While Health Canada’s approval of the first drug to specifically treat postpartum depression represents a clinical milestone in women’s mental health, one benefits expert says its impact on employer-sponsored drug plans is likely to be limited. Zuranolone, sold under the brand name Zurzuvae, is a 14-day oral treatment designed to provide rapid symptom relief for […]
An article on the legal considerations for employers requiring cross-border travel was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com this past week. Here are the top five human resources, benefits, pension and investment stories of the last week: 1. What are the legal considerations for Canadian employers requiring cross-border travel in the Trump era? 2. Financial Literacy […]
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 […]
The Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan was a winner at Benefits Canada’s 2025 Workplace Benefits Awards for its absence management program, which excels because the organization manages its benefits plan, wellness program and disability support in the same portfolio. According to one judge, the HOOPP’s prevention and return-to-work practices are leading edge because of the […]
By recognizing cultural differences, organizations ease stress and allow people to bring their authentic selves to work, improving well-being, performance and retention, says Eddy Ng, professor of equity and inclusion in business at Queen’s University. “If employees don’t feel like they belong, they don’t feel safe. They’re constantly paying what I call the inclusion tax […]
Employer-sponsored health benefits costs are set to increase by 9.8 per cent in 2026, according to a new report by Aon. The report pointed to a return to single-digit growth for the first time since 2023, but also underscores the reality that price inflation, advanced medical technologies, increased benefits utilization and rising prescription drug costs […]
In both an in-person and virtual format on Sept. 16, the inaugural Toronto Benefits Summit brought together more than 300 employers, consultants, industry providers and other key stakeholders for a full day of exploring trends in the benefits and wellness space. The packed agenda, which was presented to a sold-out room, included panel discussions presenting […]
Inconsistency in public health care and private benefits coverage for vision care could be keeping many Canadians from getting their eyes checked regularly, according to Tracy Weng, an optometrist and clinical consultant at Specsavers Canada, during Benefits Canada’s 2025 Toronto Benefits Summit. About 60 per cent of Canadians have private insurance and, among that group, […]
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 […]
Burnout is on the rise among Canadian employees, costing employers between $5,500 and $28,500 per worker each year, according to a new survey by Mental Health Research Canada, Workplace Strategies for Mental Health and the Canada Life Assurance Co. The survey, which polled more than 5,000 employees, found two-fifths (39 per cent) said they’ve felt […]