Employers can improve women’s financial security by recognizing gender differences and improving pension contribution and benefits structures, says Kadie Philp, commissioner and chief administrative officer at the Ontario Pay Equity Commission. To close the gender pension gap, employers need to recognize how different work-life patterns can be for men and women, in addition to making […]
In these uncertain times, there are strategic opportunities to implement mental-health polices, programs and services that provide tangible benefits for both employers and employees. Rebecca Gewurtz, occupational therapist and associate professor in the School of Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University Even during a challenging labour market, it’s important for employers to invest in employee mental-health […]
While more than half (57 per cent) of Canadian women agree that International Women’s Day initiatives can have a meaningful impact in the workplace, 64 per cent believe employers treat the day as a celebration rather than an opportunity to assess how they support women, according to a new survey by Benchmark Benefits Solutions Inc. […]
Debra Whitman was traveling for work when her father was suddenly admitted to the hospital in serious pain. She jetted home to Maryland and took several days off to care for him in his rural community in eastern Washington state and to set him up with a motorized lift chair that would help him stand […]
A series of major winter storms that shut down highways, closed schools and prompted travel warnings across parts of Ontario is renewing scrutiny of how employers apply return-to-office policies during emergency situations. During a severe snowstorm earlier this month, an internal memo sent to Ontario public servants by the provincial Ministry of Transportation indicated they […]
The growing adoption of prohibitions against demanding sick notes to substantiate short-term absences, related to the health of employees or their immediate families, is among the emerging trends that are challenging employers in 2026. In November, British Columbia joined Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador in imposing […]
An article on changes to Newfoundland and Labrador’s employee leave legislation was the most-read benefits story on BenefitsCanada.com this year. Here are the top 10 benefits stories of 2025: 1. What Newfoundland and Labrador-based employers need to know about changes to employee leave legislation 2. How national health-care legislation could impact benefits plan sponsors’ virtual […]
The Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan is continuing to embrace a hybrid working arrangement for employees following positive feedback gathered through internal surveys. In the years since the organization introduced a hybrid arrangement in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, employee satisfaction and happiness has continually increased, says Anna MacDonald, the ASEBP’s director of human […]
An article on an Ontario Superior Court decision on the use of enforceable termination clauses in employment contracts was the most-read human resources story on BenefitsCanada.com this year. Here are the top 10 HR stories of 2025: 1. Ontario court rules employer’s termination clause enforceable due to clear language, entitlements 2. Quebec employment legislation introducing […]
Canada’s sick pay rate is the best in North America at an average of US$697.21 per week, according to a recent report by Moorepay Ltd. The report, which researched the statutory sick pay legislation in 113 countries, found the Bahamas was the second highest in North America, with $500.19, followed by Panama at $493.39 and […]