Independent governance has been one of the key factors in the success of Canadian public pension plans, according to a new report commissioned by the World Bank. “Strong, independent governance is perhaps the most important element of the Canadian model,” the report, released on Wednesday, stated. “Canadian pension organizations are governed to run as high-performing, arm’s-length entities […]
To combat the rise in chronic disease rates and the subsequent impact on the health-care system and benefits costs, there’s been a shift in thinking by employers, health professionals and benefits providers towards prevention rather than just treatment. “There is a sense of urgency for preventative measures,” said Derek Weir, manager of group benefits solutions at […]
As employees continue to seek new ways of accessing and using their benefits plans, a new study is aiming to further the development of one of the latest options, internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy. This month, the University of Regina partnered with the Co-operators Group Ltd. to launch a year-long study on the benefits and challenges […]
At Benefits Canada’s 2017 Healthy Outcomes conference in June, insurers, providers and plan sponsors discussed how to promote healthy behaviours and reduce chronic disease while also containing costs. Read on for coverage of the 2017 Health Outcomes conference: Prediabetes among biggest concerns for employee health Low-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy touted as alternative to address […]
With four out of five Canadians having at least one modifiable risk for a chronic disease, organizations need to place the same importance and resources on improving employee health as they do on ensuring safety, a speaker told Benefits Canada’s Healthy Outcomes conference in June. “Over the past 100 years, vaccines, clean running water and […]
Should antidepressants be the first course of treatment for mild to moderate depression? Not necessarily, said Peter Gove, innovation leader for health management at Green Shield Canada, during the 2017 Healthy Outcomes conference in June. “Everyone experiences sadness from time to time. It’s normal,” he said. “Sadness is often a temporary reaction to difficult life […]
With mental-health issues reaching crisis levels in Canadian workplaces, employers have options to address the situation as a driver of claims and absences, participants at Benefits Canada’s Healthy Outcomes conference heard. “There is a mental-health crisis in our workplaces,” said Judith Plotkin, vice-president of growth and strategy at the ReedGroup. “This week alone, 500,000 Canadians […]
Amidst all of the innovation that’s occurring in the drug industry, pharmacists have a role to play in helping employers navigate the changes, a speaker told participants at the Healthy Outcomes conference in June. “We can expect new medications to come onto the market in the next few years,” said Mark Rolnick, vice-president of payor […]
While Canada is facing the health implications of an aging population, younger people are a significant concern as well. “For the first time, three out of five Canadians will have a chronic disease profile by age 20,” Eileen Dooley, chief executive officer of HealthPartners Canada, told participants at the Healthy Outcomes conference in June. “We […]
During the Healthy Outcomes conference in June, a panel of health and wellness leaders discussed some of the small steps their organizations are taking to achieve a healthier workforce. Speaking on the panel, Lyne Moussa, manager of wellness, safety and disability at Coast Capital Savings Credit Union, emphasized that it’s essential to align health and […]