Benefits Canada is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2025 Workplace Benefits Awards. The awards, which were presented during the 2025 Healthy Outcomes Conference in Toronto on Oct. 21, recognized employers that are making a substantial difference in their employees’ financial, mental and physical well-being. This year, Benefits Canada presented awards across 11 categories, […]
While climate change is exacerbating employees’ pre-existing health challenges, workers aren’t always making the link between these health impacts and the support provided in their group benefits plan, says Marie-Chantal Côté, senior vice-president at Sun Life Health. “Employers have a great opportunity to continue to support employees by raising awareness of the supports available. A […]
In the midst of the current backlash against the very concept of diversity, equity and inclusion, VHA Home HealthCare is reinforcing its decades-long focus on developing an inclusive workplace culture. “Our commitment to DEI is central to our people strategy, so we’re not backing away, but rather continuing to emphasize and double down on our […]
As society’s view on gender identity continues to evolve, so too does the role of gender in shaping the world. A 2023 report by the Canadian Institute of Actuaries examined the impact of gender on actuarial considerations, including longevity risk in pension plans. The CIA’s report followed a 2021 decision by the Superior Court of […]
The Human Resources Professionals Association’s vice-president of human experience and innovation shares insights on building future-ready teams, reimagining total rewards and creating meaningful cultural rituals. Q: What new programs or initiatives are you looking to implement? A: We’re doubling down on two key areas that reflect where the world of work is heading. First, we’re […]
One in 10 Canadian women leave the workforce due to unmanaged menopause symptoms, according to a new report from iA Financial Group. The report, based on Canadian and international studies, found 33 per cent of working women aged 40 and older said symptoms such as fatigue, hot flashes and brain fog affected their performance while […]
For Ontario employers, pay equity compliance journey is an ongoing process and not a one-and-done exercise, said Will Lamond, a principal in the compensation practice at Normandin Beaudry, during a webinar on best pay equity practices in the province. Ontario’s Pay Equity Act requires employers with 10 or more employees to maintain equivalent levels of […]
At the Nuclear Waste Management Organization, truth and reconciliation isn’t a side project, it’s a core value, says Alicia Flynn, the organization’s human resources manager. “We know that working with Indigenous Peoples, learning from Indigenous knowledge and applying those learnings to our work are critical to successfully implementing Canada’s plan for the long-term management of […]
Amazon Canada is marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation tomorrow by promoting awareness and engaging with workers on the topic through its company intranet and Indigenous employee resource group. The online retailer is providing educational resources through its internal channels and promoting ways that employees can support Indigenous-owned businesses and not-for-profit organizations. Read: […]
Balancing benefits plan sustainability against meeting the evolving needs of employees continues to keep Canadian plan sponsors up at night. “I think since COVID we’ve seen such a shift in expectations [around] work-life balance, a focus on [diversity, equity and inclusion] and mental health,” said Laura Carter (pictured left), associate director of benefits at the […]