Dear Subscriber,
A unique alliance of Federal, Provincial, and Territorial governments has resulted in a bipartisan law being passed (effective 4/1/2023) without a word to the public. After seeing the massive support for the national drug and dental benefit programs, it's encouraged them to implement a national "Take Care" program that will provide all Canadian citizens with Life insurance, double indemnity on accident, and guaranteed disability income.
When asked to comment, the groups spokesperson said "Now all Canadians have free Life, AD&D, LTD Health & Dental, advisors are no longer required and can all go.... sailing!"
I couldn't resist doing something silly with an April 1st release date and all the discussion around these new programs. Sorry if I made anyones heart stop. Happy All Fools Day.
Keep doing great things. Dave |
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OUR EVENTS
This is a regular event sharing and discussing all things group benefits. A huge thanks to Jason Watt (he/him) CD CLU for making this possible.
Our next episode featured a conversation with Chris Gory on the "Regulator Audits and what you need to know".
Check the website for upcoming episodes and details. ____________________________________________________________ CGIB COFFEE CHATS
Coffee chats are like a virtual breakfast. Log in, ask questions, share problems, seek solutions and talk about what's on your mind. Best done from a computer, with a camera and a microphone. No CE credits, but also no cost, just show up.
Tuesday April 11th @2pm (EST) Thursday April 27th @2pm (EST) Tuesday May 23rd @2pm (EST) Thursday June 8th @2pm (EST) Tuesday June 20th @2pm (EST)
CGIB Members may join the meeting at the time above by visiting... ____________________________________________________________ BREAKFAST MEETINGS CGIB supports the volunteers that runs the breakfast meetings below.
Please find the details for your closest location below. Ajax, Atlantic Canada, Cambridge, Edmonton, London, Markham, Oakville, St Catherines, Toronto, Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Windsor or the Virtual National Meeting
____________________________________________________________ Upcoming CGIB Events:
"Building and Using a Plan Administrator Checklist" - This seminar is a must for those who specialize in employee benefits or that want to. Hundreds of brokers have attended this seminar with many making it an integral part of their business practice.
- We will help you create a checklist to utilize when you install new cases, train new plan administrators and conduct client renewals.
- Information reviewed will include: taxation, privacy, administration, HR issues and other items that will help reduce both broker and client liability. The content will assist you in adding more value to your client relationships and to move the discussion away from price to one of added value.
- We guarantee that you will learn things to help attract new clients, maintain existing relationships and improve your practice.
This event will include hot breakfast & lunch, and provide 6.0 Ontario Continuing Education (CE) credits for attendees of the ENTIRE event. There is no part-day CE, so clear your calendar and get ready to grow and improve your practice.
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Sponsorships are now available for the Toronto May 31st workshop and the November 8th Seminar.
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GET ON SLACK
The CGIB SLACK channel is a great place to pose questions, share info and learn a ton from your fellow members. The info and discussions that are posted there are unlike anywhere in the industry with documents, videos and information available in MEMBERS ONLY to make your life easier.
NOTE TO ALL SLACK USERS: We now have 75+ channels in Slack to handle different topics. Please take a moment to add these channels to your menu. To do so, just click on the + next to Channels on the top left. Browse the channels and then click JOIN to add each of them. By doing so you won’t be missing really great info. |
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SUGGESTED READING
We think the information contained below is of great value and encourage you to read the articles and check out the events that interest you. In most cases, these articles and events are not run by CGIB, so please contact the organizers for more information. We take no responsibility for the websites, events, organizations or their content. |
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Suggested Reading:
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March 16, 2023 HR Leaders Lack Resources Canadian HR leaders are lacking resources to address mental health and well-being challenges, says a report from Dialogue Health Technologies Inc. ‘The State of Workplace Health and Wellness in Canada’ identifies staffing as the top issue facing HR leaders in 2023, with 70 per cent identifying difficulties attracting talent, retaining staff, and managing staff shortages as key challenges. As a result, concerns about burnout are top-of-mind, as 61 per cent of respondents cited employee mental health as an important challenge to manage this year. Access to mental health support can have a positive impact on the well-being of employees, but HR leaders in Canada say that workplaces don't have the right resources in place to address increasing demands with 48 per cent sharing that their employee benefits programs do not provide access to a mental health professional. Beyond specific benefits, the issue extends to education and training, as 45 per cent of HR leaders find it difficult to ensure employees are making the most of their benefit plans and 70 per cent have not trained managers or feel managers have insufficient training to help them recognize and support employee mental health needs.
