September 2023 CGIB News

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Dear Subscriber,

As another membership year draws to a close (August 31st), I look back at the great things we've (really you've) done over the past year. 
  • We had 5 events in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver 
  • We had over 230 advisors attending in Toronto (Vaughan) seminars, and 40 in both Vancouver and Calgary workshops. 
  • We've had thousands of informative Slack posts (Q&A's)
  • We've had more advisors offer ConnectsUsHR resources to clients
  • Had a ton of "one on one" conversations helping advisors to: achieve their best, overcome tough situations, understand unique situations, and make them more successful etc. etc.

Not too shabby coming out of a pandemic.

It's a shame that for some members, this will be their last newsletter. 

No more help, no HR resources, no CGIB CHIP plan, no slack posts, no reduced seminar rates, no coffee chats, no "one on one" assistance, no access to the videos , documents and templates etc etc. Even the content in this newsletter, that so many share with clients to educate (through newsletters, blogs, posts ), will cease.

If you don't understand how CGIB can help you; grow your practice, retain clients, reduce risk and overall make you a better benefits specialist, reach out to me, or to any of the members on slack.

Have a great day.

Dave
 
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OUR EVENTS

I am pleased to release the Canadian Group Insurance Brokers & Business Career College podcast called The Navigator.  This is a regular podcast sharing and discussing all things group benefits. A huge thanks to Jason Watt (he/him) CD CLU for making this possible. 

Our latest episode features a conversation with Chris Gory on "Regulator Audits and what you need to know".

Watch for our next interview with Emily Stewart of BBD discussing the CGIB CHIP renewal on September 15th.

You can watch/listen:
On YouTube

On the Members Only page

On Spotify

On Amazon Music

On Podbean
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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 September 12th @2pm (EST)
Thursday October 5th @2pm (EST)
Tuesday October 24th @2pm (EST)
Thursday November 16th @2pm (EST)
Tuesday November 28th @2pm (EST)
Thursday December 14th @2pm (EST)

CGIB Members may join the meeting at the time above by visiting... 
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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

Please contact the event champions to be added to their lists, and receive more info.  https://cgib.ca/breakfast-meetings
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Upcoming CGIB Events:   

The CGIB 2023 Plan Administration Checklist Workshop - Vancouver is scheduled for Wednesday October 17th at the Sandman Signature Airport

Registration is NOW OPEN. Please pass to your associates and friends.

The November 8th, 2023 CGIB Toronto Seminar slate of speakers is now confirmed and expected to be our biggest in years. Registration will open September 2nd and sell out fast. 
Make a note in your calendars today.

Ask for a non-member discount code for staff and/or associates.
 
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 80+ 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.
 
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.
 
SETH GODIN'S BLOGCreate value 

If your job feels like a dead end, it might be because you’ve traded agency and responsibility for the feeling of security.

But real security lies in creating value.

Creating value isn’t easy, but it’s resilient and generous and often profitable.

“How do I create more value?” is a much more useful question than, “how do I find a better job?”

Put another way...what can you do to add value to relationships, to change customers into clients, and clients into partners?

Becoming an Employee Benefit Specialist can help provide greater value and build tighter bonds with clients. When you specialize, you can see a myriad of solutions to handle almost every situation. With time, you'll never need to chase customers, but instead, have employers chose to partner with you

You can do this. We can help.
 

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 the code CGIB25 for 25% off the yearly subscription Price.
The regular retail price is $200/year, CGIB members save $50/year!!!

Sign Up HERE
 
ALBERTA DRUG PROGRAMS

Wednesday, September 13, 2023 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
(UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)

1 CE credit is available for those that have registered and attended the webinar in its entiretyCE credits are eligible for the provinces of Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba and Alberta. If you have requested a CE credit, it will be emailed within 2-4 weeks

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Mapol Inc. invites you to attend a complimentary webinar sponsored by Paladin Labs Inc.

The webinar will be held on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time.

