Benefits Alliance Voice
by Benefits Alliance Voice
The Benefits Alliance Voice was created for those wanting to keep up with what's happening in the Canadian Group Benefits and Group Retirement industry. As the voice of the industry, we will cover topics ranging from Pharmacare, Financial Literacy, Building a Group Benefits Plan, Virtual Healthcare, Changes to Employment Insurance (EI), Canadian Disability Coverage, and more! Subscribe to hear the latest episodes!
Episodes
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Your Health Story Should Be in Your Hands
In this episode, Jessica Chalk shares how her own fertility and health journey inspired myStoria, a tool designed to help patients and caregivers take control of their records, reduce the overwhelm of complex care, and show up to appointments with more clarity and confidence. What You Will Learn:...
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The Hidden Cost Shock of US Benefits for Canadian Employers
Canadian companies hiring in the U.S. quickly discover that benefits are not just different - they require a completely different strategy. Rob and Carolyne interview an expert on the U.S. employee benefit landscape. What You Will Learn: Why U.S. benefits can feel dramatically more expensive than...
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Reinventing Retirement Planning with Tech and Trust
In this episode, Joan Milway from Common Wealth Retirement joins Carolyne and Rahim and shares insights into digital self-serve retirement planning, the importance of combining technology with human advice, and the principles guiding their innovative approach to financial wellness. What You Will...
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Men's Health in the Workplace: A Shift Toward Proactivity
In this episode, Rob and Carolyne host Sophia Colaiacovo and Meghan Vallis from Equitable to discuss the importance of proactive men's health initiatives in the workplace. They delve into the current gaps in men's healthcare engagement,barriers to care, and how employers can foster a supportive...
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Unlocking Group Retirement Plan Success
This episode features Sun Life experts Joe De Dominicis and Jackie Patel discussing Canadian workplace retirement plans, the importance of financial wellness, innovative plan design, and the impact of digital engagement on member outcomes. Gain insights into the latest trends, data from the…
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Understanding Eco-Anxiety in the Workplace: A New Challenge for Employers
Guest Simon Coulombe joins Carolyne and Rob to explore the emerging issue of eco-anxiety in the workplace, its impact on mental health, especially among younger employees, andstrategies for employers to recognize and address this concern effectively. What You Will Learn: Eco-anxiety definition…
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The Hidden Cost of Ignoring Grief in the Workplace
This episode explores the critical role of workplace support during grief, featuring personal stories and expert insights on how employers can better support employees through loss. Justin Clifford, CEO of Bereave and Shannon McShane-Reed, SVP-Group Benefits at Penmore join Carolyne and Rob to...
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Advisors in Action: The 3 E's of Successful Employee Savings Plans
The 3 E's of Successful Employee Savings Plans: Ease, Education, Engagement from the top In this episode, Carolyne and Rahim host 2 GRS consultants, Jackie Nicholls from Acera Insurance and Lisa Robson from Belay Advisory, who share insights on employee savings plans with a focus on the…
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Reimagining Retirement: Strategies for All Generations
This episode explores the evolving landscape of retirement planning across different generations, emphasizing flexibility, personalized advice, and innovative plan design to meet diverse needs. Tawnya Duxbury from Canada Life joins Carolyne and Rahim and shares insights on how plan sponsors can...
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Navigating Neurodiversity in the Workplace
In this episode, Melissa St-Louis, co-founder of Nüense, joins Rob and Carolyne to discuss the importance of neuro-inclusion in the workplace. She explains the concept of neurodiversity, the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in organizations, and the need for better communication and...
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Bridging the Gap - Retirement Readiness Across Generations
In this episode, Carolyne and Rahim welcome Jeri Savage and Nick DeLisi from MFS Investment Management Canada to discuss their insights on retirement planning based on results of recent surveys that check in with plan members, plan sponsors and advisors. The conversation highlights the importance...
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Kids Aren't Tiny Adults - Understanding Virtual Care for Infants, Children and Teens
In this conversation, Ashton Thornton and Adam Saperia from KixCare join Carolyne and Rob to discuss the unique challenges and solutions in pediatric healthcare, emphasizing the importance of virtual care for children and families. They highlight the impact of physical health and mentalhealth on...
