, Canadian Chiropractic Association
BIOGRAPHY
Andrea Belvedere
Assistant vice-president, health benefits and solutions, Sun Life
BIOGRAPHY
10:45 – 11:15 AM: Networking break
11:15 – 11:45 AM:
Workplace wellness supports
In this session, expert panellists will weigh in on the survey results on the following topics:

  • Evaluation of wellness culture
  • Remote work
  • Importance versus challenges
  • A wellness strategy
  • Psychological health and safety in the workplace
  • Current and future wellness supports
Panellists:
Sunil Hirjee
Vice-president, sales and partner experience, Ontario, Western and Atlantic Canada, group insurance, Beneva
BIOGRAPHY
Andrejka Massicotte
Head, group benefits, RBC Insurance
BIOGRAPHY

11:45 AM – 12:30 PM:
Plan sponsor panel: Navigating the perfect storm
In this session, experts from some of Canada’s leading employers will weigh in on the survey results and share their thoughts on how far the industry has come and what lies ahead. Topics covered will include benefits plan communications, coverage trade-offs, as well as tips and best practices on what has worked at their respective organizations.
Panellists:
Kelly Dawson
Global lead, wellness and leaves, Shopify
BIOGRAPHY
Sarika Gundu
Head, Canadian benefits and enterprise recognition, BMO Financial Group
BIOGRAPHY
Emilie Inakazu
Director, benefits and well-being, KPMG in Canada
BIOGRAPHY
12:30 PM: Closing remarks