March 22, 2023 Benefits Needed For Inpatriate Workers Between now and 2025, Canada will accept more than 850,000 immigrants which will account for almost all of Canada’s labour force growth, says Chris Carr, senior vice-president, special risk, at Sutton Special Risk. He told the CPBI Ontario ‘Inpatriate Benefit Solutions’ webinar, however, that employers may need to look beyond immigration in the face of the country’s labour shortage and turn to workers who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents. In the third quarter of 2022, there were almost one million jobs unfilled which is the highest this as ever been. To find workers, employer can turn to foreign nationals who can work in this country under two programs ‒ the temporary foreign worker program which allows employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary labour and skills shortages and the international mobility program which allows the hiring of foreign workers on a temporary work permit without need to obtain an LMIA (labour market impact assessment). The LMIA essentially confirms that there's a significant need for a temporary foreign worker in Canada and that no suitable Canadian or permanent residents is available to do that job. However, some Canadian jurisdictions such as Ontario have mandated that temporary foreign workers have suitable replacement healthcare coverage, whether that is a provincial plan, an equivalent provincial plan, or replacement program from an insurance provider. Essentially, it's protecting an employer from liability and protecting the employees and their family members in the event anything happens to them. His most important takeaway is given the current significant labour shortages, employers relying on temporary foreign workers need to make sure they are protected by working with insurance carriers and brokers that can create a customized program for these employees.
March 24, 2023 Employers Can’t Meet Benefits Demands Two-thirds of Canadian companies (66 per cent) say it is impossible to offer all the benefits employees want, but the real issue may be that the benefits being offered by employers are not what jobseekers want, says a survey commissioned by Express Employment Professionals. Flexibility remains in-demand, with jobseekers saying flexible work hours (64 per cent), the ability to work remotely (56 per cent), and a shortened work week (40 per cent) are the benefits they want most. However, only a minority of employers currently offer flexible work hours (44 per cent), the ability to work remotely (35 per cent), and a shortened work week (22 per cent). Part of the desire for flexibility in work location and shortened work week comes from the increased cost of commuting as nearly two-thirds of employed Canadians (63 per cent) say they would quit their job if they could find something closer to home due to the high cost of commuting. Despite this strong desire by jobseekers for more work flexibility, the majority of companies expect benefits will remain the same in 2023 (62 per cent). While some companies do plan to increase benefits this year (28 per cent), they expect to mostly improve their traditional benefits and not the non-traditional benefits Canadian jobseekers clearly favour.
March 28, 2023 Canada Supporting Rare Drug Strategy Canada will invest up to $1.5 billion over three years in support of the first-ever ‘National Strategy for Drugs for Rare Diseases,’ says an Aon Radar. Through this, it hopes to help increase access to, and affordability of, effective drugs for rare diseases to improve the health of patients across Canada, including children. As part of this overall investment, the government will make available up to $1.4 billion to provinces and territories through bilateral agreements. This funding will help provinces and territories improve access to new and emerging drugs, as well as support enhanced access to existing drugs, early diagnosis, and screening for rare diseases. As a critical next step to advance the development of these bilateral agreements, the government of Canada will engage with provinces and territories to jointly determine a small set of new and emerging drugs that would be cost-shared and covered in a consistent way across the country. In addition, it will also invest $68 million for various initiatives to help improve consistent access to drugs for rare diseases across the country. In Canada, one out of 12 people ‒ many of whom are children ‒ has a rare disease. There are thousands of different rare diseases that affect patients, their families, and caregivers across the country. Unfortunately, treatments are only available for a small percentage of these conditions. Innovative treatments for rare disease can cost anywhere from $100,000 to more than $2 million per year.
