8:00 – 9:15 AM:

Breakfast (Dominion Ballroom Foyer)

9:15 – 9:30 AM:

Opening remarks and Benefits Canada Healthcare Survey methodology (Dominion Ballroom)

9:30 – 10:00 AM:

Benefits Canada Healthcare Survey: 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
• Main objectives to improve health
• Chronic diseases, including chronic pain
• Views on weight loss and weight-loss medications

Panellists:

Michael Kondrat, director of sales, Ontario, Western and Atlantic Canada, group insurance, sales and partner experience, Beneva

Barbara Martinez, national practice leader, drug solutions, Canada Life

10:00 – 10:30 AM:

Benefits Canada Healthcare Survey: Health benefits plans

In this session, expert panellists will weigh in on the survey results on the following topics:

• Importance of health benefits plans
• Plan design, including maximums
• Changes to the benefits plan
• Utilization of benefits and reporting on utilization
• Members' actions when coverage reaches maximum

Panellists:

Dr. Ayla Azad, chief executive officer, Canadian Chiropractic Association

Lancelot Lambert, regional vice-president, Ontario and Atlantic business development, group insurance, Desjardins Insurance

10:30 – 11:00 AM:

Networking break (Dominion Ballroom Foyer)

11:00 – 11:30 AM:

Benefits Canada Healthcare Survey: Workplace wellness supports

In this session, expert panellists will weigh in on the survey results on the following topics:

• Most important things plan sponsors can do
• Remote work
• A wellness strategy
• Current and future wellness supports

Panellists:

Troy Diakow, vice-president, life, disability and operations, Alberta Blue Cross

Kate Kilganan, assistant vice-president, pharmaceutical benefits and innovation, Sun Life

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM:

Focus on eye health: Why vision care deserves a bigger role in workplace wellness

Vision issues affect millions of Canadians, yet many remain unaware of the importance of regular eye exams — leading to preventable health and productivity challenges. This session will explore barriers to care, knowledge gaps and their impact on working-age Canadians. It will highlight how improving access to eye care can support healthier, more productive workplaces and reduce the risk of avoidable vision loss.

Speakers:

Dr. Tracy Weng, optometrist, clinical consultant, Specsavers Canada

12:00 – 12:30 PM:

Health equity at work: Strategies for supporting female employees

This session on women’s health will delve into the evolving needs of female employees and the role of inclusive benefits in supporting their well-being. It will highlight data-driven insights and practical strategies for addressing reproductive health, mental wellness and chronic conditions in the workplace.  It will also provide a deeper understanding of how gender-responsive benefits can drive employee engagement and organizational resilience.

Speaker:

Erika Hatherly, strategic leader, drug programs, group benefits and retirement solutions, iA Financial Group

12:30 – 1:30 PM:

Lunch (Dominion Ballroom Foyer)

1:30 – 2:00 PM:

Rethinking obesity care through evidence, equity and plan design

This session will introduce a new approach to obesity care — one that moves beyond outdated metrics to reflect the latest clinical evidence, holistic treatment strategies and sustainable drug plan design. It will also explore pharmacological advances like GLP-1 therapies, the role of behavioural and psychological support and the economic and clinical rationale for integrating weight management into extended health benefits. The session will also explain how to support workforce health outcomes while managing cost and continuity of care.

Speaker:

Marie-Hélène Dugal, national pharmacy strategy lead, Medavie Blue Cross

2:00 – 2:30 PM:

Building families, building equity

This session will spotlight why inclusive fertility benefits aren’t just perks, they’re powerful tools for equity, culture and talent retention. It will reveal insights on growing infertility trends in Canada and what plan members truly need in a fertility benefits plan to remove barriers to care and support diverse family journeys. It will also highlight how employers can show their commitment to inclusion and well-being.

Speaker:

Tara Wood, principal, Purpose PR and co-founder, Fertility Benefits Matter

This session has been made possible by Ferring Pharmaceuticals.

2:30 – 3:00 PM:

Networking break (Dominion Ballroom Foyer)

3:00 – 3:30 PM:

Cancer and work: More support, better prevention

Cancer is more than a medical reality, it’s a human, organizational and societal issue. This session will provide an overview of the challenges faced by employers and their teams, from diagnosis to return to work, as well as current practices, observed gaps and concrete solutions, including tools, services and policies, that promote people-focused, structured and effective support for those affected by cancer. With support from a study of 121 Canadian organizations, the session will encourage employers to rethink their group benefits plans to help build more resilient, inclusive and caring workplaces by focusing on prevention, disability management, rehabilitation and workplace accommodations.

Speaker:

Julie Holmes, senior advisor, disability management, Desjardins Insurance

3:30 – 4:00 PM:

Benefits Canada Healthcare Survey plan sponsor panel: Standing the test of time

In this session, experts from two of Canada’s leading employers will weigh in on the survey results and share their thoughts on navigating the myriad challenges facing the industry while ensuring benefits plans maintain their relevance to plan members. Topics covered will include plan members' knowledge of their benefits and financial well-being, increasing plan utilization and the overtaxed public health system, as well as tips and best practices on what has worked at their respective organizations.

Panellists:

Laura Carter, associate director, benefits, Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan

Tracey Riccardi, vice-president, compensation, benefits and HR systems, Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Ltd.

4:00 PM:

Closing remarks