Inside the Toronto Police Service’s wellness strategy Dwayne Stamplecoskie never used to think twice before reaching for a sugary, high-carbohydrate mid-day snack despite his high blood sugar. It was as natural as pouring his morning cup of coffee. But since participating in a cardiometabolic pilot program offered by his employer last year, the 34-year-old police […]
How physicians and plan sponsors can work together to combat the rising costs of drug claims. A new pilot project in Prince Edward Island aims to help control increasing drug costs by bringing together two parts of the complex healthcare equation—plan sponsors and physicians. “Every time you pick up a newspaper, there’s a story about […]
As employees and plan sponsors become more techsavvy, they’re demanding faster, easier and more convenient benefits solutions. This year’s Group Insurance Report looks at how technology is changing the face— and pace—of the group insurance market. After a long day of meetings, Mr. Smith’s lower back is feeling extra tight. In the elevator, he […]
Most DC plan members aren’t jumping at the opportunity to get financial or investment advice—even if their employers absorb the costs. You’ve probably heard the expressions, “Nothing in life is free” and “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.” But what if you did offer your plan members a free lunch? Wouldn’t you expect […]
Move over healthcare—according to a new survey, the environment now tops the list as the most important issue facing Canada. The 10th Annual Healthcare in Canada Survey, conducted by Pollara for pharmaceutical company Merck Frosst, highlights how public opinion on healthcare has changed over the past decade. The majority (71%) of the 1,223 Canadians […]
A plan sponsor’s guide to help members navigate the DC wilderness when transitioning to retirement. Plan sponsors and recordkeepers often focus on helping defined contribution (DC) plan members navigate the treacherous DC landscape during their accumulation years. But with the swell of baby boomers approaching retirement within the next decade, it may be time for […]
Buying an annuity can be a confusing endeavour for plan members. There are two basic types of annuities—term-certain annuities and life annuities—but there are also several different options that your plan member could possibly add to his or her annuity. Each option adds to the cost, and to the confusion. Keep in mind that not […]
Karen Seward and her team at Shepell•fgi are helping employers to tackle wellness ‘like a business problem’. Mounting drug and healthcare costs, rising long-term disability claims and an aging workforce put increasing pressure on employer-sponsored benefit plans. Many employers have little idea how to contain costs while supporting employee health at the same time. To […]
The only way to know something is to ask. And Canadian employees have spoken as to which employers rank among Canada’s 30 Best Pension and Benefits Plans. A pin after five years of service, a watch after 10, a fancy dinner for you and your spouse after 15. Many employers offer tokens of appreciation when […]
Sydney Ryan is carrying on her father’s legacy at the company he founded 42 years ago. This family-owned and -operated company, Telelink, has grown from a small three-employee answering service to a full-service call centre with 80 to 100 employees(120 in peak summer months), who provide inbound and outbound customer service programs. In 1965, when […]