March 28, 2023 Workplace Sick Notes Rules Proposed Nova Scotia has introduced measures to regulate workplace sick notes in the province. A McInnes Cooper ‘Legal Update’ says, if passed, Bill 256, Patient Access to Care Act will restrict an employer’s ability to require a sick note from an employee for an absence related to sickness or injury unless the employee either is absent from work for more than five consecutive working days or has had at least two non-consecutive absences of five or fewer working days due to sickness or injury in the preceding 12 months. This restriction applies even when the employer has concerns about the legitimacy of an employee’s absence. Under Bill 256, an employee could potentially miss a week of work without providing supporting documentation to their employer. An employer must wait to request a sick note until an employee meets the absenteeism thresholds. Sick notes have been the subject of much discussion, driven by their use of limited healthcare resources. This was especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic when under Nova Scotia’s COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave Program, employers were not required to submit a doctor’s note to access the program benefits. Bill 256 appears to be the first of its kind in Canada, but given the nationwide healthcare crisis, it could be a sign of more to come. |
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One way to do it is to get people to want what you want.
The other way is to help them get what they want in a way that gets you what you want.
They’re not the same.
Changing what someone wants is very different from helping them see the story and the path that gets them what they’ve wanted all along.
My Take on Seths Post
Looking at differently... maybe we need to listen to prospects more, before making suggestions.
Are you trying to fit them into a standard benefit plan, because you know it well and it works for most people?
OR, should you delve a bit deeper and find something different (like the CGIB CHIP plan) that's a better fit to their situation?
Maybe taking the time to listen more before acting, will pay off in the long run by being what THEY want, over what YOU want... and in the end you get what YOU want, which is the sale, and the long term trusted partner. |
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EDUCATIONAL EVENTS
ONLINE CE CREDITS
Looking for benefits dedicated online CE courses? Want to provide your admin and support staff with basic knowledge? Want to dig into something more detailed for your benefits/insurance business? Business Career College (BCC) has an extensive catalogue of online CE courses with a number of group benefits specific courses covering topics ranging from contractual concerns, plan designs, and underwriting requirements, to product specifics and integration with government benefits. Courses consist of narrated videos with short, online quizzes. The full catalogue includes over 60 courses, podcasts, and videos covering topics from the world of insurance, investments, financial planning, taxation, and ethics with a focus on technical content and real-world application. Courses are accredited for the maximum categories of credits and can include provincial Life and A&S credits, FP Canada, Advocis, and more! Use code CGIB on registration for your first three months free! |
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We will be kicking off our April webinars with Flexible Benefits for Small Businesses! Our Small Business Benefit program was up 49% in 2022 and we expect that growth will continue in 2023 with the current market conditions where businesses have recognized they need to be implementing benefits in order to overcome attraction and retention challenges. Please be sure to register for EACH Webinar that you wish to attend: Tuesday, April 4th 12pm EDT 1 CE Credit Flexible Benefits for Small Businesses
Friday, April 14th 12pm EDT 1 CE Credit Guaranteed Issue Critical Illness (No medical underwriting)
Friday, April 21st 12pm EDT 1 CE Credit Disability Sales Ideas
Friday, April 28th 12pm EDT 1 CE Credit Prospecting & Natural Markets _____________________________________________________ ClaimSecure - Ontario Drug Programs Wednesday, April 5, 2023 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Case Studies, Coverage Details, Available Programs
_____________________________________________________ Rippling gives global businesses one place to manage HR, benefits, and payroll.