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Navigating the World of Specialized Risk Insurance
In this episode of the Benefits Alliance podcast, hostsRob and Carolyne engage with Mylène Desjardins and RosyRosario from Beneva to explore the nuances of specialized risk insurance. They discuss how this type of insurance differs from traditional plans, the importance of understanding high-risk...
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Recognizing Obesity as a Chronic Condition: The Case for Coverage, Inclusion and Lower Claims Costs
Rob and Carolyne chat with Sandra Elia from Obesity Matters and Dr. Sandy Van, a Weight Management Physician, aboutsupporting employees who suffer from obesity - an ailment that is responsible for many drug costs. Hear all about how addressing the root cause may lower claims overall and will…
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Checking the boxes on the CAPSA Guidelines
Carolyne and Rahim are joined by Marc-Antoine Morin from Manulife. Together they review the recommendations of the CAPSA guidelines and the importance of adhering to them. They finish by talking about what's coming in 2026 and the implications of AI in plan governance. What You Will Learn: How...
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Uncovering ROI in Mental Health Programs
In this conversation, Laura Pratt from Canada Life joins Carolyne and Rob. They discuss the importance of workplace mental health, the rising costs associated with mental health issues, and the strategies organizations can implement to create a psychologically safe environment. Laura reviews a…
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DEI in Drug Plans - It’s Not What You Think!
In this conversation, Tara Liu, Assistant Vice President of Drug Claims Strategy at Canada Life, joins Rob and Carolyne to discuss the importance of integrating Diversity, Equity,and Inclusion (DEI) into employee benefit programs, particularly drug benefits. She emphasizes the distinction between...
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Understanding Psychosocial Risks in the Workplace
Join Rob and Carolyne who speak with Maude Villeneuve,Coordinator of the Relief Research Chair in Mental Health, Self-Management and Work (powered by Beneva), at Laval University. They discuss what is meant by psychosocial risks and how they impact costs in the workplace.
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Myth Busting Obesity: It's Not What You Think
Join Rob and Carolyne with guests, Neda Nasseri and Sandra Elia, as they dispel the long-held myths about obesity and focus on its complexities as a chronic disease. They also offer suggestions to employers to help foster a supportive environment.
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Beyond Benefits: Addressing Midlife Women’s Health as a Strategic Priority
Angela Johnson, CEO & Co-Founder of SanoLiving, joins Roband Carolyne to discuss her personal journey and the importance of addressing midlife women's health. She highlights the financial implications of employers neglecting this segment of their workforce in their benefits plan.
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Advisors as Educators: Unlocking Opportunities with SMBs
Many small and mid-sized businesses are missing out on the benefits of group retirement plans - and advisors have the power to change that. In this episode, Courtney Proudfoot joins Carolyne and Rahim to share insights on the importance of financial education for employees and to discuss…
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Employee DNA Can Lower Benefit Plan Costs
Rob and Carolyne are joined by Veronika Litinski and Dora Chan from Pillcheck along with Gavin Mosley from Mosley Group Benefits to discuss the positive impact of pharmacogenetic testing on benefit plans, absenteeism and better treatment.
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Opportunities Advisors Miss in Canada’s Retirement Market
Alex Mazer and Connor Bays from Common WealthRetirement join Carolyne and Rahim to to explore whyCanada's group retirement savings (GRS) market, especially among small to medium sized businesses, remains underpenetrated and how advisors can lead its growth.
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There is Far More to Vision Care Benefits than Prescription Glasses
In this conversation, Dr. Alan Ulsifer and Susanna Di Cesare highlight the challenges in vision care coverage and the need for better education for patients and plan sponsors about the benefits of comprehensive eye care. The discussion emphasizes the significant impact of eye health on overall...
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Navigating Target Date Funds: Insights from an Expert
In this episode, guest Kathryn Ferrell joins Carolyne and Rahim and explains the A – Z on target date funds, how they work and why they make sense for plan members. What You Will Learn: Target dates are crucial for retirement planning. Evaluating target date solutions requires understanding their...
