As all aspects of employee well-being increasingly overlap, it’s never been more critical to look at the intersection between health and wealth, especially for a traditionally underserved part of the population. The inaugural Women’s Health & Wealth Summit, which was hosted in Toronto on March 5, brought together plan sponsors and other industry thought leaders […]
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 […]
While dedicated coverage for women’s midlife health needs improve employee well-being and productivity, it also addresses the costs of unmanaged menopause symptoms that are showing up in other parts of the benefits plan. A women’s health partnership between Medavie Blue Cross and sanoLiving has already resulted in notable improvements for participants’ work, mood and quality […]
While the postpartum period is a significant occasion for the first-time onset of mental-health disorders among women, few women seek help during the postpartum period, which can have long-term impacts on their quality of life, their child and their return to work. Data suggests women feel disconnected from their workplace benefits during the postpartum period, […]
Weight management drugs and high-cost specialty treatments are expected to have the biggest impact on private drug plans this year, according to Telus Health’s annual drug pipeline report. It found spending on weight management drugs has more than quadrupled since 2021. In 2024, the category doubled in size following the launch of Wegovy (semaglutide) in […]
Calling all employers and plan sponsors — the 2026 Workplace Benefits Awards are now open for entries! If your organization is leading the way in transforming how you support employees through your benefits plan, financial wellness, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives or wellness programs, visit the 2026 Workplace Benefits Awards site and submit an entry. […]
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 […]
“Eczema is like a rollercoaster; it’s characterized by flares and remissions and flares and remissions — and the cruelest thing is that it’s unpredictable and the flares come at the absolute worst time,” said Dr. Maxwell Sauder, a dermatologist at the Toronto Dermatology Centre, in a session supported by Galderma during Benefits Canada’s 2026 Chronic […]
As the drug plan landscape evolves, the nuanced tension between cost management and the imperative to support employee health continues, according to a panel of experts discussing Benefits Canada’s inaugural Drug Plan Opinion Survey during the 2025 Face to Face Drug Plan Management Forum. The survey, which polled 124 Canadian plan sponsors with at least […]
As Canada navigates the evolving drug coverage landscape, private drug plans remain a cornerstone of access, innovation and economic growth. Indeed, private drug plans are more than just a benefit for employees; they’re a critical driver for the Canadian health-care system and the economy, according to Joe Farago, executive director of market access and interim […]