We help brokers offer a solution to clients looking for a modern broker-friendly workforce system and a platform to compete against digital brokers looking to BOR your groups. Register and attend to learn more about Rippling's expansion into Canada and our partner program. Also, will jump into the following topics. - Global HRIS
- Global Payroll
- US EOR
- Partner Discounts
Tuesday, April 4th 2023 - 11:00 AM (EDT)
_____________________________________________________ Benefits And Underwriting Examined A CPBI Pacific session will focus on ‘Benefits & Underwriting 201.’ Kandrice (Kandy) Cantwell, a partner at Westland Insurance Group, will discuss what employees want in their plan versus what employers think they want; doing communication well; and why benchmarking is commonly a waste of time. It takes place April 13. Information is at https://www.cpbi-icra.ca/Events/Details/Pacific/2023/04-13-Benefits-Underwriting-201 _____________________________________________________ London Chapter breakfast seminar
April 26, 2023 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM Lamplighter Inn & Conference Center, London, Ontario
Format: In Person Exploring Responsible Coverage – Chronic Disease and Fraud
The CPBI Ontario London Chapter invites you you to attend the Breakfast Seminar hosted on April 26, 2023 from 8am to 11:30am
_____________________________________________________ TELUS Health Annual Conference The wait is over. Gain new insights and deepen your knowledge at the TELUS Health Annual Conference, April 26 and May 3, 2023.
For the past 19 years, TELUS Health Annual Conference has been a leading industry event offering an exceptional attendee experience. This year’s virtual event agenda has been thoughtfully curated with topical content and inspiring speakers. Join us to expand your expertise in employee benefits and health insurance with a fully accredited* conference program. Space is limited. Register today!
______________________________________________________ Join us for Benefits Together 2023 In person: April 26, 2023, 8:15 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. ET Islington Golf Club, 45 Riverbank Drive Toronto, ON OR Virtually via livestream: English - April 26, 2023, 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. ET French - May 3, 2023, 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. ET This year’s agenda will shine a spotlight on the most pressing issues impacting employers and their employees, with a focus on access to care, mental health and diversity and inclusion. We are thrilled to be hosting you in person this year as well as providing the option to take in the sessions virtually. So, mark your calendars for our first Benefits Together hybrid event and watch your inbox for your official invitation. ________________________________________________________ Total Rewards Certificate Offered
The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans is offering a certificate course on total rewards prior to its ‘EVOLVE: Benefits and Workforce Strategies Summit.’ It will focus on the essentials of creating an effective and sustainable total rewards strategy. It takes place May 8 and 9 in Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON. Information is at www.ifebp.org/EVOLVE ________________________________________________________ Benefits Trends Examined
The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans’ ‘EVOLVE: Benefits and Workforce Strategies Summit’ covers the latest trends and strategies to attract, retain and support an ever-changing workforce. Sessions will be led by industry experts on mental health, leadership, cybersecurity, inclusivity, well-being, and more. It takes place May 10 and 11 in Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON. Information is at www.ifebp.org/EVOLVE ______________________________________________________ Global Benefits Examined Managing global benefits for a diverse workforce, the changing landscape of data privacy and cybersecurity, and developing mental health programs that meet the needs of a global workforce are among the sessions at the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans’ ‘2023 CONNECT Global Benefits Summit.’ It takes place June 5 to 7 in Boston, MA. Information is at _____________________________________________________ Canadian Benefits Examined
The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans’ ‘Annual Canadian Employee Benefits Conference’ will examine the latest tools, ideas, and strategies for making effective decisions on behalf of plan members. Featured sessions include ‘Decumulation in a Low-to-Rising (Inflationary) Interest Rate Environment,’ ‘Prescribing Wellness ‒ Integrating Healthy Habits Into Virtual Care,’ and the ‘Aging Workforce and Its Impact on Benefit Plans.’
It takes place September 10 to 13 in Montreal, QC. Information is at |
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Need help? Have questions? Looking for something?
Reach out to CGIB - Dave Patriarche - dave@cgib.ca - 905-886-9203 |
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