Driving to a client meeting in 2003, Kate Nazar, then age 30, felt shooting pains up her spine and pulled to the side of the road, stepped out of the car and collapsed. Hours later, after emergency surgery, she learned the episode — and the months of missing menstrual cycle before it — were symptoms […]
A long history of inadequate recognition and support for women’s health has rifted the gender health gap. Indeed, a variety of health issues affect women differently, disproportionately and exclusively, according to Krista Hogan, director of product development and health solutions at Sun Life, noting perpetuated stigma and a lack of awareness and fundamental research are […]
Rising rates of chronic illness among younger people and women are changing the picture of chronic disease in Canada, according to Sun Life data. Forty-five per cent of Canadians now live with a chronic disease, said Alexandra Dalkie, the insurer’s director of ePharmacy, during Benefits Canada’s 2026 Chronic Disease at Work conference. While older Canadians […]
In the 30 years since Symcor’s inception, it has brought in many employees with diverse ages, backgrounds, cultures and experiences. “We want to make sure that, with a workforce as diverse as ours, to have programs that are inclusive, meaningful, relevant and supportive,” said Rachel Wong, the organization’s vice-president of total rewards and human resources […]
The Bank of Montreal is supporting women’s health through information sessions and an enhanced resource hub. The bank is hosting the latest session in its women’s health series at the end of March on women’s cardiovascular health, a virtual and in-person event that will discuss heart health and how it impacts women differently. Sarika Gundu, […]
For Jocelyn Laidlaw, a former anchor at CTV News, a sudden diagnosis of stage 3A metastatic colorectal cancer revealed not only the emotional toll of cancer but also the systemic gaps in Canadian health care and workplace benefits. Speaking during a session supported by AstraZeneca Canada at Benefits Canada’s 2025 Face to Face Drug Plan […]
Glioma, the most common malignant brain tumour in young adults under 50 is a devastating disease that often strikes people in their prime working years, said Samaneh Samami, senior medical science liaison at Servier, during Benefits Canada’s Drug Innovations Webinar: A spotlight on brain health. Diagnosis can turn a person’s life upside down, she noted, […]
Cancer rates among Canadian women age 50 and younger are twice as high as those of men in the same age group, according to a new report by Sun Life Financial Inc. The report analyzed health claims data from more than three million plan members and 20,000 employers. It found cancer continued to drive a […]
Global health insurance costs are expected to rise by an average of 10.3 per cent in 2026, according to a new report by WTW. It found Asia-Pacific is anticipating the steepest jump at 14 per cent, while Latin America is expecting a an increase of 11.9 per cent. The Middle East and Africa will see […]
The British Columbia government has proposed changes to the province’s Employment Standards Act to allow up to 27 weeks of unpaid leave each year for people facing a “catastrophic” illness or injury. Premier David Eby told a news conference in Victoria that the change would take effect this fall if the bill is passed by his New Democrat […]