  • Learning Objectives:Hear a Healthcare Professional's perspective on epilepsy: From diagnosis to determining appropriate treatment and cycling through multiple treatments.
  • Learn about the need for innovative treatments.
  • Hear about the patient’s journey with epilepsy and experiences with private drug plans in epilepsy management. Discover how plan sponsors can positively impact those affected with epilepsy.
  1. Please follow the below steps to register:Click the registration link.
  2. Fill in the required information on the registration page, then click "Register."
  3. Closer to the webinar date, you will receive a registration confirmation email with the webinar login details.
An application for 1 CE credit will be submitted to the Institute for Advanced Financial Education. Individual CE applications are not submitted to any other regulatory body (i.e. AIC, ICM, CSF, IIROC, etc.).

Please note, this complimentary webinar is limited to invited guests including insurers, PBMs, TPAs, benefits consultants, and employers.
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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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The Benefits Canada Healthcare Survey virtual events will feature presentations of the highlights and key takeaways from this year’s survey. Benefits Canada surveyed 1,000 plan members and 700 plan sponsors in April 2023. In addition to exploring current issues, the survey builds upon 25 years of historical survey data.

Hear expert panellists explore the results of the survey in three main categories: personal health and well-being, health benefits plans and workplace wellness supports. The full report will be available for download immediately following the conclusion of the virtual event.  

Event Date: Thursday, September 14, 2023
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:15 PM Eastern Time

Click here to view the event agenda.

Please fill out your information below to register for this event.
CE Credits: This conference will offer Institute-accredited continuing education (CE) credits. An application for CE credits will be submitted to the Institute for Advanced Financial Education. Individual CE applications are not submitted to other regulatory bodies (i.e. AIC, ICM, etc.). You must attend all conference sessions in order to be eligible. 

How to apply for CE Credits: At the end of the conference you will be able to register for your certificate via a separate link that you will find in the feedback survey. There will be a small fee of $40.00 plus tax. Please contact Lolita McArthur for more information regarding CE credits. 

Important: Your email will act as a username when accessing the virtual event platform; make sure to check for typos before submitting your registration. We will send you the event platform access link and password on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 via email.
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2023 ADVISOR ROADSHOW

Benefits solutions and insights for a changing world
Register now!Our Group Benefits Advisor Roadshow returns to a city near you this fall. Take advantage of this opportunity to:
  • Learn about the forces shaping our industry;
  • Network with your peers; and
  • Earn CE credits.
NEW CITY ADDED: We’re excited to announce that we’ve added Halifax as one of the stops on our tour this year.

Agenda
AI and benefits fraud: A double-edged sword
Emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, have the potential to revolutionize the way we live and work. Insurers are using a variety of these technologies to detect and control benefits fraud. But they can also be leveraged for nefarious purposes – including benefits fraud. This presentation will discuss some of the technologies that are becoming commonplace today and explore the potential for their use and misuse in the future. It will also examine what group insurers can do to harness these technologies while minimizing the risks.

Speaker:  Jon Sider, Director, Group Health and Dental Claims, Equitable Life

It's complicated: Mental health and disability management
No two disability cases are the same. Each comes with its own unique set of circumstances. But regardless of the cause of the disability, the claimant’s mental health almost always plays a role. Using real-life case studies, this presentation will examine the complex factors that can contribute to a claimant’s recovery and return to work, including physical and psychological co-morbidities, the workplace environment and the claimant’s financial wellbeing. The presentation will examine the resources available to bring about positive outcomes and discuss what plan sponsors can do to help prevent disability and improve the health of their workforce.
Speaker: Meredith Weldon, Director, Group Life and Disability, Equitable Life; 
Jeff Alcock, Group Benefit Operations Vice-President, Equitable Life
 
Controlling the controllable: Managing the shift in drug trends
The last 12 months has been characterized by extreme changes – both expected and unexpected – to the Canadian drug “world”. More employers are exposed to trend volatility and risk. This session will focus on providing practical insights on what plan sponsors can do to protect themselves, and the steps that Equitable is taking to help mitigate that risk.

