The agenda for the 2025 Toronto Benefits Summit will be comprised of four Benefits Canada Healthcare Survey panel discussions that will unveil key results from this year’s survey, as well as standalone educational sessions on a wide range of health benefits and employee wellness topics.

Agenda at a glance:

Confirmed sessions:

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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.

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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
• Major injury or illness
• Views on weight loss and weight-loss medications
• Views on pharmacy and preferred provider networks

Panellists:

Michael Kondrat, account executive, Ontario, sales and partner experience, group insurance, Beneva

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

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Benefits Canada Healthcare Survey: Health benefits plans

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

• Evaluation and perceptions of value
• Plan design, including maximums
• Importance of health benefits plans
• Top concerns, with a closer look at cost management
• Changes to the benefits plan
• Utilization of benefits, including virtual care
• Members' actions when coverage reaches maximum
• Reporting on utilization

Panellists:

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

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

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Benefits Canada Healthcare Survey: Workplace wellness supports 

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

• The role and responsibility of the employer
• 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

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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:

Naomi Barber, clinical services director, Specsavers Canada

Dr. Laurie Lesser, head of optometry attraction, Specsavers Canada

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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

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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

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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

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More sessions to be announced soon.