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Planning Psychologically for Retirement
Retirement coach Tammy Vigue discusses with Carolyn and Rahim the often overlooked but very important non-financial aspects of planning for retirement. The psychological and emotional planning required for retirement When should planning for retirement start? Understanding your future self...
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The Difference Between Men's and Women’s Investment Habits
Our guest Alice joins Carolyne and Rahim to share some interesting differences between men and women in their investment habits.
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Cancer in the Workplace
In this episode, guests Chris Bonnett, PhD & Allan Smofsky discuss the impact of employee cancer in the workplace and how employers can provide support.
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The Evolving Landscape of Retirement Planning and Financial Wellness
On this episode of the Benefits Alliance Voice, Marc-Antoine Morin joins Carolyne and Rahim to discuss the financial resilience and longevity report. They discussed the impact of Canadians living longer healthier lives, and what this means for retirement savings.
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The Connection Between Mental Health and Company Culture
On this episode of the Benefits Alliance Voice, Dr. Ryan Todd joins Carolyne and Rob to dicusss Mental Health and how you can be proactive in the workplace. Show Notes: - Headversity starting point was a combination of Dr. Ryan’s clinical training, meeting patients who are not leveraging the…
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The Evolution of Employee Assistance Programs
On this episode, Melanie Dobler joins Carolyne Eagan and Rob Green talk about how Employee Assistance Plans are changing to better meet the needs of employees in a variety of needs. Show notes: - Current low utilization of EAPs in Canada and how awareness and improving access can improve overall...
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How the CAP Guildlines Have Changed
David Bartucci joins Rahim Peera and Carolyne Eagan for a significant update in Group Retirement. The episode covers the significance of the updated CAPSA guidelines, which have been in the making for 20 years. The guidelines aim to provide a framework for administering capital accumulation plans...
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Navigating the Most Difficult Parts of HR
Darcy Michaud is back for another episode of the Benefits Alliance Voice. Learn about the most popular HR questions he gets asked. In this episode: Understanding the difference between layoffs and termination How employee seniority impacts layoffs Extending benefits for laid-off employees...
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Approaching Mental Health & Wellness From a Different Perspective with Cory Chadwick
On this episode of the Benefits Alliance Voice, Carolyne and Rob talk with Cory Chadwick about a different approach to being at your best personally and professionally. In this conversation, Cory shares his story for founding Lyceum (formerly The Mental Gym), and the program's outcomes that…
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Serving the Needs of the Growing Mental Health Trend
In this episode of the Benefits Alliance Voice, Carolyne and Rob talk with Rochelle Hildebrand and David Tweneboah about the care and treatment solutions for mental health. A progressive approach to being a support system for Canadians. Historically, Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) utilization is...
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Navigating Long-Term Disability as an Employer
On this episode of the Benefits Alliance Voice, Carolyne and Rob talk with Darcy Michaud about navigating long-term disability. The conversation covers increasing absenteeism from mental health, what the common misconceptions are about long-term disability, and how to balance medical leaves and...
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Health & Wealth: The Power of Employer Matching with Brady Aarssen
In this episode of the Benefits Alliance Voice, Brady Aarssen joins Carolyne and Rahim to talk about how the workforce has been changing in Canada, how traditional retirement savings products are changing to meet the needs of Canadians today. Show Notes: How the workforce is changing in Canada…
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Treating Mental Illness vs. Having Positive Mental Wellness
On this episode of the Benefits Alliance Voice, Rob and Carolyne talk with Dr. Khush Amaria about the impacts of mental health and what data is now available that allows for a different approach. The main takeaway is how to have positive mental wellness through a proactive approach rather than...
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Fitting your Financial Plan into your Comfort Zone
In this episode of the Benefits Alliance Voice, Rahim and Carolyne talk with Kyle Grooms about approaches to making your finances work. From simple tips to practical guidance, Kyle's perspective makes your personal finances feel easier to understand. Show Notes: What a financial advisor can do -...
