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BDO partnering with NGOs to address workplace accessibility gaps

BDO Canada is partnering with two non-governmental organizations to address accessibility gaps within the workplace. The consultancy is working with the Institute for Research and Development on Inclusion and Society to develop a dedicated accessibility engagement audit tool, which will allow employers to answer questions related to their accessibility initiatives and see where they need to improve, […]

  • September 26, 2023 September 25, 2023
  • 09:00

PMPRB report shows increased plan costs, promising pharmaceutical innovation: expert

A recent report by the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board shows increased growth for private drug plan costs but promising pharmaceutical innovation, says Joe Farago, executive director of private payers and investment at Innovative Medicines Canada. The report also found the number of new medicines launched in Canada was higher than the median for Organisation for […]

  • September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023
  • 09:00

New target-benefit funding framework in Ontario to provide more flexibility for administrators, boards: expert

The Ontario government’s new funding framework for target-benefit plans that will provide more flexibility for plan administrators and boards, says Domenic Barbiero, principal at Eckler Ltd. The proposed framework requires trustees to establish a number of policies, including funding, benefits, communications and overall governance. “This proposal is the second iteration of a proposal from the […]

  • September 18, 2023 September 18, 2023
  • 09:00

Getting to know Shannan Corey and the Saskatchewan Pension Plan

Working in the pension industry has always been aligned with Shannan Corey’s personal interests and values. Her father was an actuary so she was exposed to the pension industry from a very young age. After earning her mathematics degree at the University of Saskatchewan, she became an associate actuary, spending a few years in consulting […]

  • September 15, 2023 September 14, 2023
  • 08:56

How employers can help prevent post-vacation burnout

Though summer is drawing to a close, employers can help employees prevent post-vacation burnout year-round by balancing their workloads and offering extensive mental-health supports, says Dr. Matthew Chow, chief mental-health officer at Telus Health. “It’s critical for people to have regularly scheduled time off and time away from their work. What has been proven time and […]

  • September 1, 2023 August 31, 2023
  • 09:00

Union calling for better benefits, pension accrual for wildland firefighters

Improved benefits and pensions are needed for wildland firefighters amid the unprecedented amount of wildfires in Canada this year, says Bert Blundon, president of the National Union of Public and General Employees. “Firefighters have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, mental-health concerns and cancer. That last one is the main source of contention for wildland […]

  • August 31, 2023 August 30, 2023
  • 09:00

PwC Canada improving parental leave with specialized coaching, leadership training

PricewaterhouseCoopers Canada is improving its parental leave policy with specialized coaching and leadership training for employees. As part of its Me + PwC program, the company conducted listening tours with employees, with the feedback including more support for parents, says Sonia Boisvert, a partner and chief people officer at PwC Canada. “Being a parent myself, […]

  • August 28, 2023 August 25, 2023
  • 09:00

IKEA Canada offering emergency grants, discounts to help workers combat inflation

IKEA Canada is supporting employees amid the rising cost of living by offering emergency relief grants through its Ingka Social Fund and extra discounts on select products. “The establishment of the global social fund was triggered by the energy crisis and inflationary pressures that many are experiencing in markets around the world,” says Natasha Bagley, […]

  • August 16, 2023 August 15, 2023
  • 09:00

Benefits for pet owners evolving through paid leave, wellness accounts

Though still a fairly new concept, pet benefits are becoming a more common consideration when employers are expanding their offerings and looking to stand out. In August 2022, Talk Shop Media introduced a ‘pawrental’ leave policy, which allows employees to take time off around the adoption of a new pet to focus on ownership duties, […]

  • August 11, 2023 August 10, 2023
  • 08:52

Q&A with Great Canadian Entertainment’s Mikkaela Fernandez

The gaming and entertainment company’s new manager of benefits, retirement and wellness discusses improving benefits communication, transferring total rewards skills and her favourite Peloton workouts. Q: What new programs or initiatives are you looking to implement? A: I’d like to develop an ongoing education and communications strategy to promote our current benefits programs and categorize […]

  • August 11, 2023 August 10, 2023
  • 08:50