In the group benefits world, the first rumblings of the effects of the coronavirus pandemic came when plan sponsors started asking, as early as January, about their travel insurance provisions. “Clients were worried about their business travellers and expatriate employees, in China mostly, and afterwards for their employees travelling for their winter vacations,” said Daniel […]
Manulife Financial Corp. is lending a hand to group benefits plan sponsors in light of the tight financial situation many businesses are in due to the coronavirus pandemic. The insurer is providing certain premium relief for all group benefits plan sponsors with an insured non-refund accounted benefits plan with Manulife. For the month of May, dental […]
Hub International Ltd. is acquiring employee benefits consulting firm Azur Consulting Services Inc. Based in Longueuil, Que., Azur provides group and health benefits solutions for its clients. As part of the transition, Azur’s president Paul Ethier will join Hub International Quebec Ltd. Read: Hub acquiring Edmonton benefits, retirement consultancy
Hub International Ltd. is acquiring Edmonton-based employee benefits and retirement consulting firm Benefex Consulting Inc. Benefex specializes in group insurance programs, retirement, wellness solutions and special risk coverage. It serves clients in British Columbia, Yukon, Alberta, Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan and Ontario. Read: Hub names Canadian benefits leadership team, areas of service “We are excited to add another […]
SSQ Life Insurance Co. Inc. and la Capitale Insurance and Financial Services are combining their operations. The two companies have similar sized and complementary operations, with SSQ Insurance handling group insurance and la Capitale dealing with property and casualty insurance, noted a press release. The combined company’s assets under management are expected to exceed $20 […]
Aon is appointing Brad Lorimer as executive vice-president and health leader in Canada. Since Lorimer joined the consultancy 13 years ago, he led several national practice groups across Canada, including the financial services group and cyber solutions. Prior to joining Aon, he worked at Chubb Insurance and and Scotiabank. “Brad has a deep knowledge of […]
Two group benefits firms in the Greater Toronto Area have joined forces to strengthen growth and innovation in the benefits and insurance industry. The new joint venture between Etobicoke, Ont.-based Steven Cohen Insurance Agency Inc. and North York, Ont.-based RRJ Insurance Group Ltd. took effect on Jan. 1. Plan sponsor clients will have access to […]
The Empire Life Insurance Co. is partnering with Rimouski, Que.-based insurtech company Magik-Net to build a real-time platform for third-party administrators. The platform aims to help TPAs handle tasks related to the administration of employers’ group benefits plans. It’s also designed to reduce the time insurers spend processing files and confirming successful transactions. Read: The value-added proposition of group […]
SSQ Life Insurance Co. Inc. is adding pharmacogenetic testing to its group insurance offering. Pharmacogenetic testing helps determine how a person’s DNA reacts to prescription drugs, which makes it easier for doctors to choose the most effective medications for their patients. SSQ said it expects the offering will make it easier for plan members to access […]
Pacific Blue Cross and Blue Cross Life Insurance Co. of Canada are forming an alliance in British Columbia, effective Jan. 2, 2020. The alliance is aimed at enhancing Pacific Blue Cross’ capabilities in underwriting, pricing, reserving, actuarial and medical underwriting, according to a press release. It will remain the primary contact for all sales, services […]