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Pharmacre: Planning for the Future
On this episode of the Benefits Alliance Voice, Rob and Carolyne continue the conversation around Canadian pharmacare changes by talking with Gary Walters of GroupHEALTH Benefit Solutions. On Today’s Episode: Gary's background and career expertise The evolution of specialty drugs that focus on…
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Canadian Pharmacare Update with the Smart Health Benefits Coalition
On this special episode of the Benefits Alliance Voice, Rob Green gets an update from Carolyne Eagan and Graham Young on the most recent activity in Ottawa for the proposed changes to national Pharmacare. Topics Discussed: Federal Process for Passing Bills and Laws Update on the Canadian…
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Creating an engaged workforce that understands and appreciates their retirement plan with Rahim Peera, Penmore
In this week’s episode, Carolyne is learning more about Rahim Peera, one of the Benefits Alliance Voice Co-Hosts. Talking Points: Top 5 Lessons Learned through his career How small organizations think differently about benefits The three tiers of retirement finances: CPP, Personal Savings,...
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Survey Says… What 4000 Plan Members are Thinking about Their Retirement
In this episode of the Benefits Alliance Voice, Rahim and Carolyne review the 2023 survey from MFS with Taylor Pidgeon. In this annual survey, you’ll hear about insights on retirement savings, strategies, and trends. Show Notes: Get your copy of the MFS Annual Survey Trends for Retirement…
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Supporting an Employee's Journey Through Fertility with Flexible Benefits
On this episode of the Benefits Alliance Voice, Rob and Carolyne talk about fertility benefits with Erin Fordham and Andrew Brandsma. Topics Discussed: 1 in 6 people struggle with infertility The three areas of well-being: Physical, Mental, and Financial How Fertility is being addressed more...
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Fact and Fiction About Bankruptcy
In this episode of the Benefits Alliance Voice, Nathan Sugeng joins Carolyne Eagan and Rahim Peera about how to navigate insolvency. Topics Covered: The mystery around why Bankruptcy happens Tools available for individuals and business owners facing financial hardship How employee benefit plans…
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Canadian Pharmacare: An Update from Ottawa
In this episode, Todd Stephen and Graham Young join Carolyne Eagan to discuss the updates from Ottawa on Pharmacare Topics Covered: Update from Ottawa on a proposed single-payer system The challenge to offer consistent coverage across the country Gaps between proposed spending vs. reality of…
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Using Data to Modernize Employee Benefits Plans
In this episode of the Benefits Alliance Voice, Carolyne Eagan and Rob Green sit down with Sunil Hirjee of Beneva to discuss the evolution of benefits programs and how data can shape a better-suited plan for each organization. Guest: Sunil Hirjee, Vice President, Group Sales and Client…
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Navigating Pharmacare across Canada with Suzanne Lepage
In this episode of the Benefits Alliance Voice, Carolyne Eagan and Rob Green talk with Suzanne Lepage. Today on the Benefits Alliance Voice: Benefits Alliance and National Pharmacare from a Public and Employer-Sponsored Perspective Pharmacare across Canada and the Postal Code Lottery Smart Health...
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How to Optimize Drug Plan Management
In this episode of the Benefits Alliance Voice, Carolyne Eagan and Rob Green talk with Doug Calow, Helen Stevenson, and Martin Chung. Today's Guests: Doug Calow, Calow Benefits Helen Stevenson, Reformulary Group Martin Chung, Equitable Life This episode dives into specifics about the management…
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What Impact with EI Changes Have on Canadians?
In this episode of the Benefits Alliance Voice, Carolyne Eagan and Rob Green talk with Steve Hesketh about how changes to EI will Impact Canadians in different scenarios. This episode was recorded to look at the impacts so far and project how Canadians may need to consider changes (or not) to…
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About this show
The Benefits Alliance Voice was created for those wanting to keep up with what's happening in the Canadian Group Benefits and Group Retirement industry. As the voice of the industry, we will cover topics ranging from Pharmacare, Financial Literacy, Building a Group Benefits Plan, Virtual Healthcare, Changes to Employment Insurance (EI), Canadian Disability Coverage, and more! Subscribe to hear the latest episodes!
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Benefits Alliance Voice
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