In September 2018, Health Canada approved, for the first time, the use of a chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy. Called Kymriah, it treats pediatric and young adult leukemia and adult lymphoma. The federal regulator is also reviewing a second gene therapy, called Yescarta, for an aggressive kind of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Both therapies are […]
Ellement Consulting Group is merging with AQ Group Solutions to create an enhanced offering in the Canadian employee benefits market. The merger will combine AQ Group Solutions’ customer service, group benefits and retirement solutions with Ellement’ actuarial consulting experience. It will be operated under the Ellement brand. Laura Lomow, president of AQ Solutions, will become a partner […]
Providing income support for a year to people who are too sick to work would cost the federal government $1 billion more than its current program, the parliamentary spending watchdog said Thursday. As is, the benefit available through employment insurance covers just over half of a worker’s earnings for 15 weeks, and nearly four in […]
Since the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation introduced online cognitive behavioural therapy, nearly 3,000 plan members have signed up to use it. The mobile-friendly program is provided by B.C.-based Starling Minds. It found those who’ve used the online CBT reported reduced anxiety, sadness and worry. As well, some 71 per cent indicated they were less likely to spend time away from work as a […]
Multinational virtual care provider Teladoc Inc. is launching a telemedicine service in Canada. Employers and insurers can purchase the service, which will connect plan members with a licensed doctor in either English or French any time of the day, over the phone or on a mobile app. “We’re proud to be helping Canadians get the […]
Mental illness and problems with mental health cost employers $20 billion annually, and it’s the cause of one in every three claims for short- and long-term disability, according to a study by the Mental Health Commission of Canada. It’s no wonder mental health remains an area of focus for Canadian employers. While they grapple with how to tackle […]
The government of Ontario is launching an integrated support program to help people who suffer from work-related stress and post-traumatic stress disorder. Ontario Provincial Police officers and their families will be at the centre of the program. “The unique challenges and demands our brave men and women in uniform experience on the job when protecting our […]
Sun Life Assurance Co. of Canada will expand its extended health-care plan to include gender affirmation coverage to help people who are transitioning. “We know there can be a significant impact on an individual’s mental, emotional and physical well-being when they don’t feel connected to their gender,” said Marie-Chantal Côté, vice-president of market development at […]
Fidelity Investments has launched a charitable giving program, which aims to make it easier for employers to manage their philanthropic programs and for employees to donate to charities they care about. The program, which is integrated with an employer’s benefits plan platform, is an online portal with a list of possible charities. In cases where […]
When Betty-Lynn LaFrance was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017, she was completely shocked as she’d never smoked and had been very active her entire life. Born and raised in Pembroke, Ont., where she still lives with her husband of 34 years, LaFrance has three children and seven grandchildren. When she was diagnosed with ALK+ non-small cell lung […]