On April 9 at the Marriott Pinnacle Downtown in Vancouver, the 2026 Vancouver Benefits Summit hosted a record-breaking crowd of B.C.-based employers, advisors and consultants for a full day of educational sessions exploring trends in the benefits and wellness space. More than 200 attendees learned about data and disruption in group benefits, the hidden cost […]
Group benefits plans are under unprecedented pressure, said Rahul Rao, chief executive officer and founder of CloudAdvisors, during a session at Benefits Canada’s 2026 Vancouver Benefits Summit. Claim costs that are increasing at a rate outpacing inflation and a multigenerational workforce with differing needs are challenging plan sponsors trying to offer a competitive, but still […]
Early intervention, compassion and offering ongoing support, whether through the benefits plan or as an employer, are central to helping employees struggling with mental-health challenges stay engaged and productive at work, according to new research from Desjardins Insurance and the Douglas Institute. During a session at Benefits Canada’s 2026 Vancouver Benefits Summit, Charmaine Alexander (pictured […]
Poor sleep is affecting employee’s health, productivity and workplace performance, according to Carmen Bellows, registered psychologist and director of mental health at Sun Life Health, during a session at Benefits Canada’s 2026 Vancouver Benefits Summit. “Sleep is something we all intuitively know is important, but we all tend to sacrifice. Despite the risk to our […]
Workplace benefits plans can play a crucial role in improving women’s health outcomes, but many haven’t yet evolved to recognize the unique health needs and transitions women face over their life. “We have so much knowledge now of the transitions, the health situations that women face, but yet we haven’t seen that evolution in our […]
Two years after GreenShield Canada integrated its health services and benefits into one platform for plan members, the insurer has seen significant positive health outcomes. Through the platform, plan members who arrive looking for a service such as internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy or fitness coaching are nudged to speak with a counsellor, who directs them […]
Most health-care spend isn’t a treatment problem, it’s a timing problem, according to Dr. Kristy Prouse, chief medical advisor of women’s health at Science&Humans, during a session at Benefits Canada’s 2026 Vancouver Benefits Summit. Global life expectancy has increased 19 years over the past six decades, she said, but the proportion of life spent in […]
Work, wealth and well-being are all connected when it comes to Vancity’s employee rewards program, according to Ivana Afonso, the credit union’s director of total rewards, during a session at Benefits Canada’s 2026 Vancouver Benefits Summit. One of the main reasons she joined the company four years ago was its commitment to employee well-being. Employees don’t […]