Speaker: Martin Chung, Assistant Vice President, Strategic Health Management, Equitable Life
Register

Click on a city below to register.
Tuesday, Oct 3
Courtyard by Marriott Halifax-Dartmouth 
Spruce & Oak Room

Wednesday, Oct. 4
Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club 
 
Thursday, Oct. 5
Thornhill Golf and Country Club

Tuesday, Oct. 10
Delta Hotels by Marriott London Armouries
Gunnery Room
 
Wednesday, Oct. 11
Double Tree By Hilton Kitchener
Ontario Ballroom BC

Thursday, Oct. 12
Oakville Conference Centre
Oakville A Room

Monday, Oct 16
The Westin Bayshore 
(Parking will be paid for by Equitable Life)

Tuesday, Oct 17
Delta Hotels Edmonton South Conference Center 
 
Wednesday, Oct, 18
Holiday Inn & Suites Calgary South Conference Centre
  
Thursday, Oct. 19
Delta Hotels by Marriott Bessborough

Friday, Oct. 20
Inn at the ForksThe sessions start at 8:30 am and run until 11:30 am. Breakfast is served beginning at 7:45 am.
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Canadian Benefits Certificate Program - Fall 2023
October 3 - 12, 2023 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Online - Eastern Time

Canadian Benefits Certificate ProgramOnline Course offered by CPBI Ontario in partnership with the Human Resources Professionals Association

This course qualifies for 23 CPD Hour(s) and CE credits for Life Licensed individuals (Ontario only)

The Key to Attract and Retain Key Talent 
Gain a clear understanding of Canadian Group Benefits. Benefits form an important part of an employee's compensation program and play a valuable role in attracting and retaining key talent. Now you can get a comprehensive overview of benefit programs in Canada with this course.
What will I learn?
After completing the certificate program, participants will have the skills and information required to:

  • Understand the basics and develop better strategies
  • Manage your programs more effectively
  • Keep escalating costs under control

Price
HRPA and/or CPBI Members: $1,870 + Taxes
Non-Members: $2,350 + Taxes

*** CPBI Members can email ontario@cpbi-icra.ca  for assistance with the registration at discounted price. 
WHAT you will gain:
Attendees can offer immediate value-add and ROI to the organization after earning certification in the following ways:
  • A comprehensive understanding of the many components of Canadian Group Benefits
  • Insight into public and private benefits programs and individual benefit types to better formulate plans and strategies.
  • Eight levels of knowledge sharing to help manage programs better and minimize costs.

Who should attend?
HR Professionals tasked with hiring, retaining talent in the organization. C-Suite executives who wish to understand Group benefits programs.
What is the course format?
This certificate program combines live virtual instruction with hands-on experiential learning through case studies, scenarios, group work/break out discussions and simulations.

Live Virtual Sessions:
There will be online instructor-led modules, during which practical examples and experiences will be shared.

Materials:
Participants will be provided with session workbooks to follow along with the content covered in each module and to take notes, as well as additional pre-session and post-session assignments to prepare for the simulations.

Peer Learning and Group Work:
Participants will have the opportunity to learn from each other while answering questions and sharing experiences and observations during the modules, as well as through practical, hands-on exercises and simulations based on real-world labour relations events and processes.

Time Commitment:
This four-day certificate program will be delivered in eight modules. Participants will spend four (4.5) hours each day participating in the virtual sessions and accompanying exercises and simulation activities. Over the duration of the course, participants can expect to spend an additional five (5) hours completing offline independent work (outside of the daily sessions). The in-class virtual modules will be held as follows:

Schedule:
Introduction - October 3, 2023 (9:30am - 10:00am EST)
Module 1 – October 3, 2023 (10:00 am – 12:00 pm EST)
Module 2 – October 3, 2023 (2:00 pm – 4:30 pm EST)
Module 3 – October 5, 2023 (10:00 am – 12:00 pm EST)
Module 4 – October 5, 2023 (2:00 pm – 4:30 pm EST)
Module 5 – October 10, 2023 (10:00 am – 12:00 pm EST)
Module 6 - October 10, 2023 (2:00 pm – 4:30 pm EST)
Module 7 – October 12, 2023 (10:00 am – 12:00 pm EST)
Module 8 - October 12, 2023 (2:00 pm – 4:00 pm EST)

 For more information or registration please call the Toll-free number:   888 788-3185 Choose 1 for Region, then Ext. 3,  or email ontario@cpbi-icra.ca 

www.cpbi-icra.ca/Events/Details/Ontario/2023/10-03-Canadian-Benefits-Certificate-Program
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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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